Foundation Memberships moved past 700 this week. And SBS are expected to show a piece on the Canberra A-League Bid on Sunday from 5pm.
http://www.a-league4canberra.com.au/currentMembers.cfm
Canberra FC keeper Nathan Denham is the latest local player to sign-up. Who knows he may get a gig as the keeper.
Melbourne's Brazilian Ney Fabiano is out for nine weeks after being found guilty of spitting in the game last week.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkT6xyAUo-0 Did he spit? Well treefellas's met last night including Canberra's own Danny Moulis to adjudicate. We assume they got it right. but the Fox video seems inconclusive.
But I'm also interested in Robbie Cornthwaite. Ney Fabiano if he spat got his dues. No arguments here. But a discussion between the Ref and Ney Fabiano had nothing to do with Cornthwaite. Indeed he's well away from the less than heated discussion.
Cornthwaite comes over, interferes, and fires up a by-now tame event. And then asks for the player to be sent-off.
Is this against our new FFA rules? I thought you weren't allowed to ask for a card...or is only if you are Asian or foreign you get booked?
Cornthwaite should have been booked....or is it okay to ask for a card sometimes?
Book the guys who stop skilful or open play by fouling/tripping, there's heaps of them. If a player asks for a card after he's been tripped, why can't the ref do his job and be a ref, make a decision yourself. Just ignore the guy asking for the card, and only if he persists then book him.
But how about booking the crude tacklers first. That could improve the A-League overnight.
Okay I'm only joking and that's the problem.
Queensland announced a 5 games in 5 years deal yesterday. Adelaide are complaining that their city is missing out.(see below)
But what about Canberra with a heap of Asian Cup Qualifiers coming our way surely Canberra could bid for a game every two or four years.
Anyone even aware the games are up for grabs in Canberra?
Canberra Tourism, Aussport, Canberra Stadium, Canberra Business Council, ACT Government, Canberra Times, ABC Radio, Canberra Airport, all pulling in harmony together on this one....
Facilities cost SA soccer coup
Article from: The Advertiser
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,24358781-5006373,00.html
RICHARD EARLE
September 17, 2008 12:30am
A SOCCEROOS fixture bonanza that Football Federation Australia boasts has "put Queensland on the world football map" highlights Adelaide's future as a backwater without a new, multi-purpose stadium.
Armed with top-class Suncorp Stadium as its selling point, a pro-active Queensland Government has persuaded FFA to make Brisbane "the home of the Socceroos". Five blockbuster Australia fixtures have been scheduled until 2013 in the Sunshine State.
The dream deal places Queensland at the coalface of Australia's bid to host the 2018 World Cup.
Asked if a high-capacity, multi-purpose stadium in Adelaide would make SA competitive in attracting blue-chip Socceroos games, FFA chief executive Buckley said: "The obvious answer is yes.
"That doesn't mean we automatically disqualify the other venues. However, it's consistent with any sport that the better the spectator experience the more likely you are to get increased attendances."
Queensland Government's coup contrasts with the approach of its South Australian counterpart.
Sport Minister Michael Wright said state Labor was pumping $100m into an AAMI Stadium upgrade.
"This revamp will bring AAMI Stadium in line with international standards and it will put SA in a stronger position to compete for major events," Mr Wright said.
However, AAMI Stadium was rejected by AFL fans this season and is widely criticised as unsuitable by other sports.
Buckley said AAMI Stadium met FIFA capacity requirements to host World Cup matches but could struggle to satisfy benchmark expectations in other areas.
"One of the factors FIFA does evaluate is intimacy to the pitch," Buckley said.
"Clearly when matches are played in rectangular venues the fans are closer to the pitch and action and that has a beneficial effect."
Buckley believes Queensland, which hosts a Socceroos World Cup qualifier with Qatar on October 15, is crucial in underlining Australia's multi-city capability to host a World Cup.
"We are actively going to seek the right to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup," he said.
It's understood the best Adelaide can hope for, with B-grade facilities including inadequate Hindmarsh Stadium and AAMI Stadium, is a low-key Asian Cup clash.
"Depending who it is and what time of the year, Adelaide will come into contention," Buckley said.
Mr Wright said the state government had a "strong relationship" with FFA but had not bid for Socceroos matches having previously lured Women's Asian Cup and Olyroo games to Adelaide.
Mr Wright defended SA's investment in sports infrastructure, saying: "The funding contribution to both the AAMI Stadium and Adelaide Oval redevelopments is more cost effective than the Liberals economically irresponsible proposal to spend in excess of $1b building a new stadium."
Coach Tom Sermanni laid out his plans for the Matildas as they build towards Asia Cup May 2010.
It's a constant battle to improve and keep up to speed with the teams in Asia.
Quarter Finals of the Asian Champions League kick-off tonight with Australia's first club, Adelaide United, to get to this stage of the competition away in Japan against Kashima Antlers.
Two-legged affair so United will need to score against what should be a very strong Japanese side and a big big test for Adelaide.
