An Aussie's View

Experiencing the World Cup first-hand...In Europe

2010-08-28T18:16:00.002+10:00

For most football fanatics, a trip to Europe means one thing, football! Yet, as I jetted across land and sea to a faraway place, I pondered just how I managed to arrange my Europe trip for the one time football won’t be plentiful in Europe.

But ohh how wrong I was. The 2010 FIFA World Cup may have been in South Africa, but sitting in pubs in Austria, Slovakia, France, Belgium and Germany, you wouldn’t know it. In those pubs, the World Cup could have just been down the road, such was the intensity that radiated through their walls.

First stop on the World Cup bandwagon was a day trip to Slovakia, from my base of Austria, to watch the Slovaks play Paraguay. After a train ride to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava, and some quick site seeing, my friends and I settled down at an Irish pub in the centre of the city, ready to watch the game.

And wow. The pub wasn’t that full, but nevertheless the atmosphere was great. Not having to watch the game while trying to keep open your eyelids also added to the experience.

The next trip also involved an Irish pub, but this one much closer to my home away from home, in Vienna, Austria. A quick jaunt down to the city centre took me into Flanagan’s Pub, a hearty place with televisions everywhere, and quality beer on tap.

After settling down for a beer...or three, I set my eyes on the afternoon’s entertainment, Chile v Switzerland. After the Swiss beat eventual champions Spain, and Chile had been unspectacular against Honduras, everyone was expecting a tight encounter. Well everyone in my area of the pub, two Germans, my friend who doesn’t follow football, and myself. Ok, I expected a tight encounter.

However, an early bath for Valon Behrami, after the West Ham United midfielder was sent off in the 30th minute, swung the game towards Chile. Despite failing to capitalise on many chances, the man advantage eventually proved decisive, and Mark Gonzalez headed the ball home with 15 minutes to go, pushing Chile towards the next round.

The final game to be watched in Austria, once again at the local Irish hangout, was the big one for any Aussie, the Socceroos v Serbia. Wearing my colours in the form of a Socceroos jersey, my Aussie friends and I eagerly awaited a thrilling game.

Sadly, despite the victory, the aged Socceroos didn’t progress, but the atmosphere in the pub almost made up for it. Almost.

With one half of the establishment crammed with German and Ghana supporters, and the other half full of Serbians and a few Aussies, the atmosphere was electric. As the Socceroos progression relied heavily on the other game, multiple trips were made to the other side, seeing if a favourable result was in progress.

Alas it was not to be, and as friendly banter between Serbian and Australian fans started to get heated, I decided to cover up my Socceroos shirt and head home.

After my sojourn in Austria, I headed to France, where I had to contain the urge not to shout out how pathetic their football team was. While in France I spent many nights in various hotel bars, watching all manner of games, but it wasn’t until I headed north to Germany that the real fun began.

A trendy hotel’s bar in Aachen was the scene for Germany v Spain, and after writing for a while on Spanish football, and tipping Spain to win before the tournament, my geographical location was not going to prevent me from supporting La Furia Roja.

After betting a pint on the result of the game with a friend, I sat back and enjoyed Spain’s domination, but was worried about the lack of end result. Thankfully, a Carles Puyol header sealed the deal, and I made some noise while getting death stares from various Germans, and Australians sharing the bar with me.

I must say, the Germans sure know how to prepare for a big game. Walking the streets before the game, I saw all manner of flags, banners and football paraphernalia. A house without something German related on it was a rare sight indeed. And the locals were walking around draped in Germany shirts and flag while drinking beer, at four o’clock, four and a half hours away from kick-off.

The morning after the game I went on a tour of some nearby battlefields, indulging my inner history nerd. Being led around scenes of fighting in the Second World War, by a German soldier who had actually fought in the area, I was somewhat surprised with myself when I started talking to him about football. He was understandably angry that Germany had lost, and I decided to keep my Spanish support quiet.

This moment however, maybe more than any other, truly underlines what I love about football. It is the global game. While a conversation about football may be more difficult in Australia or the US, ultimately, in any country in the world, you will find someone who you can talk to about football. From the Faroe Islands to North Korea, from New Zealand to Qatar, someone will talk to you about football. It is, the world game.

However, Europe tops this off, because in Europe, you don’t have to find someone to talk to about football, anyone will talk to you about football. From random bus drivers to WW2 veterans, from bar-tenders (see below) to...well, to everyone more or less. Football and Europe, practically synonymous.

Possibly the most humorous moment related to the game came the next night when I asked the rather cute bar-tender for a drink. She paused and looked at me before explaining “No, you were the guy supporting Spain last night.” Thankfully after laying on the charm I got myself a drink, although sadly not a phone number...

After listening to police sirens all night after the game, I was pleased to return to France, where my Spanish allegiance was less likely to get me mortally injured. However, upon returning Paris, I discovered to my horror that my plane flight would see my in the air during the World Cup final.

Needless to say I was devastated, and even an exciting 3rd place game couldn’t lift my spirits. Sitting nervously on the plane home, waiting for the pilot to announce the score, I got more and more worried as the minutes ticked on.

My logic that extra-time and penalties would make a win for Spain slightly less likely ultimately proved flawed however, and in a heavy Thai accent our pilot informed us that Spain had won one-nil after 120 minutes. I breathed a deep sigh of relief and went back to my movie.

After assuring quarantine that I wasn’t trying to bring home anything dodgy, I found myself a newspaper before getting ready for a long bus ride home to Canberra. Flipping through The Daily Telegraph, it was perhaps reassuring to see that football (or soccer as they may prefer to call it) is hidden 12 pages from the back cover.

This in an edition that went to print only hours before the World Cup final, the biggest sporting event in the world. It certainly rammed home the fact I was back in Australia, where, sadly, football is not the number one sport. Wait, why did I leave Europe again?

http://halftimeheroes.com.au/2010/07/22/half-time-heroes-world-cup-2010-review/

Preview - Málaga CF v Valencia CF

2010-08-28T18:08:00.002+10:00

Málaga CF

After spending 12 weeks in the relegation zone early last season, Málaga fans would have been pleased to find themselves sitting comfortably mid table with 10 games to play. However, a disastrous run during the home stretch of the season left the side sitting 18th in the penultimate round, staring relegation in the face.

A 1-1 draw with Real Madrid on the final day of the season may have secured Málaga another year of top flight football, but it may all be in vain unless new manager Jesualdo Ferreira can dramatically improve the side.

Another season in a relegation battle may not please their new owner however, after the Spanish side were brought by Qatari billionaire Abdullah Al-Thani. The new money has certainly helped in the transfer market, with the arrival of Uruguayan international Sebastián Fernández and 26 year old Brazilian midfielder Sandro Silva, strengthening the squad significantly.

Despite a dismal previous season, Málaga is strong at the back, and had the 7th best defense in La Liga last term. While this may have been nullified by their inability to score, they only found the net 42 times, the side does still have the potential to cause Valencia problems. Málaga won't be relying on their home form though in their first encounter of the 2010/2011 season, as they had the 4th worst record at home stadium last season.

Key for Málaga against Valencia, and indeed throughout their season, will be defender Jesús Gámez (pictured). The 25 year old Spaniard started 32 games for the club last season and was a key reason for their defensively solid performances. If the right sided defender can keep Juan Mata quiet this weekend, Valencia could be in for a tough night at La Rosaleda.

Málaga CF squad:

Goalkeepers: Francesc Arnau, Rodrigo Galatto

Defense: Jesús Gámez, Welington, Manu Torres, Iván González, Patrick Mtiliga

Midfield: Fernando, Apoño, Eliseu, Sandro Silva, Juanito

Strikers: Albert Luque, Edinho, Sebastián Fernández, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, Juanmi, José Rondón

Valencia CF

A turbulent summer in the transfer window will see a vastly different Valencia side taking the pitch on Saturday night. While a full season preview can be found by clicking here, the biggest piece of news regarding the new look Valencia is that striker Roberto Soldado will miss 2-3 weeks with an injured hamstring. Fellow new signing Aritz Aduriz (pictured) is sure to get the start for this match, when also taking into account the fact that Chori Domínguez has failed to recover from his lingering knee problem.

Another interesting thing to look for v Málaga is to see which formation Unai Emery decides to go with, 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. Spanish newspaper Super Deporte reported during the week that Emery has decided against employing a 4-3-3 formation, and will instead be sticking to last season’s 4-2-3-1.

With the squad for this weekend's match being released on Friday, Emery raised some eyebrows by deciding to leave Portuguese midfielder Manuel Fernandes at home. Fernandes had a pretty solid preseason for VCF, and this will surely just increase his desire to leave the club, as he has wanted to do since last January. Another interesting player left out of the squad is Vicente Guiata. The young goalkeeper had a far superior preseason to Miguel Ángel Moyà, but it seems that, for now, Emery is sticking with the player he signed last season for €5 million from Mallorca.

Sofiane Feghouli and Ángel Dealbert have also been left out of the squad, while Chori and Soldado will miss the match due to injury.

Valencia CF squad:

Goalkeepers: César Sánchez, Miguel Ángel Moyà

Defense: Bruno Saltor, Miguel Brito, David Navarro, Hedwiges Maduro, Ricardo Costa, Jérémy Mathieu, Jordi Alba

Midfield: David Albelda, Mehmet Topal, Éver Banega, Tino Costa, Joaquín Sánchez, Pablo Hernández, Juan Mata, Vicente Rodríguez

Strikers: Aritz Aduriz

http://loco4losche.com/blogweb/index.php?/archives/177-Preview-Mlaga-CF-v-Valencia-CF.html

La Happenings: World Cup review special

2010-08-28T18:05:00.002+10:00

After over two years of beautiful passing football, with exquisite goals to match, Spain had to play ugly to win the World Cup, and with close one-nil wins and goals from headers, they did just that. La Furia Roja became world champions after Andres Iniesta slotted home a pass from Cesc Fabregas in the 116^th minute of the final in Soccer City, Johannesburg.

They were hailed as the kings of champagne football, as the most watchable side in the world, yet they were also critiqued for their lack of a plan-B, the lack of an ability to break teams down. A loss to Switzerland in Spain’s opening game only increased these worries, fears that the World Cup would be won by the Inter-Milan of the international scene, rather than the Barcelona.

However, wins over Honduras, Chile, Portugal, Paraguay, Germany and finally Holland saw the European champions lift the ultimate honour in football, the World Cup. For the first time in their history, the Spanish national team became World champions.

And oh did they celebrate. Cities all around Spain went wild, with huge parties in Madrid and Barcelona. However the victory was sadly not as dramatic as was widely tipped. Many labelled it beforehand as a game of passing football, pitting two of the ‘prettiest’ teams in world football in the ultimate spectacle. Spain v Holland was only just behind Spain v Brazil in the hoped for final.

But when it came, the victory was soured by a poor 120 minutes of cynical play. 13 yellow cards and a red to John Heitinga turned the opportunity for a brilliant display of passing football to a game of rough tackling and bad football.

While some may argue that Holland had every right to use such tactics, seeing it as a perfectly legitimate way to play, there is no denying that it ruined the possibility for a night of gorgeous football.

Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque said after the match that, “Holland made it very difficult for us to play comfortably. I’m here to speak about the beautiful things in football. It was rough at times, but that’s part of football.” Sadly, these things happen, but ultimately the better team won, and justice was served.

Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk also felt like adding that “It’s not our style to commit horrible fouls. It’s not our kind of football. But I would love to have won it with football that was not so beautiful. Both sides, also the Spaniards, committed terrible fouls.” Wouldn’t we all have loved to have won the World Cup?

Spain played like Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final, Holland as Inter. Only this time, tactical genius Jose Mourinho was not involved, and La Furia Roja, a large chunk of the side made up of Barca players, were too good. Just too good.

The Spanish side are now both European and World champions, and despite having won everything available to them, the side will not be slowing down yet. Stars David Villa, Xavi and Iker Casillas all have another World Cup in them, while other important members of the squad, David Silva, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and Fernando Torres, are still relatively young. Even if Xavi, at 30 the third oldest member of the World Cup squad, was to call it a day soon, he would be replaced by Fabregas or Javi Martinez, two world class midfielders.

Spain has always enjoyed incredibly talented players, from Telmo Zarra to Raul, Alfredo di Stéfano to Fernando Hierro. However there was always that doubt, that lack of confidence in a team that never before made a World Cup final. After taking the Euros in 2008, a team brimming with star quality finally found its feet.

They surpassed negative football and foul play to win the World Cup in South Africa 2010. With such confidence now instilled in the team, a second and even third World Cup does not look doubtful. After years as the ‘coulda beens’ of world football, La Furia Roja, the Spanish national team, is now ready to write themselves into the history books. World, watch out.

The best part of the victory? I tipped it! I predicted in the Half Time Heroes World Cup special that Spain’s “...time has finally come,” and I was right. Pity I didn’t put my money where my mouth was...

Featured in Half Time Heroes World Cup Special, the best web magazine around!

Persecution of the Precious

2010-08-28T17:56:00.002+10:00

The French Football Federation (FFF) last week announced its response to Les Bleus’ disastrous World Cup campaign, with Nicolas Anelka, Franck Ribéry, Jeremy Toulalan and Manchester United star Patrice Evra all receiving serious punishment. However, the sanctions handed down by the FFF raise a more intriguing question…

Are the players to blame for making a stand against a coach whom they had lost faith in?

After guiding France to an unexpected spot in the 2006 World Cup final, former French international Raymond Domenech failed dismally at the 2008 Euros, finishing last behind Romania in their group. Despite calls for 58-year-old Frenchman to step down or be sacked throughout the two years between the Euros and the 2010 World Cup, Domenech was handed the task of leading a talented French squad in South Africa.

While rumours had brewed that Domenech was unpopular with the players, the abysmal nature of the French World Cup campaign and the subsequent scandals left a nation shocked at the FFF’s failings. Letting Domenech, a man hated by his team, guide them through a World Cup seems nonsensical, and this was only reaffirmed by the antics of the squad in South Africa.

After Chelsea striker Anelka was sent home following a row with Domenech, the team revolted and refused to train, retreating to the sanctuary of the team bus. This eventually led to France exiting the World Cup after the group stage, suffering a humiliating defeat to hosts South Africa in the final game.

In response to the failure of the French squad at the 2010 World Cup, the FFF handed down match bans to four of the players involved in the so-called ‘mutiny’. Anelka has been banned from international football for an astonishing 18 matches, while United star Evra will miss five pending an appeal launched yesterday. Bayern Munich winger Ribéry, absent from the hearing, was given a three match ban, and Olympique Lyonnaise star Toulalan will miss a single game.

Unsurprisingly the decision has been greeted with disgust and derision from the players involved, and others involved in the world game have followed suit.

Before the sanctions were handed down, Evra started his pre-emptive defence, questioning the FFF’s hearing

“Why punish us more than others? It’s over now,” said the French captain.

“The penalty of not selecting the 23 players from the World Cup for the Norway friendly is consistent. That showed there were not five or six ‘ringleaders’ as had been written.”

But the FFF had to act, had to turn attention away from the failure of a federation that allowed a manager, who clearly no longer had support of the players, to lead the side to the World Cup.

“I am surprised, as I thought everyone wanted to turn the page after the World Cup. We must think about the future,” Evra adds.

However, the FFF clearly thought differently, and wanted to punish those who had apparently led a strike in protest against the decision to send Anelka home. While the comments attributed to the French striker that led to his exclusion were less than kind – “Go &@$% yourself, you son of a whore” – the real issue is that the FFF is trying to hide its woeful inadequacy.

Another to receive a ban, Ribéry, has tried to play down the decision to keep his international spot once the ban is over. The 27-year-old winger questioned the wisdom of not punishing the squad as a collective.

“I do not understand why some players were sentenced to a five-match ban while others have not been punished. All these players participated in what happened at the World Cup,” said Ribéry last week.

