At the end of the season, Adelaide will loose Marquee Paul Agostino (retirement), Michael Valkanis (to become an assistant coach), Jason Spagnuolo (North Queensland Fury) and ex-Roar Saša Ognenovski (to play in Asia).
Other question marks (for me at least) are:
Daniel Beltrame - not happy with being keeper number 3
Cristiano - I suspect is looking at Asia - but if Adelaide, as is likely get a another ACL spot this year, he may see the benefit of staying for his final year of contract. The marquee spot may be his price.
Adelaide - as usual will have a very strong squad for 2009-10.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Photos of the experience left on the bench (Not Liam), and Tommy Oar and his mis-match in Matty Muscat...
Half way through the second half when it was 2-2 I was getting the feeling its wasn't going to be our night, again. Then I noticed just how hard Matt McKay was running and organising. And Craig Moore was pushing forward. After that I bucked up my ideas and started to enjoy the show.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Roar 3 v Wellington 2: Let's hope for Jung rather than Wagner
Wagner is big and noisy, puts people through hell and can end in failure. Jung is continually challenging, putting people through a journey that has a failure, a small success, a major failure and then a major, live happily ever after, success. At least when Hollywood does him.
At first we were dominating at home but losing, then winning away but not at home. Now the drama is within the match. Going behind and then coming back to win. First, Perth dominated first 44 minutes then its all Roar (4-1). Then, Newcastle went one up against the run but the Roar weren't playing well, suddenly they got their act together (2-1).
Last night, the Roar dominated all night with up to 70% possession.
But they need more practice with three at the back, after 10 minutes a relatively poor cross was rewarded with De Vere leading with his head and not looking where he was going. At that point it was clear just how much youth there was for the Roar on the park. We started to get worried. T
he Roar switched to all out attack. And Wellington retreated to their penalty area with a two player thick wall of defence. The Roar haven't really ever looked likely from distance and their were plenty of shots into defenders and away for corners. But Wellington defence looked both rugged quick to resort to shirt pulling and fouling. In the crowd, we felt the ref and particularly assistant refs just were not keeping up. I was thinking that the Roar were looking very narrow, trying to run through the middle. Then I worked out what they were trying to do. Get the ball through and wait for the trigger happy defenders to give the foul away. Mitch Nichols got it right mid way through the 30s, pitching through Durante and got clobbered. We thought it was in the box. Then it was van Dijk. Now we can see why he was picked and kept in. Great kick. Moss pushed it onto the bar and tries to re-claim but can't hang on and McKay, who has been confusing the Wellington wall, runs forward and taps in with his left.
Wellington hang on for 1-1 at the break. Van Dijk is having his best game. Mitch Nichols is amazing. A lot of the time he is walking. Telling the team what to do. Tapping the ball around. He'll be 20 in the first week of January. He'll have to watch his diving-in tackles. But now the Roar have another player who always looks ready to score. Moore is showing that he is the best player on the park, we hear him say 'work Tahj'.
After the break, we sit back to see what will happen. Then bang. Wellington have scored. What. Through Reddy's hands, seems to come out as Reddy hits the post. 1-2. Seconds later Zullo runs down the left. He may have hear me 'come-on we need to get one back.' He crosses into the near post side of the 6 yard box, whooosh Van Dijk beats the defender with the same kick as his last goal, bending off the left side of his left boot. 2-2.
On Saturday my son and I had watched the youtude videos of van Dijk. The bicycle kick, the 10 goals in a game, a few others, this is why they bought him. The only thing is the Dutch second division defenders just seem to stand around. A bit different in the A-League.
The game is really open now, it is clear that Wellington feel they must win. Shane Smeltz is just about out of the game. Craig Moore is good. The crowd gets more cheesed with the ref. But in pushing forward, the brittleness of the Wellington defence is getting more and more exposed. And they rely more and more on shirt holding and fouling. The foul count was Roar 11 v Wellington 23, and key ones were missed or advantage played. Van Dijk sets up Mitch in the box on the right and he pulls the trigger too early - over the bar. Tommy Oar comes on for Tahj, and Tommy and Zullo swap, Tommy is running right in front of us. Frank has told them at half time to play wider. It is working, Matty Muscat hasn't got anything left and he is gabbing Tommy's shirt whenever he can. At last he gets a yellow card. Now 3 defenders plus McKain are on yellows. (McKain wanted to come back to Brisbane but he is now talking about going overseas again).
Keep running at them and one of them is going to go. 'Get it to Tommy, Tommy run at them, go on grab his shirt.' Van Dijk mis-kicks with the keeper diving across him - did the keeper grab his foot? Mitch breaks through, his shirt is pulled, its as close as they can get to him, but scuffs his shot - why not a penalty? Packer, on for an injured Josh, skys a free kick. Why is he taking that? Van Dijk is subbed. Durante pollaxes a rampaging Zullo on the right, he is off. 90 minutes are up. Free kick outside the box. Later we would here Fox saying it was Zullo taking the kick. But we knew it was Tommy. Plus we knew he oarsome free kick reputation. Bang, full pelt banana.
Another young Queenslander proves his metal. What are the other states doing?
It is funny that a game can look so different to a fan sitting in the stands to a commentator in a box, a fan in front of tv, or, especially, a ref.
At first we were dominating at home but losing, then winning away but not at home. Now the drama is within the match. Going behind and then coming back to win. First, Perth dominated first 44 minutes then its all Roar (4-1). Then, Newcastle went one up against the run but the Roar weren't playing well, suddenly they got their act together (2-1).
Last night, the Roar dominated all night with up to 70% possession.
