It’s all about to begin; after what has felt like an eternity, the A-League gets underway this Saturday. Never before has this level of excitement towards a new season of the round ball game been felt by football fans Down Under. Following two seasons plagued by poor crowds and financial troubles, there is a general expectation that this new edition of the competition will move the game in a positive direction, helped especially by the return of  two prodigal sons.

The game in Australia is steadily growing in popularity as the standard of play increases. Season six continued this trend, thanks largely to the Brisbane Roar.  The Side from the Queensland capital stunned the league, setting a new record for the number of games without defeat as they swept the Minor (top of the table) and Major (Grand Final winner) Premierships.  With traditional powers Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory making bold off-season moves, the seventh edition of the A-League promises to once again raise the bar.

While the Roar dominated last season, this season should be a closer competition.  Their talismanic leader, Matt McKay, is now at Rangers, earning the move to Scotland on the back of his A-League and Socceroos heroics. Frontman, Jean Carlos Solorzano has also departed, for rivals Melbourne Victory, and, while Brisbane has recruited well, they may not pack their former punch.

As far as new signings go, it’s nigh on impossible for any Aussie side to match the signings of Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton by Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC, respectively. The two Socceroos’ impact on the domestic game is already showing with strong crowds at friendlies involving the clubs, not to mention a larger media presence.

A championship would be the icing on the cake for Emerton, who is happy enough just to have escape what looks to be a woeful premier League Season for Blackburn Rovers.  Meanwhile, Kewell has jumped off the sinking ship of the Turkish Super Lig, which is taking on water rapidly, thanks to a massive match-fixing scandal.  The duo will play out their careers in Australia and, in the process, bring a much needed boost to the game. Kewell and Emerton face off for the first time in the season’s opening round at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne — not Manchester! — this weekend.

While Kewell and Emerton are undoubtedly the headline signings, there are other newcomers who are expected to improve the quality of A-League play. Adelaide United have signed Socceroo Dario Vidosic from FC Nurnberg, while Tiago Calvano has also made the long trip from Germany, signing with Newcastle Jets from Fortuna Dusseldorf.  Perth Glory have brought in midfielder Liam Miller from Hibernian, former Blackburn Rovers striker Maceo Rigters will represent Gold Coast United and Tony Warner, an experienced goalie who as been at Liverpool and Fulham, has joined Wellington Phoenix.

There is one transfer, however, that has raised more eyebrows, especially amongst the Melbourne Victory community, than others, and that’s Melbourne Heart’s capture of Brazilian playmaker Fred. The midfielder, a premiership player at Victory and a former fan favourite has not only joined the Heart from MLS club DC United, but has been handed the captaincy. This move has started rumours that former captain Simon Colosimo is attempting to force a move away from the club with – surprise, surprise – Melbourne Victory actively seeking his signature.

The drama doesn’t end there, with the league rivaling popular soap Neighbours for nail-biting cliff-hangers, stunning betrayals, the writing out of key characters and last minute rescues.

The Wellington Phoenix were, for a while, looking to be in a bit of trouble. Under the ownership of Tony Serepisos, who had fallen into hundreds of millions of dollars of debt, the Phoenix were struggling to keep enough players to meet the minimum requirements set by the Football Federation of Australia (FFA.   The club was rescued in a take-over orchestrated by a group of local businessmen.   Following the coup, the club made a last minute dash in the market, signing a handful of players, but leading many to speculate that the Kiwis will struggle early, while the new line-up gels.

Yet, the Phoenix haven’t quite wrapped up the award for Most Dysfunctional Off-Season. The Newcastle Jets sacked manager Branko Culina last Tuesday in a move that shocked everyone who follows Australian football. Jets owner Nathan Tinkler is said to be furious that Branko signed his son and Socceroo midfielder Jason, on a lucrative contract, despite being aware of his injury troubles. Jason has been ruled out for this season and possibly longer, raising fears at the Jets that he may never play a game in the three years he is contracted to the club. Newcastle is also in the process of looking at ways of canceling Jason’s contract without being forced to pay it out.  Nothing like a bit of nepotism to get the blood boiling.

One has to wonder if the action on the pitch can compete with the off-the-field antics, but the opening match between the Sky Blues and Victory, starring Emerton and Kewell, has the potential to keep the fans riveted.  The pair make their marquee clubs favourites to dominate the competition.  Yet, one player doesn’t make a side, as we all know.  So don’t be surprised if another side claims the Minor Premiership.

Brisbane Roar, despite being somewhat weaker than last season, still have the league’s best manager, in Ange Postecoglou, and will be a force to be reckoned with. The Central Coast Mariners will be desperate to go one better while last years runners-up, Adelaide, have also recruited well and could launch a considerable title challenge.

Melbourne Heart are the great unknown.  Heading into their second season, it’s tough to say whether or not they will be in the finals, with one or two big moves still rumoured to be in the offing. Perth Glory and Gold Coast have enough quality to end up in the finals, although will have to play more consistent football than they have in the past in order to do so. Unfortunately, due to their dramatic build-ups to the season, Wellington and Newcastle must be considered favourites to finish bottom of the table.

Having said that, don’t be surprised if one of the favourites flop and one of the underdogs rise, such is the nature of the A-League.

Whatever happens, the 2011/12 A-League season promises to be entertaining both on and off the pitch. If you haven’t paid much attention to Australian football in the past, now would be the ideal time to change that, it’s going to be a cracker!

A-League Playoffs

There were just two games in the A-League this weekend but both were of the highest order. Fans of Aussie football were treated to nine goals across the two matches. On Saturday, the second leg of the top-two playoff between Brisbane and Central Coast almost resulted in the Roar’s unbeaten streak coming to an end. However, they fought back from 0-2 down to level the second leg at 2 and win on aggregate 4-2. On Sunday, the elimination final between Adelaide and Gold Coast ended in a surprising 3-2 victory to the Queenslanders. We are now left with just three teams and two games to decide the 2011 A-League champion.

The Brisbane Roar secured their spot as hosts of the Grand Final final through their 2-2 draw with the Mariners. After winning the first leg away from home 2-0, many expected the Queensland outfit to waltz into the season decider with ease. The Mariners had other ideas, though, and almost spoiled the party for their hosts. A large, pro-Brisbane crowd of over 25,000 was silenced just five minutes from half-time when the Mariners registered two goals within sixty seconds.

First, Daniel McBreen’s shot from an extremely tight angle was parried by Roar goalie Michael Theoklitos but remarkably bounced into the goal after deflecting off Matt Smith. Then, some great passing between Patricio Perez and Oliver Bozanic enabled Perez to curl a shot past a helpless Theoklitos. In just one half, the Mariners had levelled a tie from which they had been counted out and suddenly looked the more likely side to win the hosting duties in the final.

After the restart, Brisbane regrouped but it wasn’t until the 63rd minute that they struck back through Thomas Broich. The German star kept his composure and coolly slipped the ball into the net with the outside of his foot. The goal restored the Roar’s aggregate lead, 3-2, although it still looked as though the Mariners might become the first side to defeat the Roar since Melbourne Victory took all three points from them in September. While that would have been a Pyrrhic victory for the Mariners, with just minutes remaining, the score still read 2-1. Finally, Henrique combined well with Massimo Murdocca to register the equaliser.

While the defeat over 180 minutes sent Central Coast down an alternate path to the Grand Final, Pedj Bojic foolishly reacted to the frustration of seeing Coast’s near victory snatched away.  His red card will rule him out of next week’s Preliminary Final against Gold Coast.

The Robina club kept their season alive with a stunning 3-2 win over Adelaide United. Gold Coast showed a lot of fighting spirit and will need even more in their do-or-die clash with the mariners on Saturday.   Shane Smeltz gave the Queenslanders the lead in the 38th minute with a majestic strike. Adelaide fought back in the second half and took a 2-1 lead thanks to goals from striker Sergio van Dijk and rising star Matthew Leckie. However, just minutes later, the score was level at 2, when Bruce Djite found the back of the net. With less than a quarter-hour remaining and a penalty shootout looming, Smeltz stepped up to break Adelaide hearts. Joel Porter was felled in the box by Nigel Boogaard and the resultant penalty was coolly dispatched by the Kiwi, who would have to be considered one of the players of the match.

News

Rojas kisses off the generous Phoenix fans.

It appears that New Zealand starlet Marco Rojas has quit the Wellington Phoenix to join Melbourne Victory. The 19-year-old has apparently signed a two-year deal with the Victory, infuriating the Phoenix supporters who literally launched Rojas’ career. Rojas signed his first professional contract with the Kiwi club after being awarded a scholarship funded mostly by the Nix’s fan club, Yellow Fever.

The FFA have decided to turn of the North Queensland Fury‘s life support, forcing the club to close its doors for good. The game’s governing body, who had to assume ownership of the Fury, felt the financial risk outweighed the potential benefits and have decided it is in their best interests to dissolve the foundering club after just two seasons in the A-League. A heartbroken Fury squad must now find new clubs to play for as their contracts will expire at the month’s end. The general feeling in Australia following the announcement is one of disappointment, with many believing the FFA could have done more to help the club, now the second team in the A-League’s short history to fail, following the demise of the New Zealand Knights.