Key men: Diego, Paul Reid and Travis Dodd. And Aurelio Vidmar. If he can produce another quality defensive performance like many of his previous Asian encounters the Reds could be in with a shout back in Adelaide next week. Fox Sports 8pm
Majura junior, Kofi Danning to star for Sydney FC Youth and Sam Munro in the Sydney squad see below....
ACT Young Rockets have been training for the past four weeks and look like they have a number of fixtures against A-League Youth teams lined up.
They could start as early as the opening A-League Youth League round against Sydney FC if all goes to plan on Friday 26th September, with further games against the Central Coast, Newcastle Jets and possibly Melbourne Jets to follow.
It is a great opportunity for the young players of the ACT and provides them a chance to show case their skills.
Sydney FC Press Release starts here:
Sydney set for start of Youth League
In just a few weeks time there’ll be an important new player on the Australian football landscape, with the FFA’s National Youth League competition set to kick off in the last weekend of September.
After months of trials and tribulations, Sydney FC youth coach, Steve O’Connor has now finalised his squad, and he’s excited about the opportunity the league will offer the next generation of Australian footballers.
“I think it is important because it gives pathways for all out talented young players so that they know the way for them to get to the A-League is by getting into a Youth League team,” said O’Connor.
With most of Sydney’s players coming from the ranks of the New South Wales Premier League, O’Connor has had to bide his time waiting to assemble his squad, and the side has only recently stepped up its preparations for the coming season.
Despite the slow start, squad-members, Matt Jurman and Robbie Mileski have already picked up first-team experience during the opening rounds of the Hyundai A-League season, and the Sydney mentor is keen to ensure all his young charges appreciate the chance they’re about to be given.
“I want them to be focused on that opportunity and be aware of it that they’re playing for positions,” explained O’Connor. “Hopefully they’ll put a bit of pressure on the senior players because in some respects they’ve had a bit of a charmed life over the last 3 years without very much pressure, so this changes the landscape a little bit.”
There are only 12 places in FC’s Youth Team, with the side to be bolstered week-to-week by un-selected players from the senior squad.
‘Football Superstar’ winner, Adam Hett was one of Sydney’s first signings, but a season ending knee injury has seen the Perth player replaced in O’Connor’s final side.
“It’s unfortunate for Adam but we’ll keep track of his recovery with an eye to next season,” said the former AIS Coach. “His bad luck was somebody else’s good fortune though, I suppose, but it’s all done and dusted now and we’ll see how we go in the competition.”
This Saturday the entire Youth Team will be introduced to the Sydney faithful at the SFS, at half-time in FC’s Hyundai A-League clash with Adelaide United.
Sydney will enjoy a bye in the first round of the National Youth League and will begin its campaign on October 4 against Queensland.
The final squad is as follows:
Name Age Position Former Club
Vedran JANJETOVIC 21 Goalkeeper Sydney United
Sam MUNRO 17 Defender AIS – Canberra
Matt JURMAN 18 Defender Sydney Olympic
Anthony GOLEC 18 Defender Sydney United
Chris TRIANTIS 20 Midfielder Sydney Olympic
Zachary CAIRNCROSS18 Defender Marconi
Rhyan GRANT 17 Midfielder AIS – Bathurst
Brendan GAN 20 Midfielder Sutherland
Sean ROONEY 19 Striker Blacktown
Robbie MILESKI 21 Midfielder Bankstown City Lions
Kofi DANNING17 StrikerAIS - Canberra
Ibrahim HAYDAR20 DefenderBankstown City Lions
Coaching staff:
Head Coach: Steve O’Connor
Assistant Coaches: Steve Corica and Grant Lee
Goalkeeper Coach: John Filan
Physiotherapist: Stuart Turner
Trainer: Kylie Johnson
Join us at the Nearpost on Tuesday to to talk Socceroos, A-League, Asian Champions League and Tom Sermanni talks Matildas.
And locally listen to Belconnen United's Coach Steve Forshaw and Captain Lee Pietrukowski tell us how they won the cup.
Show starts 6.30pm 98.3fm.
Capital Punishment the Canberra A-League Supporters Group are aiming to make their first outing and flying the flag at a Sydney FC game.
You can join here. There will be family buses, club buses and one for the lads I'm told.
Celtic colours not popular...to Fergie:)
If you hate North Queensland clap your hands...
Did Fergie say this.
Meanwhile, concerns about the unpopularity of the colours green and white have seen NQFC look for an alternative.
One of the candidates for the NQFC coaching job, to be announced on Monday, alerted the club to the fact the colours had a strong link to Scottish giants Celtic and were not popular with a lot of football supporters.
It was thought the unpopularity of the colours may have had an adverse effect on merchandise sales.
Remember Mark Milligan, Socceroo, Olyroo, former rising Sydney FC star. He still doesn't have a club, but left Australia..for what?
Will he return? He could get a game with Perth Glory, they need him. Indeed his fellow Olyroo Trent McClenahan doesn't have a team either.