But they need more practice with three at the back, after 10 minutes a relatively poor cross was rewarded with De Vere leading with his head and not looking where he was going. At that point it was clear just how much youth there was for the Roar on the park. We started to get worried. T
he Roar switched to all out attack. And Wellington retreated to their penalty area with a two player thick wall of defence. The Roar haven't really ever looked likely from distance and their were plenty of shots into defenders and away for corners. But Wellington defence looked both rugged quick to resort to shirt pulling and fouling. In the crowd, we felt the ref and particularly assistant refs just were not keeping up. I was thinking that the Roar were looking very narrow, trying to run through the middle. Then I worked out what they were trying to do. Get the ball through and wait for the trigger happy defenders to give the foul away. Mitch Nichols got it right mid way through the 30s, pitching through Durante and got clobbered. We thought it was in the box. Then it was van Dijk. Now we can see why he was picked and kept in. Great kick. Moss pushed it onto the bar and tries to re-claim but can't hang on and McKay, who has been confusing the Wellington wall, runs forward and taps in with his left.Wellington hang on for 1-1 at the break. Van Dijk is having his best game. Mitch Nichols is amazing. A lot of the time he is walking. Telling the team what to do. Tapping the ball around. He'll be 20 in the first week of January. He'll have to watch his diving-in tackles. But now the Roar have another player who always looks ready to score. Moore is showing that he is the best player on the park, we hear him say 'work Tahj'.
After the break, we sit back to see what will happen. Then bang. Wellington have scored. What. Through Reddy's hands, seems to come out as Reddy hits the post. 1-2. Seconds later Zullo runs down the left. He may have hear me 'come-on we need to get one back.' He crosses into the near post side of the 6 yard box, whooosh Van Dijk beats the defender with the same kick as his last goal, bending off the left side of his left boot. 2-2.
On Saturday my son and I had watched the youtude videos of van Dijk. The bicycle kick, the 10 goals in a game, a few others, this is why they bought him. The only thing is the Dutch second division defenders just seem to stand around. A bit different in the A-League.
The game is really open now, it is clear that Wellington feel they must win. Shane Smeltz is just about out of the game. Craig Moore is good. The crowd gets more cheesed with the ref. But in pushing forward, the brittleness of the Wellington defence is getting more and more exposed. And they rely more and more on shirt holding and fouling. The foul count was Roar 11 v Wellington 23, and key ones were missed or advantage played. Van Dijk sets up Mitch in the box on the right and he pulls the trigger too early - over the bar. Tommy Oar comes on for Tahj, and Tommy and Zullo swap, Tommy is running right in front of us. Frank has told them at half time to play wider. It is working, Matty Muscat hasn't got anything left and he is gabbing Tommy's shirt whenever he can. At last he gets a yellow card. Now 3 defenders plus McKain are on yellows. (McKain wanted to come back to Brisbane but he is now talking about going overseas again).
Keep running at them and one of them is going to go. 'Get it to Tommy, Tommy run at them, go on grab his shirt.' Van Dijk mis-kicks with the keeper diving across him - did the keeper grab his foot? Mitch breaks through, his shirt is pulled, its as close as they can get to him, but scuffs his shot - why not a penalty? Packer, on for an injured Josh, skys a free kick. Why is he taking that? Van Dijk is subbed. Durante pollaxes a rampaging Zullo on the right, he is off. 90 minutes are up. Free kick outside the box. Later we would here Fox saying it was Zullo taking the kick. But we knew it was Tommy. Plus we knew he oarsome free kick reputation. Bang, full pelt banana.
Another young Queenslander proves his metal. What are the other states doing?
It is funny that a game can look so different to a fan sitting in the stands to a commentator in a box, a fan in front of tv, or, especially, a ref.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Victory 3 v Sydney 2: Melbourne push Kosmina out of the way...
I just heard this on my local radio:
Oh we have come so far. It is like the basketball call you get if you watch a MSL game.
It wasn't so much Melbourne as Danny Allsopp. Shouldered off the ball by Middleby he ran straight into John K with his hip and shoulder. Take that. And Kosmina was banging head on the chair legs.
The earlier story had been Cole being found by Middleby with space in and around the right hand top of the box, and Cole being able to hook the ball up and over the Melbourne defence and curl it above the keeper and in. That was about 30 seconds. Within 4 minutes, Gan had made it two from way outside the box. Before half time Archie got one back from a quickly taken free kick - running into the box unmarked and swivel kick. Into the middle of the second half Nicky Ward came on as a sub, and bam leveled it from way outside the box with his second touch of the ball. John Aloisi was waiting to come on at the time. Nay Fab looked dangerous from his entry. He didn't come to the A-League and its cap to fool around - and scrambled the winning running onto a far post ball.
Hernandas' club is asking $1m for him to stay here. So I'd say his is off.
'And Melbourne scored 3 unanswered goals to beat Sydney 3, 4, 2.'
Oh we have come so far. It is like the basketball call you get if you watch a MSL game.
It wasn't so much Melbourne as Danny Allsopp. Shouldered off the ball by Middleby he ran straight into John K with his hip and shoulder. Take that. And Kosmina was banging head on the chair legs.
The earlier story had been Cole being found by Middleby with space in and around the right hand top of the box, and Cole being able to hook the ball up and over the Melbourne defence and curl it above the keeper and in. That was about 30 seconds. Within 4 minutes, Gan had made it two from way outside the box. Before half time Archie got one back from a quickly taken free kick - running into the box unmarked and swivel kick. Into the middle of the second half Nicky Ward came on as a sub, and bam leveled it from way outside the box with his second touch of the ball. John Aloisi was waiting to come on at the time. Nay Fab looked dangerous from his entry. He didn't come to the A-League and its cap to fool around - and scrambled the winning running onto a far post ball.
Hernandas' club is asking $1m for him to stay here. So I'd say his is off.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Jets 1 v CCM 2, Perth 0 v Adelaide 1
Adelaide know how to kill off a game. Shame really what with Vidmar wanting FFA to ban Victory and the Roar's crowd pleasers. Perth played the better and more interesting game.
