With FFA giving fans a chance to design 2016's official @FFACup match ball I look at it's history
http://www.fourfourtwo.com/au/news/hair-there-top-10-moments-round-ball-evolution#XdF2HZDtXX8tQsli.99
Showing posts with label football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label football. Show all posts
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Kyah Simon exclusive interview ahead of Japan Quarter Final Clash
I talk exclusively with History-maker Kyah Simon for the Four Four TwoOz website as The Matildas eye more success against Japan @ the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada
( Photo: Australian forward Kyah Simon playing against the Japan WNT in Tokyo Stadium, Tokyo in June 2012 thanks to the Women's Game)
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Exclusive interview with Matilda Emily Van Egmond
I'm not surprised the Matildas beat Brazil. During interviews I've conducted with them before & during Women's World Cup they've demonstrated so much self belief
An example was this interview were I spoke exclusively to Emily Van Egmond @FourFourTwoOz before the history breaking win against Brazil in the round of 16.
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Latest A-League Snobcast out now! 2014/15 Season Review
Exclusive only to the Snobcast Kevin Muscat's pre game Grand Final Speech.
https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/a-league-snobcast/id940151220
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
GRASSROOTS Article For Modern Football
My latest EXCLUSIVE for the Only For Modern Football website. Bizarre scenes in Western Sydney as children spotted playing street soccerhttp://formodernfootball.com.au/grassroots-bizarre-scenes-in-western-sydney-as-children-spotted-playing-street-soccer/
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Latest Episode of the Four Four Two Podcast!
It's the Premiers' Pepper Spray Edition of the Four Four Two Podcast. I speak to the Australian Lebanese Messi Tarek Elrich about his Maradona esque wonder goal. Plus we pick apart the final round of the season before the finals begin...http://au.fourfourtwo.com/podcasts/442FM_10x21.mp3
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Foour Four Two Podcast A-League Finals Approaches
I'm on latest @FourFourTwoOz Pod with Kevin Airs 442 & Adam Jackson http://au.fourfourtwo.com/podcasts/442FM_10x20.mp3
We all get a little excited by the looking forward to the finals and speak a little too loud. Thankfully Sydney FC's Bernie Ibini joins us as the goalscoring voice of quiet reason.
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Latest 442 Podcast Socceroos Germany
I'm on latest Episode of the 442 Podcast:
John Davidson joins by FaceTime from the UK to dissect the Socceroos performances against Germany (yay!) and FYR Macedonia (zzz!). Plus our regular A-League round up, and Kev sits too close to the mic for the first few minutes.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
The 2015 Asian Cup Review
The 2015 Asian Cup is over and the comedown/hangover has already begun.
So to help from any Asian Cup withdrawals you are having it's time to look back on the highs and lows, the winners and losers as I give out my 2015 Asian Cup Awards.
The Winners
The Socceroos
Was this victory as good as the Socceroos qualifying for the World Cup in 2005? Or the Japan and Croatia games at the 2006 World Cup?
Some fans tell me it is, I wish I wasn’t in the toilet when James Troisi scored because I would be saying it was right up their too.
Now I have to wait another 50 years when Australia hosts the Asian Cup again and Troisi’s grandson scores the winning goal against South Korea in extra time.
Multiculturalism
The Australian fans from all backgrounds confounded nervous organiser’s worries of a low turnout by coming out in their thousands to make this Asian Cup a grand spectacle.
Multiculturalism was the one of the big winners as fans from all over the word with different ethnic backgrounds showcased a different side of culture that the Australian media usually portrays.
Usually associated with terms like refugees, boat people, or even sometimes terrorists, these were simply football fans, enjoying themselves and supporting their team and respecting the opposition.
Iran fans holding placards such as this is what a free Tehran looks like, Palestine fans watching an historic occasion in Newcastle were indicative of the tournament vibe.
The adopt a second team strategy worked to make this Asian Cup more than just about the home team, from the comedy element of Australian fans making fun of North Korea by dressing up as Kim Jong Un, to the strong turnout in Canberra and Melbourne when teams like North Korea, China, Iraq and Iran played.
The Losers
Sepp Blatter
The sneaky Penguin from the movie Batman Returns Blatter had the nerve to come to Australia and help present the Asian Cup to Australia after FIFA gave the 2022 World Cup to Qatar.
Are you watching Sepp?
Did you see who good this Asian Cup was? Did you see what an amazing show the 2022 World Cup would have been if you gave us the tournament?
Dudes at the AFC x2
Certain members of the Asian Football Confederation for trying to stir shit up before the final by hinting that they wanted to kick out the Socceroos of the AFC.
The AFC get two loser awards and the second one is for not giving any prize money to the winners of the Asian Cup.
An official quote from the AFC was:
“Generally, AFC is a non-profit making association.