On the Weekend

Central Coast Mariners host Gold Coast United at Gosford in the Preliminary Final. The winner earns one final crack at upsetting the seemingly Invincible Roar, a week later at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. If the rest of the playoff action has been any indication, both teams will go all out for their chance to topple the league leaders.

Adelaide United triumphed 1-0 over the Wellington Phoenix, sending the Kiwis back across the Tasman empty-handed . Adelaide can consider themselves a little lucky to be progressing to the next stage, considering the visitors had the better of the play for most of the game. However, Wellington’s failure to convert their dominance into goals proved to be a telling factor as Travis Dodd’s 70th minute brace was enough to send the perennial underachiever through. The win came as a huge relief to Adelaide, who came into the game with less than ideal preparation after hearing  that Paul Reid was ready to quit the club because his request to join Sydney on loan for the Sky Blue’s Asian Cup campaign was rejected. Reid has since met with manager Rini Coolen and club officials and is set to rejoin his team mates as they prepare for this weekend’s game.

Up north, Gold Coast United dealt Melbourne Victory their first finals defeat in normal time, thanks to Dino Djulbic’s stoppage time winner. The 1-0 win ensured United avoided a repeat of last season, where they earned a home final in the first week of matches but were eliminated by the Newcastle Jets on penalties in front of their own fans. The scoreline was a true reflection of the game as both sides struggled to get on top of each other. The Victory might feel they deserved more after creating numerous scoring opportunities.  However, wayward shooting ensured their finals run ended at the first hurdle. Melbourne can now turn their attention to the upcoming Asian Champions League campaign, which they kick off in a week and a half against Jeju United of South Korea.

The two United’s, Adelaide and Gold Coast, now face each other in a play-off with the winner keeping their A-League title dreams alive for at least another week. Adelaide hold the home advantage, although the Gold Coast are a strong side and will be just as hungry for the chance to face the loser of the Brisbane Roar/ Central Coast tie.

The first leg of that match up was contested on Saturday night, with the Roar, expectedly, getting the result. Kosta Barbarouses and Matt McKay found the net for Brisbane and ensured the Queenslanders impressive unbeaten streak was extended to 26 games. Their 2-0 victory away from home means it is almost a certainty that they will progress straight to the Grand Final as hosts. The Mariners remain hopeful of overturning the result in the return leg but Brisbane’s stellar record at home doesn’t hold much promise for the visitors.

♦   ◊   ♦

News

Sydney FC have been busy in the past week, taking full advantage of the lax rules in the AFC by recruiting two players on loan from rival A-League clubs for their upcoming Asian Champions League foray. The Sky Blues have added North Queensland Fury striker David Williams and Wellington Phoenix skipper Andrew Durante to their roster. The Durnate deal was sealed in just a matter of hours and won’t be the last if Sydney have their way. Perth Glory veteran Jamie Coyne is expected to join the club, as are Melbourne Heart defender Dean Heffernan and the Newcastle Jets’ Adam d’Apuzzo . The players will return to their clubs for the start of the next A-League season.

Wellington Phoenix attacking midfielder Diego Walsh has decided to return to Miami in America following an unsuccessful stint with the New Zealand club. Walsh originally signed with Adelaide United back in 2006, from Miami FC, and quickly built a reputation as one of the top players in the A-League. He then moved on to the Phoenix in 2009 but failed to fit in and became unhappy.  Following the ‘Nix’s loss to his former club  last weekend, Diego decided enough was enough and quit the club to reunite with his family, which remained in the US.

Next Week
The Roar host the Mariners is the second leg of their top two play off on Saturday night. On Sunday, the Battle of the United’s will take place with the winner to take on the loser of the Roar/ Mariners, which, as stated, is looking very much like being Central Coast.

The two-legged tie between the Roar and second placed Central Coast Mariners will decide who gains the right to host a home Grand Final. While the winner will await an opponent to decide the A-League champion, the loser will face the ultimate victor of a series of one-offs between the other four play-off contenders. The first game between the Mariners and the Roar takes place this Saturday night at Bluetongue Stadium in Gosford.

Third placed Adelaide United will host the Wellington Phoenix on Friday night in the first elimination final. The Phoenix secured their place thanks to a 3-1 win over cellar-dweller North Queensland Fury, while rival contender Newcastle Jets crashed to a 0-1 loss against Central Coast. Wellington will be definite underdogs, having to travel to Adelaide from New Zealand and play in the rather hostile conditions of Hindmarsh Stadium. However, the Phoenix will be buoyed by the result of the last meeting between these sides. The Kiwis managed to snatch a 1-0 win at the Hindmarsh. Chris Greenachre’s brace was enough for the ‘Nix to upset the Reds.

Make believe became reality for the Phoenix when they claimed the final playoff spot on the final day of the regular season.

The winner of the Adelaide/Wellington final will play the winner of the weekend’s other elimination final between Gold Coast United and Melbourne Victory. The past week has been filled with uncertainty as to where this game will be played after question marks were raised about the safety of United’s Skilled Park surface. It does appear as though the game will be held at United’s home ground, as originally planned, much to the relief  of the Gold Coast faithful. Victory triumphed when last these two outfits faced up at AAMI Park in late January. A Danny Allsopp double secured Melbourne a valuable three points.

Roar Secure W-League Title

The Brisbane Roar’s mens side has taken the league by storm and is widely tipped to win the Grand Final in March this year, should they make it. A favourable result in that game will mean Brisbaneites can celebrate not just one but two domestic titles thanks to the Roar’s win in last weekend’s W-League grand final. Travelling to New South Wales to take on the highly favoured and defending champion Sydney FC seemed a huge task but the Roar were gallant and managed a 2-1 upset. Goals to Tameka Butt and Lisa De Vanna handed the Roar their second title in three years.  Now, if the guys can only follow the girls’ example…

Individual Honours

Perth Glory captain Jacob Burns has won the club’s Best and Fairest by eight votes. Burns managed to record the maximum three votes from seven games and finished with a total of 28. Melbourne Victory bound goalkeeper Tando Velaphi finished second. Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler won the Bobby Despotovski award as the leading scorer with nine strikes.

The PFA Awards Night was held last Monday with the team, coach and referee of the season announced. Just three clubs had players in the team of the season with the Brisbane Roar unsurprisingly leading the way with seven.  Adelaide contributed three and Melbourne Victory’s Robbie Kruse also made it. Matt McKay was voted captain of the side. Roar manager Ange Postecoglou was voted Coach of the Year while Matthew Breeze was voted Referee of the Year. Also recognised was Mark Viduka who was awarded the Alex Tobin medal, the most prestigious award the PFA has to offer. Only Viduka, Johnny Warren, Joe Marston and Craig Johnston have received the honour, which recognises significant contribution to Australian football.

Next Week

Be sure not to miss the first leg of the top two play off between the Mariners and the Roar. Brisbane may have dominated the 30-match regular season but a two-legged tie is a kangaroo of a different colour.  The opening away leg will go a long way to establishing whether the Roar really are the team to beat.

The NSL had been the premier Australian football competition for 27 years, although it never gained mainstream acceptance. Clubs came and left, the format was tinkered with time and time again and ethnic tensions made it difficult for the league to establish itself as a competition for all Australians to enjoy, as it so desperately wanted.  The continuity of clubs was never certain.  Teams such as Mooroolbark, Collingwood Warriors and Canterbury-Marrickvale lasted no more than two seasons, while Blacktown City was in and out of the league three times in one decade.

The format of the league was also never settled.

In the beginning, a finals series was played but teams gained more pride from winning the league, so the series was scrapped after seven years. In 1984, a conference system was introduced which saw the competition split into two groups. Teams from New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory played in the Northern Conference while teams from Victoria, South Australia and, interestingly, Queensland were grouped into the Southern Conference. The winners of each conference would play off in a two-legged final at the end of the season. This system proved to be unpopular and after two seasons the league became a single division competition again.

In 1990, the league changed from a winter to summer schedule to avoid competition with the other football codes.

Dwight Yorke celebrates, after his Sydney FC win the first A-League Grand Final and hoist perhaps the most unusual trophy in football.

This change also prompted the then governing body, Soccer Australia, to attempt to remove ethnic ties to clubs, which frequently led to tension and drove neutral fans away from games. Ethnic flags were banned from games while clubs changed their names and logos to become more fan friendly.  New clubs were introduced with hopes of spicing up the competition, however, most of them failed to make an impact. The only club that was a hit was the Perth Glory, who won the final two NSL championships and was eventually accepted into the A-League. This neutering of cultural identities was the NSL’s last shot at entering the Australian sporting mainstream

In 2004, after staggering on weak legs for some time, the NSL finally collapsed.  When Seven Network decided not to renew its broadcasting deal with the league, the remainder of its sponsors soon followed suit.  The league’s failure prompted a major overhaul of the Australian football system.