Ribéry has a valid point, the judgment to sentence only some players, predominantly those in leadership positions among the team, is intriguing. Ultimately, didn’t those players, as the leaders of the team, have the right to question manager’s authority they no longer believed in? After Domenech made a decision, which they felt left the team in an untenable position.

Such an occurrence is common-place in Premier League sides when managers get the boot. Often the old heads of the team will have questioned his position at the club. The FFF’s decision, therefore, can be seen as trying to lay the blame for a poor World Cup on those who do not deserve it – ultimately using Anelka, Evra and co as scapegoats.

Not everyone agrees with such a view though, and French legend Lillian Thuram wasn’t supportive of United’s beloved defender Evra. One of the most successful figures in French football, Thuram belittled Evra.

“I demanded that the players be harshly punished and that Evra never returns to the France squad. When you are captain of the France team, you must have a responsibility to the jersey and the people,” said the 142-cap legend.

“When the players shut themselves in the bus…that showed that the coach was no longer respected.”

However, if the coach was no longer respected, is it not the captain’s job to make this known? While a safer option was to grin and bear it until the end of the tournament, Evra made a stance and demonstrated to the world how flawed the FFF’s decision making is.

Unsurprisingly there are many who are ready to back Evra and his role at the World Cup. Newly signed Tottenham Hotspur defender William Gallas was quick to redirect the finger of blame.

“If it was a fiasco, then there are reasons for it,” the former Arsenal captain told the Daily Telegraph.

“And for me there is no need to draw a veil over why: they emanated from the coach. The real problem is the coach. Ok I wasn’t good, we weren’t good. But the coach wasn’t up to scratch either.”

“Anelka’s incident was a case of him being fed up for a few weeks prior to that. Domenech hammered into us time and again: ‘Put your egos to one side’. But I believe that he forgot to do that himself.”

While Gallas was already disenfranchised with Domenech after a disputing the side’s captaincy he makes a valid point.

Even new French manager Laurent Blanc isn’t positive about the punishments.

“I thought the collective punishment [the Norway friendly] was both necessary and sufficient…Our only concern is to establish the best possible squad for those fixtures in early September against the Belarus and Bosnia-Herzegovina,” said the former United defender.

Given the man charged with turning around the fortunes of French football disagrees with the punishment, one must wonder why the FFF felt compelled to act and not move on.

Finally, the man at the centre of the controversy, Anelka, sums up the farce.

“For me, this whole thing with the commission is an aberration, a masquerade to make sure they don’t lose face,” said the Chelsea striker.

“They have punished a void, as Nicolas Anelka never existed in this pitiful and colourful affair. They are real clowns, these people … I am doubled up with laughter.” While the laughter claim may sound arrogant, his argument is striking and direct, much like the Frenchman’s playing style.

While the decision to exclude the players from France’s recent friendly is widely seen as justifiable, the bans handed down by the FFF recently are not. Instead, it is a crude attempt to hide the organisational failures at the top level of French football.

There is however one benefit the punishment brings United fans; Patrice Evra won’t have to attend any pesky international games in the next few months!

http://www.unitedrant.co.uk/persecution-of-the-precious/

I'm back!

2010-08-28T17:46:00.002+10:00

After a bit of an absence as I traversed Europe, thoroughly enjoyed the World Cup, and then sadly returned home, I'm back!

And with good news. I have multiple articles in Soccer International's Leagues of Europe Season Preview magazine; including articles on Manchester United, Barcelona, Valencia and Sevilla. I have also been working away on a veritable thesis on the future of the Socceroos, which will be in next month's Soccer International.

In between I have been interviewing Nathan Coe, who I must add is a great guy, and trying to secure interviews with a whole host of Young Socceroos.

So, I'm back, and have a heap of articles for your enjoyment (hopefully)!

The Kiwis get a point, while the Socceroos wait for Ghana

2010-06-16T14:56:00.001+10:00

As if to compound our disappointment at the Socceroos' opening result, a dogged New Zealand performance saw the Kiwis take a point from their game against Slovakia last night. An equaliser from Winston Reid in the dying minutes of the game was enough to secure the All Whites are draw after a 50th minute goal from Slovakia's Robert Vittek.

It was actually quite a good game, with some interesting keeping from Wellington Phoenix custodian Mark Paston, including letting a ball in sail across the goal-mouth and a remarkable tip over the bar after long range bullet.

The Socceroos are now back in training ahead of their Sunday morning (AET) clash with African side Ghana. Australia will need to get at-least a point from the game to have any hope of qualifying for the next stage, but a win would be preferable (thanks lads, would do nicely!)

In other World Cup news:

Cahill decision expected shortly (SBS:TWG)

Two strikers? (Fox Sports)

Good ratings, poor game, for first Socceroos match (SBS:TWG)

Youth or Experience? (NineMSN)

Wilko: We will fight (442)

And remember, you can check out all of my work at An Aussie's View. You might have to scroll down a bit to get to non-Aus WC Blog stuff. But hopefully it's worth it!

http://australia.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2010/the-kiwis-get-a-point-while-the-socceroos-wait-for-ghana.html

Well, that didn't quite go to plan...

2010-06-15T15:40:00.001+10:00

4-0.
Tim Cahill suspended for our encounter with Ghana, possibly also not available for Serbia.
The Socceroos humiliated on the world stage.

What went wrong?

A high defence line
Pim has a dilemma. He has two very slow centre-backs, one of them is really getting on in age. He is about to face a fluid attacking outfit. What does he do? Instead of being sensible and playing with a deep defensive line, he tries to play a pressing system which ultimately utilises a very high defensive line. Did you realise how many times the Germans were pinged for offside? This was because we were playing a high line with the offside trap. Worked some of the time, not so much for most of the game.

4-4-2
When SBS showed the line-up at 4:20 in the morning, I was dumb-founded. We have played 4-2-3-1 pretty much throughout the qualification campaign, so why we switched to a classic 4-4-2 formation for the biggest game of the last four year is beyond me. Sure, if one of the Socceroos had netted from the opening corner, and we had held on for a one-nil victory, Verbeek would have been hailed as a tactical genius. But we didn't. If anyone has any suggestions as to why the sudden switch away from the Verbeek defensive system, feel free to comment.

Playing Tim Cahill as a striker
It is easy to criticise this decision with hindsight, but Cahill looked isolated and frustrated up-front. Although we don't know what went through his mind when he made the tackle (and I don't think it should have been a red anyway), it's possible this frustration played a part.

Who didn't disgrace themselves

Luke Wilkshire had a very solid game and combined well with Brett Emerton, who was also good. While Mark Schwarzer would have hoped to have put a hand to Klose goal, it was a 50/50 ball and he was unlucky, otherwise he played decently. Carl Valeri play hard in the midfield and despite being outclassed certainly didn't disgrace himself. Brett Holman looked lively when he came on, and added some attacking spark. Richard Garcia was also solid, while the rest were average to poor.

Despite having a very poor game and being withdrawn at half-time, Vince Grella redeemed himself after the game with this cracker: "F..ck no-one died. It's a game of football. They are very good. We knew they were going to be a tough opposition. We just have to sleep it off and start again tomorrow."

For an excellent tactical analysis of the game, check out one of the finest football sites around, Zonal Marking.

Also check out a review of the game by Half Time Heroes editor Con Stamocostas, or 442 online editor Kevin Airs' view on the game. And if you haven't done so already, our very own Dom of Aus WC Blog had three issues to raise after the game.

Our next World Cup encounter is against Ghana, who were victorious against Serbia in their opening match, and is at 12am Sunday morning (ie very late Saturday night). Watch out for build-up material here during the week. GO SOCCEROOS!

http://australia.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2010/well-that-didnt-quite-go-to-plan.html

Germany embarrass Australia after dodgy dismissal (Germany 4-0 Australia)

2010-06-14T06:43:00.001+10:00

A controversial decision may have added insult to injury for Australia, but even before the dismissal of Tim Cahill the Socceroos had been outplayed by a superior German side. Two goals in either half gave Germany a comfortable win and despite a strong start the Socceroos were unable to capitalise on their opportunities.

Australia started the game positively, and could have gone one-nil up in the first few minutes after a Luke Wilkshire cross bounced dangerously in the area. However, despite attempts from numerous Socceroos, the ball could not find its way into the back of the net. The Socceroos continued to look threatening, and it looked as if an upset could be on the cards.

However, Germany then opened the scoring in the 8th minute after young-star Mesut Ozil played a brilliant ball to Thomas Muller, who crossed it back from the by-line for the lurking Lukas Podolski. The Cologne striker smashed the ball in the top corner and Mark Schwarzer, despite getting a hand to it, was unable to keep it out.

The Germans soon doubled the scoring, with Miroslav Klose beating Schwarzer to a Phillip Lahm cross and heading into an empty net. Ozil and company continued to create chances, and the Australians were more than happy to hear the sound of the half-time whistle.

The second half kicked off with Vince Grella substituted for the more attacking-minded Brett Holman, and he made an immediate effect. A hand-ball from Per Mertesacker in the area should have led to a penalty, but neither the referee nor the linesman spotted the incident. Holman then demonstrated why he had been brought on, as the substitute turned Arne Friedrich before firing just wide.

The controversy then continued with Australian talisman Tim Cahill sent off for a challenge on Bastian Schweinsteiger. Despite hitting the Bayern Munich star from behind, replays seem to suggest that Cahill was trying to pull out of the tackle, and it probably only warranted a yellow card.

Cahill will now face a minimum of one-match ban, although as it was a straight red the FIFA Disciplinary Committee will meet to decide whether to extend it. Given the harsh nature of the dismissal, it is possible the card could be overturned.

After wading through the FIFA Laws of the Game official document I haven’t been able to find any particular information about the overturning of a straight red for something other than mistaken identity. Sadly, knowing how FIFA seem to work, the chance of Tim Cahill playing against Ghana is probably very slim.

After the dismissal, Australia’s hopes diminished quickly, despite changes from Verbeek. The Dutchman took off Richard Garcia for Nikita Rukavytsya and then later replaced Brett Emerton with Mile Jedinak.

Germany soon doubled their lead, with two quick-fire goals coming in the 67th and 70th minutes, from Muller and Cacau respectively. The game then started to die out, and despite chances for both sides, the Germans seemed happy to take a four-nil win, while the Socceroos no-longer had the threat with only ten men to effectively challenge.

Australia will now need to recover quickly and look towards their encounter against Ghana early on Sunday morning (12am eastern time). After the Black Stars beat Serbia in the other Group D encounter, the Socceroos will need to take all three points from their next game to keep their hopes of progression alive.

Reaction to follow.

http://australia.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2010/germany-embarrass-australia-after-dodgy-dismissal-germany-4-0-australia.html

The big one! Australia v Germany World Cup preview!

2010-06-13T21:57:00.001+10:00

Exactly four years and one day after Australia kicked off their 2006 World Cup campaign in spectacular style, the Socceroos will today (or tomorrow Australian time) be heading into battle against a slightly tougher opposition than 2006, but with the same intention, to show the world that we mean business! After a weeks talk of Germany threatening to embarrass Australia, the pragmatic Dutchman Pim Verbeek will be looking to show his Germany counterpart, Joachim Low, that he was seriously mistaken.

Predictions

Kieran: Can we beat Germany? Can we beat the sixth rank team in the world? That's what it all comes down to. Germany have a solid goalkeeper, with Manuel Neuer a capable replacement for the injured Rene Adler. At the back, only Phillip Lahm will stand-out to many, but Germany certainly have a quality defence.

The midfield however is where Germany will really shine, with the absence of Michael Ballack providing the perfect opportunity for youth sensation Mesut Ozil to show why he is one of the most highly rated young stars in Europe.

Alongside Ozil may be another young star, 23-year-old Sami Khedira. The Stuttgart midfielder captained Germany's youth side to the U21 European Championship, and will be looking to reproduce his form for Germany on the big stage. On the wing for Die Mannschaft will be Bayern Munich star Bastian Schweinsteiger, and after helping his side to a Champions League final this year, Schweinsteiger will be looking for glory in South Africa. Australia will have to keep him quiet if they are to get anything out of the game.

Finally, up-front Low will have to decide on a starting pair out of Brazillian born Cacau, Cologne striker Lukas Podolski or Bayern Munich pair Mario Gomez or Miroslav Klose. Despite the pedigree of the later three, only Cacau has been prolific at club-level this season, and Low has the difficult decision of whether to place experience over form this World Cup.

To be frank, I cannot see this game being entertaining for Socceroo fans. It will either be a German victory, or Australia will grind out a draw (or possibly nip a win on the break or from a set-piece). Despite this, I (and thousands of others around the country) will be setting our alarms for 4:30 eastern time (or just pulling an all-nighter) to see Australia battle with the mighty Germans.

I believe, if both Lucas Neill and Craig Moore put in solid performances at the back, Mark Schwarzer might be able to keep the Germans out for most of the game, and the possibility of Australia hitting on the counter-attack cannot be underestimated. As such, I think the opening match of Australia's World Cup campaign could end in a draw. My Tip: 1-1 Draw

The Guardian has very kindly put up a nice little graphic of their team predictions:

So the Guardian seem to believe that Kewell will be up-front, with Kennedy on the bench. However, they fail to mention the Herald Sun's report that Carl Valeri will start ahead of Mark Bresciano, with Jason Culina filling the space on the wing.

Finally, while browsing the Guardian site I found a very interesting article on Harry Kewell. Well worth the read.

So, the count down is now on. In a matter of hours, the Socceroos will begin their 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign. Will it begin in glory? Boredom? Or heartache? Let us know what you think!

SSSSSOOOOOCCCCCCEROOOOOOOSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!

Read more on Australia World Cup Blog

The World Cup is here! Along with an assortment of news!

2010-06-12T18:24:00.000+10:00

AND IT'S HERE!!!!!!!

With two entertaining draws, the FIFA World Cup has now officially kicked-off. So, what better time to give you a quick little wrap of the Socceroo/Australian football news.

First up is the news that Australia has officially pulled out from the 2018 World Cup bidding process. It seemed inevitable after the Asian Football Confederation claimed they would be backing Europe for 2018, and yesterday Frank Lowy made it official. However, this may actually be beneficial for our 2022 bid, as we seemed to have earned some good-will from FIFA, and it will mean that neither Europe or South America can bid, effectively leaving North America and Asia. Despite competition from a strong US bid, the temptation to bring the World Cup to a new stage may be all Australia's bid needs if it can get the backing of the AFC.

Secondly, German manager Joachim Low has told the media that he believes his side can embarrass Australia in their opening game of the World Cup. However, with the mighty Carl Valeri (dinho) in midfield, and pragmatic Pim Verbeek at the helm, Australia will be looking to spring a surprise...

In other news, Fulham have rejected an offer from Arsenal for goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer. British newspaper the Daily Star also claims that Schwarzer has told Fulham manager Roy Hodgson he would be interested in the move, but I stress that the Daily Star isn't exactly known for their accurate reporting. Personally, if Schwarzer was to become first choice (which would only be logical, I can't see Arsene Wenger spending money on an ageing second-choice keeper), I think it would be a great move for the Socceroos custodian. What do you think?

And finally, WORLD CUP WORLD CUP WORLD CUP WORLD CUP WORLD CUP!!!!!

http://australia.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2010/the-world-cup-is-here-along-with-an-assortment-of-news.html

Emerton joins Ruka on the 'need a new club' list

2010-06-10T18:55:00.001+10:00

Brett Emerton has been told by English club Blackburn Rovers that he will not be needed next season. The 31-year-old has been transfer-listed by the Ewood Park club, despite still having two years on his current contract. The news will come as a serious blow to Emerton, who is currently trying to overcome a calf injury, but will be hoping to show any potential suitors his skills over the following weeks.

Emerton will join Nikita Rukavytsya as Socceroos looking for new clubs, after the Ukrainian-born forward was not kept-on by Dutch side FC Twente at the end of the season. Ruka, who could play a key role at the World Cup, coming off the bench looking for an impact, has told SBS he is hoping to stay in Europe, and was not thinking of a return to the A-League.