What's to become of the talented but seemingly lost Mark Milligan. Still training with the Socceroos but has no club! How long can he stay away without finding a club?
and Robbie Cornthwaite doesn't lie, and Ref Mark Breeze wasn't duped by an Aussie full-back, but someone is telling porkies aren't they.
Melbourne Victory's Ney Fabiano was sent-off for allegedly spitting on the weekend. But the referee Mark Breeze stuffed up I reckon. He was standing behind the Brazilian so couldn't have seen the spit mainly because there wasn't one, and worse he reacted to Robbie Cornthwaite's attempt to get a player sent-off.
So who what happens if the Brazilian doesn't spit. Does the Aussie get called up for cheating, or the Ref get demoted for denying us of Ney Fabiano's skills.
Monday, 15 September 2008
Melbourne Victory on behalf of player Ney Fabiano, this morning lodged an ‘Obvious error (red card) application’ with FFA, as permitted under the Hyundai A-League Disciplinary Regulations, clause 9.2.
The application has been lodged after reviewing the broadcast footage from all angles from Friday nights game v’s Adelaide United and speaking with Ney Fabiano about the incident.
As the application is now with FFA, and subject to the disciplinary processes, Melbourne Victory is unable to make any further comment about the incident at this time.
Belconnen United thrashed Canberra FC 4-1 in the ACT men's Grand Final today and Belwest Foxes beat hot favourites Weston Creek 1-0 in the Women's final.
Belconnen United hadn't beaten Canberra FC in living memory or so it seemed despite these two side being the best clubs for a number of years in the local game.
Belconnen Coach Steve Forshaw wore his lucky Akubra hat, just like last week when his side beat Olympic and it worked again.
Forshaw who retired after the game could not have asked for a better finish.
After missing out on the winners medal by an extra-time goal last year many felt Belconnen who have a mixed season had less chance of winning today.
But the after a severe storm earlier, the sun came out to play and Belconnen matched the mood.
David Kemp opened the scoring early, local legend Danny Macor made it two in what could be his last game at this level.
Canberra FC produced a surprisingly lethargic, almost bizarre game by their standards.
Paul Ivanic got his 23rd goal of the season but the club who have produced so many great players down the years and are celebrating their 50th year in operation will be disappointed with this performance.
Canberra Coach Ivan Grucic said, "the best team won, so he couldn't be too disappointed."
But at 2-1 he must have thought his side had a sniff.
But Danny Macor and Dustin Wells combined to produce a goal to win any final.
A searching pass from Macor found inaugural Valeri medal winner Dustin Wells. He had a bit to do but he did it well. Went round one, was tripped, but managed to get back up and finish sensationally driving the ball over Canberra outstretched keeper Nathan Denham.
Taylor Beaton who has had an outstanding season wrapped up the game.
In the Women's final...
Belwest's Cian Maciejewski stole the show, or would have if she hadn't been sent off.
She drove the ball home in the third minute to pierce the normally strong Weston Creek defence.
An open flowing game saw chances for both sides. Maciejewski was in all the action.
She hit the post, placed a header just wide and then got sent from the field. But she won the game with her early strike.
Weston Creek fought well. Jenny Brew had a free kick which hit the bar, the Creek also hit the post.
It was that sort of game.
But for Belwest a sense of satisfaction having missed out on the final last year, a game they felt they deserved to be in.
The Murray medal, presented by former Australian and Canberra football FIFA Ambassador Julie Murray, went to Sophia Merkoureas of Belwest.
Both games will be on Channelvision later in the week and you can also watch them on the Channelvision website..... if you are a Belwest and Belconnen fan I suppose:)
The Mariners drew 0-0 with the Phoenix in Wellington and again Wellington let the standard of the league down with their dire football display...and Perth are doing it tough as well...not least Canberra's Nikolai Topor-Stanley.
Karl Dodds, Richard Johnson, Vaughan Coveny, Shane Smeltz have to be the least inspiring quartet in the league, maybe any league.
Throw in a Troy Hearfield who is going backwards under Ricky Herbert and there is nothing to excite, never mind win in this Phoenix side. It's dire.
Lei Lei Gao has plenty of skill, so he was left on the bench. Nice one Ricky.
No pace, no width, and no ability to play football, to keep the ball, to build attacks.
The Phoenix are going down hill fast and they are supposed to better at home. Dire, just dire.
The Mariners have Mile Jedinak, Bradley Porter improving, Matty Osman, Sasho Petrovski, Matt Simon, Adrian Caceres and John Hutchison. Each player offers something for the Mariners and each enables Coach Lawrie McKinna to change things, tactics or style.
Even so the Mariners needed the brilliance of Mark Bosnich to save the day. A wonderful reflex save.
Perth may have got flogged today, 3-0 down at half-time but at least they play some football and can surely improve.
Although the second half performance was woeful. Confidence has gone. Players are not united. James Robinson is centre-midfield time and time again gave the ball away and the normally goalshy Queensland looked like World beaters.
