Victory crash out of Asia

Melbourne Victory 3 Gamba Osaka 4.

A cracking game at the Telstra Dome in front of 23,800 fans. The Melbourne press may have tried to keep the clash between Melbourne and Gamba quiet but once again football fans turned out in good numbers.

An exciting open game, with flashing Japanese and Brazilian skill on display.

Australian football still has a fair way to go, but we knew that!

The Goals

There were seven. Danny Allsopp scored after 3 mins, Osaka hit back with a stunner from Futagawa 32 mins, then Bare 39 mins.

At this point you knew the Victory were done. The long ball from Kevin Muscat was getting painful to watch. Victory tried to keep the ball, but lacking Archie Thompson and Carlos Hernandez it was always going to be hard.

But Australian teams never know they are beaten and Roddy Vargas scored and it was 2-2 at the break.

Victory took the lead with another headed goal.Danny Allsopp 65 mins.

Did they score too early?

Of course. A soft goal from Yamaguchi after 68 mins.
Then a stunner at the end from Brazilian Lucas 89 mins.

Analysis

In truth the game went well for Melbourne. An early goal just what they needed, and a good attacking thrust at the start of the game.
When the pace dropped Gamba took control immediately and scored with some comfort.
When they theatened to swamp the Victory, Melbourne snook an equalizer before half-time.

Then despite being under the pump, Victory scored again through Danny Allsopp. Osaka threw on more forwards. They sensed the game was there for the taking. And of course it was.

Victory tired early. Poor, poor passing, and a disappointing showing from the usually sound Michael Theoklitos.
Ernie Merricks long ball tactic didn't work, again. Kevin Muscat slung it long, time and time again and Victory lost possesion time and time again.

Victory had an inability to keep the ball, and probably the difference in the size of the dollar of the A-League v J-League salaries won the day.

Brazilians Bare and Lucas. Athletes. How expensive? How tall? AFL tall. Where are the Australian tall players? The Josh Kennedy's, guess they are all playing AFL for the moment.

Nice thought
Thank God Grant Brebner wasn't playing. There are only so many long balls I can take. Musky made up for it though.

Trimboli moment
"Adrian Caceres turned back onto his left foot!" Trimmer said it with amazement! He was doing it all day Trimmers. Couldn't he take it on his right, just once?

Cultural moment
Japanese drummers and biggest Japanese crowd ever seen at a Melbourne sporting event? I reckon.

Danny Allsopp's first goal
"Ooh Danny, blimey, after three minutes," said my partner as she walked into the room.


Aussie teams have a bit to do against Japanese sides. Osaka were the prettier, tactically smarter, but in truth had the better firepower, a bigger range of options.

But Victory with their home support will feel that if you score three at home you would win, and there in lies the problem.

Passing Thought
Leigh Broxham lost many balls, Kevin Muscat gave the ball away too much. Adrian Caceres tired too early. Even Nicky Ward who I thought played well lost the ball too easily.

Forget the hype Victory are out.