Got to feel for the lad really, but I suppose no better time to be transfer-listed than just before the Cup.

In other news, 1 sleep till the WORLD CUP!!!! GET EXCITED :)

Half Time Heroes World Cup Special

2010-06-07T21:13:00.001+10:00

Australia's best web magazine has just released its World Cup special. So have a read.

Open publication - Free publishing - More world cup

I'm in there on page 32 with a preview of Spain's World Cup hopes, and again on page 35 with a wrap of the Spanish domestic season. Let me know what you think!

Scoring goals with Golgol

2010-06-03T21:06:00.000+10:00

When Golgol Mebrahtu stepped out onto the pitch at Members Equity Stadium in Perth it marked the end of a remarkable journey that had taken him from Eritrea to Australia and finally to an A-League contract with Gold Coast United. But his debut was just the first step on his journey to hopefully represent Australia at the 2012 Olympics.

Mebrahtu’s fairytale football story started when he was spotted by Gold Coast manager Miron Bleiberg while playing football on a Brisbane pitch. Impressed by what he saw, Bleiberg suggested Mebrahtu attend trials, and a few months later he signed for Gold Coast.

Stepping up from the Brisbane Strikers to an A-League team was a huge step, and Golgol was initially nervous, but he soon settled in. Recalling the transition, Mebrahtu says, “I knew it would be a big step and I was nervous when I saw the likes of Michael Thwaite and Shane Smeltz at training, but after a couple of weeks I got used to it and really settled in well.”

Mebrahtu had started playing football while still living in Africa, but didn’t have much time to play. “There was little in the way of organized football for us kids to play and my family were very focused on education, so most of our time was spent learning more academic things. Occasionally a bunch of kids from the neighbourhood would gather together for a kick-about, but that was about it.”

But a move to Australia when he was ten changed this, and shortly after he was turning out at under eleven level for Brisbane Olympic. Not long after this he was kicking the ball around regularly and playing whenever he could.

“I started just kicking a ball around and watching football when I could. I played under 11s at Brisbane Olympic and just loved it. When I entered high school I was lucky enough to get some private football training and after that I seemed to develop rapidly and my passion grew at the same rate. That’s when I decided that I wanted to become a pro if I got the chance.”

The move to Australia came as his Christian family fled religious persecution in predominantly Muslim Sudan. While he initially had some issues adapting, he is now well settled in Australia.

“I was still very young then, but of course you do notice some of the cultural differences and naturally the language was an issue initially. I now have an Aussie accent though because all my friends were Australian when I was growing up. Coming here so young helped a lot and adapting to life in Australia was never a problem for me or my family.”

Although Mebrahtu does still miss Eritrea (his country of birth) and Sudan (where he grew up), he is certainly loving life in Australia. “I do a little, yeah. Mainly for family reasons, but having said that I love it here. Hopefully, sometime in the not too distant future I will be able to go back for a visit.”

While he was born in Eritrea, Mebrahtu holds Australian citizenship, and will be hoping to represent Australia at international level. “Australia has presented my family with a great opportunity to enjoy life here and nothing would make me prouder to represent Australia.”

Unfortunately for Mebrahtu, his debut A-League season was marred by injury. “It was difficult for me personally because of the injuries I had and that was a new experience. I had a really good pre-season but after that I struggled for consistency because I had these niggling injuries all the time. There were still lots of positives though because I ended up playing in six first team games and really enjoyed the season despite some of the setbacks.”

He will however always remember his debut game, a two-all draw with Perth Glory. “I recall we were losing 2-1 at the time and I was a little nervous because the game was very tight.”

“There was a lot of intensity because we were pushing for the equaliser, so when Shane (Smeltz) knocked in that late goal we were all delighted – it was a great experience; a bit surreal. It doesn’t matter how long I play for that is always going to be my first match, so it was a big moment for me.”

Mebrahtu also enjoyed his debut season in the National Youth League, and had an important role in the Gold Coast United team that went onto win the NYL final. “Mike Mulvey (Gold Coast’s youth coach) knew all along that we had the players to do really well and everyone improved over the season.”

“With Mike’s guidance we were confident that we could achieve something special and I don’t think anyone at the club was overly surprised that we made a success of the season. There are some very good players in our Youth Team and everyone worked hard to create the opportunity for us to succeed.”

Although being part of a relatively successful season, Mebrahtu is already planning for next season. “I want to be injury free and have a really good pre-season to set myself up for the year ahead. I want to establish myself as a Hyundai A-League player by making more appearances for the first team and just take it from there. To stay injury free and score a few goals would be nice too.”

One benefit of playing for an A-League club is the calibre of players Mebrahtu trains alongside every day. Gold Coast United’s marquee, Jason Culina, is a regular Socceroo who has played at the top level for clubs such as Ajax, FC Twente and PSV.

“Just being around a winner like Jason is amazing. He gives 100% at every training session and in every game, so it’s not hard to see why he’s been so successful. He’s going to the World Cup again this year and that pretty much says it all about Jason – he’s the ultimate professional.”

It may be more than two years away, but Mebrahtu is already dreaming of playing for the Olyroos at London 2012. “I’m going to be doing everything I can to prove that I’m good enough to make the next U23 squad that will go to the Olympic Games. Whether it comes off or not is another thing, but that’s what my immediate focus is regarding the national team.”

Finally, when asked about the players he looks up to, Mebrahtu names two of the greatest players from the last decade. “I have always been a big fan of Thierry Henry – he’s just amazing. Ronaldinho is another player I look up to and you can only dream of being as good as them. “

“I try to look at their style though because I like the way they play the game. I like to play on the ground and take people on, so those two are the ones I look at for tips, etc.” Maybe one day young strikers around the world will be looking up to Mebrahtu.

Golgol Mebrahtu’s story is one that will fill many young footballers around Australia with hope, and while he may have only just started his journey to football stardom, Mebrahtu has a few words for them. “You have to work hard and persevere. If you have belief in your ability and do the work then the opportunity will come. Football is like a lot of things – you get out of it what you’re prepared to put into it.”

Thanks to Golgol Mebrahtu for the interview and Gold Coast United media manager Neil Favager for his assistance.

This article featured in Goal Weekly several weeks ago. Goal Weekly is Australia's best weekly football newspaper and is now Australia-wide. Check it out at any good newsagent!

http://a-league.theoffside.com/team-news/scoring-goals-with-golgol.html

A more detailed wrap of Australia's 23-man World Cup squad

2010-06-03T20:23:00.001+10:00

So the squad has been announced, the shocks have occurred and it’s now down to business for the 23 remaining Socceroos. The biggest surprise was the exclusion of Rhys Williams from the squad, while the cutting of Tommy Oar, James Holland, Eugene Galekovic and Shane Lowry were all fairly self-explanatory.

Williams’ absence from the final squad has led to a war of word between Pim Verbeek and Middlesbrough manager Gordon Strachan. Verbeek has claimed that his decision to exclude Williams was based on his pelvic injury, which he claims Strachan only made worse in the final few weeks of the season. Strachan however has angrily hit back, claiming that he never put Williams under pressure to play. You can read the full war of words here and here.

But in more important news, the squad!

Goalkeepers: Adam Federici, Brad Jones, Mark Schwarzer

No surprises here. Galekovic was only ever in the squad as a back-up, and I doubt he will have had any realistic expectations of making the final squad barring any injuries. In terms of the pecking order, Schwarzer is obviously the undisputed number one. Federici and Jones will then fight it out for the spot on the bench, and I would think that Fed will win, due to his good season at club-level this year.

Defenders: Michael Beauchamp, David Carney, Scott Chipperfield, Mark Milligan, Craig Moore, Lucas Neill, Luke Wilkshire

Defence is the area that came under most scrutiny from Pim’s knife, with three defenders (Lowry, Williams and North) all missing out on the final 23. While I feel that the decision to cut Williams is harsh, if Verbeek’s claims of medical issues are true, the decision is probably justified. Sadly, Craig Moore and Lucas Neill will probably be starting together, with Wilkshire on the right and either Chipperfield or Carney on the left. While we will miss the versatility of Williams, Beauchamp and Milligan will hopefully hold us in good stead.

Midfielders: Mark Bresciano, Tim Cahill, Jason Culina, Brett Emerton, Richard Garcia, Vincenzo Grella, Brett Holman, Mile Jedinak, Carl Valeri, Dario Vidosic

In the midfield, Verbeek has gone for a mix of attacking flair and defensive skill that will fit well into his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. No major surprises are found in the midfield, with Grella and Culina most likely to be the holding two, while Jedinak and Valeri (dinho) will be their replacements.

Further up the park, Emerton and Garcia and Holman offer hard-working options, while Cahill and Bresciano (and Kewell, who has been classed by many as a forward) offer more attacking spark. Vidosic is a slight surprise, but has appeared solid so-far and can play as an attacking-midfielder or up front, giving Verbeek slightly more attacking strength (if he chooses to use it...).

Forwards: Joshua Kennedy, Harry Kewell, Nikita Rukavytsya

And finally up-front for the Socceroos we have Josh ‘Jesus’ Kennedy (he really needs to play a game with Danny Invincible, imagine having Jesus and Mr Invincible on the same team!) While Kennedy will probably be the main man in South Africa, it would be remiss of me to ignore Rukavytsya, who may play a hugely important role coming off the bench to make an impact if we’re struggling for a goal.

Finally, Harry Kewell will play a pivotal role for the Socceroos, most likely on the wing or as a supporting striker up-front. Although currently struggling with injury, Kewell, along with Cahill, Neill and Schwarzer will most likely be the deciding factors in Australia’s success, or failure, at South Africa 2010.

In other Socceroos news, I believe Nikita Rukavytsya has had his contract at FC Twente terminated. While much Dutch isn’t great, I believe that is what this says. It is confirmed by Tribal Football, although I’m not sure if you can really say that anything on Tribal Football is confirmed... While I’m sure Ruka will be disappointed by the news, he now has the World Cup to prove himself to potential suitors and hopefully get a new contract at a good-sized club where he will actually start playing regularly.

So what do you think of the squad? Let us know!

In other news, I today conducted an interview with Nathan Coe which will hopefully feature in either Soccer International or Goal Weekly sometime soon. So look out for that, and if you have not already, make sure you pick up this month’s Soccer International and let me know what you think of my feature article on Young Socceroo Ryan McGowan (more info here).

http://australia.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2010/a-more-detailed-wrap-of-australias-23-man-world-cup-squad.html

The squad is announced...finally.

2010-06-02T22:22:00.001+10:00

After a long wait, Pim Verbeek has finally announced his squad of 23 for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. While the team list had to be in at 8am this morning (Australian Eastern Time), Pim kept the list under wraps so he could confer with players and the medical team. But finally, Verbeek has announced that (as expected) James Holland, Tommy Oar and Eugene Galekovic will all miss out. Less expected however is the news that Rhys Williams and Shane Lowry will also miss the cut.

The decision allows both Dario Vidosic and Richard Garcia the opportunity to remain in the squad. It will however leave the Socceroos light at the back, with Jade North already cut from the squad.

The squad is:
Goalkeepers: Adam Federici, Brad Jones, Mark Schwarzer

Defenders: Michael Beauchamp, David Carney, Scott Chipperfield, Mark Milligan, Craig Moore, Lucas Neill, Luke Wilkshire

Midfielders: Mark Bresciano, Tim Cahill, Jason Culina, Brett Emerton, Richard Garcia, Vincenzo Grella, Brett Holman, Mile Jedinak, Carl Valeri, Dario Vidosic

Forwards: Joshua Kennedy, Harry Kewell, Nikita Rukavytsya

More to follow.

So what do you think? Right move by Pim, or is he an idiot?

Macca gets the axe as the Socceroos edge past New Zealand

2010-05-25T21:49:00.000+10:00

Today's big story is the somewhat surprising news that Scott McDonald has been cut from the Australian World Cup squad. Although the move was expected in some quarters, given his inability to fit Pim's system, others (such as myself) thought that the need for a plan-B would secure him a spot. However it was not to be, and McDonald has been cut along with Nicky Carle and Jade North.

In other Socceroo news, a beautiful pass from Carl Valeridinho created the winner against the All-Whites in a poor encounter, with Brett Holman securing the win in the dying seconds.

I'm afraid I do not have time to write a more comprehensive wrap (history seminar needs finishing), but you can find more news on the squad cuts here and on the Kiwi game here. Watch out for a Socceroos wrap sometime this weekend!

http://australia.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2010/macca-gets-the-axe-as-the-socceroos-edge-past-new-zealand.html

Semi-exclusive interview with Young Socceroo and Bolton midfielder Aaron Mooy

2010-05-23T18:01:00.001+10:00

Let's hear it for the Mooy
By Kieran Pender

While playing for the Bolton Wanderers Reserve side, Aaron Mooy may not get the plaudits he deserves. Many Australians wouldn’t know his name, he doesn’t get to play every week in televised games, and he has to take on other reserves teams on freezing Monday nights. But Mooy is one of the future Socceroos developing his game in a top European League, honing his game in an effort to eventually play for the Bolton first team, and hopefully one day for the Socceroos in a World Cup.

Mooy joined Bolton Wanderers ahead of the 2007/08 season from Westfield Sports High School, a school which also produced ex-Bolton, current Adelaide United defender, Scott Jamieson. As Mooy puts his story, “I was spotted playing in Australia by a Bolton Scout and was asked to come on trial, and from there I signed.”

Bolton Academy boss Peter Farrell last year told the media that "He came over here when he was 14 years of age after being spotted in Australia. He got his education here at Bolton School, but he is a tremendous footballer.”

He continued to heap praise on Mooy, saying that while "...He still needs to work on his game, like the times when he hasn't got the ball, ability-wise, he oozes class. It doesn't surprise me that he has been selected for his country."

This selection for Australia has come both in the form of Youth team selection, and more recently a senior squad call up. Mooy was selected for the Young Socceroo World Cup squad, and despite a strong build up, the team failed to excite at the FIFA U20 World Cup, losing all three games.

While Mooy was disappointed with the result, he still felt there were positives. “I was disappointed (not to progress) as I thought we had a good enough squad to go past the group stage, but we just didn’t perform at our best and it cost us. However it was good to see that we were trying to play the right way, keeping the ball on the ground and moving it around, so that was a positive.”

Mooy was unexpectedly called up to the Socceroos squad for a friendly against Ireland last August, and although he didn’t make the match day team, he still thoroughly enjoyed the experience. “I was over the moon when I found out (I’d been called up). It was something I didn’t expect and it was a great experience.”

He was also the star of the prestigious Terborg Toernooi youth tournament in early 2009, earning player of the tournament award, in a tournament featuring youth sides from Ajax, Liverpool, Valencia. Young Socceroos Head Coach Jan Versleijen was full of praises for Mooy after the tournament, telling the press that “To have Aaron Mooy named as player of the tournament is a great achievement for Aaron in a very famous and high standard tournament.”

Unsurprisingly, Mooy enjoyed the tournament, in which the Young Socceroos finished third. “It was a great experience playing at the Terborg tournament as there were so many good teams and players involved in the tournament.”

Mooy has also been in good form for the Bolton Reserves, and starred for the side in their victory against Manchester United Reserves in the Manchester Senior Cup. He hit back for Bolton after United’s Paul Pogba had opened the scoring, and Mooy also proceeded to score the winning penalty in the penalty shootout.

Scoring twice against such a highly regarded youth side was a great achievement, and Mooy was pleased with the game. “It was a great win that day and the team played really well, so overall I was very happy.”

Mooy has featured prominently for the reserves team this season, and will be hoping to soon make the step up to the senior squad, or move out on loan. While Mooy believes a move on loan to a lower division side would be beneficial, he is wary of moving to early. “It would be a great experience to go on loan, but I’ve just got to concentrate on playing for Bolton at the moment.”