Jets can't close-out a game. This was Jedinak's last game for CCM and it could have been Mark Milligan's last for Newcastle as he limped off the field and is now said to be looking at a move to China in January. Anyway, Gary van said that their season is over - well except for representing Australia in Asia. Sensation of the game? Dylan McMaster getting himself straight reded for getting involved in after match pushing and shoving. So much for Fox wanting him to get a Socceroo call-up.
I was at the airport this morning and ran into the Roar Women's team off to Canberra. 'Win us some silverwear, we need it.' One of them said to me 'We have already won the league.' I had meant the finals. 'Do you go to Asia?' 'No they haven't organised that yet.' 'Good luck.' And off they flew.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
John Aloisi
Players are human. You cut them and they will bleed.
It is difficult not to feel for John Aloisi. The pressure on him as a player, and possibly as a person, is significant. But it isn't something that he can't come out of as more of hero. Imagine if on his next start he scored three goals. Or even two.
He qualified Australia for the world cup. He didn't control the fact that he was there. Nor that he was able to step up for the kick that got us through. But he had the nerve to really belt it in. Good on him.
Then he wanted to bring his family to Australia. Who wouldn't? He was set to play with his brother in home town of Adelaide until Ross fell out of favour with the club. Then his agent approached the Roar. But the price was too high. Central Coast found the money was a star team was made. They won the competition and came second in the final.
Given his success, there was the opportunity to go to Sydney FC to capitalise on his match winning quality. Sydney were re-building to win the 4th season. John Aloisi was to be the marque of marques.
But with this comes expectation and pressure. And he picked up an injury in the pre-season. While he was out, Sydney did fairly well. his return was to push them into the lead. More pressure. And football is a very psychological game. Winning get a boost, they can play out of their skin, above their normal capability. bt if things start going against you. More pressure.
The Sydney had John out on the hustings. Interviewing with Hamish and Andy talking about how he was about to hit form... And more expectation...
He scores and celebrates. Particularly against his old team CCM...
Then mis-steps and slips against the team that has been down the bottom most of the season.
And ownership changes at Sydney FC.
According to Fox, the latest is a question from the Club along the lines of - do you want to play next year. Yes - he has a contract...
Whatever happens next. I will be thinking of John Aloisi the person. We all get ourselves into problems of our making and ... the making of others.
May be I have learnt something as well. Particularly when I get frustrated with some Roar strikers.
It is difficult not to feel for John Aloisi. The pressure on him as a player, and possibly as a person, is significant. But it isn't something that he can't come out of as more of hero. Imagine if on his next start he scored three goals. Or even two.
He qualified Australia for the world cup. He didn't control the fact that he was there. Nor that he was able to step up for the kick that got us through. But he had the nerve to really belt it in. Good on him.
Then he wanted to bring his family to Australia. Who wouldn't? He was set to play with his brother in home town of Adelaide until Ross fell out of favour with the club. Then his agent approached the Roar. But the price was too high. Central Coast found the money was a star team was made. They won the competition and came second in the final.
Given his success, there was the opportunity to go to Sydney FC to capitalise on his match winning quality. Sydney were re-building to win the 4th season. John Aloisi was to be the marque of marques.
But with this comes expectation and pressure. And he picked up an injury in the pre-season. While he was out, Sydney did fairly well. his return was to push them into the lead. More pressure. And football is a very psychological game. Winning get a boost, they can play out of their skin, above their normal capability. bt if things start going against you. More pressure.
The Sydney had John out on the hustings. Interviewing with Hamish and Andy talking about how he was about to hit form... And more expectation...
He scores and celebrates. Particularly against his old team CCM...
Then mis-steps and slips against the team that has been down the bottom most of the season.
And ownership changes at Sydney FC.
According to Fox, the latest is a question from the Club along the lines of - do you want to play next year. Yes - he has a contract...
Whatever happens next. I will be thinking of John Aloisi the person. We all get ourselves into problems of our making and ... the making of others.
May be I have learnt something as well. Particularly when I get frustrated with some Roar strikers.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Coach John Wooden on how to succeed...
'1. Fear no opponent. Respect every opponent.
2. Remember, it's the perfection of the smallest details that make big things happen.
3. Keep in mind that hustle makes up for many a mistake.
4. Be more interested in character than reputation.
5. Be quick, but don't hurry.
6. understand that the harder you work, the more luck you will have.
7. Know that valid self-analysis is crucial for improvement.
8. Remember that there is no substitute for hard work and careful planning. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.'
John Wooden and Steve Jamison 'Wooden: a lifetime of observations and reflections on and off the court' McGraw-Hill 1997 page 72.
This book was nominated by former Brisbane Bronco coach Wayne Bennett as his favourite book.
2. Remember, it's the perfection of the smallest details that make big things happen.
3. Keep in mind that hustle makes up for many a mistake.
4. Be more interested in character than reputation.
5. Be quick, but don't hurry.
6. understand that the harder you work, the more luck you will have.
7. Know that valid self-analysis is crucial for improvement.
8. Remember that there is no substitute for hard work and careful planning. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.'
John Wooden and Steve Jamison 'Wooden: a lifetime of observations and reflections on and off the court' McGraw-Hill 1997 page 72.
This book was nominated by former Brisbane Bronco coach Wayne Bennett as his favourite book.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Sydney Fc 1 v Perth Glory 4: A few here for the post Christmas bargain basement bins...
Like the careers of John Aloisi and John Kosmina.