Soccer Australia was replaced by the Football Federation Australia (FFA), in an effort to make the game familiar as football rather than soccer.  The A-League was developed as the new national competition, promising to be a competition that anyone could enjoy. Eight teams lined up for the first season in 2005, including Perth Glory and Adelaide United, the only teams unchanged from their NSL existence. The Newcastle Jets and  Brisbane Roar were born out of the old Newcastle United and Brisbane Lions NSL sides, respectively, while Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC, New Zealand Knights and Central Coast Mariners were all new clubs.

The format of the league was, and still is, nothing like your traditional European football league. Teams play each other three times over the season. In the current 11 team competition, six teams make the finals series. The top two teams clash in a two-legged play off with the winner going straight to the Grand Final as hosts, not just in name but on their own ground. The other four teams play knockout football until one team remains. That team faces the loser from the top two, with the winner going to the Grand Final.  Still with me?  Maybe the graphic, below, of last year’s play-off will help.

This format means any of the six teams can become the eventual champion, though no team from outside the top two has yet managed to go all the way.

Sydney FC won the inaugural title with help from Dwight Yorke, formerly of Manchester United fame, who topped the goal scoring charts. Crowds were decent and the competition was healthy, with none of the ethnic tensions that had crippled the NSL.  The trophy, a uniquely shaped ring, which is a hybrid of the traditional cups and shields found in other leagues, was the victor in an intensely competitive contest, held by the FFA, to design the A-League’s championship prize.  D3 Design, the firm which produced the winning entry, was inspired by the laurel wreath originally awarded to ancient Olympic champions.

Season two saw a boost in crowd numbers, thanks largely to the Socceroos qualification for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, the nation’s first real achievement in the sport in over 30 years.  The sophomore campaign also saw the A-League gain its first major TV rights deal, pay TV company Fox Sports signed a $120 million/7 year deal.  It was a controversial move for a fledgling league looking to crack an established market, considering that the PPV set-up would only provide viewing access to proven fans already sold on the product.

Robbie Fowler has made an impact in the A-League but backroom issues have hindered his rising to the heights which Dwight Yorke reached with Sydney.

In the ensuing years, the A-League has seen one club fail, the New Zealand Knights, while the Wellington Phoenix, North Queensland Fury, Gold Coast United and Melbourne Heart have all joined the competition. The addition of the Heart has made football much more popular in Melbourne thanks to the Heart-Victory derby, while Queensland’s three teams have also attracted large turn-outs on derby days.

Robbie Fowler has become the biggest name to venture to Australia, originally playing for North Queensland before moving to Perth to play for the Glory. Other big name players who have joined Australian clubs include Dwight Yorke, Francis Jeffers and the well-travelled Scotsman, Charlie Miller.

In recent years, falling crowds have led to financial troubles for some clubs.  That and the failed Australian World Cup bid have threatened to undo the FFA’s hard work in setting up a top class Australian league. Despite the empty seats and backroom difficulties, the competition on the pitch remains top-notch, with the current 2010/11 season shaping up as the most exciting in the A-League’s short history.

If the FFA is able to secure the future of competition, ensuring no more clubs go out of business and boosting crowd figures, then the Hyundai A-League may one day grow into the most watched competition in the country. Hopefully, we will be able to entice some of our top internationals, like Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell and Mark Schwarzer into coming home while they still have some matches in them, possibly bringing a few top foreign players with them, to try their hand in a truly unique football league.

Melbourne are also the most supported team, consistently managing to top the attendance statistics. In fact, there has been only one season when Victory didn’t have the highest average attendance and this occurred in the first year when Sydney finished on top. Since then, Melbourne has had an average attendance of over 20,000/match every year, a remarkable figure considering most other teams are lucky to break 10,000.

For Merrick's Victory, it's twilight time.

The key to Melbourne’s success lies in its stability. Coach Ernie Merrick is the only foundation manager still holding onto his job. Kevin Muscat has captained the club since day one, while Archie Thompson has been the focal point in attack for just as long. Players have joined and left the club, the core however, has remained largely unchanged. Roddy Vargas, Leigh Broxham and Adrian Leijer all joined the club within its first year.  Leijer did, however, have a two-year stint at Fulham from 2007-2009, before returning a more accomplished player. Merrick’s scouting ability meant players of the quality of Fred, Joe Keenan, Sutee Suksomkit and current midfield talisman Carlos Hernandez have been brought in from overseas. Such attention to detail adds up and Victory was the club to which all others aspired.

However, this season has seen a power shift. The ageing Victory squad is no longer the force it used to be. Kevin Muscat is approaching retirement. Players such as Vargas, Brebner and Tom Pondeljak, who hit the winning goal in the 2009 final, are all on the wrong side of 30 and Thompson, still finding his feet following a serious knee injury, isn’t as potent as in previous years. The two outstanding players for the Victory this season are defender Leijer and forward Robbie Kruse, who is in top form. He has hit 10 goals and has been attracting attention from Europe. However, two players don’t a team make.  This week, Melbourne barely managed to string a rare pair of wins together, something that once came easily and often to them.

While Victory’s influence has faded, a new power has arisen during the 2010 A-League season.  The Brisbane Roar have taken all before them, racing to the top of the league and opening a 10 point lead over the rest of the competition. Their loss to Melbourne Victory is the only blemish on an otherwise amazing season for the Roar, who remain undefeated at their home ground, Suncorp Stadium. Manager Ange Postecoglou, who took over the club in late 2009, has moulded his side into an (almost) unbeatable force which is taking the standard of A-League play to new levels.

Thomas Broich is becoming the face of the league.

Postecoglou initiated a massive overhaul of the club, clearing out no less than 11 players, including Roar’s 09-10 top scorer Sergio van Dijk. Promising youngsters, Adam Sarota, Tommy Oar and Michael Zullo left the club together to pursue their European careers with FC Utrecht, while Liam Reddy was allowed to leave for Sydney. With room to build, Postecoglou brought in some influential new signings which have breathed surprising life into the formerly second to bottom side.

Securing the services of goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos, of the 2009 Victory championship side, has provided the defence with a solid foundation. Former Socceroo Shane Stefanutto’s signing, from North Queensland Fury, further strengthened the back line. The midfield was bolstered by the signings of Rocco Visconte and Erik Paartalu, from Scottish clubs Hearts, and Greenock Morton, while the job of replacing van Dijk, up front, was given to Kosta Barbarouses, formally of the Wellington Phoenix.

Yet, the biggest signing of Postecoglou’s reign so far would have to be Thomas Broich. The former German U/21 representative moved from the Bundesliga’s FC Nuremburg to the Roar on a free transfer.  Since arriving, he has led the Brisbane midfield in emphatic fashion.  Players of Broich’s quality have rarely been seen on an A-League pitch and his willingness to relocate over such a distance only says good things about the league’s global standing.  Hopefully, more will follow in the near future.

The $64,000 question is whether the current Brisbane side is a step ahead of the championship winning Victory sides of old?

The short-term answer is not yet but they definitely have the squad and support to get there.

Unfortunately that happy story was quickly shouldered aside and no surprise when the News of the World and Sunday Mirror continue to disgrace our presence.  It really is none of our business what footballers or any other celebrities do in their spare time or with whom they do it.  Like as not, the fish wraps had just as much proof (see nada) in making these allegations as they did in the Bridge/Perroncel/Terry case.

Kudos to Milner for standing behind his mate.

Wayne Rooney hasn’t made a statement on the matter yet but the rest of the media has jumped on board, speculating on such ridiculous things as his World Cup form suffering because he was afraid this story was about to break.  If that’s the case, he must have confided in his teammates because their performances were every bit as abysmal as his.  At this point it won’t really matter what, if anything, the United star has to say.  The majority of the public is only too willing to give credibility to a young woman whose only prospects in life are her equally loose morals and tongue.

What we need is the Beeb, or some other reasonably ethical news source, to follow NOTW and Mirror employees around surreptitiously, dig up their pasts and expose all their peccadilloes.  Unfortunately, even their own houses were exposed as being constructed of glass, they’d probably continue throwing stones.  Anything for a few bob in the pocket.

Fortunately, my parakeets have just finished eating a pound or so of seed and I can shove these sorry excuses for newspapers where they belong, at the bottom of the cage, shit to catch shit, and get on to the weekend highlights.

Enjoy!

Geoff did say he was growing a beard ahead of this trip.

Geoff Edwards (Bueller?… Bueller?… Bueller?)

Geoff is still on holiday and he will be sorry to have missed:

Belgium 0 – 1 Germany

Once again, it was Klose but Germany pulled out a 1-0 victory over  Georges Leekens’ Belgians.   The home side was very frisky early on but could not find a way past Manuel Neuer.  They would regret that, as the three headed World Cup monster of Lukas Podolski, Thomas Müller and Miroslav Klose began to attack the Rote Teufel goal.  Six minutes into the restart, an inattentive Vincent Kompany was dispossessed on the edge of the box.  The loose ball caromed directly to Müller, who quickly found Klose, alone with the space, time and precision to find the corner of goal.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eum_lEcEZKM

Germany continued their half century mastery over Belgium but Leekens can take heart in the overall play of his squad.