While moving to a foreign country at such an early age must have been hard, Mooy has found it easier to adapt because of the other young Australians currently playing in England. “Dean Bouzanis (Liverpool youth keeper, currently on loan at Accrington Stanley) and I hang out every week, I’m always in Liverpool with him! It’s great that he’s not too far away, as we’ve been hanging out since we were young.”

Mooy is hopeful of his chance to play in the Bolton first team soon, but he definitely isn’t getting ahead of himself. “All I have to do is keep trying to play my best, keep my head down, and keep trying to improve my game!”

Many thanks to Aaron Mooy for agreeing to an interview.

This article featured in Goal Weekly, Australia's best weekly football newspaper. Check it out at your local newsagent.

http://australia.worldcupblog.org/socceroos-abroad/semi-exclusive-interview-with-young-socceroo-and-bolton-midfielder-aaron-mooy.html

A reason to buy this month's Soccer International Magazine

2010-05-23T17:38:00.001+10:00

I'm in it!

That's right, my first every feature article to be published in a magazine is now out! Check out my article/interview on/with Ryan McGowan in this month's Soccer International!

And if you do decide to give it a look, let me know what you think!

A-League fixtures announced and an odd assortment of news

2010-05-18T16:27:00.001+10:00

The A-League fixtures for the 2010/11 season have been announced, and the first week of football will see a grand final rematch as Melbourne Victory travel to the Sydney Football Stadium. New team Melbourne Heart will kick off the season at AAMI Park on Thursday the 5th of August, while Wellington have the first bye. Every week one team will have a bye, and Central Coast have back-to-back byes in rounds 10 and 11. The season will end with the F3 derby, and this match will hopefully not have the same hype as this season's ending Sydney v Melbourne game, therefore not overshadowing the final series.

A full fixture list can be found here.

Random News Assortment:

Kasey Wehrman is back (442)

Fury appoint assistant (Fox Sports)

Beauchamp signs for the Heart (442)

Langerak off to Germany (Fox Sports)

Carle to Sydney? (442)

http://a-league.theoffside.com/team-news/a-league-fixtures-announced-and-an-odd-assortment-of-news.html

Pim names squad...of 31

2010-05-11T16:38:00.001+10:00

Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek has today announced his provisional World cup squad for South Africa 2010. Verbeek announced a squad of 31 instead of the usual 30, with Eugene Galekovic joining the squad in-case of injury to Mark Schwarzer, Brad Jones or Adam Federici.

The full squad is:

Michael Beachamp, Marco Bresciano, Tim Cahill, Nick Carle, David Carney, Scott Chipperfield, Jason Culina, Brett Emerton, Adam Federici, Eugene Galekovic, Richard Garcia, Vincenzo Grella, James Holland, Brett Holman, Mile Jedinak, Brad Jones, Joshua Kennedy, Harry Kewell, Shane Lowry, Scott McDonald, Mark Milligan, Craig Moore, Lucas Neill, Jade North, Thomas Oar, Nikita Rukavytsya, Mark Schwarzer, Carl Valeri, Dario Vidosic, Luke Wilkshire, Rhys Williams

A selection of interesting pieces on the squad:

Con Stamocostas, editor of Half Time Heroes, runs the rule over the squad (A Football Story)

Pim: GloryRoos had to miss out (442)

More Pim: Why I picked the players I did (442)

Pim Quote of the Day:

"David was one of the players who was champion with FC Twente this year. I saw the celebration and I promise you David was part of the celebration. Aussies like celebrations and parties and he did very well in his team." (On David Carney's selection. WHAT? I'm not criticising the selection, Carney is a good player. But WHAT? He likes partying...great.)

A more detailed review of the squad will follow in the coming days.

So what do you think? Who will get cut from the squad and will moving to Norway and being a bench warmer help my bid for World Cup selection? Let us know!

http://australia.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2010/pim-names-squad-of-31.html

Preview - Valencia CF v Xerez CD

2010-05-04T21:04:00.002+10:00

Valencia CF
A poor game against Espanyol from a tired David Villa may see Nikola Žigić start ahead of the Spanish striker, as the Serbian was in cracking form with two goals against the Catalans. Elsewhere in the squad Chori Domínguez may be back from a club imposed suspension, but it is unlikely Emery would start the Argentinean after last week’s ‘disagreement’ with trainer Pako Aiestaran.

Another interesting battle for a spot in the starting lineup is out on the left wing. Juan Mata, Vicente Rodríguez (pictured), and Jordi Alba are all fit and ready to play. The chances of Alba starting in midfield are slim, as it seems very likely he will remain the team's emergency left back for the remainder of the season.

Vicente has been back from injury for about the past two months, and is only getting better with each match. His accurate crossing and willingness to take on defenders has really changed the way that the ball is delivered in from the left side of the midfield. Mata has been struggling recently, and with the World Cup just around the corner (and the fact that he has probably played the most minutes out of any player over the last two seasons), Unai Emery seems content with letting Vicente start at the moment.

Valencia are currently sitting in third place with 65 points, six ahead of fourth placed Mallorca. With three games remaining, they need only one point to all but secure a Champions League spot, while four points will guarantee them third spot. Los Che will be looking to find three of those points on Tuesday night at the Mestalla.

Valencia CF squad:

To Be Announced.

Xerez CD
Xerez secured an important win with a 95th minute goal against Almería on Saturday, but still find themselves rock-bottom in 20th place. Six points in the remaining three games would give the Azulinos a chance of survival, but realistically they need nine points if they are to have anything more than a slight chance of staying in the top flight. With fixtures against Real Zaragoza and Osasuna after playing at the Mestalla, a win is vital for Xerez as they look to close out the season strong.

Valencia’s young keeper Renan Brito could be key for the visitors, and has played well for the relegation threatened team all season. Although Xerez have the second worst defensive record in the league, it would be a lot worse if it wasn’t for the Brazilian.

Mario Bermejo (pictured) will also be important, and will be looking to continue his run of form after scoring against both Almería and Barcelona. The experienced striker has netted 12 times this season for the Andalucían side, and is currently the 10th highest La Liga goal-scorer for the 2009/10 season.

A worrying trend for Xerez, however, is their lack of discipline. They have been down to 10 men in both of their last two games. If they fall foul of the referee at the Mestalla, they will most likely be enjoying second division football next season.

Xerez CD squad:

Goalkeepers: Renan Brito, Chema

Defense: David Prieto, Juan Redondo, Jesús Mendoza, Aythami, Leandro Gioda, José Manuel Casado

Midfield: Álex Bergantiños, Victor Sánchez, Abel Gómez, Vicente Moreno,

Strikers: Antoñito, Mario Berjemo, Emiliano Armenteros, Matías Alustiza, Míchel, Fabián Orellana

http://loco4losche.com/blogweb/index.php?/archives/26-Preview-Valencia-CF-v-Xerez-CD.html

Preview - Valencia CF v Deportivo La Coruña

2010-04-24T15:36:00.002+10:00

Little piece I did for Loco For Los Che

Valencia CF

Although Deportivo La Coruña’s trip to the Mestalla may not have the significance it would have had earlier in the season, both teams still desperately need the points and neither will be playing easy on Saturday night.

Valencia looked to be moving well clear of the chasing pack only a few weeks ago, but losses to Real Madrid and Mallorca has seen Los Che drop to only four points clear of Mallorca, and five of Sevilla. A loss to Deportivo and wins for Mallorca and Sevilla could potentially put Valencia’s Champions League aspirations under severe threat.

In other competitions, Los Che were recently eliminated by Atlético Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Europa League, after a 2-2 draw at the Mestalla, followed by a 0-0 draw in Madrid. While controversy was rife in the second-leg, ultimately Valencia should have played better in both.

With Villa and Silva both in good form, Deportivo will have to be weary at the back. What more can be said about Valencia’s sublime attacking threat? In full flight, the dynamic attack of Villa, Silva, Mata and Pablo/Joaquin, is the best attack in the world, capable of putting any team to the sword.

Valencia CF squad:

To Be Announced

Deportivo La Coruña

Deportivo had a solid start to the season and were looking to push on and secure the final Champions League position, but a poor run of results has seen them slip out of the Europa League places. Currently sitting in 9th place, Super Depor need a run of results to get back into contention for European football, and will be looking to start that run with a win against Valencia.

Andrés Guardado (pictured) has been key for Deportivo this season, and had a great game against Valencia back in December, but unfortunately for Depor he will miss the game with a muscular injury. Guardado is not the only injury facing Deportivo, as they will head to the Mestalla without eight players. In the midst of the injury crisis, reliable midfielders Sergio González and Juan Carlos Valerón could be crucial, as Depor look to break up Valencia’s attacking options. Up front, seasoned striker Riki could be as crucial, as he and Adrián López look to create chances without the help of Guardado.

While Deportivo may not have had the season they had hoped for, Valencia fans should not underestimate the team that has already drawn with Los Che twice and in the Copa del Rey this season. Back in December the two sides ground out a 0-0 stalemate at the Estadio Riazor, and Deportivo improved on this with a 2-1 victory in the Copa del Rey, followed by a 2-2 draw in the second leg.

Deportivo La Coruña squad:

Goalkeepers: Daniel Aranzubía, Manu

Defense: Laure, Manuel Pablo, Piscu, Zé Castro, Raúl, Rochela

Midfield: Antonio Tomás, Iván Pérez, Juan Rodríguez, Juan Carlos Valerón, Pablo Álvarez, Sergio González

Strikers: Mista, Adrián López, Lassad Nouioui, Riki

Head of A-League quits

2010-04-10T09:48:00.001+10:00

Archie Fraser, the head of the A-League, has resigned after just thirteen months in the job. He will however stay on at the FFA, in a new role trying to ensure a future for the three Queensland A-League club.

It is believed Fraser will now take up the reigns as acting chief executive at North Queensland, as well as being a consultant for the FFA on all three Queensland clubs. Talking to the media, FFA CEO Ben Buckley said:

“I want to thank Archie for his outstanding contribution in the role of Head of Hyundai A-League since joining us last February. It has been both a very challenging and very successful year for the A-League with the expansion to a ten team competition, and whilst presenting some challenges, it underpinned a growth of over 300,000 in additional spectators."

Buckley also confirmed that the FFA will now begin the process of finding a new A-League head.

So what do you think of Buckley? Was his year and a bit in charge successful or are the failures at North Queensland and Gold Coast partly his fault? Let us know!

Roar trio sign for Utrecht

2010-04-03T09:36:00.002+11:00

The Brisbane Roar have lost three of their most promising youngsters with Tommy Oar, Micheal Zullo and Adam Sarota all signing for Dutch side FC Utrecht. Oar, 18, Zullo, 21 and Sarota, also 21, have all been trialling for Utrecht for the last few weeks, and finally signed this week.

Oar has signed for the Dutch club for five years, while the other two have both signed three year contracts. The loss of three promising youngsters will be a massive blow to the Brisbane club, and Roar chief executive Peter McLennan expressed his mixed views to the media:

"You can't help but be disappointed to lose three young players who have the undoubted potential of Tommy, Michael and Adam. However, for the Brisbane Roar this is tempered by the knowledge we have provided each of them with the platform to potentially become the next generation of Socceroos. Our aim as a club has always been to identify exciting young talent, provide them with an environment to develop and the opportunity to prove themselves in the Hyundai A-League. The unfortunate downside of this is when these players display the talent we've identified it becomes very difficult to hold onto them."

The signings will however provide the Roar with some funds (the deal is rumoured to be around 1.8 million dollars), and salary cap room, with which manager Ange Postecoglou can rebuild the squad. Whether he has the ability to rebuild a squad shattered by the loss of firstly Craig Moore, and now the young trio, is another question though.

Half Time Heroes March/General Update

2010-03-29T19:52:00.003+11:00

Hey everyone, sorry for the lack of posts recently. Have been really busy with school. But, holidays in two weeks time! In football related news, I am going down to Melbourne in the first week of the holidays to do work experience at Soccer International magazine, which should be a blast :).

In other news, I've started getting articles published in weekly Australian football magazine Goal Weekly. So you should definitely check it out. A list of the newsagents it is available from is here.

I'm also currently writing an article on Gold Coast United striker Golgol Mebrahtu, after I conducted an interview with him last week (well, via the GCU press officer), and finally two weeks ago I interviewed U20 Socceroo Ryan McGowan, who is currently on loan from Hearts at Ayr United. Ohh and I have an article on Aaron Mooy (Young Socceroo, currently at Bolton) that should be in Goal Weekly this week or next. Until then, enjoy this months HTH, and check out my article on Spanish progress in Europe.

Bling FC v The Sprightly Upstarts: Preliminary Final preview

2010-03-13T15:12:00.000+11:00

Sydney FC v Wellington Phoenix, Preliminary Final, Sydney Football Stadium, Saturday March 13, 8pm (EDT)

After a disappointing loss to Melbourne on aggregate, the Sky Blues will be looking to bounce back against the high flying Phoenix. Wellington had a great last month, and have been flying high with the massive support of their supporters. But after two home games they may struggle to be playing in-front of a (hopefully) hostile crowd. Sydney however will be focused on bouncing back from last weekend's defeat, and while there is speculation Shannon Cole could still be out, they will otherwise have a strong team.

My Tip: As much as I'd like to tip Wellington to continue on their amazing run, I think it will be a bridge too far for the Phoenix. Sydney will probably bounce back stronger after their aggregate loss to Melbourne, and take down Wellington on their road for a Melbourne rematch. Sydney 2-1

Some words from Luka:

The biggest mistake Sydney FC has made over the course of it's short history (a noteworthy achievement) was strenuously denouncing their marvelous "Bling FC" moniker:

"When people think of Sydney FC, we don't want them to think of Bling FC but as a team associated with quality, aspiration and as a club that represents everybody, whether you're talking about the bloke in the local pub or the senior business person," Former (or current, I've lost track really) chief executive Stefan Kamasz said last year.

However, this nickname was at least a fan/media observation and view of the club that occurred naturally. It was not marketed, Sydney's "posh-ness" was not fabricated by some suits up in Moore Park or Frank Lowie's office in Martin Place. This epithet was an antithesis to what the A-League still is - gimmicky, plastic, lacking characters and, most importantly of all, lacking real club identities. Look at Kamasz' words - who is he, or club management, to forge or remove a club's nickname? I loved to be associated with "Bling FC", rather than "Rags FC", the soon-to-be nickname given to our poorer cousins Sydney Rovers (think of the Clippers to the Lakers, the Mets to the Yankees, the Citehs to the Uniteds before the Arab Invasion). Of course, all that talk has led to nothing.

Sydney FC are still the same team as they were 5 years ago, for better or worse, and let's keep it that way, eh? No need to appeal to the paupers. We're not in Penrith. At least Harry Ngata still agrees with me. It's what has given us consistent success over the years (Uncle Lowy's generous helping hand aside).

The same cannot be said about Wellington, who chose the right nickname in the Phoenix - think the Phoenix which rose from the ashes of that shockingly bad Auckland team - to describe their meteoric rise to prominence. The 'Nux ("Nix" in a lovely NZ accent) stand one match away from the A-League grand final, and by God do they deserve it. They couldn't have ridden the crest of their wave of good form better had they been the love-child of Layne Beachley and Kelly Slater. They have John McKain back at CB, while Paul Ifil will play with a slight injury but would probably be willing to play missing a limb or two. Their gameplan borders mostly on a simple application of physics - hoping that their momentum trumps Sydney's inertia. Though, no level of inertia is a match for Pep Guardiola's masterpiece of motivation:

which Vitezslav Lavicka will no doubt have given to each of his players as homework to study, to learn, to love and to ignite the burning desires within.