Craig Moore even Matty Mackay scored and himself and Massimo Murdocho looked creative and inventive when they're not...at least not against a good team.
Reinaldo is back and looking good.
But Perth are woeful.
Unlike Wellington Perth have a team, not to win the thing but certainly to entertain, maybe win at home.
Dave Mitchell has placed so much faith on his new signings, and his squad but his defence is shockingly poor.
Move Nikolai Topor-Stanley into the Centre. Give him the leaders role. He's being wasted playing left-back even if the Socceroos demand it.
Forget it. He looks disinterested, unwilling to break forward. In the end he, David Tarka, and Stuart MacClaren were just kicking anything that moved. They were demoralised....and anyone who knows Topor-Stanley knows he's better than that.
Mitchell may have lost the group, certainly will lose the 8,000 fans...and we're only four games in.
They have the squad to get beyond the second bottom place but do they have the Coach and the commitment from the players.
Not at the moment the pride is gone.
The Mariners will feel they lost two points and lost further ground on Melbourne the leaders. Next week the two clash should be a great game.
Sydney drew 0-0 with a rejuvenated Newscastle Jets in Newcastle. Pity the same couldn't be said about the Ref. Million dollar Aloisi disappoints, Kossie gets it wrong and Van Egmond outsmarts us all.
And still no place for Canberra's Patafta..not even on the bench!
Mitchell Prentice came on as a sub late on, returning from suspension, and got sent-off. What was in his head?
And the ref may have got it wrong but Prentice certainly did.
Indeed in Melbourne the night before Ney Fabiano was sent-off for spitting and the ref got that one wrong as well I reckon. Certainly from where he was standing he couldn't have seen it.
And the Chinese guy Lei Lei Gao was yellow carded last week for asking for a card having been chopped down. A Sydney player asked for a card tonight. No card.
Punish the crime, more than the (foreign)player asking...please.
And tonight John Aloisi was on show for Sydney, was he? and The Jets backing up from a thrashing dropped Jade North.
There was one chance in the game. A fast game. The chance came to the million dollar man Aloisi and he fluffed it.
I just wouldn't have paid the money. Not for all his goals, or misses. He won't bring the crowds in. He's not Dwight Yorke, even Juninho is he?
Interestingly it was the least inspiring attacking performance from Sydney. Aloisi's inclusion may have hindered the team, but ssshhh we can't say that can we, not about the richest man in any football code in Australia.
The Jets Coach Gary Van Egmond must be delighted with his teams performance and his own tactical nous. He changed his central defence, put Adam Griffiths in centre midfield and got more from Eduardo Zura upfront.
The Jets are improving...as they do under Van Egmond each year.....now they just need a goal or two. That may prove harder with their forward power or lack of it.
Jason Hoffman a man who has impressed Aussie Under 20 Coach Jan Versliejen showed something in the second half.
James Holland impressed for the first time this season, and generally a fired up Jets grew stronger as the game went on.
For Sydney John Kosmina got it wrong.
Shannon Cole had a great first half at right back but tired quickly.
And playing Aloisi slowed the Sydney attack and blunted their best asset. The skill and mobility of Alex Brosque, Mark Bridge and Steve Corica.
Brosque hugged right, Bridge left and it was all a little predictable once Van Egmond had sorted things out.
Tony Popovich had his best game for Sydney suggesting if the other teams have no forward he could play for years.
Kossie will be happy with a point. But another stupid send-off and an insipid forward display from a team in form is a cause for concern.
Game needed a goal, but Aloisi couldn't provide it.
So Melbourne are the team of the moment, the team to beat, and they are playing the best football so that is how it should be. Will Ney Fabiano get a huge ban, and if so will it blunt the Victory style?
The Young Matildas will be playing in the ASEAN CUP in Thailand so they'll miss the big W-League kick-off.
Sydney FC Coach Alen Stajic will also miss the Sydney opening couple of games. He's the YM Coach. Apparently the AFC changed the dates. Great work AFC. One of the few National Women Leagues in Asia and ......you stuff it!
You can hear Matildas Coach Tom Sermanni on the Nearpost radio this week.
AFL Finals. Big game in Melbourne drew 45,000 to the MCG. Across at the Dome Melbourne Victory passed another test.
They drew 25,000 to watch their 1-0 win over Adelaide United. This was the first time football had been played in Melbourne at the same time as an AFL Final.
Men and Women's Grand Final, Junior Presentation days. Belwest Junior and Senior presentations, ANU and ANUWSC, Queanbeyan FC are just some of the events volunteers have kindly agreed to sell Foundation Memberships.
If your club can assist, or can sell memberships themselves, or would like support/forms from our small but hardy band of volunteers contact me and I'll pass the details on. flanagan(DOT)eamonn@gmail.com
Thanks for your support for the www.a-league4canberra.com bid.
You would think if you play Premier League/ Reserve/Pathway football and ACTAS, Capital Football Academy that you are very into your football and the development of the game and opportunities of the game in Canberra.