Tapesh Patel

Tapesh Patel

France 0-1 Belarus

A French pundit called this result “la douche froide” (a cold shower) and France certainly received a rude awakening from a very average Belarus side. There were many positives – Florent Malouda sparkled as captain, while Yann M’Vila again belied his tender years – but ultimately Belarus seized upon France’s profligacy in front of goal. Midfielder Sergey Kisliak horrified Les Bleus with an 86th minute winner, and France have now lost four in a row, their worst run since 1937.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxuMnOUJ8xA

Lithuania 0-0 Scotland

When previewing this match, I called it a tight six-pointer and that’s exactly how it panned out. Scotland undoubtedly had the better of the game, but did not have the tools to unlock their opponents, who frequently disrupted the Scottish rhythm with some tough tackling. This was a missed opportunity for Scotland, and only a win will now do against Liechtenstein on Tuesday.

Editor’s note:  So, we were thinking… Why post some drab highlights from a nil-nil snorefest(?) when there was a more entertaining international taking place nearby that we thought you might like to see!  The camera-man’s work isn’t the best and neither is his English but it’s good fun nonetheless.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBIZ_A8H7c8

Chris Mann

Chris Mann

Avi Goldberg

Avi Goldberg

San Marino 0 – 5  The Netherlands

Bert Van Marwijk waited to release the names of the starting 11 until the game is about to start.   Opting for a consistent formation, he hasn’t changed much, even though he could have played a more aggressive shape against  a lightwieight side.  Johny Heitinga, suspended for his red card v Spain, was replaced in the heart of defence by Hedwiges Maduro.  First half difficulties made it obvious that the Oranje had used up a lot of emotional energy, being in a long and ultimately fruitless chase of the World Cup. A little time was needed to get back together on the pitch and start again.

Minutes after a goal was ruled offside, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar was brought down in the box and Dirk Kuyt converted the penalty. On the 26th minute, however,  there came a scary moment for keeper Maarten Stekelenburg.  Andy Selva shot from afar and almost caught him off guard. That brought the focus back to the side, though, and a quickly taken free kick from Wesley Sneijder gave the opportunity for Kuyt to cross for Huntelaar to tap in 2-0.

Not a phenomenal first half but the second introduced more creativity in the field, when Rafael van der Vaart put Huntelaar to his second and third for the night. The moment of return then came, as Kuyt made way for Ruud Van Nistelrooy.  Van ‘The Man’ couldn’t be happier, after scoring a nice volley in extra time, to make it a final 5-0.

Okay, it was against a much weaker team but the Oranje got their first 3 points and will look to continue with the same solid and successful formation against their next opponent, Finland.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEqb84OUG7M

Martin Palazzotto

Martin Palazzotto

Major League Soccer

The swing match in the weekend spate took place at Rio Tinto Stadium, in Salt Lake.  The Red Bulls came to town without defender Rafa Marquez, who was captaining Mexico to a loss against Ecuador, and were completely disorganised in the first half.  Fabio Espindola’s strike, for Real, should have been one of many but the home side didn’t take their chances.  New York found their shape in the second 45 but not an equaliser.

With the LA Galaxy managing a draw in Chicago and the Columbus Crew taking care of business, with a 0-1 victory at cellar dwelling DC United, the Western Conference became much tighter, while the gap in the East widened.

Salt Lake, the MLS Cup holders, are now positioned to snatch the Supporter’s Shield, for best overall record.  The Galaxy have been bleeding points since their upset loss to Puerto Rico Islanders, in the CONCACAF Champions League qualifiers.  David Beckham’s rumoured return can’t come soon enough for manager Bruce Arena.

That Chicago managed only a draw against the fallen Angelinos doesn’t bode well for thir fading playoff hopes.  They do still have 2 games in hand on the field but will have to take maximum points from them to be a factor at season’s end.  meanwhile, watch out for FC Dallas coming out of the west.  Despite sitting 5th in the table they have gotten results out of more games than any other side, thus far, having lost just twice.

Real Salt Lake v NY Red Bulls

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Te29oncHmZs

..

Chicago Fire v LA Galaxy

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fZIViCiHB8

Mexican Apertura

Chivas de Guadalajara 3 – 0  UAG Tecos

The Goats are definitely baa-a-aa-ack!  Before a packed Estadio OmniLife. in Guadalajara, Chivas put the horns to derby rivals Tecos.  Having spent the early part of the Apertura season more concerned with chasing the Copa Libertadores in South America, Jose Luis Real’s squad knew they had work to do, if they are to figure in the first half of the split season.  They quickly got down to business, showing the difference between themselves and last place Tecos.

On 37 minutes, midfielder Marco Fabian connected with a perfect long distance backdoor cross to Omar Bravo, who headed the Goats into the lead.  In the second half, the skies opened up and so did Chivas.  After seeing several chances denied by Tecos keeper, Mario Rodriguez, Ricardo Vasquez Gallien finally found a way past him to double the lead.  The skies would clear but Chivas continued to rain shots on Rodriguez.  At the death, Marco Fabian would cap off the scoring, after a mad scramble around the Tecos box.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMN5NsIuaA0

Argentine Apertura

Velez Sarsfield 2 – 1 River Plate

Faced with a herculean task, needing to defeat city rivals River Plate, to both leapfrog them and keep pace with cheeky Arsenal de Sarandi, Velez Sarsfield made full use of their home pitch advantage to earn a hard fought victory.  Juan Manuel Martinez opened the scoring for Velez, just after the half hour but Diego Buonanotte pegged the home side back just before time.  It was a rough match all around, with both sides earning 4 cautions.  Santiago Silva’s penalty conversion, in the 58th minute put El Fortin on top once more but they had to circle the wagons when Leandro Somoza was sent off with almost 20 minutes remaining.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3OL4do6e6E

Eliot Rothwell

Eliot Rothwell

Montenegro 1 – 0 Wales

It’s fair to say Wales will be disappointed with this result. Montenegro ran out winners from a Mirko Vucinic goal that was celebrated emphatically by his countrymen.  John Toshack’s side never really looked threatening going forward and lacked a creative outlet in midfield, to assist the attacking players.

Wales will need to improve to have any hope of qualifying.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ltf-MgJqny4

Editor’s note:  According to reports, John Toshack has decided to throw in the towel.  In two years, he’s been unable to make any progress with the squad and apparently alienated the most talented of his players.  As his decision caught the FAW by surprise, there is no successor in the frame and Toshack has agreed to stay on until one is found.

England 4 – 0 Bulgaria

A great win and a good performance. Not spectacular but good. This doesn’t makes England world beaters but certainly shows that the players were capable of achieving more at the World Cup.  Hopefully,as a result, certain facets of the press may now take a step back from their mindless Capello baiting.

Jermaine Defoe looked lively upfront and England reaped the rewards of some tidy finishing. There are still question marks to be solved for England, the largest of those being the bumbling Glen Johnson who, apart from having superb physical attributes, has an astounding lack of technique, tactical awareness and positioning. Onwards we go.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSwm_NginjA

Slovenia 0 – 1 Northern Ireland

A 1-0, backs against the wall, away win. It can only be Northern Ireland. Nigel Worthington’s men overcame the lacklustre Slovenian’s through a combination of smart tactics and fighting spirit. The younger of the Evans brothers, Corey, netted the winning goal in a game that saw Northern Ireland illustrate that they may be a force to be reckoned with.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCz7ZtTwuFw

Kris Dwyer

The Oz Files with Kris Dwyer

Socceroos 0 – 0 Switzerland

Well that was dour wasn’t it? A nil-all draw, but good signs, as Australia moved away from the dredge of a 1 man strike force, something we’ve been succumbing to for years, under Dutch management.

Scott Macdonald has a lot to answer for, having missed many gilt-edged chances.  However, Helger Osieck has defended the striker, claiming he admired his work rate.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFmCFU50deg

Perth Glory 2 – 1 Wellington Phoenix

This game was always gonna be big, and the crowd of the round showed up in force in Western Australia with 10,844 fans filing into nib Stadium.  The game got off with a masterpiece of brilliance, Robbie Fowler turning and placing a lobbed through-pass onto the boot of Todd Howarth, from the centre of the park.  Howarth then crossed it straight to Mile Sterjovski, for a tap-in in front of the adoring ‘shed,’ after just six minutes  The Glory were then denied a second by the referee who incorrectly called Sterjovski offside, and both sides went into the break, with the Glory 1-0 up.

On the restart, the Glory again came out fired up.  This time, Mile Sterjovski proved to be provider for marquee man Robbie Fowler, who headed it graciously into the net for his second Perth Glory goal and first in front of a home crowd.  There was a late rush home by Wellington Phoenix, however.  In the 76th minute, Ben Sigmund rose above the Glory defence, to nod home past Velaphi, but the Glory ran out winners in an end to the game that left fans on the edge of their seat.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_MV0f81sxc

Interviewed during the break, former Glory player and fan favourite Eugene Dadi provided a moment of hilarity.  ”Well I’m waiting for a contract and it’s Fathers Day.  Dadi is here!” quipped the 37 year old Ivorian.   Comical Brilliance.