My tip: Trying...to...remain...unbiased...Sydney to win 1-0. Aloisi.

http://a-league.theoffside.com/team-news/bling-fc-v-the-sprightly-upstarts-preliminary-final-preview.html

Semi final preview

2010-03-07T08:26:00.002+11:00

Four games to go. Two semi finals, a preliminary final and a grand final. So here's a preview of two of those games, the minor semi-final and the second leg of the major semi final.

Wellington Phoenix v Newcastle Jets, Minor semi-final, Westpac Stadium, Sunday, 2.00pm (both times EDT)

Luka: Mark Jones, Branko's right-hand mand man with the Jets, foreshadows (indirectly) an opening onslaught by the Phoenix: "It is important that we keep that shape especially for the first 30 minutes. It is important that we don't break down in the first 30 minutes and basically making sure in a nutshell that we have a system of play that we follow." In other words, defend and hope for the best in what is going to be a white-hot atmosphere at the sold out Cake Tin stadium (fitting name really) in Wellington. Tickets for the game were snapped up like hotcakes (ok I'll stop) in what are exciting times for football in New Zealand.

Kieran: Wellington have been building over the past few weeks, and although they had to go to penalties against Perth, they're still on hot form. Newcastle were very against Gold Coast, and will once again probably struggle up front (unless Kaz Patafta puts on a masterclass...). With a capacity crowd behind them I can't see anything other than a Phoenix victory. Wellington 2-1

Marcus: I can't see Newcastle winning this game. With a sold out Westpac Stadium and form on there side Wellington should do it relatively easily. On the team sheet Newcastle get Ben Kantarovski back and Wellington lose McKain through suspension, but I can't see it making a difference. Newcastle have been struggling especially without Michael Bridges up front, they were lucky to beat GCU last week as they rarely threatened for large periods during the match. Wellington 3-0

Luka: Despite my predictions always being totally and utterly wrong, I'll perspire regardless. Newcastle are an organised side at the best of times. Furthermore, Wellington aren't exactly the most water-tight team in the A-League. If the inevitable opening onslaught by the Phoenix is initially unsuccessful, with the backdrop of a boisterous crowd demanding nothing but ~~blood~~ victory, Newcastle may just snatch this on the counter. But then again they might not. 2-0 to the Phoenix.

Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory, Major semi-final, second leg, SFS, Sunday, 5.00pm

Kieran: Melbourne might have Archie and Kruse back, but even so both will be lacking match fitness. Sydney will struggle without Corica, but the Brosque and Bridge should still be able to add a few to the score sheet. It'll be a tight game, but at the end of the day it's Sydney for me. Sydney 2-0, Sydney go through 3-2 on aggregate

Marcus: It will be a tough game for both teams. Mark Bridge will return for the Sky Blues while Shannon Cole is doubtful. Melbourne lose Nik Mrjda through suspension, but gain Archie, Robbie Kruse and Mate Dugandzic to turn a toothless forward line into one that will only need half a chance to score.

I think Sydney will be pushing high up the pitch for the goal they need to win, but it will leave them open on the counter, allowing Melbourne to play there favourite style of game play as Archie and Kruse will look to expose the defence with there pace. A Sydney will continue to struggle with captain Corica and will find it hard to breach the Melbourne defence. Draw 1-1, Melbourne 3-2 on aggregate

Luka: Sydney to win 2-1 in normal time, with a dull and tired 30 minutes of extra time followed by a dramatic penalty shootout with Melbourne probably winning on penalties. Check out my full preview of this game here.

Enjoy the games!

http://a-league.theoffside.com/team-news/semi-final-preview.html

News round

2010-02-26T17:35:00.000+11:00

Lots of news is flying around in the A-League world, so here is a quick wrap and lots of links.

Sydney's move for Carle unlikely
Sydney FC's bid to replace retired Steve Corica with Nicky Carle looks to have failed. The World Game reports that the Sky Blues were very interested in Carle but believe Crystal Palace valuation is to high.

Worm in the Heart
Melbourne Heart have signed Dutch winger Rutger Worm from NEC Nijmegen. Worm will join the likes of Matt Thompson, Clint Bolton, Kristian Sarkies and Jason Hoffman ahead of the club's A League debut season.

Viduka has decided!
Mark Viduka has decided on which Melbourne club to join, the Melbourne Knights. The club today announced that Viduka will be their number one season ticket holder this season. The news does seem to suggest that the V-Bomber has given up on any future playing career.

Interesting news and opinion:

Asians head home for World Cup while Australians look to leave (Goal)

GCU sack Okon (Fox Sports)

Heart sign teen star Ibrahim (TWG)

Culina move still a mystery (Fox Sports)

Roar bring Paartalu back home (Soccernet)

Milligan: Asia is good for me (TWG)

Allsopp: Roo dream no more (442)

http://a-league.theoffside.com/team-news/news-round.html

Trans-Tasman rivalry set to reignite

2010-02-22T15:17:00.001+11:00

The Australia v New Zealand rivalry is set to heat up after the announcement of a farewell game before the World Cup against the All Whites.

The game, which is expected to be played by the full strength Socceroo squad, will take place on May 24th at the MCG.

FFA CEO Ben Buckley told the media that:

“This is a great opportunity for Australian sports fans to fill the stadium with green and gold to send the team off to the FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa in grand style. A wonderful tradition started in 2006 when a huge crowd saw a fantastic game of football and showed to the Qantas Socceroos that they had the whole country behind them before they left to take on the world in Germany.

The anticipation around the 2010 is building rapidly and the fact that New Zealand has qualified for the FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa adds to the excitement.”

(FFA)

Australia played Greece in their farewell game before the 2006 World Cup, in a game attended by 90,000 fans. So lets hope we can get that many for this game!

Finals series week one preview

2010-02-20T21:45:00.001+11:00

Well the final series is here! (Well, it already started, but I was in Sydney and away from internet when that happened.) But here is a preview of the two big games this weekend.

Gold Coast United v Newcastle Jets, First semi-final, Saturday, 8pm (All time EDT)
The Newcastle Jets, once serious contenders, have slipped away and only have 3 wins in their last nine games. Gold Coast have also slipped up recently, with two straight loses, but have otherwise been in good form. Despite the consecutive losses the Gold Coast are still favourites, and at home will be expecting to advance to the next round. That said, the Culina v Culina battle is a fairytale to be written, the much maligned coach beating his son's glory team. My brain is telling me to tip Gold Coast, but I really think the Jets could turn this into an upset. I hope... Jets 2-1

Wellington Phoenix v Perth Glory, Second semi-final, Sunday, 3pm
Wellington are on a sensational run, having only lost twice in their last nine games. The Glory have also been solid, but will need to really lift against a flying Phoenix side. The location of the game, Wellington, will make it difficult for a Perth side that is rather dodgy on the road, and I really can't see this being anything other than a Phoenix win. Wellington 1-0

Well enjoy the finals footie folks!

Asian Cup squad announced for vital game against Indo

2010-02-20T09:42:00.001+11:00

Pim Verbeek has named a predominately Australian based squad for the last Asian Cup qualifier, against Indonesia in March. The extended twenty five man squad included only four overseas Aussies, of which only one (Luke Wilkshire) is currently playing in Europe. While the game is on a FIFA sanctioned date, it is a date set for friendlies, and as such any Euroos would only have a few days to get to Australia and then back.

Australia could possibly qualify with a loss against Indonesia, but would need Kuwait to defeat Oman. As such I think Verbeek will be setting out to win (especially as the game is in Brisbane).

The inclusion of Tommy Oar, Ben Kantarovskim Matthew Leckie and Luke De Vere is a good sign, with all four youngsters looking very promising. However whether or not they will actually take part in the fixture is still unknown.

The complete squad is:

Clint Bolton, Alex Brosque, Shannon Cole, Simon Colosimo, Jason Culina, Luke Devere, Andrew Durante, Eugene Galekovic, Scott Jamieson, Ben Kantarovski, Josh Kennedy, Mathew Leckie, Michael Marrone, Daniel McBreen, Jon Mckain, Matt Mckay, Mark Milligan, Stuart Musialik, Jade North, Tommy Oar, Matt Thompson, Danny Vukovic, David Williams, Luke Wilkshire, Michael Zullo.

Late goal keeps Sydney in it on shocking pitch

2010-02-19T20:46:00.000+11:00

A John Aloisi goal saw Sydney FC remain in grand final contention after a 2-1 loss to Melbourne Victory in the first leg of their major semi-final. A night of controversy saw Victory/Mariner's striker Nik Mrdja sent off for elbowing Shannon Cole and Sydney midfielder Brendan Gan not sent off for a shocking tackle on Kevin Muscat.

A poor crowd (18,453) and a shocking pitch (due to rock group AC/DC's recent concerts at Etihad Stadium) didn't do justice to the game, but Aloisi's away goal will see the two teams heading back to Sydney with everything to play for.

Mrdja opening the scoring for the home side with a goal in the 16th minute, before winner of the Johnny Warren medal, Carlos Hernandez, doubled Melbourne's lead. Aloisi then pegged one back, via a Muscat deflection, and the sides went into half time at 2-1.

It was an eventful second half, with Mrdja's sending off and some poor tackles, but neither side could find the net and the game ended with Sydney still one behind.

While Sydney will go into the return leg needing a win, they will be helped by Melbourne's striker crisis. The sending off of Mrdja (and the resulting suspension), combined with the lack of Archie Thompson and Robbie Kruse (both already injured) will see them travel up with a very depleted front line.

http://a-league.theoffside.com/team-news/late-goal-keeps-sydney-in-it-on-shocking-pitch.html

Half Time Heroes February

2010-02-19T15:40:00.003+11:00

Make sure you check out my Spanish wrap!

Round 27 Preview

2010-02-12T19:42:00.000+11:00

It's here! The final round of the regular season is almost upon us, and before we look to the finals here's a preview of all the upcoming action.

Wellington Phoenix v Central Coast Mariners, Friday, 5:30pm (All times EDT)
Wellington have looked solid over the last few weeks, and despite a win last week in the F3 derby, I can't see Central Coast getting anything here. Wellington will be eager to secure 4th place, and with a home advantage I'd expect nothing less. Wellington 3-0

Newcastle Jets v Adelaide United, Friday, 8pm
Newcastle lost hopes of a top 4 finish in their derby loss, but have already assured finals football. With this in mind, and the fact that a 6th place finish is probably better than 5th, it is highly likely Branko Culina could rest some players in the last game of the regular season. Adelaide have picked up over the last few weeks and will be looking to finish on a high note going into the ACL. With that in mine I think an upset could be on the cards. Adelaide 2-0

Perth Glory v Brisbane Roar, Saturday, 7pm
Brisbane have nothing to play for in this encounter over in Perth, while Perth could still lift themselves to 4th (depending on the Wellington result) with a win. The Glory have been very inconsistent over the season, but at home they should have too much for the Roar. Perth 2-1

North Queensland Fury v Gold Coast United, Saturday, 9pm
The Gold Coast need to win here to have any chance of sneaking into the top 2. The Fury however have no hope of finals football, but will still want to ensure they don't finish with the wooden spoon. Unfortunately for the Fury however, I don't think they have enough to get past Gold Coast. Gold Coast 2-0

You might have realized that one game is missing. And if you haven't you really don't pay any attention to the A-League. That's right, the missing game is the game that will decide the minor premiership. Sydney v Melbourne! The clash of the titans! And no I'm not so crazy that I've decided to not include the biggest game of the A-League regular season in my preview. Because it's such a big game I am going to do a whole article on it. So look out for that soon!

Round 26 Preview

2010-02-06T16:35:00.001+11:00

Round 26 is here, and with the final series just around the corner, the action is hotting up!

Melbourne Victory 2 beat North Queensland Fury 0

Central Coast Mariners v Newcastle Jets, Saturday, 6pm (All times EDT)
The battle between the A-League's most inconsistent teams will see a Newcastle team needing a result travelling to a depleted Mariners side out of finals contention. The F3 derby promises to be a big one, but I can't see the Mariners breaking their ten game winless streak against a Jets team who desperately need a result to ensure finals contention. Jets 1-0

Adelaide United v Brisbane Roar, Saturday, 8pm
Adelaide have had a dreadful season, and it looks like they will be the second team in two years to enter the Asian Champions League after finishing with the wooden spoon that season. Brisbane on the other-hand need a win to keep their final hopes alive (although they do also need other results to go their way), and with Adelaide already looking towards the ACL, I think that's a likely result. Brisbane 2-1

Sydney FC v Perth Glory, Sunday, 5pm
Sydney needs a win to keep hopes of a first place finish alive, while Glory will want to hold onto fourth place so as to avoid the dreaded fifth place (the finals system is really dodgy, so finishing sixth is probably better than finishing fifth). But Perth haven't won on the road for a long time, and with Sydney looking for that top spot I think they'll have enough to secure a win. Sydney 2-0

Gold Coast United v Wellington Phoenix, Sunday, 7pm
Gold Coast are on a great run of form and against a Wellington side poor on the road, I don't expect that to change. Wellington still haven't assured themselves of finals qualification, but they would need to get thumped in their two remaining games and see Brisbane score two wins, so they should be home and dry. While a win would see them move out of reach of Brisbane, I don't think they'll have enough to take down the Gold Coast. Gold Coast 2-0

Enjoy your weekend!

Socceroo bits and pieces

2010-02-02T09:20:00.001+11:00

Since things have been a bit quiet on the Socceroo stage, I thought I'd update everyone on some of the issues effecting our Socceroos.

Socceroos captain Lucas Neill joins Galatasaray
Socceroo skipper Lucas Neill has joined Australian team-mate Harry Kewell at Turkish club Galatasaray on a one and a half year deal. He moves to Turkey after spending less then six months at Premier League side Everton. More

Heffernan to Huddersfield
Central Coast have allowed defender Dean Heffernan to join English League One side Huddersfield for the rest of the season. With the Mariners set to miss out on the finals the club felt they could allow Heffernan to leave on loan. While the move will please Pim Verbeek, as it will give him another option in defence playing regular European football, I don't think that Heffernan has a realistic chance of making the World Cup squad. More

Macca to Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough have signed Socceroo Scott McDonald from Celtic, in a move that will see him reunited with former Celtic manager Gordon Strachan. It will also see McDonald join fellow Aussies Rhys Williams and Brad Jones at the Riverside.

News in Short:

Robbie Slater weighs up selection options

Sterjovski may follow Heffernan and move overseas on loan

Finally, if you want to keep up to date with almost every Australian playing football in Europe, check out Euroos, updated daily by Perth Offside's Ben Somerford.

Round 25 Preview

2010-01-29T14:30:00.001+11:00

It's nearing finals time and the action is heating up! So be sure to check out my previews for all the action in round 25 of the Hyundai A-League.

Gold Coast United v Melbourne Victory, Friday, 8:30pm. (EDT)
Both Gold Coast and Melbourne have looked strong lately, Gold Coast in-particular haven't lost since early December. While Melbourne might have the better head to head record, it is their fourth game in two weeks, which could leave them rather tired. That said, I think Victory still have enough class to put up a fight, and as such I'm tipping a draw. Draw 2-2

Wellington Phoenix v Adelaide United, Saturday, 5pm.
No contest. Wellington will be looking to bounce back from their loss to Melbourne mid week, while Adelaide are down and out. United will be looking to bounce back in time for their ACL campaign, but without a win in 6 games, and with Wellington at home, I think this game belongs to the Phoenix. Wellington 2-0

Brisbane Roar v Sydney FC, Saturday, 7pm.
Brisbane's crisis gets worse daily, and after axing Danny Tiatto from the club, morale will be at a low. Sydney have had a bumpy few weeks, but after a win against Newcastle last week, the Sky Blues will be striving for first place. With Gold Coast and Melbourne playing each other, Sydney will be hoping a Gold Coast win, or a draw, and a win in Brisbane can see them head to the top. And frankly, I can't see anything else happening. Sydney 3-0

North Queensland Fury v Newcastle Jets, Saturday, 9pm.
After a week of off-field drama, the Fury will be looking to get back on the pitch and play some football. But will Robbie Fowler and manager Ian Ferguson be able to put their differences behind them and get a win? The Jets come to Townsville after a loss to Sydney, but they still find themselves in fourth, and will be looking to ensure they don't drop down to the bogey finals position of fifth. However, strangely enough I think this could be a draw, especially if Robbie Fowler can put his off-field week behind him. Draw 1-1

Perth Glory v Central Coast Mariners, Sunday 7pm
Central Coast is almost out of finals contention, and the loan move from Dean Heffernan to English League One side Huddersfield will not boost player confidence. The home team however have won two on the trot, and a win against the Mariners will almost assure them finals football. Central Coast will be out to prove a point, and trying desperately to reach the finals, but Perth should be too strong at home. While oddly, sixth place is probably better than fifth place in terms of finals, I doubt Perth feel confident enough of finals to want to tank this game. So it's Perth for me. Perth 2-1

Enjoy your footballing weekend!