Aloisi turned his back on Central Coast Marina's fans and Kosmina made what he thought was a safe bet by buying Aloisi - the most expensive player in the A-League at $500,000, Collosimo from Perth and Mark Bridge from Newcastle. But oh dear. Collosimo very quickly was out for the season. And now neither Aloisi nor Bridge can get a full came. And Kosmina just hasn't got the team to play the latest 4-3-3 or 3-4-3 fashion. 4-4-1-$ (I mean 4-4-1-1) just didn't work tonight. Aloisi mist 2 open goals - the latter he was right on the line but couldn't get his feet working.
Sydney fans have had enough and booed Aloisi round the park, the team off at half time (0-2) and Aloisi off in the 60s. Still he showed character to stay with it.
Just where are all these new quality players coming from for next year. Newcastle are buying 10 plus, Gold Coast 23 - 5 foreigners, NQ Fury 23 - 5, Perth say 10. Youth league and state leagues or not - it just isn't adding up.
Perth has bought a Dutch international as a guest for its last games to replace Amaral who looked great but too old. But they haven't signed Dadi who may go to Newcastle for the Asian Champions League.
Meanwhile, Kosmina has now tried 30 players. I think with the new owners he must be thinking his time is nearly up - certainly if he doesn't make the finals. I think John Aloisi's career could be over too, looks like it was the CCM system that got him goals last year. Let's hope that Popas isn't over as well.
The good news for Roar fans is that with perhaps the A-League's biggest upset round ever, the Roar goes up from 3rd to 2nd without even playing. Howsthat?
Aloisi turned his back on Central Coast Marina's fans and Kosmina made what he thought was a safe bet by buying Aloisi - the most expensive player in the A-League at $500,000, Collosimo from Perth and Mark Bridge from Newcastle. But oh dear. Collosimo very quickly was out for the season. And now neither Aloisi nor Bridge can get a full came. And Kosmina just hasn't got the team to play the latest 4-3-3 or 3-4-3 fashion. 4-4-1-$ (I mean 4-4-1-1) just didn't work tonight. Aloisi mist 2 open goals - the latter he was right on the line but couldn't get his feet working.
Sydney fans have had enough and booed Aloisi round the park, the team off at half time (0-2) and Aloisi off in the 60s. Still he showed character to stay with it.
Just where are all these new quality players coming from for next year. Newcastle are buying 10 plus, Gold Coast 23 - 5 foreigners, NQ Fury 23 - 5, Perth say 10. Youth league and state leagues or not - it just isn't adding up.
Perth has bought a Dutch international as a guest for its last games to replace Amaral who looked great but too old. But they haven't signed Dadi who may go to Newcastle for the Asian Champions League.
Meanwhile, Kosmina has now tried 30 players. I think with the new owners he must be thinking his time is nearly up - certainly if he doesn't make the finals. I think John Aloisi's career could be over too, looks like it was the CCM system that got him goals last year. Let's hope that Popas isn't over as well.
The good news for Roar fans is that with perhaps the A-League's biggest upset round ever, the Roar goes up from 3rd to 2nd without even playing. Howsthat?
Friday, December 19, 2008
Newcastle 4 v Victory 2: 'every night and day, I get down on my knees and pray, and say thank you.. '
Calling off Archie Thompson's goal for an off-side that wasn't was a let off that allowed Newcastle to score against the play and go in at half time 2-0. Then Matt Thompson got his third - first hat trick for the season (who would have thought?) - and Joel Griffith crossed for Song to get his first ever goal. Melbourne turn around and its 4-0.
But they came back. Particularly when Ney Fab came on. Anything could have happened in this match, that with the Wellington win, and the Adelaide-Roar bye keeps the top of the table really tight.
Newcastle youngsters looked great.
But they came back. Particularly when Ney Fab came on. Anything could have happened in this match, that with the Wellington win, and the Adelaide-Roar bye keeps the top of the table really tight.
Newcastle youngsters looked great.
Wellington 1 v Central Coast Mariners 0
Shane Smeltz is on fire. Interesting that overseas clubs aren't looking at him. But he is the only one who can score for Wellington.
This was a smash and hold for Wellington. It looked very long ball in the last 10 minutes.
Did the cold and windy weather help? Probably.
If the Roar can win at home on 28 December against Wellington, then this was a big favour that will really help Roar finals hopes.
I wonder where Nic Mrdja will end up next year? He wants to score but he doesn't get enough time and looks very blunt - trying to drill through teams.
Will Gold Coast's Brazilians be able to supply Shane Smeltz next year? Today it was a great cross and header early.
This was a smash and hold for Wellington. It looked very long ball in the last 10 minutes.
Did the cold and windy weather help? Probably.
If the Roar can win at home on 28 December against Wellington, then this was a big favour that will really help Roar finals hopes.
I wonder where Nic Mrdja will end up next year? He wants to score but he doesn't get enough time and looks very blunt - trying to drill through teams.
Will Gold Coast's Brazilians be able to supply Shane Smeltz next year? Today it was a great cross and header early.
Bremner cops 2 weeks - also fines for Muscat and Moore
British fever. Four years in is this the first time players have gambled on the A-League?
Moore gets $5k with $2k suspended for winning some money on a game that didn't involve the Roar.
Muscat also gets $5k with $2k suspended for losing some money on a game that didn't involve the Victory.
Bremner gets $5k with $2k suspended for putting some money on a game that didn't involve the Victory.
But...
Bremner gets 2 weeks suspension for betting on Melbourne in an ACL game.
Surebet provided the evidence. Isn't that what you have friends for? Or weather maps (a cricket joke).
But good to stop this.
Moore gets $5k with $2k suspended for winning some money on a game that didn't involve the Roar.
Muscat also gets $5k with $2k suspended for losing some money on a game that didn't involve the Victory.
Bremner gets $5k with $2k suspended for putting some money on a game that didn't involve the Victory.
But...
Bremner gets 2 weeks suspension for betting on Melbourne in an ACL game.