Melbourne Heart 1 – 0 North Queensland Fury

Not much to say about this one, other than the stock of Nick Kalmar continues to rise. His meteoric ascent from the second tier VPL has been one of the stories of the year, with the young player already off the mark, with two goals.  Kalmar’s well timed header, in the first half, was enough for the Heart to secure their first win of the season and they jump up into sixth place with 5 points.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnMXBh7HVqM

Once again, we’ve been happy to put the World in World Football Columns.  Just in case you haven’t had enough video, we’ll leave you with a clip from the Glory Shed in Perth, where the home supporters welcome their Kiwi visitors with a short verse.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnYkfCftNwc

It’s not very cultured but, last I checked, the Opera House was in Sydney, not Perth.

See you on Friday!

This week, that means the first spate of qualifiers for Euro 2012, as well as plenty of fixtures in Australia, Argentina, Brazil, and the US.  If you didn’t catch our big Euro preview midweek, it’s right here.  The upcoming matches aren’t all that has fans of the European game abuzz this week, though.  The transfer market has closed, although not without a flurry of last minute business.

Now that Alex has this transfer thingy down, maybe he can find a decent barber.

If you see a smiling Harry Redknapp walking about London, during the break, don’t ask him for an autograph.  His hands are still swollen from a last desperate grab, just as the transfer window slammed shut.  His grin is genuine,  though, because coming away with Real Madrid’s surplus midfield magician, Rafael van der Vaart, for Tottenham, was certainly worth the pain.

In Birmingham, Alex McLeish has no need of painkillers.  His timing was much better than Redknapp’s, as he landed Barca benchwarmer, Alex Hleb, Chilean World Cup winger Jean Beausejour and the towering Spartak Moscow centre back, Martin Jiranek, all earlier on deadline day,.  With the trio joining the likes of Matt Derbyshire and Ben Foster as newcomers to City, the Blues are looking good to improve on their ninth place finish, last term.  Now chairman, Peter Pannu is on the hook to sign the Scot to a new deal, after having made some unflattering remarks regarding his ability.

Most players only do this after scoring a goal; For Robinho, this is his reaction to everything.

While McLeish and Redknapp were adding to David Cameron’s headaches over immigration, Man City provided some relief for the Tory PM, shipping the red tagged Brazilian, Robinho, to AC Milan, at well over a 50% discount on his £32M purchase price of two years ago.  Although Silvio Berlusconi will need to find some spare change hidden under his mistress, sorry, mattress to exercise the option to purchase Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Barcelona, for €24M in one year’s time, the suddenly economically minded Italian president at least broke even on the Robinho deal, by sending Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to Schalke 04 for €13M.  With the aging squad he has, if the lecherous Berlusconi can keep getting these kinds of players through the door without cracking open his wallet, maybe he does deserve to continue running the entire country for a while longer.

Back in England, all twenty Premier League clubs submitted their 2010 rosters on Wednesday.  Despite all the kerfluffle, no one seemed to have much trouble complying with the Homegrown Rule.  Many clubs simply named less than the maximum 25 non-homegrown players to their squad and supplemented those they did with a bevy of youngsters.  In fact, Arsene Wenger, who is known the world over as a despiser of the rule, got in one last dig, by naming just a 20 man roster, accompanied by a whopping 56 under-21′s.

Oh, and we almost forgot.  Mikel Arteta won’t be playing for England.  The FIFA archivists, working long into the night in their Zurich vaults, uncovered an obscure rule which prevents the Everton midfielder from featuring for the Three Lions.  Apparently, since he played for Spain as a wet-behind-the-ears teenager, without holding a UK passport at the time, it won’t matter if he obtains one now.  That’ll teach us to write a feature article on the subject.

Not a person to be reasoned with.

The  international matches, all scheduled on Friday, make for an early weekend in Europe,  but Monday is the Labour Day holiday in North America.  For MLS fans, that’s not a reason to celebrate.  To them, the holiday is like some horribly mutated version of Groundhogs Day.  The difference, in this case, is that instead of a cute little bucktoothed rodent popping out of a hole, hoping to avoid its own shadow, a pair of terrifyingly large and hideous monsters, known as the NFL and NCAA football emerge from their lairs and stomp on anyone not wearing a football jersey decorated with large numbers on both sides.

Outsized and outnumbered, MLS will soldier on with a full slate of fixtures this weekend.  Mexico, however, features just a single match on its calendar.  Experts believe this has direct relation to the fact that most US Border Patrol agents are massive grid-iron fans, who would never miss opening day.

In the southern half of the Americas, Corinthians legend Roberto Carlos can rest easier tonight.  After years of study, French physicists have confirmed that the incredible bend that the former galactico put on his infamous 1997 free kick against their home side, was indeed no fluke and that the Brazilian deserves every accolade for greatness he receives.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crSkWaJqx-Y

It’s one thing for a planet full of pubcrawlers to argue that you’re the most amazing left back of all time but it’s another when science is on your side.  Forget string theory and quantum mechanics, this is research grant money well spent.

Now to what’s on tap this weekend.  The WFC gang is back to serve it up but you’ll have to supply your own pretzels.

That mad Baggins is off again...

From the desk of the vacationing Geoff Edwards

Belgium v Germany, Euro ’12 Group A

Given that many of the day’s headline matches are of the killer whale versus minnow variety, this tilt stands out at first glance.  Unfortunately, Geoff notes that Die Mannschaft haven’t lost to the Belgians since 1954, which, and I don’t get to say this often enough anymore, is before I was born.  In that match, the Rote Teufel (think ManU or AC Milan) caught the Germans with a major hangover, it being the champions’ first game after winning their initial World Cup.  Thomas Vermaelen wears the armband for the hosts, while Philip Lahm, now officially caretaking for Michael Ballack, leads out the visitors.  As well, Manuel Neuer’s stellar turn in South Africa has earned him the Nr. Ein for Germany.

Chris Mann

Chris Mann

Liechtenstein v Spain Euro ’12 Group I

Undoubtedly the biggest mismatch of the week, newly-crowned world champions Spain will travel to Liechtenstein (population 34,761) on Friday, where they will face a country ranked an incredible 140 places below them in the FIFA rankings. Vicente Del Bosque has named a full-strength team despite the lowly nature of Spain’s opposition and it would hardly be surprising if David Villa, Fernando Torres and friends racked up a double-figure margin of victory at the Rheinpark Stadion.

Estonia v Italy Euro ’12 Group C

The Cesare Prandelli era begins in earnest tomorrow evening, as the Azzurri take on Estonia at the Lillekula Stadium in Tallinn. If a new-look Italian side can gel from the off, led out by redemption minded Daniel De Rossi and Giorgio Chiellini, then Prandelli’s men shouldn’t have a problem with their Baltic opponents, but Estonia – ranked 94th in the world – should not be underestimated. Players such as Tarmo Kink and Andres Oper are more than capable of punishing the Italians should they lose concentration. It should be an straightforward victory for the Azzurri but, as we saw so clearly in South Africa, Italy can be prone to self-destruction.

Eliot Rothwell

Eliot Rothwell

Slovenia v Northern Ireland Euro ’12 Group C

The Slovenians, under Matjez Kek, have made real progress, of late. A play-off victory over Russia cemented their rise to the top table of global football and rocketed them up 60 (yes, 60!) places in the FIFA rankings, all the way to 19th.  The rangy figure of striker Mile Novakovic may cause the likes of Jonny Evans problems, as the slippery Köln striker looks to evade the clutches of his markers.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland have a problem. They never seem able to get out of a group situation. Even in their last World Cup qualifying group, they were pipped by Slovakia and (you’ve guessed it) Slovenia. Manager Nigel Worthington will no doubt be scratching his silver mane trying to fathom how his side can conquer the likes of England and Spain, yet fail dismally against weaker teams. The Northern Irish cause should be aided by long-time saviour David Healy who, reminiscent of Lukas Podolski, remains out-of-form with his club side, while invariably turning up in spades for his country.

When not whipping Wales into shape, Toshack sings lead on PS Guitar Hero.

Montenegro v Wales Euro ’12 Group G

Recently established on the international stage themselves, Montenegro, host John Toshack’s Wales, in what could be a contender for match of the week.  The Welsh posses an in-form Gareth Bale, lightning quick and blessed with a traction engine in his left boot.  Montenegro, meanwhile are blessed with two goofy-footed technicians of their own. AS Roma’s Mirko Vucinic and Stevan Jovetic, of Anfield goalscoring fame, are more than a match for the weary defence of James Collins and Danny Gabbidon.

With both sides blessed with attacking menace and cursed with frail defences, the highlight reel should be lengthy.

England v Bulgaria Euro ’12 Group G

With the retirement of talisman Dimitar Berbatov, Bulgaria have adopted a 4-2-3-1 in recent matches, with the clear aim of controlling the ball for as long as possible. Martin and Stilian Petrov, in the midfield, should provide the Bulgarians with some creative spark against the too often lacklustre English.