January issue of Half Time Heroes

2010-01-22T12:59:00.001+11:00

Check out my article on Spanish football on page 24

Socceroos drop early lead to draw two all in Kuwait

2010-01-08T13:36:00.001+11:00

Early goals from Luke Wilkshire and Dean Heffernan weren’t enough to see Australia over the line against Kuwait, and the draw leaves them in a precarious position heading into the last round of Asia Cup Qualifiers.

Things started rosily for the Socceroos, with a Dean Heffernan long throw in only the third minute finding its way to Mile Jedinak, and was then headed the ball back to Russian based Wilkshire, who promptly drove the ball into the net with a rising volley. Only two minutes later Nicky Carle was fouled, and the resulting free-kick (taken by Carle) found Heffernan, and then the goal.

The game was then reduced to little more than long balls up and down the bumpy pitch, but this approach eventually saw the Kuwaitis claw one back, when in the fortieth minute Simon Colosimo failed to clear a clearance, and Hamad Enezi pounced. Only four minutes later another ball over the top saw Youssef Nasser draw Kuwait level, and the teams went into the half time break level.

The result leaves Australia in a precarious position heading into their final Asian Cup Qualifier against Indonesia (in Brisbane on the 3rd of March). The point against leaves Australia sitting second in their group on 8 points, with Kuwait sitting ahead on goal difference, and Oman one point back. As the other game in the group will be Oman v Kuwait, Australia only needs a point to ensure qualification, but even that might be a task.

While recently club-less Craig Moore might have said after the game “if we can’t get a result at home to Indonesia, we don’t deserve to be at the Asian Cup,” Indonesia did manage to hold us to a bore draw in our previous encounter, and the Socceroos will need to be on their game to see off Indonesia at Suncorp Stadium.

The draw leaves Verbeek with a difficult decision heading into the next game, does he rely on A-League players and face potential embarrassment (ala Kuwait in Canberra) or does he go for the safer route and call up his Euroos. While the Indonesia match is on a FIFA sanctioned date, as it is a date sanctioned for friendlies, European players would likely only arrive two days before the game.

I think the most likely approach Pim will take is a mix of the two, similar to the squad for the Kuwait game. That is, he will call up some of the European based players, but likely not include the star names of Cahill, Kewell and Neil in the squad.

Now personally I didn’t catch the game (am currently at the coast and have very poor internet), but for a good rundown of how the players went individually, and who have furthered their World Cup hopes, check out today’s Sydney Morning Herald.

The major controversy coming out of the game is the laser incident, with Dario Vidosic (and others) claiming that they had lasers pointed at them during the game, and pictures seem to back this up. While this is a whole issue in itself, I think it’s pretty poor to do something like that, and hopefully the AFC and Kuwaiti FA will punish those involved.

http://australia.worldcupblog.org/asian-cup/socceroos-drop-early-lead-to-draw-two-all-in-kuwait.html

Merry Xmas and Happy New Year

2010-01-04T12:51:00.002+11:00

Hey guys,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Sorry about the lack of articles, been on holidays, but currently have a few ideas that hopefully will be up soon. Currently writing an article on the success and failure of A-League expansion, which will hopefully feature on the 442 website, as well as an piece on the history of Fergie time, and lastly a look at the dark horses of the World Cup.

Archie and Oar in the Squad

2009-12-23T10:14:00.002+11:00

Archie Thompson and Tommy Oar have both been included in the Socceroos squad to face Kuwait on January the 6th. The squad is made up of 15 A League players and 8 Euroos, but surprisingly none of our Asiaroos (the likes of Josh Kennedy, Mark Milligan or the Griffiths brothers) were in the squad.

As the game isn't on a FIFA sanctioned date our big names (Tim Cahill et al) haven't been called up, but Verbeek was able to call on the likes of Luke Wilkshire, Nick Carle, Nikita Rukavytsya and Dario Vidosic.

Full squad:
Alex Brosque (Sydney FC), Jacob Burns (Perth Glory), Nick Carle (Crystal Palace FC, England), Simon Colosimo (Sydney FC), Jason Culina (Gold Coast United) Bruce Djite (Genclerbirligi SK, Turkey), Eugene Galekovic (Adelaide United FC), Scott Jamieson (Adelaide United FC), Mile Jedinak (Antalyaspor Kulubu, Turkey), Matthew Kemp (Melbourne Victory FC), Shane Lowry (Aston Villa FC, England), Matthew McKay (Brisbane Roar), Craig Moore (Brisbane Roar), Tommy Oar (Brisbane Roar), Nikita Rukavytsya (FC Twente, Netherlands), Matthew Spiranovic (FC Nurnberg, Germany), Mile Sterjovski (Perth Glory), Archie Thompson (Melbourne Victory), Matthew Thompson (Newcastle Jets), Tando Velaphi (Perth Glory), Dario Vidosic (FC Nurnberg, Germany), Danny Vukovic (Central Coast Mariners), Luke Wilkshire (FK Dinamo Moscow, Russia).

In other Socceroo news, 442 claim that Pim has strongly hinted A League players will need loan spells overseas if they are to have any chance of a World Cup squad place. (Full article here)

And Merry Christmas everyone!

http://australia.worldcupblog.org/1/archie-and-oar-in-the-squad.html

No………

2009-12-22T09:24:00.004+11:00

Sydney FC and Young Socceroo striker (and the greatest player in the A League Kofi Danning is out for 6 to 9 months with a cruciate ligament tear in his right knee. 442 is reporting that after meeting with specialists yesterday, Danning decided the best course of action was surgery, which it is believed he underwent yesterday afternoon.

He injured his knee after falling badly in an National Youth League match against Melbourne Victory.

442 quote Danning as saying

“I’m disappointed at the injury because I have enjoyed being part of the first grade squad this year but I know I have to forget my disappointment and focus on doing everything right to make sure I am ready to play at the start of next season.”

So hopefully he can bounce back better than every next year. Goodluck Kofi!

http://a-league.theoffside.com/team-news/no.html

Half Time Heroes December issue

2009-12-16T12:47:00.002+11:00

Make sure you check out my article on young Aussie Theo Markelis, currently playing for Valencia, and my round up of La Liga (pp.34-6, and pp.37-8). Enjoy!

Between a Rock, a Merc and a Hard place (Aus WC Group)

2009-12-11T20:08:00.000+11:00

The groups have been drawn and now Australia must set out on a difficult journey. A journey to beat Germany, Serbia and Ghana. In this article I’ll assess each team, before analysing Australia’s chance of progressing to the next stage of the World Cup.

Germany:

The German National Football team, currently ranked 6th in the World by FIFA, will be Australia’s first target in the 2010 World Cup. Our opening game, on the 13th of June, will see the Socceroos facing off against arguably the toughest first round opponents, the Die deutsche Fußballnationalmannschaft. Germany has won 3 World Cups and has appeared at the World Cup no less than 6 times (Germany that is, not East or West), and will probably see Australia as a beatable team. While there is no denying the strength of the Germans (their FIFA ranking pretty much says it all), I can still see Australia getting a point from the encounter.

The Australia v Germany game will be Australia’s first game of the World Cup, and we will really be up for the game. Despite Germany’s class, if Australia can defend well and hit fast on the counter, we could be a real threat to their defence. Like their next door neighbours the Dutch, the German side lacks a real game winning star (and really pride themselves on being a real ‘team’), and if Mario Gomez is off his game a strong defence could really limit the Germans.

While the Germans are a team which prides themselves on being stronger than the whole of its part, the individual talent of some of the team is still undeniable. Key players for Germany are Mario Gómez (Bayern Munich), Manuel Neuer (Schalke), Michael Ballack (Chelsea) and young star Mesut Özil (Werder Bremen).

Despite this talent, I’m still confident Australia can get a point off Germany, probably a 1 all.

Ghana:

The Ghanaian national football team, also known as the Black Stars, is the second team Australia will face in South Africa. It will be only Ghana’s second appearance in the prestigious tournament, and in 2006 they lost to Brazil in the round of 16.

While FIFA rankings would suggest Australia should comfortably win this game (Ghana is ranked 37th to our 21st), I highly doubt that will be the case. Ghana have a strong team, with a stellar midfield, and their physical presence may affect us. Interestingly, Australia played Ghana in a friendly in 2006, and drew 1 all (at a time when Ghana were managed by none other than Claude Le Roy, the current Oman manager who had an incident with the Australian team manager earlier this year).

The Black Stars topped their CAF qualifying group and will certainly be no pushovers. Ghana does however suffer from having a few stars, and then many, much poorer, fringe players. A star midfield which includes the likes of Michael Essien (Chelsea), Sulley Muntari (Inter), and Steven Appiah (Bologna) is let down by a rather mediocre forward line.

Australia will take on Ghana on the 19th of June, in what is certain to be a vital game. Given the strength of Germany and Serbia, it is crucial that Australia take all three points from Ghana. Despite the Black Stars impressive midfield, I think Australia should still be able to take the game, as our two holding midfielders should be able to neutralise the attacking element of their midfield, while Kennedy and Timmy Cahill cause problems down the other end.

Serbia:

The Serbian national team, or the White Eagles, will be Australia’s final group stage opponent, in what could be the deciding game in terms of progressing through to the next round. Even if the other results go our way, it is still likely Australia will need a point against Serbia on the 23rd of June, a point which will be very difficult to obtain.

Serbia qualified for the World Cup by getting past France in their UEFA qualifying group and securing first place. However Serbia failed to take down France, drawing and then losing to Les Bleus, and only held on to first place because of the ineptitude of Raymond Domenech. However, the cold hard truth is that Serbia are a quality team.

A great defence, featuring Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United), Neven Subotić (Borussia Dortmund) and Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanović, combined with a solid midfield with the likes of Dejan Stanković (Inter) Miloš Krasić (CSKA Moscow) and Zdravko Kuzmanović (Stuttgart) forms the basis of a solid Serbian side. However, the team is let down by no quality goalkeeper and a lack of options up front.

Despite their strengths, I still believe Australia can get a point against Serbia. FIFA rankings put us almost on par with Serbia (20th to our 21st), and while this may not always be the greatest measure of a team’s quality, it certainly shows that we should be able to go toe to toe with them. While Germany may be the higher ranked team, I can actually see Serbia causing us more problems (Yer, I’m crazy). Their solid defence will be almost impossible to get past, while their midfield will certainly cause us problems at the back. Despite this, I think Serbia’s lack of star forwards could turn this game into a nil all, with neither team able to break down the opposition’s defence.

So…are we going through or not?

Agree? Disagree? Think I’m a total idiot? Let me know by commenting!

La Happenings (extended version)

2009-11-26T17:48:00.002+11:00

Hey guys, recently I wrote a La Liga roundup for web magazine Half Time Heroes (see below). The version in HTH is actually an edited version as my first version was a bit too long. But i thought some of you might be interested in the full version:

La Happenings

A roundup of everything La Liga...and more

By Kieran Pender

The 2009/10 La Liga season kicked off with all the hype surrounding the new Galacticos era, CR9, the 2009 Champions League winners and a crazy swap deal involving Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Samuel Eto’o. So far it definitely hasn’t disappointed.

Going into the international break, FC Barcelona are sitting proudly atop the La Liga table; on a grand total of twenty six points. One point below them is the Nuevo Galacticos of Real Madrid. However, while one point off the current European Champions may seem a fair effort for a new team still gelling together, it hasn’t been smooth sailing for Madrid this year.

Star man, Cristiano Ronaldo, has been the target of a voodoo priest; who claims to have been paid to inflict injury on Ronaldo. And whether a result of voodoo magic, or just the rigours of football, Ronaldo has sustained an injury, which has kept him out of Madrid’s team for a few important games.

But Ronaldo has told the media, and his favourite voodoo priest, that he will be fit to play in the El Clásico; Barcelona vs. Real Madrid, at the Nou Camp on November 29th. El Clásico, possibly the biggest derby in the world, will undoubtedly be extra riveting this year, with the series of events that have transpired recently. So make sure you’re up bright and early (or very, very late) for the game.

Despite the hype in the battle for first place, the real battle of the La Liga season won’t be for first place, the real battle is for third and fourth, the remaining champions league spots.

The battle for these two places is traditionally fought between Valencia CF, Sevilla FC, Atletico Madrid and Villarreal CF, with the two losers dropping into the Europa League. Before the season kicked off it appeared as if things would continue as normal. However, dismal starts from Atletico and Villarreal, and the unexpected good form from the likes of Deportivo La Coruna, RCD Mallorca and even Sporting Gijon has completely blown open the hidden battle of La Liga.

To these clubs, coming third and fourth is the equivalent of winning the league, as the supremacy of Barcelona and Madrid makes that an unachievable dream. In fact, in the last twenty years, only three clubs other than Barcelona or Madrid have won, Valencia twice and Deportivo and Atletico with one each. Furthermore, entry into Champions League football offers these clubs large financial benefits, something some, such as Valencia, desperately need.

After ten games, Sevilla and Valencia seem to be in control of the third and fourth spots, sitting on twenty two and twenty one points respectively. But while the usual challengers of Atletico and Villarreal may not be contenders after their poor starts (the ‘other’ team from Madrid sits in the relegation zone on seven points while Valencia’s neighbours Villarreal sit two above them on nine), it looks to be the year of the outsiders to challenge them for Champions League football.

Super Depor, a club who made their name winning the league in 99/00 are looking good in fifth, only two points behind Valencia. Depor will however have to take down Atletico Madrid in the next game, an Atletico team that have been looking better after the arrival of new manager Quique Flores. Elsewhere, Mallorca is sitting pretty on seventeen points and the team with the greatest name in Spain, Sporting GIJON is level with the boys from Bilbao (Athletic Bilbao).

While in all likelihood the season will end with the big boys being in the top four (and as a Valencia fan I certainly hope Valencia are up there) it could be an interesting season for the real battle of La Liga.

Elsewhere in Spain, Madrid continues its proud tradition of insanity, losing 4-0 to Segunda B minnows Alcorcon in the first leg of their Copa del Ray clash, and only managing a one-nil victory at home in the return leg. Alcorcon ply their trade in the regionalised third tier of Spanish football, and actually play in the same league as Madrid’s youth side. To put it in an Australian perspective, it’s like Gold Coast United losing to, say, Central Coast Lightning (the Lightning play in the NSW Super League), although given Gold Coast’s recent form I wouldn’t say that was out of the question.

And finally, Xerez, the team fighting Grenoble for the tag of ‘worst team in a major European league’, are actually going well, and have even managed to lift themselves to the dizzy heights of….nineteenth. This comes after a win over troubled Villarreal and draws with Espanyol, Valladolid and Malaga, amongst their various losses. So, good luck to the men from Jerez de la Frontera in their quest to avoid relegation.

Half-Time Heroes

A League Round 15 Preview

2009-11-20T20:26:00.002+11:00

The internationals are over and a new round of the A League is here!