Surebet provided the evidence. Isn't that what you have friends for? Or weather maps (a cricket joke).
But good to stop this.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Roar Women Win First W-League
The youth league has had a real impact on the A-League. Fringe players and players getting back from injury get to show their stuff plus young players could get a call up. As far as the young players go the Roar has been the best at this so far.
For the women there is no direct connection. And while the youth games may get a go within a few hours of the seniors, I don't recall this for the women.
The Roar women have done something the men haven't been able to, win silverware. And talking to Roar officials it seems that Queensland has had a big advantage in the womens, with more quality players coming from up here than other states. Meaning that key players in other teams are often Queenslanders. In the game I watched the Roar were playing short passing football and Sydney a long ball game - Roar won 3-0.
I think the women - with the extra money and quality and competition could bit a World Cup threat in a few years. Football has a real chance to attract the young athletes that currently stick with netball and basketball. More coverage and international results will attract more sponsorship - have you scene the huge banners in Westfield.
Currently, the W-League is where the NSL used to be - limited coverage and airplay, some international success but limited competition - only around 3 competitive teams - and small crowds. A bit of magic and it could suddenly be a great night out...
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Roar 2 v Newcastle 1 - very happy, game of the season
It didn't look like it for much of the first half. Newcastle looked desperate and the Roar looked slow. Almost dis-interested.
Then Newcastle scored on the counter. And Frank brought on Mitch Nichols for Andrew Packer. It changed the game. In earlier games Charlie Miller had been playing in Mitch Nichols shoes. Tonight Nichols slipped right in. He was go go go from the moment he was on.
In fact just before Mitch scored his wonderful sliding header right on half time, Tahj was caught walking into attack and missed an opportunity. Unfortunately Tahj looks like he can't make a full 90 minutes. He seems to give up too easily. Mitch does not give up. He is everywhere.
Van Dijk was really upsetting the fans. He missed 3 'must score' opportunities. It is funny how Foxtel call him. The camera angles make him look a much better player than he is. He just is too slow. Fullstop. Fortunately he scored a great winner on 90 plus 6 seconds. But not before Tommy Oar came on and electrified Lang Park. Tiatto, after nearly getting himself sent off in the first half, looked great in attack. Hitting the side post and then Zullo hit the bar - was it going to be the same old story - no Tiatto showed everyone how to do a cross and this time Van Dijk beat his man. Everyone said thanks be...
Ben Williams refing... oh dear.
Jobe Wheelhouse's send off - (he set up Joel Griffith in the first half) - I am expecting him to get 9 to 15 games as he clearly manhandled Ben Williams several times including a push in the back. So FFA are you going to be consistent??? Or are you going to let Jobe off the hook?
Moment of the match? 16 year old Tommy Oar putting Socceroo keeper Covic off his game and giving him a cheeky grin. priceless.
Mitch Nichols won this game for the Roar. Time to sign him.
Then Newcastle scored on the counter. And Frank brought on Mitch Nichols for Andrew Packer. It changed the game. In earlier games Charlie Miller had been playing in Mitch Nichols shoes. Tonight Nichols slipped right in. He was go go go from the moment he was on.
In fact just before Mitch scored his wonderful sliding header right on half time, Tahj was caught walking into attack and missed an opportunity. Unfortunately Tahj looks like he can't make a full 90 minutes. He seems to give up too easily. Mitch does not give up. He is everywhere.
Van Dijk was really upsetting the fans. He missed 3 'must score' opportunities. It is funny how Foxtel call him. The camera angles make him look a much better player than he is. He just is too slow. Fullstop. Fortunately he scored a great winner on 90 plus 6 seconds. But not before Tommy Oar came on and electrified Lang Park. Tiatto, after nearly getting himself sent off in the first half, looked great in attack. Hitting the side post and then Zullo hit the bar - was it going to be the same old story - no Tiatto showed everyone how to do a cross and this time Van Dijk beat his man. Everyone said thanks be...
Ben Williams refing... oh dear.
Jobe Wheelhouse's send off - (he set up Joel Griffith in the first half) - I am expecting him to get 9 to 15 games as he clearly manhandled Ben Williams several times including a push in the back. So FFA are you going to be consistent??? Or are you going to let Jobe off the hook?
Moment of the match? 16 year old Tommy Oar putting Socceroo keeper Covic off his game and giving him a cheeky grin. priceless.
Mitch Nichols won this game for the Roar. Time to sign him.
Wellington 1 v Perth 1 and CCM 2 - Sydney 1... no more drinking when the pub shuts down...
Umm. Let's start with the Wellies v Perth. Not such a great game. Nik R missed a sitter in the second half. Then Straight away Smeltz got himself one-on-one with Tando the keeper. First short brilliant save. Rebound - sky'ed over the bar. I did that in a cup final once. But I was 10 and we won anyway. Great goal from Dadi.
I think Kossie could be gone. If not now they at the end of the season. Frank Lowy got him there and with frank gone. And new ownership - The Ramsey Health people I think plus Russian gizzionaires - well its going to be all change.
The Roar need to Newcastle tonight. Can they without Miller? And with Newcastle at - what is for them - just about full strength. If Newcastle attack, as they are saying they will, it could be a big Roar win. Otherwise Joel Griffiths could make it the same old story. 7 goals from 7 Roar games...
I think Kossie could be gone. If not now they at the end of the season. Frank Lowy got him there and with frank gone. And new ownership - The Ramsey Health people I think plus Russian gizzionaires - well its going to be all change.
The Roar need to Newcastle tonight. Can they without Miller? And with Newcastle at - what is for them - just about full strength. If Newcastle attack, as they are saying they will, it could be a big Roar win. Otherwise Joel Griffiths could make it the same old story. 7 goals from 7 Roar games...