Training and playing what 3 or 4 nights a week. That's commitment isn't it?
Well how come all the Coaches and Players in those Clubs haven't signed up as a Foundation Member? How come Ivan Slavich has to address those players/coaches/parents.
You'd think they'd seize the opportunity. Maybe they will, but when?
Talking to some of the Senior Players/Coaches in town it's amazing me to see they haven't signed up as Foundation Members yet.
They haven't grabbed this once in a lifetime opportunity to make football the number one code in this city.
"Do you want to play in an A-League Youth side?" I ask of many players.
"Yes," comes the response from a group of Senior players this week, and indeed many weeks.
"Would you like to play A-League football."
"Yes," comes the response.
So how come Capital Football are out organising Academies, ACTAS are doing their bit. Presumably these organisations are doing this for the future of the players they operate with. And all these players presumably want to play at a higher level....what in Gosford, or Bradford!
All these players are presumably aiming for a higher level of football. And surely one of the best ways they can provide a better chance for themselves, apart from more training, is if we have a team in Canberra.
All the Premier League and Reserve/Pathway players are yet to sign-up or their parents on their behalf. I kid you not.
All the Academy parents you would think would be securing a membership.
They are the best players in Canberra. Some at the Grand Final breakfast looked at me like I was from another planet.
"I'm trying to organise a team, get people signed up as Foundation Memberships for a team I can never play in. And you guys can sit here and do nothing. Not even take out a Membership," I said.
Someone mentioned the idea if you aren't a Foundation Member you can't get to play in the team. Now that is not a good idea but it would serve the players right wouldn't it.
So come on Canberra seal the deal, join up asap. Imagine the momentum if the players and parents take the next step and get us to 5000 Memberships ASAP.
What's the alternative?
Hope everyone's favourite Scotsman Lawrie McKinna might take ONE Canberra player to the Mariners every year.
Give me a break. A Canberra team could take 15 youth players per year and give them a go. Isn't $200 cheaper than a weeks trial in Gosford!
And yes if we fail the money is held in trust and you get your money back.
Canberra United. It feels good, doesn't it, to have a team in Canberra finally.
Ivan Slavich is on one of the supporters family buses to Sydney to show support for a Canberra A-League team. Why not get your club to have your own football singing bus. I'm sure there'll be a Tuggeranong United bus.... with a police escort as well:) You can join up here..http://ateam4canberra.wordpress.com/
But the fans aren't all about the blokes, no way. They'll be wearing their t-shirts to the Canberra United games as well so I'm told. Good stuff.
SBS TV
And yesterday SBS sent a film crew to cover the Capital Punishment supporters trip, expected to air Sunday week.
Canberra United Squad:
Anticipation is building for Canberra United, and the good news is we've got some players. The bad news is we have to wait just a few more days to find out who the first six or so are. Yes even I have to wait so be patient all will be revealed very soon I'm told. Probably early next week.
Caitlin Munoz is playing in a lucrative, so I read, 7-a-side tournament in the UAE. She'll be back very soon and hopefully player news will follow.
Key Questions and answers this week:
Will Mark Bosnich get caught out again either kicking or coming to clear the lines. Yes and it will be fun to watch, or maybe embarrassing.
Can Perth win at home? Not this week.
Will the Jets turn up? Not unless Van Egmond solves the central midfield woes.
How many will Victory score this time? Three at least. They are irresistable.
Will Wellington ever win again at home or away for that matter? Not in my lifetime.
Victory take on Adelaide United tonight at the Dome. Should be a cracker.
Victory are back to their fluent flowing football with a more mobile attacking unit. This could be the best Victory side yet.
Adelaide United head into their Asian Champions League quarter final next week but this game will be a severe test of where they are at.
Nathan Burns and Bruce Djite have left and while United recruited reasonably well the mobility of Djite could be a key missing ingredient. And the recruits like Paul Reid, Cristiano and Alamar will take time to gel, although all have had positive impacts so far.
Tonight could be different.
Cristiano is going well, but Paul Agostino has yet to fire, or even move really. Age has slowed the big fella, and if he's not among the goals, and he's not, then he could limit the style of United.
Archie Thompson is on fire. His partnership with Carlos Hernandez could win the league alone this season.
Should be a great game. A win for Melbourne and they are on their way.
Sydney FC also on top of the ladder, have also started well, but injuries to a number of defenders could half their progress.
They take on the wobbling Newcastle Jets. A team who cannot afford to lose.
Jade North and Ante Covic are back from Socceroos duty and expected to play but this may not be a good thing if their performance against Melbourne is repeated.
Winners this week.
Victory
Sydney
Central Coast
Perth Roar to draw.
No fixtures announced for the W-League yet. And apparently they won't be out until October.
The FFA ARE going to release the fixtures before the season starts although there has been some debate about this.
Some members of the FFA want to release the fixtures after the first game.
FFA Spokesman said, "It would add much more interest and intrigue we think to the whole competition if we didn't announce the fixtures.