With the English press heavily criticising Fabio Capello of late, the knives will be out should England not win this game and comfortably. Unfortunately for Capello, his side are suffering from any number of injury problems, most notably missing first choice centre-backs John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, as well as rangy impact sub Peter Crouch. This leaves the Italian the tough choice of relying on his out of favour World Cup squad or blooding unproven youngsters in a game that actually matters.

England have often struggled against possession minded sides and whilst they may run out eventual winners, I predict it to be a frustrating one, with the Bulgarians combining technique and tactics to stifle Englands attackers.

Tapesh Patel

Tapesh Patel

France v Belarus Euro ’12 Group D

While this match ushers in a new era for the French, Laurent Blanc probably still doesn’t know his best eleven.  We can therefore expect wholesale changes from the World Cup team.  Philippe Mexes will likely team up with Adil Rami in defence and Loic Rémy with Guillaume Hoarau in attack. The formation Blanc will play is also a complete mystery; the 4-4-2 diamond deployed against Norway will probably change to a straight 4-4-2 or a 4-3-3, due to the lack of an attacking playmaker (with Samir Nasri, Franck Ribery and Yoann Gourcuff all ruled out). The diamond in the rough is undoubtedly Florent Malouda, who has arguably been the best player in the Premiership so far this season.

Belarus will look to spring a shock on France if the hosts start slowly, but it may prove a difficult task, as key winger Aliaksandr Hleb has hardly played since April.  To be honest, though, I wouldn’t like to predict how this will pan out.

Lithuania v Scotland Euro ’12 Group I

Lithuania are still seen as minnows but Scotland will undoubtedly know the threat of their opposition, with many of the home side being current or former practitioners in the Scottish Premier League. Aberdeen’s Andruis Velicka leads the line for the hosts, while former Hearts man Saulius Mykoliunas is sure to get a hot reception, after being banned for play-acting the last time both sides met.  Eight changes have been made by Craig Levein for the match. The most notable are the omission of James McFadden and the inclusion of 40-year-old David Weir, who will become the oldest player ever to have donned the Tartan Blue.

This match will undoubtedly be a tight one, with both sides seeing the match as a proverbial six-pointer.

Avi Goldberg

Avi Goldberg

San Marino v The Netherlands

For their first qualification game, Netherlands coach Bert Van Marwijk must like the thought of San Marino.  The Oranje can afford to play more attacking football but the question is will coach Van Marwijk change the formation and test the new boys, midfielders Hedwiges Maduro, Theo Janssen and the ‘old’ come back of Ruud Van Nistelrooy? The coach has not given any hints whatsoever on the details of the line up but one thing is sure, the fans are expecting a lot of goals.  Playing with a 3 man defence will definitely increase their chances for a nice goal fest.

Martin Palazzotto

Martin Palazzotto

Major League Soccer

As the season hits the stretch run, with most clubs having played 22 of their 34 matches, the top clubs in both conferences are feeling some pressure.  In the east, Columbus are clinging to a four point lead over the hard charging NY Red Bulls.  The Crew are in the capital, hoping to take 3 points from lowly DC United, while Thierry Henry and Rafa Marquez face a strong challenge out west, in Rio Tinto Stadium, versus holders Real Salt Lake.

Real are trying to reel in the west leading Galaxy, who have cooled of late, and would like to take more than a draw from a home match, no matter the opponent.  At the same time, they must look over their shoulders, as FC Dallas have risen out of the midden heap and are breathing down their necks.

LA are in Chicago to face a Fire side that, with the addition of Freddie Ljungberg, has rediscovered its spark.  Fully 13 points behind the 2nd place Red Bulls, with two clubs to climb over before they can even consider the New Yorkers, the Fire have a great deal of work to do.  The good news is that, through some scheduling quirks, they have 3 matches in hand on the rest of the field.  They need to make every one of those count, however.

The Mexican Apertura

If you absolutely, positively can’t do without some Mexican football this weekend, you’ll have to settle for the Guadalajara derby; it’s the only show in town. Chivas and Tecos are propping up the Group 1 table, so if it weren’t for the local rivalry, you might not think much of the prospects for entertainment.  On the other hand, Chivas haven’t really been taking the Apertura seriously, chasing, as they were, after the Copa Libertadores.  Having come up just short in that pursuit, the Goats can fully focus on butting heads with their neighbours and serving notice to the rest of the league that they are baa-a-a-ck.

Argentine Primera Division

On Sunday, Velez Sarsfield, battling it out for second place, with who else but Arsenal (de Sarandi), are confronted with a golden opportunity.  They go into Estadio Jose Amalfitani to face top of the table River Plate.  It’s a heavy-weight battle and the winner will rule the Primera Division roost.  On the other hand, if the aforementioned Argentine Gunners take an inviting 3 points at home against minnows Argentina Juniors, a draw in Buenos Aires could see both of the big boys looking up at a surprise leader.

Kris Dwyer

The Oz Files with Kris Dwyer

After last weekend, when the A-League took a ‘dive’ it’s only fitting that theres some tasty matches coming up.  First though, it’s the Socceroos.

Australia v Switzerland in Qatar

It’s a big game for Holger Osieck, the new $2million man at the head of the Socceroos.  However the ‘Roos have been dealt a blow with injuries to Michael Beauchamp (ankle), Josh Kennedy (back) and Harry Kewell (groin) limiting the squad for the upcoming international friendly match against Switzerland.  After consultation with the  three players and their clubs, Osieck has decided that they would not be required in camp.  Instead, the German has added Jon McKain and Tommy Oar into the squad.

On to the A-League, then…

Apparently, Perth have this nice chap named Fowler in their squad. Supposed to be famous or something.

Grudge Match – Perth Glory v Wellington Phoenix @ nib Stadium

Last season, the two play-off debutants faced each other in the first round, with the Phoenix taking out the match in a heart breaking penalty shootout.  The Kiwis ended up going all the way to the Preliminary Final only to be knocked out by eventual champions Sydney FC, whilst the Purple Army from the west seethed and dreamt of what might have been.

With the home side branding this as their chance for revenge, you can only expect fireworks, especially with former Glory players Jade North, Leo Bertos and new signing Nicky Ward, all making the trip west.  The Glory are at near full strength, with only Michael Baird (suspension) and Victor Sikora (long term hip injury) unavailable.

One to Watch – Melbourne Heart v North Queensland Fury @ AAMI Stadium

Melbourne Heart are desperate to get their first win ever in the Hyundai A-League and North Queensland Fury are a team desperate to get back to winning ways.  Both sides play fluid Euro-esque attacking football, and, without a doubt, have two of the most passionate, flamboyant managers in the league, making this match a real cracker for the neutral.

..

Well, that about wraps it up.  We’ll be back on Monday with more news, reaction to the matches and, if we can twist the right arms, even a few highlights.  Enjoy the footy and we’ll see you then!

]]> http://worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/09/02/catch-them-if-you-can-3-5-sept-2010/feed/ 0 wfctagteam McLeish, Alex - finger snack Robinho raider fan the friendly skies chris mann eliot Toshack, John - Wales Tapesh Avigdor Goldberg MyPicture Kris Dwyer Fowler, Robbie - Perth Glory http://worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/02/10/all-this-fuss-about-nik-mrdja/ http://worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/02/10/all-this-fuss-about-nik-mrdja/#comments Wed, 10 Feb 2010 02:08:26 +0000 Steven Jones http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/?p=881 Continue reading »]]> Who’s Nik Mrdja? Good question. He’s the player at the centre of the A-Leagues latest and most exciting scandal. Name calling, corruption charges, possible fines, moral panic, outrage, we have it all but before trying to explain who Nik Mrdja is, let’s take a step back and look at the context.

The A-League, Version 5.0, is now in its last week of season proper. Out of the 27 games in the regular season 26 have been played and this is how things stand.

 If you’re not familiar with this league this is all a precursor to the finals series and the top six teams get to compete for the major premier crown. Although this means that whoever finishes 6 out of 10 can, in theory go on to win the season’s ultimate honours and entry in to the lucrative Asian Champions League it’s not clear sailing. Coming top is preferable, since it guarantees the other Asian Champions League spot and coming top two gives you a second bite of the cherry.

Put simply the top six teams play off thusly. 1^st plays 2^nd and the winner proceeds to the final. 3^rd plays 6^th and 4^th plays 5^th. The winner out of 3^rd and 6^th and 4^th and 5^th then play off for the chance to play the loser of 1^st and 2^nd. The winner of this game then challenges the winner of the first 1^st v 2^nd  for the major crown. Simple.
Whilst the order of 3^rd-6^th is still to be decided Gold Coast United have secured third no matter what whilst two points separate the top two, Melbourne Victory leading Sydney FC who they visit on Sunday. 26 rounds down and the title comes down to the biggest rivals in the league, a one-off that’s sure to be a classic on a Sydney Football Stadium pitch struggling to recover from the thousands of stamping feet that marched across it last weekend for the military tattoo, a tattoo which exiled the team across the city to Parramatta for its spectacular 3-2 win over the Perth Glory.