Miller Light - ... give back like there is no tomorrow...
I went to the Roar Christmas party yesterday. I wanted to donate some gifts to the kids in hospital. I've been a scrooge so far this year - decorations shouldn't really go up until today. But I did want to see how the guys are going. In particular, I wanted to congratulate Mitch Nichols on his U19 world cup qualification goals. Anyway Santa was going to be there...
I shook Craig Moore's hand, first chance I had had to do that since his op. Had a long conversation with Mitch - hope we keep him.Spoke to a guy from Lions, we both hoped they'd keep former Lion Tahj. Expressed my views about how to build a fan base...
Then the news came through about Charlie... ah well there is next season for him.
I shook Craig Moore's hand, first chance I had had to do that since his op. Had a long conversation with Mitch - hope we keep him.Spoke to a guy from Lions, we both hoped they'd keep former Lion Tahj. Expressed my views about how to build a fan base...
Then the news came through about Charlie... ah well there is next season for him.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
More A-League from the Japanese viewpoint
Clayton: 'This Adelaide team has grown so much. the Asian adventure has given them some real mojo. They have played in games that the other a-league teams can only dream about ...'
John: 'I agree. Adelaide have gone about building a domination of the A-League that other teams only dream about. I believe that this success is built on the sound commercial decisions made by the club, in the own interest from the start of the A-League. Like Sydney and Central Coast they spent wisely to get a quality side from year one. Quality players want to play for winning clubs. In a perverse way the salary cap has locked some clubs out of the reach of quality players - clubs that can't assure a player that they will make the finals and will be on show in Asia just can't put up enough money to cover the risk.
The other great commercial decision was to ignore the opportunity to play at a bigger ground. The problem for the Roar is that if their former owner Queensland Lions had not committed the club to back breaking Lang Park, then Clem Jones and his Brisbane Strikers would have won the 1st Queensland franchise. Simple as that. That decision was a huge opportunity cost. Miron complained bitterly at the lack money he was allowed to buy a squad that could do justice to such a large stadium.'
Clayton: 'One thing they (Adelaide) have (well, on one side at least) is genuine drive from the fullbacks ... dunno about mullen/cornthwaite, but with jamison on the other linking with cassio they have got something going that they didn`t have at the start of the year.'
And oggie is playing out of his skin atm.
I don`t think the Roar get that much going forward from their fullbacks. Packer? I think he is a squad player. Unfair maybe, but that is my gut feeling. Seo? his marauding days are over. could be a handy holding mid though.
The modern attacking team has got 9 or 10 attackers. at least one of the centrebacks has to have decent distribution. get more oomph out of the fullback spots and we`d unlock more teams, more easily methinks.
Others have said it before, and i think it is a good idea - McKay\Murdocca to the fullback slots?'
John: 'Jamieson is a real find. I noticed him from the first game at Land Park this year. They are lucky he hasn't had rep time off. On the other hand he has been given quality game time. Whereas, Mitch Nichols, at the other end of the park for the Roar hasn't.
Don't forget that Andrew Packer had played in about four finals before he came to the Roar. Since he has had injuries. And I suspect we won't see much more of Seo.
The Roar have the best defence in the A-League and have conceded the least goals. If they could win at home they'd be on top. If they tinker too much with their defence they could get flattened.'
Clayton: 'Bring on teams 9,10, 11, and 12. If Sydney lost that game, they are stuck in the basement and their coach is gone. They win and they are 3rd? They should have brought in two teams for this season - there are probably a range of reasons why crowds are down ... but i think 1 reason is that the league stayed at 8 teams for 2 long.'
John: 'Yes Clayton if you trawl my back catalog from last year you'll see I was warning that delaying new teams was a mistake. I think the FFA decided that the two proposals from last year were not there in terms of sustainability. Plus I think they could not get agreement from teams like Sydney and the Roar on access to their original franchise area. A lot of these details are not really that transparent. And they were counting on the Socceroos to qualify at the end of this season leading to a double kick next year. The major concern now is the dilution of talent at some clubs - particularly Newcastle and Sydney FC.
However, I think the major issue is the lack of sophistication by clubs in the development of the fan base. frankly too many decisions seem to be being made by people who are expert in football and way too few by people who are expert in understanding and attracting customers.
As I have said before I think the A-League needs to adopt the American gridiron and MSL models where investors share all revenues and the central body controls player transfers. This means teams have less incentive to bore the away crowd. And the transfer and recruitment control stops one team getting all the good players including foreign players when the salary cap starts to hold weaker clubs back. In the USA it stops New York dominating through its size. Here it would help the teams with big stadium. (Adelaide are now saying they want to go back on the agreement to share ACL money with other clubs - is an example).'
You can read more from Clayton at:
http://ramblingobsessive.wordpress.com/
John: 'I agree. Adelaide have gone about building a domination of the A-League that other teams only dream about. I believe that this success is built on the sound commercial decisions made by the club, in the own interest from the start of the A-League. Like Sydney and Central Coast they spent wisely to get a quality side from year one. Quality players want to play for winning clubs. In a perverse way the salary cap has locked some clubs out of the reach of quality players - clubs that can't assure a player that they will make the finals and will be on show in Asia just can't put up enough money to cover the risk.
The other great commercial decision was to ignore the opportunity to play at a bigger ground. The problem for the Roar is that if their former owner Queensland Lions had not committed the club to back breaking Lang Park, then Clem Jones and his Brisbane Strikers would have won the 1st Queensland franchise. Simple as that. That decision was a huge opportunity cost. Miron complained bitterly at the lack money he was allowed to buy a squad that could do justice to such a large stadium.'
Clayton: 'One thing they (Adelaide) have (well, on one side at least) is genuine drive from the fullbacks ... dunno about mullen/cornthwaite, but with jamison on the other linking with cassio they have got something going that they didn`t have at the start of the year.'