"What other competition in any sport has ever done this?"
"Can you imagine the entertainment factor. And we really want the W-League to be about entertainment.
"The players from say a Canberra United walk out and they have no idea who they are playing until the other side walks out.
"This is the stuff of dreams. You can't coach against that and this will provide a more open spectacle.
"There has been strong discussions at Board level within the FFA but the compromise has been reached.
"The radical proposal was overturned. Instead we agreed to put the fixtures out as late as possible."
The Herald Sun is reporting PriceWaterhouseCoopers are doing an intensive audit for the Australia's 2018 World Cup bid. Hey aren't they the guys doing the Canberra A-League bid:)
And the FFA/Fed Govt want every State Govt has to be on board by Xmas. Aren't the ACT Govt already supporting the Canberra bid.
And Canberra would be set for World Cup Stadium upgrade, (Not Wollongong!). And I'm sure I saw Neil Guthrie Canberra Stadium manager at the A-League bid Committee meeting on Monday. Herald Sun article below.
AUSTRALIA'S World Cup hosting plans are set to intensify as soccer chiefs try sign up every state government by the end of the year.
For months Football Federation Australia has been working with consultant PricewaterhouseCoopers on an intensive audit of the infrastructure needed to host a World Cup.
Having spent the past few weeks digesting that report, FFA chiefs will take its findings to the Federal Government in preparation for a charm offensive across the states, seeking commitments on funding and legislation required to underpin a bid.
It's understood the consultants' report not only itemises what facilities the country already has, and will need, for a World Cup but what return the states could expect to see if they invest in hosting the tournament.
One of the complications for an Australian bid is the process of getting every state government on board and building a bid document they will all support.
But to emphasise how much Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is behind a bid, it's believed Canberra will have a lead role in persuading the state governments to commit to the required investment and the controversial legislation to block off stadiums for weeks before and during a World Cup.
Despite the change of premier in New South Wales, sources who have had dealings with new premier Nathan Rees say he is a genuine soccer fan and likely to continue Maurice Iemma's support.
Since the FIFA Congress in Sydney in May, FFA has also been seeking clarification from FIFA about whether it will award both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in three years' time - and if so, whether countries will be able to bid for both simultaneously or have to pitch for one only.
FFA chairman Frank Lowy remains adamant that 2018 is the goal, but many observers say Australia's chances would be hugely boosted if the hosts for both 2018 and 2022 were chosen from the same pool.
That way FIFA could opt for an established and a "developmental" host simultaneously.
It's believed FIFA may make a decision on the process in November.
Like all bidders, Australia would require at least 10 stadiums with a capacity of at least 40,000, though a number of those are already in place.
It's believed those listed in the consultants' report for consideration include Sydney Football Stadium, ANZ Stadium and Newcastle's EnergyAustralia Stadium in NSW; the MCG and Telstra Dome in Melbourne; plus Adelaide's AAMI Stadium, the new venue in Perth and Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.
Others that have been listed as suitable for upgrading include Canberra Stadium, Skilled Park on the Gold Coast and possibly a venue in Townsville.
Scott MacDonald, Jade North, Josh Kennedy, Vince Grella, Jason Culina, Mark Viduka, Tim Cahill, Matthew Spiranovic, Michael Beauchamp, Mile Sterjovski, Bruce Djite. Non of these players started tonight and don't forget Nicky Carle!
Asia has tested the Socceroos; and Pim Verbeek now has a depth of player few could have dreamed of after the last World Cup.
Many players are now tested and challenged in difficult environments across Asia. First we beat Holland, and it looks even better having won in Tashkent.
And you can sense the pride for Australia. The players are really playing for the shirt, the spirit of Australia.
This result added to the previous group qualifiers has turned the Asian Cup debacle into something positive.
Of course winners are grinners, but you get a sense those that tasted the last World Cup added to the young blokes who didn't, there is a real unity of purpose.
Asia has done much for Australian football in such a short time.
A night in Tashkent has set us on the path to another World Cup.
Who would bet on us finishing outside the top three now?
A precious World Cup away win for Australia in Tashkent. Three points and a wonderful start for the Socceroos on the path to South Africa.
Australia started wonderfully against a timid Uzbek side.
Australia defended well against the expected Uzbek onslaught. It never came, not early and it wasn't until Australia had scored that the Uzbeks were able to get some sustained pressure and corners.
The feared Uzbek's seemed to fear Australia and maybe they should. Australia certainly have the goal threat to hurt many Asian teams and the opposition seem to realise it.
Australia scored through World Cup hero Scott Chipperfield about 25 minutes in. A Luke Wilkshire cross finding the Aussie right back coming through to head home. Good stuff.
And the South African road seemed a little easier.
Pim Verbeek choosing Chipperfield over the non-scoring David Carney and Chipperfield had an excellent first half.
Jacob Burns replaced a sick Jason Culina and Josh Kennedy was dropped for Marco Bresciano.
Harry Kewell and Brett Holman combined to put Marco Bresciano through one on one in the 45th minute. What a chance what a miss.