Adelaide United v Gold Coast United, Friday, 8pm
Gold Coast have managed to claw back some respectability with their win over Sydney before the break, but Adelaide away will be a tough game. Adelaide have looked ok, but haven’t been able to convert their chances. I think Adelaide’s going to finally put on their scoring boots. 2-1 Adelaide

Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Victory, Saturday, 7pm
Probably the hardest game to tip. The Roar are on the up, and picked up a win last week, while Melbourne were looking good before getting tonked by CCM. Strangely, if this was in Melbourne I’d tip a draw, but as the game is in Brisbane, and Melbourne’s away from is very good, I think Melbourne will edge it. 2-1 Melbourne

North Queensland Fury v Central Coast Mariners, Saturday, 9pm
Central Coast are possibly the most random and inconsistent team in the A League, and currently sit on five wins, five draws and four losses. After beating Melbourne, it would be just Central Coast’s luck to lose to North Queensland. The Fury have moved back to the bottom after a loss to the Jets, so I can see the Fury turning it around and getting a win. 1-0 Fury

Newcastle Jets v Wellington Phoenix, Sunday, 5pm
Wellington have looked decent recently, and are sitting on sixth, but after the World Cup qualifier it wouldn’t surprise me if they were a little off the pace. Newcastle played Wellington in a mid week game, and lost 3-0, and I think they’ll look a little better this week, so I’m thinking a draw. 1-1 Draw

Perth Glory v Sydney FC, Sunday, 7pm
Definitely the pick of the weekend action, and I think this one will be a nail biter. Perth have dropped off the pace of late, and Sydney will be looking to bounce back from their loss last round. I may be crazy (quite possible) but I can see Perth getting something here, as their Socceroo stars will be looking to impress, both to get a loan move elsewhere, and to make it up to the fans. 2-1 Perth

Well enjoy your weekend lads!

http://a-league.theoffside.com/team-news/a-league-round-15-preview.html

Halftime Heroes November issue

2009-11-18T08:28:00.002+11:00

Hey everyone, here's a copy of the November issue of HTH. Make sure you check out my article on La Liga (page 30-31).

http://halftimeheroes.com.au/

Schwarz to the rescue as a ten man Socceroos side defeat Oman

2009-11-17T16:43:00.000+11:00

Dominant performances from Mark Schwarzer and Luke Wilkshire made a late winner from Brett Emerton enough for a depleted Socceroos side to battle back and beat Oman. An Oman goal in the 17th minute was not enough to hold off the Socceroos, with both Luke Wilkshire and Brett Emerton finding the net for the Aussies.

The game started badly for the Socceroos, as young Middlesbrough defender Rhys Williams saw straight red for a clumsy challenge on Oman striker Emad Al Hosni after just 15 minutes. Not content with having the Socceroos a man down, Oman promptly converted the penalty that had ensued from Williams reckless challenge. It wasn’t all bad news for Australia, as Mark Schwarzer saved the penalty with the first of many heroics saves of the night, but Khalifa Ayil netted from the rebound.

But brilliance from Mark Bresciano in the 42nd minute saw a cross sail over Luke Wilkshire, who promptly levelled the game. Schwarzer’s heroics then saw Australia stay in the game, with the Fulham number one twice made close range saves. Then, in the 81st minute the Socceroos broke down the left, with Wilkshire setting David Carney free down the wing, before Carney crossed to Emerton, who promptly thumped it home.

The win marked a great comeback for Australia, which, finger crossed, will see them (with a little help from their A League counterparts) into the Asian Cup. Lucas Neill summed up the game by saying:

“I think it just summed up Australians tonight. The going got tough, we got our heads down, saw a very difficult challenge, took it on face to face and we were victorious. We really had to dig deep at times, rode a little bit of luck, but in the end really can be happy with they way we performed and won the game…Bring on South Africa.”

Interview with Andy Brassell

2009-10-29T18:55:00.003+11:00

Andy Brassell, or ‘the Top Brass’ to regular World Football Phone In listeners, is a freelance football journalist, with a knowledge of European football that matches Tim ‘Vickapedia’ Vickery’s knowledge of all things South American.

Not only is he an expert on France, Portugal, Germany, England and Spain, but he also knows his stuff on the Russian league. And to cap it off, he has even written All Or Nothing:A year in the life of the Champions League and launched a web-based video show on football.

Recently, I had the chance to ask Brassell some questions on all things European football, including Barca v Real, Grenoble vs Xerez, Man City’s title aspirations, and a Valencian bat named Joaquin, a bat with a “cheeky grin and electric turn of pace”. So without further ado, the interview:

Firstly, how did you get into sports journalism?
I just drifted into it really. I wrote on Wimbledon for a local newspaper when I was a teenager, then much later went for a job at a European football magazine. I didn’t get it, but was invited to pitch freelance stuff and it snowballed from there.

What has been your favourite interview?
Perhaps one of my first, with Paul Lambert, then of Celtic. His story is an interesting one, and he thinks more broadly about the game than a lot of UK footballers and managers, I’d say – probably because he was quite shaped by his time at Borussia Dortmund.

Realistically, can Manchester City win the title this year?
Not likely but possible. I wondered pre-season if they really had the quality the money spent would suggest, but at least the players they’ve bought have proven Premier League experience (eg Adebayor, Barry). There’s less between the top four this season and I think it’s very possible that City will at least crack the top four at the expense of one of the others. The great unknown is how they will recover after a few poor results. The dressing room has its share of volatile characters and it will be fascinating to see how successful Mark Hughes will be at keeping a lid on that.

Who does Manchester United need to buy in January to win the title this year?
Not sure they need to sign anyone. It’s impossible to replace Cristiano Ronaldo with just one player because he could fulfil so many different functions for the team – goalscorer, set-piece taker, winger, target man. But the players they have facilitate switches between different systems; 4-4-2, with wide players or a midfield diamond with Anderson at the tip and the full-backs providing width, 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3. Valencia is already bringing his influence to bear, Anderson is beginning to have more attacking influence, Berbatov is improving and I’m sure Owen will weigh in with important goals.

Who does Liverpool need to buy?
Where to start? People were surprised when I said 18 months or so ago when I said Liverpool needed to buy five or six to be serious about the title, but if you look at how beholden they are to Torres and Gerrard, I think that was justified. They need a) a midfielder who can sit in front of the defence and pass to replace Alonso. They should have asked Real Madrid to include Esteban Granero in the deal, I think. b) A creative midfielder. Relying on Aquilani is dangerous in light of his injury record and how long he may take to adapt to the English game. Benayoun is a fine player but not really of the level that he should be propping up a team with Liverpool’s ambitions. c) Better quality reserve strikers. They may well regret letting Keane and Crouch go.

Can Portsmouth stay up?
Yes. There’s a lot of rubbish in the bottom half of the league, Portsmouth are not yet stranded and they do have some decent players (Yebda, Boateng), though it’s difficult to build a team from scratch. If they have money to spend in January a good striker is a must though.

Lyon has started the season well, but given Montpellier is equal with them, and Bordeaux are only a win away, do you think Lyon can maintain their strong start and win the title?
Montpellier are over-performing at the moment, but deserve a lot of credit. They have a steady coach (Girard), and a good mix of talented young ones (Alberto Costa, Montano) and experienced Ligue 1 players (Dernis, Pitau, Compan etc), so their success isn’t a total mystery, but ultimately they’ll do well to finish in the top eight. Bordeaux and Lyon have both had a little wobble of late but there’s little wrong with either squad. I had these two down as competing closely for the title pre-season and see no reason to change my mind – Marseille are a tad behind them both. They both look strong physically and mentally, and Lyon have a lot more stickablility and guts than last season, as well as the players to open up tight games. I think Lyon will just edge it on the basis they have slightly more quality on the back of the summer signings.

Bordeaux and Lyon have both started the Champions League group stage well, do you think any of the French teams can go far this season?
Bordeaux have looked excellent so far, and they’ve clearly leant a lot from last season’s participation. This shows what a good coach Laurent Blanc is. If, as seems likely, they get to the last 16, I do wonder how they will balance this with domestic demands. Recently they rested a few for a league game with St Etienne (after the Maccabi Haifa game) and were consequently roasted. Lyon’s first choice XI will give anyone a game. I still think they could do with greater squad depth, but they will really hope to get a favourable draw for the last 16 this team – they’ve pulled the eventual winners in the last two seasons.

Grenoble or Xerez, who would win?
Simply on the basis that Grenoble are still pointless you would have say Xerez! Grenoble have been a touch unlucky but their success last season was based on a good start, a surprise factor and a solid defence, none of which they’ve had this season. Their failure is just the logic of gravity really – they are of modest means, as shown by their signings, like Daniel Ljuboja, a decent player but one who has barely played for three years. Likewise with Xerez. They are certainties to go down, but hopefully for them they can take experience (and some money) with them so they can come back stronger.

Being a Valencia fan I’ve been followed S.C Braga pretty closely this season because our loanee Hugo Viana is playing pretty well there. Do you think Braga and Viana can maintain their current form and keep Porto from yet another title?
It’s a great story and coach Domingos Paciencia has done a good job, but their squad isn’t deep enough to maintain. Viana’s form however is very encouraging and if he should keep it going there’s definitely room for a playmaker of his talent in the Portugal squad.

Sporting Lisbon hasn’t had the greatest start and they find themselves sitting in 4th. Do you think they’ll push up and make it to next years Champions League? And if not, will some of their stars (João Moutinho or Miguel Veloso) move on?
Paulo Bento is on thin ice. They’ve not really progressed and the new signings (Caicedo, M Fernandez, Angulo) have yet to prove themselves. They’re finding it hard to strike the right balance and I think they will miss out on the Champions League. Moutinho and Veloso will certainly move on but if I were in the shoes of either of those two, I would look at myself and ask why it hasn’t happened already, especially in the case of Veloso. They have the talent to become mainstays for Portugal and strong European club sides but are no longer just promising youngsters and need to start properly fulfilling their potential.

As I said before, I’m a Los Che fan, so do you think that Valencia can avoid multiple disasters this season and make their way to a Champions League spot?
You always have the feeling there’s another disaster around the corner, don’t you? The squad is very good quality, and they definitely have a chance. The fact that they can’t really spend could work for them – take Banega, who has had a chance to play himself back into an important role in the team. Also, Emery is able to create a camaraderie in the squad, aided especially by Villa and Silva, great players who have shown real commitment to the cause as well.

Simple question now, Barca or Madrid?
Barca by a whisker, simply because they already had a good team structure in place. Real Madrid will be interesting to watch but it’s open to question how long they will take to come up with a tactical system that everyone’s happy with. Also important is how long Pellegrini will have to get it right, and will he be able to cope with pressure from upstairs to play the stars in every match?

Just a quick question on the Russian League, do you think that Russia will soon be one of Europe’s leading leagues?
It has made big strides already, as CSKA (2005) and Zenit’s (2008) UEFA Cup wins prove. But the geography and climate is a problem, and of course not one that can be changed. Russia has been able to attract young South Americans in particular with large wages, but they and other leading players still aspire to England, Spain and Italy. Big players are reluctant to go and if the investment tails off at any point, how will Russia maintain the status quo, let alone develop and expand?

Now while I was researching for this, I found out that you have a stuffed Valencian bat called Joaquin. How did that come about and do you have a soft spot for Los Che?
I picked him up whilst working in Valencia some years ago. His cheeky grin and electric turn of pace were just irresistible! Valencia’s a great city, vibrant and with a great football tradition, even if it’s less celebrated than Madrid or Barcelona. Definitely recommended for a long weekend and the Mestalla is very atmospheric.

And finally, are you going to make the journey out to Australia anytime soon and admire the next world footballing superpower?
If you lot get the World Cup, then maybe! I’ve already been to Australia a few times and thoroughly enjoyed it. Australia is such a terrific sporting nation I’m sure a World Cup there would be fantastic (and it will, without doubt, happen at some point). I went to a day of an Ashes Test at the MCG in December 2006 and it’s such a great arena that the inevitable three-day pasting from the Aussies was surprisingly bearable!

Thank you to Andy for agreeing to answer my questions, and providing such great, detailed answers.

Interview with Andy Brassell

Becoming a 'real' football manager

2009-10-22T19:38:00.002+11:00

Instructions, mentality: attacking, passing style: short, tempo: quick. Ohh hang on a second, I can do this for real now.

Last weekend I completed my Football Federation Australia junior coaching license, so am now a ‘proper’ football manager. Sure I’ll be coaching under 12’s, but thats not what counts, I can pretend to be educated about the game, shout at my young winger to take more shots, and go to official FFA conferences. WOO!!!

But actually, it was great fun. The junior license was a two day course, 9 to 5, something I thought I’d struggle with considering it was my first day of holidays. But really, it was just playing football.

I arrived, sat down, and looked at the imposing FFA folder. Ohh crap. This is going to be a long day. As is inevitable when you get twenty football lovers together in a room, it didn’t take long for the football banter to start, but then our ‘coach’ for the next two days walked in. His name was Pat McCann, and it turns out he used to play for Yeovil Town. But at the time all that mattered was that I was going to have to spend the whole weekend listening to him talk about little kids running around. Borriing.

But no, he soon explained that the majority of the two days would be outside, playing football :). After some short theory, we were soon out on the pitch running through some drills. And bamm the day was gone. The second day was slightly more stressful, as we had to run a training drill under the eyes of an ‘assessor’ but it went smoothly, and the assessor liked my dribbling to beat an opponent exercise. Soon we had parted ways, after yelling “see ya in the dugout” at each other, and we were all now proper football coaches. The 16 hours had passed in a heartbeat, and whats more, it was great fun.

But why am I telling you this? Two things (well maybe three). Firstly, I would greatly encourage all of you to get out to your local football organisation and do a coaching license. It took two short days, was mostly spent on the pitch playing football, and overall was great fun.

Secondly, it taught me so many things about football that I never knew. I’ve been playing for eleven years and every training session go for a run. But according to our instructor, this is a waste of time and we should warm up on ball. I always static stretch before a game, but apparent this is actually bad for our muscle elasticity, something needed during a game (instead you should static stretch at home and dynamic stretch before the game). In two days I learnt more about ‘body shape’ then I had in eleven years of playing. And after just sixteen short hours, I now look at football in a completely different way.

Ohh and thirdly, who doesn’t want to be coaching our next generation of World Cup winners. So get out their, have some fun, coach some kids, train your countries next football saviour! Get involved, get coaching and become a real football manager!

If your in Australia, visit FFA to enrol in a course. If not, find you local organisation, and get coaching!

http://soccerlens.com/becoming-a-real-football-manager/35275/

A League Round 12 Preview

2009-10-22T19:30:00.002+11:00

Well a big weekend ahead for the A League, with the F3 derby, a Grand Final rematch, and Perth Glory taking on Robbie Fowler (well…North Queensland Fury).

Newcastle Jets v Central Coast Mariners, Friday 8.00pm
The F3 Derby. The big game. What more needs to be said. Well, there is the fact that the game is between 5th and 9th, so not exactly the game of the week, but still it will make for an interesting game. While Central Coast dished it out to Brisbane last week, and Newcastle were on the end of a Melbourne Victory barrage, it’s still a derby, and any derby is difficult to call. But still, the Mariners will be much too strong for the Jets, so 2-1 Jets.

Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United, Saturday, 6.30pm
The Grand Final rematch! and a game that could be a decisive one for both teams. Melbourne are in 3rd and pushing for top spot, while Adelaide are sitting in 6th, looking to push upwards for the top four. A loss for either team will set them back, and a win would be most welcomed by either. And therefore, it’s clearly going to be a bore draw. So fearless forecast for the week, 0-0 Draw.

North Queensland Fury v Perth Glory, Saturday, 8.30pm
Ohh, now this is a game I’ll be watching. Glory were going well, but will their campaign be derailed after a loss to Gold Coast? Fury have looked ok, but really need to start picking up three points rather than just the one. But I really think the Glory will bounce back from their lost to Gold Coast, and take this game. 2-1 Perth.