And oggie is playing out of his skin atm.
I don`t think the Roar get that much going forward from their fullbacks. Packer? I think he is a squad player. Unfair maybe, but that is my gut feeling. Seo? his marauding days are over. could be a handy holding mid though.
The modern attacking team has got 9 or 10 attackers. at least one of the centrebacks has to have decent distribution. get more oomph out of the fullback spots and we`d unlock more teams, more easily methinks.
Others have said it before, and i think it is a good idea - McKay\Murdocca to the fullback slots?'
John: 'Jamieson is a real find. I noticed him from the first game at Land Park this year. They are lucky he hasn't had rep time off. On the other hand he has been given quality game time. Whereas, Mitch Nichols, at the other end of the park for the Roar hasn't.
Don't forget that Andrew Packer had played in about four finals before he came to the Roar. Since he has had injuries. And I suspect we won't see much more of Seo.
The Roar have the best defence in the A-League and have conceded the least goals. If they could win at home they'd be on top. If they tinker too much with their defence they could get flattened.'
Clayton: 'Bring on teams 9,10, 11, and 12. If Sydney lost that game, they are stuck in the basement and their coach is gone. They win and they are 3rd? They should have brought in two teams for this season - there are probably a range of reasons why crowds are down ... but i think 1 reason is that the league stayed at 8 teams for 2 long.'
John: 'Yes Clayton if you trawl my back catalog from last year you'll see I was warning that delaying new teams was a mistake. I think the FFA decided that the two proposals from last year were not there in terms of sustainability. Plus I think they could not get agreement from teams like Sydney and the Roar on access to their original franchise area. A lot of these details are not really that transparent. And they were counting on the Socceroos to qualify at the end of this season leading to a double kick next year. The major concern now is the dilution of talent at some clubs - particularly Newcastle and Sydney FC.
However, I think the major issue is the lack of sophistication by clubs in the development of the fan base. frankly too many decisions seem to be being made by people who are expert in football and way too few by people who are expert in understanding and attracting customers.
As I have said before I think the A-League needs to adopt the American gridiron and MSL models where investors share all revenues and the central body controls player transfers. This means teams have less incentive to bore the away crowd. And the transfer and recruitment control stops one team getting all the good players including foreign players when the salary cap starts to hold weaker clubs back. In the USA it stops New York dominating through its size. Here it would help the teams with big stadium. (Adelaide are now saying they want to go back on the agreement to share ACL money with other clubs - is an example).'
You can read more from Clayton at:
http://ramblingobsessive.wordpress.com/
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Newcastle 1 v Sydney 2
At the start of the season it appeared that Sydney had successfully raided the best of 3 other teams to create a power house - Bridge (Newcastle), Colossimo (Perth) and Aloisi (CCM). But through injury or poor form these three have barely contributed to their current position. Sydney FC's stand outs have been new players like Cole and now Gan.
Newcastle shares with Sydney the trauma of appearing, in the words of FC's Ian Fyfe, a team in transition. And given the demand for players next year it is very difficult to see either team repeating Sydney's, as it turns out pyrrhic, Bridge, Colossimo, Aloisi raid. 50% or more of the starting squad of both teams could be gone by next season. And the fans of both teams are likely to left wondering what happened.
Having said that, this game, in front of a financially painful 7,000 Newcastle fans, was about who goes into the last 7 rounds looking likely to qualify for the finals. And Sydney are still in a position to have Bridge, Colossimo and Aloisi pay off for them at the end and all could be forgiven.
Can anyone stop Adelaide? Other than their fatugue?
----------------------------
Newcastle shares with Sydney the trauma of appearing, in the words of FC's Ian Fyfe, a team in transition. And given the demand for players next year it is very difficult to see either team repeating Sydney's, as it turns out pyrrhic, Bridge, Colossimo, Aloisi raid. 50% or more of the starting squad of both teams could be gone by next season. And the fans of both teams are likely to left wondering what happened.
Having said that, this game, in front of a financially painful 7,000 Newcastle fans, was about who goes into the last 7 rounds looking likely to qualify for the finals. And Sydney are still in a position to have Bridge, Colossimo and Aloisi pay off for them at the end and all could be forgiven.
Can anyone stop Adelaide? Other than their fatugue?
----------------------------
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Adelaide 6 v Wellington 1, Perth 3 v Victory 1
Perth have done Adelaide a favour.
2-0 up at half time, Adelaide were rampant in the 2nd half. And the Wellington defence was up to its old tricks.
Not sure what happened to Melbourne. Lots of soul searching to do there with 2 losses to pull it well back to the pack. Perth show again how hard it is play the passing game - but if you play it well you reap rewards. And their foreigners look great.
The Roar with draws against Sydney and now CCM is holding together the middle of the table. Oh if they could only bite and hold.
2-0 up at half time, Adelaide were rampant in the 2nd half. And the Wellington defence was up to its old tricks.
Not sure what happened to Melbourne. Lots of soul searching to do there with 2 losses to pull it well back to the pack. Perth show again how hard it is play the passing game - but if you play it well you reap rewards. And their foreigners look great.
The Roar with draws against Sydney and now CCM is holding together the middle of the table. Oh if they could only bite and hold.
Central Coast 1 v Roar 1
Phew.
It is hot and sticky up here. And had been hot as hell in Gosford. But it cooled down quite a bit in time for the game. Here it just got stickier and stickier. Speaking of which. The pitch was rubbish. And no one else is playing on it or waving their violins.
The Roar played their best half of football this season. And Sergio Van Dijk scored the goal of the season. A free kick between the box and half way. A flick on from Miller, at first Van Dijk seemed to have let it run too far then bang. It's in the bang of the net. CCM were left saying 'what the'. In the first half Van Dijk was in play and also had his best half.