What happens below that is much of a muchness, with an Adelaide Utd win and a North Queensland Fury loss the only way to stop the South Australians getting the wooden spoon, but without relegation this isn’t such an issue beyond pride. Which brings us to Nik Mrdja.

The 31 year old striker has played 43 A-league came, scoring 13 goals for the Central Coast Mariners, a rather unremarkable career capped by one 11 minute substitute appearance for Australia against Argentine in 2007. Then he was playing for Graham Arnold and following the Mariners 7^th place finish it’s Graham Arnold who’ll be his manager at the Central Coast next season, Lawrie McKinna stepping in to a management role having helped bring the former Socceroos manager to Gosford. What’s unusual about Mrdja, who’s played for the Mariners this season and will do next season, is that for the remainder of this season, he’s playing for the Melbourne Victory.

Taking advantage of a loop hole that allows temporary outside of the transfer window for emergency replacements the Central Coast released Mrdja from his contract, got him to sign a new contract for next season and then Victory signed him to play for the finals series and beyond, including the Champions League, should Melbourne qualify.

The backlash has been sharp. Gold Coast Utd asked to be allowed to sign Robbie Fowler for the remainder of the season, more in jest than anything presumably, and Branko Culina of the Newcastle jets wondered aloud to the press:

“It’s not outside the rules in what they are doing but it’s not in the spirit of the game that we’d like to see. I don’t see how Nik Mrdja can go out there and kiss the badge if he scores tomorrow when he’s only just got there. Then he goes to the ACL, then back to the Mariners. How do the Central Coast supporters take that on board?”

All good questions. The FFA have agreed to review the rule to prevent this happening, the crux being that by releasing Mrdja the Mariners have made him a free agent. Not that Mrdja minds. Having been part of an underperforming team he now has the chance to clinch two titles by month’s end. And even if they do close the loophole he doesn’t seem concerned about the possibility of a ‘Nik Mrdja rule’.

”That’s always a positive, too – my name is always going to be there as the guy who done it.” He said.

True enough, even if it does leave a bit of a bad taste in some mouths given that he’s come in under the special circumstances injury replacement rule, as a replacement for midfielder Billy Celeski. FFA boss Archie Fraser has agreed to have a look at the rule come the end of the season, but until then there’s nothing to stop him playing against Sydney on Sunday.

I’ll be there, supporting Sydney and hoping that Mrdja plays (with his scoring record I doubt the Sydney back line are concerned) so that I can write all about it next week. Cue ‘Nik of Time’ puns, cue ‘This Game was Mrdja’ puns, cue “Victory for the Victory” or “Defeat for Victory” or “Melbourne Nik Victory” or… You get the idea.

NOTE

It doesn’t fit in here but Gold Coast owner Clive Palmer has been rattling the bars again, accusing the FFA of conspiracy and generally letting it all hang out like he does. Great stuff – read more here

Who ultimately backed the manager they’d appointed to replace Frank Farina following his DUI disgrace. With the sparkling talents of chubby Scot and ex-ranger Charlie Miller twinkling over to Gold Coast United Ange is unrepentant and, obviously, is asking for time.

 ”We’ve made decisions we’ve felt are right. Some people will judge us today on those decisions. That’s their prerogative . Most people will judge us in 12 months time as to whether we’re right or wrong.”

 So long term growth for short term loss it is, even if the signing of Belgium defender Pieter Collen does something to ease the blow, the fact that the ex-international has come from the Belgian second division side SK Beveren means his statement that “I hope to do it better than him – I know he’s a big name and expectations are high,” regards filling Moore’s shoes is firmly planted in the aspirational you would think.

 And that’s not all, for even FFA chief executive Ben Buckley has got in on the action, telling Brisbane to sort out their own backyard, get fans back in to the stadium or risk being turfed out to a smaller venue more fitting for their average fan base.

 This is not helped by excursions on the pitch either, with the Roar losing to Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand, newly arrive strike Eugene Dadi scoring twice for the home side, the first of which a spectacular overhead kick with his back to goal that sailed in to the net, despite not having the cleanest of contacts. The second, a classic poachers finish from six yards was a timely reminder too of the need for a bit of clinical finishing up front, where Paul Ifill, for all his endeavour, has often looked like he’s had it all to do himself, a stretch too far.

 This win took Wellington up to fifth and in to finals contention but given that the top six of  ten are finals places this season, that’s not saying much. Brisbane, to put this in context, are seventh, just one point off sixth (and a finals berth) and indeed every club except rock-bottom Adelaide are within one win of making it there with 8 rounds to go.

 For Brisbane though, next up is Newcastle Jets, a game Postecoglu believes they must win to keep their hopes alive, but that’s no guarantee. The Jets have won five of their last sixth, their only loss following the long slog to Perth, and got the result of the round last weekend. Having gone down to ten men against Champions Melbourne Victory they pushed on, eventually securing a fantastic 3-2 win, hitting the Victory on the counter. Mark Bridges (yes, that one) led the line brilliantly alone, scoring the second the get their noses in front just before half time and keeping them in the games. When Labinot Haliti spun round in the area, caught the ball on the volley and steered it expertly across the keeper and in to the side netting, you certainly felt that it was Newcastle’s day, holding on to stay comfortably fourth.

 All of which gave Sydney FC the chance to extend their lead at the top to six points by beating Perth Glory in Perth. Except Sydney did not, although a respectable nil-nil was enough to give them four points and a game in hand over Melbourne. Next up for Sydney is Gold Coast, the battle of the glamour clubs, made the more interesting by the fact that Gold Coast play Newcastle on Wednesday night, and would be able to leap frog  Sydney and take top spot should they win both fixtures, a tough ask but not impossible for the impressive Queensland outfit. Sydney defender and world cup hopeful Simon Colosimo came out warning danger ahead of the tie.

 ”It really is a danger game. They have the deadliest finisher in the league in Shane Smeltz, but that’s because the service is usually very good from their midfield.”

 Smeltz has already racked up 19 goals this season, more than any player has scored in the a-league in a complete season, and saved the day for Gold Coast, scoring at the death to gain a point for his side. Adelaide, continuing their poor run to just two wins in the past eleven games (otherwise known as half the season) deserved more from the game but are not sitting at the bottom of the table for nothing. Gold Coast coach Miron Blieberg was whimsical about the two points dropped saying 

 ”[Adelaide’s] desperation of such a proud club not to finish last was stronger than our desperation as a young club to take advantage and climb into the top two.”

 A very poetic way of saying they wanted it more.

Sure it started well. Pierre Litbarski had them working well and with the touch of Dwight Yorke class in the middle it was a romp to the inaugural title. It was fun. But how things changed. The Terry Butcher years, John Kosmina, Branko Culina, all promising so much.

But the problem… oh the problem. Players were scouted. They were seen performing well for other A-league teams, teams with a work ethic and organisation. They were purchased. They were shoved on  the pitch and they were left to get on with it. Excellent cogs in well run machines were being dumped in a bucket and asked to tell the time. It didn’t work, it couldn’t work. Until now.

Because  Vítězslav Lavička has come in and turned them in to a team, a team moreover that it more than the sum of its parts, that has a game plan, that uses it’s player to their abilities and, most of all, a team that does not feature John Aloisi. The A-league’s highest paid player gets left on the bench to stew, given a late cameo when the games stretched, a simple and effective indictment of his ability to play as part of this team.

Instead Alex Brosque and Mark Bridge have formed a devastating partnership up front. Brosque is slighter, but he is faster, and Bridge, no slouch, has that extra burst of pace aligned with his more muscular and powerful build.  Given an extended run up front this season they’ve produced some dazzling performances. True, Brosque should score a few more goals, and likewise Bridge should set more up but on current form they’re the most lethal double act going, and both these players having been bought from other A-league franchises, poorly used and both in danger of seeing their natural talents squandered.

A good example was against Wellington Phoenix last weekend. The Phoenix had, in their previous game, thrashed the stuffing out of Gold Coast Utd 6-0 and have, since, comfortably beaten the Newcastle Jets2-0 but in Sydney they were never in the game. First the Sydney front two combined with a neat one-two to set Bridge free and plant a powerful shot just inside the far post with venom. Next up Brosque just refused to give up the ball in the opposition area before finding some space to fizz a favoured left foot shot low at goal which the keeper could only parry before Steve Corica tapped it away and, saving the best for last, Brosque ran half the length of the pitch before delivering the ball in low for Bridge to sweep in to the net. Game over.

There was a scare when Wellington won a dubious penalty but justice was served when it was ordered retaken for encroachment and Clint Bolton got down easily to scoop up the second attempt. Sydney are back. Enjoyable to watch, enthusiastic, looking like they’re enjoying their football and even space in the team for fan favourite and foundation player Terry McFlynn of whom it was announced this week that he’d signed a contract extension keeping his at the club till the end of the 2012/13 season.