Carl Valeri was booked so will miss the next game. With Vinny Grella injured that could be a problem.
At times it was easy in the first half as the Aussies passed and passed their way out of trouble.
In the second half it was tense in Tashkent.
The Uzbeks through numbers forward and pressed high up the field.
It was a different game and Australia found it hard to put any passes together. They suddenly looked tired and you began to think Bresciano's miss could cost the team.
But they weathered a long storm and even could have snatched a second through David Carney and Brett Holman.
Immense for Australia were Lucas Neill, Scott Chipperfield, Brett Emerton and Carl Valeri.
Jacob Burns did enough. Harry Kewell played another game and well enough. Chris Coyne adds depth to the squad.
Cold Turkey came on late on to prove Benchman Graham Arnold correct. Bruce can't play in the heat:)
An important win, a bonus for Coach Pim Verbeek in all honesty.
Although Verbeek played a more attacking side than he has in Iraq, for example.
Next up Qatar in Brisbane another great night in prospect. Let the good times roll.
Canberra FC Premier League Grand Final keeper Nathan Denham meets A-League Bid Leader Ivan Slavich at this mornings Grand Final Breakfast.
Denham hopes to win on Sunday but he would also love to see an A-League team in Canberra.
Nathan signed up as a Foundation Member believing the Club would provide opportunities for many young Canberrans for years to come.
With Corporate Memberships about to start there is still a little time to get a Foundation Membership below 1,000.
Grand Final previews below.
Canberra FC take on Belconnen in the Men's Grand Final preceded by Weston Creek v Belwest in the Women's.
Who will win?
In the men's everything points to a Canberra FC victory.
But wily Belconnen Coach Steve Forshaw, although knowing they've lost "175 out of 175 of the last meetings between the two sides," still believes they can do it.
Canberra FC Coach Ivan Grucic has an air of confidence. A man who knows he has the best team in the league.
Nathan Denham expects a tough game. But you sense Canberra FC expect to win. Maybe they will.
If it's anything like last years game expect a cracker. And a Grand Final is a one-off
I'm going for the underdog. Home ground advantage Belconnen to sneak a win.
In the Women's game.
Weston Creek missed out on penalties last year in a game lacking goal mouth action.
However ace striker Luisa Marzotta is in goals this year and with Jenny Brew leading the side they sense a win. Particularly given their amazing defensive record this year.
"We've lost 6 or 7 of our last finals," said Captain Brew this morning. You sensed despite the great season this thought lingered.
And unlike most Grand Finalists I've ever known the Weston Creek team are going to support some of their other teams in their Grand Finals earlier in the day at different grounds. Fantastic effort.
Belwest Captain Vanessa Burdett believes her team will win.
"We felt so bad after missing out last year there was no way Canberra City would beat us in the semi." And they didn't Belwest won 5-0.
So tight defence against a team who believe it is their destiny to win.
My prediction:
For what it's worth Weston Creek may take this one out, but Vanessa Burdett's team will fight to the death. Should be a tense enconter.
Caitlin Munoz and Heather Garriock are playing in a seven-a-side tournament in Dubai, Lisa De Vanna and Kate Gill are in Sweden but here is the rest of the Matildas train on squad.
BALOMENOSVictoria
WIRKUSEmma
DUMONTCasey (U18)
STEWARTKate
MCSHEAKate
HARCHLana
REUTERKarla
POLKIINGHORNEClare
SPENCEBrooke
COLTHORPLauren
TRISTRAMJenna
BUTTTameka (U18)
BEAUMONTEllen
CARROLLKim
KELLOND-KNIGHTElise (U18)
WILLIAMSLydia
CHAPMANAmy
BARBIERIMelissa
DAYStacey
SALISBURYCheryl
LOGUEAlison
GLOHELindsay
PETERSJoanne
NEILSONAmber
McCALLUMCollette
HARTLEYLisa
KHAMISLeena
UZNLARServet
ROLLASONRenee
SIMONKyah
WALSHSarah
PERRYEllyse (U18)
SYKESAshleigh
SYKESNicole
Sydney and Melbourne. The FFA research show that two teams in the A-League from these cities would be great.
But after the weekend's Sydney sporting crowds Canberra hopes must have risen a further notch
Everyone knows the AFL has the most money and least international expenses of any sport in Australia.
We also know that Rugby League is the number one sport in Sydney.
So when the A-League looks to expand to 12 teams in season 2010, how will Canberra compete against a second Melbourne and Sydney bid?
Well the good news is despite three so-called Sydney bids in June nobody not FourFourTwo, not Simon Hill from FoxSport nobody has heard a dicky bird from these bids.
And of course the weekend Sydney AFL and NRL crowds will have sent a message to the FFA and Sydney FC.
Top of the table, season ending dramatic games dragged just 7,000 to watch Manly, 6,000 to watch Cronulla and a mere 13,000 to watch the Storm in Melbourne. Rugby League has been here for 100 years and these games dragged out that many patrons.