The main comment on CCM is that Sasho Petrovski needs to unlearn diving. And if you air-swing and dive, don't yell at the ref. You could get booked. He didn't. He was lucky. So were a couple of CCM defenders who in that first half dove in with their studs but only got yellows.
CCM really missed Matt Simon. He is the best player in the A-League. A wing player, great crosser - Petrovski really missed that, and an out and out goal scorer. The Roar still need a player like him. Where are you Robbie (are you going to North Qld?, Looks like Minniecon may as his uncle is involved with the Fury, a real blow to the Roar).
Zullo was also out. I assume injured as the speculation was that Packer was going to make way with 3 at the back. But both teams played 4-4-2 in the first half. The Roar missed Zullo. Too many passes didn't get to their player in the final third. Particularly, in the 2nd half.
In the 2nd half it was all CCM. Except that their final third looked weak. Even when they went back to 4-3-3 with Mrdja on and Gumprect pushing forward. It was Gumprect who scored. Another scorcher.
For the Roar, against the play, Murdocca created an opportunity in the box. And should have scored himself. But passed to an unmarked Van Dijk who was way too slow and could only manage to put the ball into his defender. In the 2nd half Van Dijk had run out of puff. But it was Minniecon who was subbed.
And Charlie Miller. Copped a crunching tackle early in the game. He played the full game. But CCM had him under control. Maybe the Youth leagues top scorer Chris Grossman should have been given his chance? There is a presence I guess.
Tiatto came off in the 2nd half - I saw him at training a couple of weeks back 'play with the hand break on?' he asked the conditioning coaches. 'Both brakes' they replied. He looked professional. And it was his replacement Ben Griffin who gave away the fatal free kick and was on the wrong side of Casaras as Gumprects shot rifled passed. Humm. Where is Mundy?
It is hot and sticky up here. And had been hot as hell in Gosford. But it cooled down quite a bit in time for the game. Here it just got stickier and stickier. Speaking of which. The pitch was rubbish. And no one else is playing on it or waving their violins.
The Roar played their best half of football this season. And Sergio Van Dijk scored the goal of the season. A free kick between the box and half way. A flick on from Miller, at first Van Dijk seemed to have let it run too far then bang. It's in the bang of the net. CCM were left saying 'what the'. In the first half Van Dijk was in play and also had his best half.
The main comment on CCM is that Sasho Petrovski needs to unlearn diving. And if you air-swing and dive, don't yell at the ref. You could get booked. He didn't. He was lucky. So were a couple of CCM defenders who in that first half dove in with their studs but only got yellows.
CCM really missed Matt Simon. He is the best player in the A-League. A wing player, great crosser - Petrovski really missed that, and an out and out goal scorer. The Roar still need a player like him. Where are you Robbie (are you going to North Qld?, Looks like Minniecon may as his uncle is involved with the Fury, a real blow to the Roar).
Zullo was also out. I assume injured as the speculation was that Packer was going to make way with 3 at the back. But both teams played 4-4-2 in the first half. The Roar missed Zullo. Too many passes didn't get to their player in the final third. Particularly, in the 2nd half.
In the 2nd half it was all CCM. Except that their final third looked weak. Even when they went back to 4-3-3 with Mrdja on and Gumprect pushing forward. It was Gumprect who scored. Another scorcher.
For the Roar, against the play, Murdocca created an opportunity in the box. And should have scored himself. But passed to an unmarked Van Dijk who was way too slow and could only manage to put the ball into his defender. In the 2nd half Van Dijk had run out of puff. But it was Minniecon who was subbed.
And Charlie Miller. Copped a crunching tackle early in the game. He played the full game. But CCM had him under control. Maybe the Youth leagues top scorer Chris Grossman should have been given his chance? There is a presence I guess.
Tiatto came off in the 2nd half - I saw him at training a couple of weeks back 'play with the hand break on?' he asked the conditioning coaches. 'Both brakes' they replied. He looked professional. And it was his replacement Ben Griffin who gave away the fatal free kick and was on the wrong side of Casaras as Gumprects shot rifled passed. Humm. Where is Mundy?
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
A few comments on the A-League
1. Newcastle 1 v Adelaide 1 - another bellyflop with Adelaide scoring in 90 + 3:35. Leading to claims of poor time keeping. However, I think that was about the faceoff between Jamieson and Elrich. I thought maybe that kick went the wrong way and therefore og wouldn't have scored.
2. Charlie Miller seems to have lost his battle with the hernia. Miller taught Roar fans what a real striker is capable of. And even he seemed to loose confidence in his team mates occasionally. Due to Moore, whom the Roar could also loose after Christmas, the Roar has least goals conceded. But also one of the lowest scoring rates. Take out Miller's 7 and it doesn't look great.
3. Adelaide is concerned about its poor away scoring and is interviewing Nik Mrja from CCM. Look this isn't the players, it is the way they play away from home. And it is tedious for all. Adelaide are also after 2 Newcastle players including their star keeper Covic as Eugene is off to Japan. This type of pinching is poor form. Grow your own Adelaide.
2. Charlie Miller seems to have lost his battle with the hernia. Miller taught Roar fans what a real striker is capable of. And even he seemed to loose confidence in his team mates occasionally. Due to Moore, whom the Roar could also loose after Christmas, the Roar has least goals conceded. But also one of the lowest scoring rates. Take out Miller's 7 and it doesn't look great.
3. Adelaide is concerned about its poor away scoring and is interviewing Nik Mrja from CCM. Look this isn't the players, it is the way they play away from home. And it is tedious for all. Adelaide are also after 2 Newcastle players including their star keeper Covic as Eugene is off to Japan. This type of pinching is poor form. Grow your own Adelaide.
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