Sydney sit atop the table, 1 clear of Melbourne Victory and 5 of Gold Coast, who they face next at Skilled Park. A win will keep them top but also send out quite a message, since it would mark victory over every opponent they’ve thus far faced, and should they follow it up the following week against Perth Glory it will mean a win against every other team in the league. That may be no great achievement, and there’s  sure to be losses to come, but knowing that on your day your team can beat anyone has got to be good for the confidence and with an ethic, a tactic and a well balanced team, that top spot is theirs to lose.

Having moved to Australia just in time to get a season pass to the inaugural season I was treated to a deep lying Dwight Yorke dictating the play for Sydney as they romped to the title under world-cup winner Pierre Littbarski’s management, as the rest of the league struggled to find marquee players of note or a tactical system as rigidly enforced.

With the loss of Yorke, who returned to Sunderland, there were the odd interlopers, Juninho and Romario to name two, but the league was struggling under the fact that in such a small competition it seemed like pretty much any one could lose to anyone on their day and it was hard to imagine any huge talents coming in to the game. Mark Bosnich coming out of retirement to stand between the sticks for the Mariner was notable, but mainly for the schadenfraude prospects.

Partly this is because the salary cap system controls club finances and introduces an upper limit on the skills importable, and partly because the standard, throughout, was simply not that high. This season that’s changed. Things have, without a doubt, got better and it’s looking like now, anyone could beat anyone else and, increasingly, through beautiful goals.

The New Zealand Knights in their time were lamentably bad but Wellington Phoenix most certainly give a good account of themselves and New Zealand. The two new teams have invigorated the league by introducing more competition for the top places, more quality plays in the league and a playing schedule that’s less repetitive.

Admittedly, there’s been a few coups like Fowler and Jason Culina bringing their skills to the league, but more that that, the general level has improved considerably. Last year we saw a youth league and a woman’s league playing concurrent to the A-league with players from the former now breaking through to the first teams.

This means that within two seasons we’ve gone from a situation of players being sourced either from regional clubs (a big leap up) or from overseas to the nurturing of in house talent which can, of course, be custom trained to the necessities of the A-league, which remains a physical league.

So yes, the crowds are down a bit, but once the oval ball seasons are out of the way I’d expect that to change. More to the point, the A-league is beginning to make it in to the public consciousness as the media pick up on it and start running with it further and further up the news agenda. Last weekend’s clash between the Fury and Sydney was widely billed as Aloisi vs God and God, of course, won in the end, but the fact that an A-League match could produce such a headline, or such hyperbole, is a sign of how far it’s come.

Next season will see two new teams with one, based in Western Sydney, touted as being the jewel in the A-league crown even though the complicated bidding process saw a Lucas Neill backed bid fall apart following the murderer of a notorious business man. With no name, players or backroom staff yet in place, the new conglomerate creating this franchise will none-the-less be well placed to bring in some good names to what is one of Australia’s football heartlands if this season, and this league, continue to improve at this pace.

As well as lengthening the season by six games for each side (all teams play each other three times), the new Queensland teams have forced the Queensland Roar to change their name to the Brisbane Roar. Why they didn’t use the opportunity when filling in the paperwork to drop the Roar too is beyond my purview, but possible match-up combinations now include; Mariners Fury, Phoenix Jets (admittedly quite cool) and Victory Roar at the top left of the screen.

Wheeling and dealing has abounded in filling up the two new franchises but with talent streaming in and out of Australia more than ever, every team is coming in to this season with a different feel and look, and, with at least an extra six games each this season, fitness is going to be a telling, maybe a deciding factor. In the first four A-league seasons we’ve had three different premier and grand final champions, only Melbourne repeating either feat. Predictions are bound to be futile.

Other than Fowler signing of the summer may well be Perth Glory’sMile Sterjovski from Derby County.It’s rare to see Premier quality players in the antipodes, and it’s fairly clear from last season that Derby were not premiership quality, but with Andy Todd joining him, as well as Chris Coyne from Colchester and Branko Jelic from Energie Cottbus, who were relegated from the Bundesliga last season, Perth are looking strong contenders for the final series, and maybe one of the major prizes.

Adelaide United obviously thought they’d done a good bit of business having snagged another Colchester boy Lloyd Owusu as a replacement for the retired Paul Agostino and there was a sense that should he prove a suitable foil for the Brazilian Cristiano, they could build up a bit of an understanding. But then Owusu got swine flu and is out till round four at least. Coach Aurelio Vidmar sounded relatively unconcerned about the flu that’s slowly destroying the world as we know it when he calmly stated

“We’re going to be really cautious with him and if it takes us six, seven, eight weeks then that’s how it is.”

Without a marquee player, Adelaide may find themselves pinning a lot of hope on a man who’s career goals to games rations is a little more than one in 3, and scratching around to find goals from elsewhere.

Having progressively got worse in almost every way, year on year since the A-league began, Sydney FC start version five with yet another new coach, Vitezslav Lavicka, who’s looking to instil a new culture in the club.

“I have three parts to my coaching philosophy,” he said. “Discipline and respect, motivation to improve and team unity. Also we must enjoy playing and the work. We must be together for the success.”

That’s the problem with starting a sentence with ‘I have three parts’ when you haven’t thought it out first. Hopefully Sydney can look like they care this season and who knows, maybe John Aloisi will start looking like the star signing he purportedly is, hopefully helped by the undeniable talent of former Sparta Prague man Karol Kisel who’s followed his former coach south.

Sacked former Sydney manager, Branko Culina, meanwhile has taken up the coaching reins once again having been appointed in charge of the Newcastle Jets whilst his son Jason lines up for Gold Coast United following his time with PSV Eindhoven. Tipped generally as the best, most in prime, great player the A-League has ever seen, not a huge challenge to live up to, the battle of the Culina’s proper won’t happen till round four when Jason gets the chance to try his luck against what was a shaky back line for Newcastle last term, bolstered this season by Ljubo Milicevic, who’s year off from football (no, seriously, he took a year off) seems to have changed the man.

“I think for the first time in my career,” he said in an interview, “my heart and my head are going in the same direction and I think for the first time in my life, people are going to see me play at a level that they haven’t seen before.”

Presumably his manager Is just hoping he doesn’t take another sabbatical.

Meanwhile, over at Gold Coast United, Jason is facing up to the prospect of playing under Australia’s closest thing to a sugar daddy. Whilst salary caps and other restrictions mean that huge spending is not really an option, United chairman Clive Palmer is helping in other ways, promising to fly his team to and from matches in a luxurious private jet. A controversial figure, he’s already complained about the state of the pitches, accused the FFA of ‘lacking respect’ for the people of the Gold Coast, aimed to go the whole season unbeaten whilst winning the title and offered Roar supporters a 25% discount to switch allegiance. A colourful character, it remains to be seen whether his team can make a splash on the field with the former Juventus (on loan) keeper Jess Vanstrattan coming out before a ball’s been kicked in anger to inject a touch of pedestrian realism.

“We have to be realistic. We’re a new team and we haven’t played together.”

Melbourne Victory meanwhile, as title holders, are obvious favourites to lead the race early on having a virtually unchanged team, but their last post-championship season saw them fall out of the final series entirely. It would be a surprise if that happened again, but should hit men Archie Thompson or Danny Allsopp get injured there is a lack of quality depth. Kevin Muscat must surely be the most hated man in the A-League ( and let’s never forget the words of Ian Wright regards Muscat: He is a nobody. He knows it, I realise it and a hell of a lot of other people think it.”) but within this league, and this team, Muscat’s without a doubt a force to be reckoned with. The danger is that this could be the year when age catches up with the thirty six year old.

No report on the A-league, Australia’s top flight of football, would be complete without a mention of New Zealand team Wellington Phoenix who had been providing the comic relief in the league before last season finishing a surprising third last. Whether they can repeat that will be questionable, having lost goal-scoring ace Shane Smeltz and replaced him with Paul Ifill, who’s going to have to improve his career strike rate of a goal every six games if he’s to be any use, although playing up front will no doubt help that.

With more teams to be added next year, this is going to be something of a transitional season for the A-league with more grounds to fill, players to pay and matches to watch but it looks set to be the most exciting yet with high profile signings who could either triumph ecstatically or flop disastrously, in either case fascinating for the observers. Melbourne kick off the season against the Central Coast Mariners on the 6th August and Lawrie McKinna’s men will be hoping to finally win their first match of 2009. With Adam Kwasnik back to lead the line up front and Michael McGlincey, who never quite made the grade at Celtic, to sure up the midfield, it’s looking a tough prospect for the Mariners who’ll have to be hoping that Melbourne have a rare off day at home.

Also in round one, Adelaide take on Perth; North Queensland, with six ex-Sydney FC players on their books will be taking on the very same in Queensland; Brisbane will be hosting Gold Coast and Newcastle will be looking to start things up with all three points as Wellington come to town. It’s too early days for results to really matter, but everyone will be looking at the likes of Fowler and Culina to really make their mark from the outset and prove that their expensive additions to the league are worthwhile, and bring in the crowds, since last season was the first that saw a drop in attendances across the board, a state of affairs that would be perilous if repeated in what should be a burgeoning league.