Wellington Phoenix v Gold Coast United, Sunday, 3.00pm
Gold Coast managed to pick up all three points against Perth on the weekend, but away to Wellington will still pose them problems. Wellington kept the Fury to a one all draw in Townsville and I can see them holding Gold Coast as well, so for my bold prediction for the week I’m going for a 1-1 draw.

Sydney FC v Brisbane Roar, Sunday, 5.00pm
Now this is a big game. Both teams lost last weekend, and will both be looking to bounce back. Sydney will be looking to prove the loss to Adelaide was just a blip, while the Roar will be looking to regroup and get their season back on track. However, I can’t see the Roar getting past a strong Sydney time, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see Sydney put two or three past Brisbane (especially if Kofi is playing). So with that said, I’m tipping a 2-0 victory for Sydney.

From: http://a-league.theoffside.com/team-news/round-12-preview.html

(U-20 WC) Brazil 3-1 Australia

2009-10-05T09:46:00.001+11:00

The Young Socceroos bowed out of the FIFA Under 20 World Cup to the A Seleção (Brazil U-20) after an Aaron Mooy freekick was cancelled out by three Brazilian efforts. However, despite the scoreline, the Australian’s matched the Brazilians for much of the game, and were unlucky not to score a number of times.

Australia started well, with a half chance in the 1st minute, and this coming from a vastly changed Socceroos lineup. However Danning was still in the line up, so Australia still had an attacking threat, and their passing was looking vastly improved from the sloppy play against the Czechs. Brazil then almost scored, with a ball put through across an empty goal, but no Brazilians were close enough to put it in. They then almost scored in the 7th minute, when a Brazilian corner was poorly cleared, but the South Americans couldn’t finish it off. However, despite the many chances from Brazil, the Socceroos were matching them in attack, with many chances throughout the first period of play.

Then, in the 14th minute, a goalkeeping error from the Brazilian Rafael saw an Aaron Mooy freekick bumbled into the back of the net. The Aussies almost doubled their lead a minute later, with Danning hitting the post. However Brazil immediately countered, and were through on goal in the 20th, but they put it wide. Then, in the 33rd minute, the inevitable happened, with striker Ciro putting the ball past Redmayne. Now while it was an amazing goal, the following goal celebration was stupidly out of proportion, the way he acted you would have think he’d won the World Cup. Also, Ciro seriously needs a haircut (see above picture).

So the teams went into halftime at 1 all, and Australia still had a chance of making it through to the next round. The second half started slowly, and in the 55th Tommy Oar was substituted for Sean Rooney. A minute later Ciro just put a ball over, but then another freekick from Mooy, in a similar position almost put Australia up, with another fumble from the keeper, but he recovered. However, then in the 63rd, apparent Manchester United target Douglas Costa scored, and put Australia’s chances of progression to bed. After his goal Australia started to unravel, with some very poor passing, and then in 81st minute an amazing curling goal from Henrique finished it off.

Melbourne Victories Nathan Elasi came on an caused trouble, with numerous attacking runs, but it wasn’t enough for the Socceroos, and they with the final whistle left the tournament empty handed.

While they didn’t manage any points from the three games, it wasn’t all negative for the Young Socceroos. Craig Foster pointed out on The World Game that we managed to ‘play football’ with the other teams, which is a good sign, and it shows our youth is developing. In the future I’ll put a full wrap up of the game and an analysis of the overall performance, but I thought Danning and Bouzanis looked promising, as did McGowan and Ben Kantarovski.

(U-20 WC) Czech Republic 2-1 Socceroos

2009-09-28T16:40:00.001+10:00

A sloppy U-20 Socceroos side went down to the Czech Republic this morning.

After a scoreless first half, comprising of poor passing and overall sloppy football from both sides, the Czech Republic opened up the scoring in the 50th minute, with a header from young striker Michael Rabusic. Then, after a number of half chances for the Socceroos, a reckless tackle in the box saw Ryan McGowan given his marching orders, and Tomas Pekhart converted the ensuing penalty. While McGowan made contact with the ball, given how tightly Mexican Marco Rodriguez had been refereeing, and that McGowan already had a yellow card to his name, it was no real surprise to see him sent off.

While it looked as if the Czech’s had the game closed up at 2-0 with only injury time remaining, a moment of strangeness in the Czech box changed that. A slight push in the box on Brisbane Roar’s Luke DeVere, a push that didn’t even draw protest from DeVere, resulted in Rodriguez pointing to the spot. Then, a poor penalty from James Holland that saw the Czech keeper leap to his right and save, left the Australia team downhearted, and it appeared as if they would be going to their next game with Costa Rica without a goal on the board. It appeared to be so. But, Rodriguez point back to the spot, claiming encroachment. A dubious decision, but the Socceroos weren’t complaining, and Holland stepped back up to the spot to score. However, despite the moments of craziness, which should have surely seen more time added to the 3 minutes of extra time, Rodriguez blew his whistle, and Australia didn’t have a chance to get the equaliser. So the U-20 Socceroos will move onto their next two games needing a win against Costa Rica and probably a draw against Brazil to achieve coach Jan Versleijen’s goal of 4 points.

The game had started poorly for the Young Socceroos, with a dangerous freekick in just the second minute for the Czechs, but it went over. Then in the 5th minute striker Michael Rabusic was cautioned for simulation, which was rather amusing. Australia continued to create opportunities, only for poor passing to let them down, until individual brilliance from Kofi Danning on the break presented a chance for Jason Hoffman, who put it over the bar. Then in the 27th a Czech shot hit side netting, but Australia quickly responded with a Kofi Danning cross causing trouble for the keeper, and a rebound created more trouble, but the second shot was saved. In the 34th a long passage of passing for Australia looked dangerous, but it came to nothing. Other than a Australian corner and an Aussie freekick which was easily saved, the next ten minutes of play passed rather uneventfully, and they went into half time at 0-0. A half time sub, with Sean Rooney coming on for the rather disappointing Jason Hoffman, and then SBS commentator Vitor Sobral’s amusing slipup, Wayne….Sean Rooney, were the only highlights until the goals started flowing.

Overall a very disappointing game for Australia, as they took forever to calm down and start playing well, and while enjoying many chances, could only convert one, from the penalty spot, and even then Holland had to make two attempts. Unsurprisingly, Versleijen was very disappointed at the post match press conference, and thought that the team could play much better,

“It was disappointing not only with the result but the performance because we didn’t reach the level that we should reach. If you want to get results in a World Cup you have to play at a high level and we didn’t see that today….But that aside, I know we can do much better and everybody knows we can do much better and that’s the positive coming out of it. The important thing now is to get a result against Costa Rica to have a chance of qualifying for the next round.”

I woke up early and watched the game, and other than the things mentioned above, my main two points have to be that Kofi Danning is awesome, and that as good as the Czech keeper is, he badly needs a decent haircut. Also, Bouzanis looked rather assured in goals, and was unlucky not to save the penalty, as he dived the right way, but couldn’t quite get his hand on the ball.

So make sure you watch the Young Socceroos take on Costa Rica (who lost 5-0 to Brazil) on Wednesday night, coverage starting at 11.30 on SBS.

A League Round 7 Preview

2009-09-28T16:35:00.001+10:00

Hey everyone, lots of action in round 7, so here it is in all its resplendent glory:

Adelaide United v Melbourne Victory

An early and late goal moved Melbourne back into the top 6, and gives them a much needed boost ahead of this weeks game against Bling FC Jnr, or Gold Coast. Thanks to Marcus you can read a full match report on Melbourne Victory Offside

Central Coast Mariners v Gold Coast United

So…This unbeaten season hey…going pretty well so far. Bling FC Jnr (Gold Coast United) lost their second game of the ‘unbeaten season’, going down 3-nil to a convincing performance from Central Coast. Goals from Nicky Travis, Matt Simon and John Hutchinson moves CCM up to third, but a red card to Gold Coast’s Shane Smeltz could spell trouble for GCU, as they face Melbourne next week in an important clash. Most disappointingly however for us is that teenager Golgol Mebrahtu, who has a very heartwarming story about being found by Miron playing in a park, didn’t score. Come on, imagine the headline’s I could have used? Golgol goal! or Goal for Golgol, or GOAL GOLGOLGOLGOL GOAL! But no maybe next time. While Bleiberg will not be pleased by the performance, Gold Coast are still in 1st place, leading Sydney on goal difference (or Golgol difference :P), and will be hoping to get their campaign back on track against Melbourne this week. For Central Coast, they could hardly of had a better start to the season, with the team who everyone (including me) wrote off, not to mention the team that hadn’t won since New Year, being in third place on 11 points.

Wellington Phoenix v North Queensland Fury

A stoppage time winner kept North Queensland’s hopes of avoiding the wooden spoon alive, with Chris Grossman smacking it home in the 94th. Wellington had earlier troubled the scorer in the 6th minute, after a well executed move combining Daniel and Paul Iffil, before Ifill lobbed the ball to Andrew Durante, who sent it to an unmarked Leo Bertos, who promptly fired it home. Wellington then piled on the pressure, but were unable to find the back of the net, and waited until the 94th minute to let the Fury back in. The point for NQ is a positive step in their quest for avoiding the wooden spoon, but they may have to convert the ones into threes if they’re going to challenge for 6th. Wellington will be thoroughly disappointed with the result, and will need to lift their game against Central Coast if they are to come away with a result.

Sydney FC v Newcastle Jets

Bling FC senior were out in force to shoot down the Jets, and remain in equal first. A Mark Bridge wonder goal opened the scoring before Matt Thompson put it back on level pegging. Then a Steve Corica penalty put Sydney back on top. The Jets also ended the disappointing afternoon with a red card to Tarek Elrich, and had to endure the embarrassment of a saved penalty, after Clint Bolton saved Matt Thompson’s spot kick. While Thompson may have later redeemed himself, and the Jets looked significantly better in the second half, their overall performance, and Sydney’s tactics angered manager Branko Culina, who went on a rather amusing rant,

“There was only one team that really deserved to win that game…I don’t care what their coach says and the fact that he’s on $500,000 and I’m on 50 bucks or whatever it is. But if that’s what the foreigners are going to bring to this game let’s have more local coaches…I’m not having a go at him, I’m just saying that as far as football is concerned, I thought we played some great stuff. “

And while Culina has since apologised, I thinks its pretty funny (and he thinks he’s on 50 bucks, I earn more than that :P)
A good win for Sydney, considering their missing players (Kofis away on international duty), but as Culina’s rant proves, it was an unhappy afternoon for the Jets.

Brisbane Roar v Perth Glory

My prediction of a strong march home for Perth Glory is already coming home, only seven games in. Glory defeated a comical Brisbane side, mainly due to errors from the Roar. The main talking point of the game was Chris Coyne push on Brisbane keeper Liam Reddy, which led to Perth’s fourth goal. I saw it and personally think that Reddy had already pushed the ball into the back of the his net, but the debate will rage on… Read a full match review courtesy of Ahmed on the Roar offside.

Well that be all, hopefully I’ll have a round 8 preview by Friday. Also, in others news I’m doing my FFA Junior Coaching Licence on the weekend, which should be fun. I might even write up an article about it.

The end of SAF: Is Manchester United really in danger of decline?

2009-09-07T20:03:00.001+10:00

The end of SAF: Is Manchester United really in danger of decline?

By Kieran Pender

So the new season has started, and Manchester United have once again gotten off to their normal sluggish start. But with the new season underway, and Sir Alex Ferguson a year older, we have to once again ask ourselves, what will happen when the legend retires? Will we continue to fly high, or will we flounder into middle table mediocrity?

Sir Alex Ferguson has brought great success to Manchester United Football Club. 11 league titles, 5 FA Cups and 2 Champions League trophies, making him arguably the greatest football manager of all time. However, he is growing ever older and will inevitably have to retire sometime soon. But will the end of Sir Alex really spell the end of Manchester United?

In short, No. At least in the short term, Sir Alex’s reign will ensure at least another ten years or so of success. Looking at the current Manchester United reserves team, it is obvious that there is another era of great players coming through. The Da Silva brothers, Macheda, Welbeck, Evans, Petrucci, the list goes on. These talented young players should ensure another decade of silverware, but what beyond that.

Possibly the most worrying aspect of Manchester United is the financial insecurity. The Glazer family has plunged United into unimaginable debt, which could possibly result in the ultimate downfall of Manchester United Football Club. In the 2007/08 season, United won the Champions League and Premier League double, so apart from the other minor trophies (sorry FA Cup), they delivered the best possible season. However, they still recorded a loss. This is worrying, as what will happen when United have an inevitable ‘off’ year. Will it force United to sell off prized ‘assets’? Or will the club be plunged further and further into debt, and eventually go into the ever dreaded arms of ‘administration’?

Once again, luckily I believe the answer to be no. While I may not be the most economically minded person, I do understand the basics, and the basics being that Manchester United Football club is arguably the biggest football club in the world, and therefore the most attractive to buyers. When, and the time will definitely come, the Glazers sell up, they will pay off the debt and make a tidy profit.

Finally, the legacy left by Ferguson when he finally calls it a day will keep United in good enough stead that they can attract the greatest managers in the world. And with the greatest managers in the world you would hope would come more trophies…

So Manchester United fans, rest easy, the work of Sir Alex Ferguson, the greatest manager of all time, will keep us winning for decades to come.

Valencia: Football Club or Soap Opera

2009-09-06T21:56:00.004+10:00

Following Valencia Club de Futbol has always been a rollercoaster ride. Crazy managers, amazing strikers, bad players being paid too much, good players being paid too little, shock wins and unexpected losses are all part of being a fan of Los Che.

However the last season has been even worse, leading me to wonder, is my beloved Los Che really a football club, or infact just a really bad TV show.

Hey if we don’t pay them, they’ll play better

Some of you may know that Valencia is a club riddled with debt. Unfortunately for them, they were in the middle of building a new stadium, the Nuevo Mestalla (a very nice stadium by the looks of it, I must add), when the global financial crisis hit. The buyer for their old stadium suddenly offered a much lower sum, and the deal collapsed. From here things only got worse. A debt of almost 400 million Euros, which was to be mostly paid off by the sale of the stadium, was now sitting on the books, looking pretty ugly.

Eventually things got so bad that Valencia had to stop paying their players, and a very promising start to the season descended into chaos, with a loss, and another, and another… Finally, after almost giving up hope of a Champions League spot, money appeared and the players could be paid again. And guess what? They started winning, unfortunately narrowly missing out on the CL sports. But it does prove that footballers are just like normal people, they don’t like working for free either.

Pornstars and player movement

So after another rollercoaster season, Valencia fans thought they could finally relax. And then…the transfer window opened. David’s Villa and Silva were names on every bad English newspaper headlines (and Marca, can’t forget Madrid Mail can we). Villa had signed for Barcelona, Villa had signed for Madrid, Villa was wanted by every man and his dog, Silva was wanted by Manchester United, Silva was wanted by… etc etc etc. And it went on, and on.

But guess what? They’re still here (well, as I write the transfer window hasn’t yet closed, but it looks likely they’ll be staying). However, the more surprising transfer rumour of the summer wasn’t about any of our stars. Infact, it was about none other than our resident porn star, Ever Banega. For those of you who don’t know, Banega was a promising young Boca star, who then signed for Valencia, and promptly took his pants off on the internet (or, as Roy Meredith from Championship Manager said on Chappers podcast the other day, “concerned about his off field antics”).

But enough about his porn star antics, for some reason, various British football publications got it in there heads that Banega was off to Everton on a season long loan. Even Everton Gaffer David Moyes claimed that he thought the move would go through. However, their was a slight problem for the Scotsman, neither Valencia nor Banega had heard about the move. Valencia denied having any contact with Everton, and Banega said he wanted to stay at Valencia (only to be promptly mistranslated to “I want to leave” by some new sources). So yes, a case of lost in translation for Everton.

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