The AFL semi between Sydney Swans and North Melbourne in Sydney. Just 19,000. A good crowd by Rugby League and A-League standards. But dire for the AFL.
And the AFL wants to put another team into Sydney's West.
And they will even though it will cost $100 million over time. Because the AFL can. They have the money.
Now the FFA don't have that sort of money and they do have Sydney FC already up and running with variable crowds.
A second Sydney team is too big a risk at this stage. Sydney FC will be lobbying hard against it, the FFA maybe too scared to take it on. If indeed there is a bid. Has anybody heard anything?
In Melbourne the Southern Cross bid is shrouded in ethnic controversy. If you watched SBS on Sunday it would appear that way even with SBS Les Murray leading the bid!!! Again the FFA will turn away from such a bid.
So Canberra, our Nation's Capital has the chance, a huge chance, to get in in 2010.
No-one should discount the economic value and player size of the Sydney and Melbourne market but the AFL and League experiences may just have given Canberra an increased opportunity.
Canberra United are expected to announce their first round of signings on Friday.
FFA Release below
ADELAIDE UNITED ANNOUNCES MATILDA AS CAPTAIN FOR WESTFIELD W-LEAGUE
Adelaide United FC has secured former Matildas representative Di Alagich as the club’s Women’s League Captain in a major coup for the women’s game in South Australia ahead of the inaugural Westfield W-League.
The sister of former Reds defender Richie Alagich, Di is a veteran of 86 appearances with Australia’s National Women’s side having recently retired from international football back in July this year.
Adelaide United Women’s Team Coach Mike Barnett said Alagich’s signing is tremendous news for the club and the women’s squad and will be beneficial both on and off the field.
“It’s fantastic for the club to have a player the calibre of Di. She’s a great person and an icon in the game having played for the Matildas,” Barnett said.
“I’m sure she’s going to be a rock for the team and lead by example, and I think it’s great that she will be the face of Adelaide United’s women’s team.”
Alagich is thrilled to have the opportunity to represent Adelaide United in the Westfield W-League and says the formation of the new league is a monumental step forward for women’s football in Australia.
“I’m really excited about the league starting. For me just retiring from the Matildas, it’s a terrific opportunity to stay in the game and there’s no better way to do that than to captain Adelaide United,” the 29 year old defender said.
“We’ve been pushing this league for a number of years and for it to eventuate, I’m just grateful that the league has been formed and that I can be a part of it, particularly playing for Adelaide.”
Alagich will be reacquainted with her brother Richie for the inaugural W-League as Richie takes on the role as Assistant Coach of the squad.
“I’m looking forward to teaming up with Richie. It’s amazing how things work out and I can’t wait to be involved in the club’s Women’s League setup,” Di said.
Having played in three World Cups, two Asian Cups and two Olympic Games, Di Alagich will bring a wealth of experience to The Reds’ women’s squad.
“Her experience at the top level will certainly be invaluable and I’m sure she will help the younger players perform at a national league level and ensure the team is competitive this season,” Barnett said.
Currently residing and working in Sydney, Alagich will only be meet up the team on match days, but Barnett is hopeful that she will be able train with the squad at least once prior to each match.
“She’s got employment in Sydney which will continue for this season and then perhaps once the season is finished, we’ll try and look at a more permanent setup here in Adelaide. Hopefully she will be able to come in the day before the game and have a session with the squad but it will just depend on the schedule for the games,” Barnett said.
In addition to Alagich’s signing, Adelaide United also announced its first Adelaide based player, securing Matilda’s striker Vicki Balomenos.
“She’s a great little striker, she’s got a fantastic attitude and is currently part of the Matildas squad,” Barnett said of Balomenos.
“She’s going to be an asset to the team and I’m sure she will lead by example and be the point of our attack.”
The Westfield W-League kicks off on October 25.
Di ALAGICH
Born 12 May 1979
Position Defender
Clubs played for include
Port Adelaide (SA), West Adelaide (SA), Adelaide Sensation/SASI (Australia), San Jose CyberRays (USA)
Representative Honours
1995-2008 Qantas Matildas (86 appearances)
Additional Information
Started in every Qantas Matildas World Cup and Olympic Games match from 1999-2007
Played in 1999 World Cup (USA)
Awarded AIS football scholarship (1999)
Made her international debut in the opening match of the 1995 US Women's Cup, aged just 16
Member of Australian Under 19’s (1995)
Captain Australian Under 16’s v New Zealand (1995)
This weeks poddies.
National Show Download
Includes David Hall Editor of Australia's newest Football Magazine Australian Football Weekly.
Also AIS Coach Jan Versleijen talks about his role as Under 20's Coach.
And our very own "Not Setanta Australia segment with Guus Hiddink, Charlie Tim Tam Miller, Ricky Herbert and We've found Arnie.
Local football show: Download
Special Guest Tuggeranong Coach Scott Conlon and AIS Graduate now Sydney FC Sam Munro.