“As such, any surpluses generated through its activities are reinvested in its competitions and other football development activities.”
My official quote back is: “Show me the Money!”
The Tim Cahill Selfie Award goes to..
Super Selfie Tim Cahill
Tim Cahill has been going Tim Cahilling crazy. Selfies in the change rooms after games. Selfies on the ground after games.
The funniest one was the next day after the final when the Socceross where celebrating with fans in Pitt Street Mall, Sydney.
While talking to the mainstream TV media scrum Cahill offered his thoughts about what winning the Asian Cup meant for Australian football and then showing the same agility and athleticism as when he scored that bicycle kick against China, he quickly posed for a selfie with adoring Socceroos fans, all in the same movement.
The Ben Williams Award for Highest Achievement in Refereeing Standards goes to..
Ben Williams
Williams’ refereeing performance copped it in this tournament, accused of holding a grudge against Iran coach Carlos Queiroz and of not giving penalties to John Aloisi as a player or as a coach.
Williams’ refereeing performance might benefit from a change in attitude he should see grudges as a place to park his car, not to hold one against one of team’s coach you are refereeing. (Thank you the 12th Man).
The Fans of the Tournament Award goes to…
Superstitious Italian-Australian fans sitting next Dave during the final.
A group of Socceroos fans with Italian background were sitting next my mate Dave during the final.
Dave who is of Italian background got chatting with a member of that group because he noticed that all five of them were doing the gesture that you sometimes see at heavy metal and rock concerts.
But Dave found out that the Italians-Aussies were not rocking out, they were actually doing the il malocchio or the evil eye which is an old Italian custom. They were aiming the hand gesture at the South Korean team to try and curse them with bad luck.
The lady sitting next to Dave explained that because the South Koreans were wearing a red strip that meant the malocchio hand signal didn’t work so well.
So to get it to work more effectively they wore their underpants inside out, so this would reverse the curse!
This is no joke!
The Socceroos and Ange Postecoglou should give a thanks to the superstitious and eccentric five Aussie-Italians for cursing out the South Koreans and helping win Australia the Asian Cup!
The Messi Lookalike Contest Winner is….
There was the Chinese Messi, The UAE Messi, The Kuwait Messi, the Japan Messi, but where was the Chinese Paul Wade?
Or the UAE Chad Gibson?
Or the Kuwait Alun Hunter?
Or the Japan Nick Meredith?
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
A-League Snobcast Episode Four
New A-League Snobcast with Rob Toddler and me!
If you haven't got iTunes click here:
It's Summer Football Madness and halfway through the season- Are Western Sydney Wanderers really in 'crisis'?
The NSW teams are struggling, Wellington fantastic but still not as good as Auckland City,
Sydney FC consider re-signing Del Piero, Snobcast Media Watch: Home teams must come first!
The shortest ever Asian Cup preview!
Featuring a brand new Segment: Which famous TV theme songs did we steal for our hilarious segments that we hope we (un)knowingly didn't breach international copyright laws?
Plus Aussies Abroad: Are they going overseas Osasuna or Later?
The only football podcast that features an impersonation of the Western Australian rare Black Cockatoo and a joke at China and North Korea's expense. (Please don't hack us)
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Part two of interview with Adelaide United star Marcelo Carrusca
Fire up for the FFACup final Pissants! Here is my interview with Adelaide United's silky skilled Argentinian Marcelo Carrusca. He talks FFA Cup Final, his time playing with Carlos Tevez, Maxi Lopez and Javier Mascherano at the Under 20 World Cup and his 15 years with Estudiantes which culminated at Club World Cup in 2009.
Friday, December 5, 2014
Interview with Perth Glory Irish International Andy Keogh
Interview with Perth Glory Irish International Andy Keogh
Part Two of Interview with Socceroo & Sydney FC captain Alex Brosque
Read part 2 of my interview with socceroos & sydneyfc legend Alex Brosque
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Interview with Adelaide United's Spanish Import Sergio Cirio
Read my yarn with Adelaide United Spanish Import Sergio Cirio featured @FOXFOOTBALL website:
Monday, November 17, 2014
Interview with Nk Zagreb's Aussie Abroad Rika Strika
Roko Strika is the latest Australian young gun to make his professional debut in the European topflight.
Read more of my interview with him here at: http://www.fourfourtwo.com/au/news/strika-australia#rgHTdHcd6TLbA37D.99
Read more of my interview with him here at: http://www.fourfourtwo.com/au/news/strika-australia#rgHTdHcd6TLbA37D.99
Friday, November 14, 2014
Feature interview with Perth Glory Star Bend it like Marinkovic
Nebojsa Marinkovic has been on fire during Perth Glory’s FFA Cup run, scoring two goals in the semi-final and taking his Cup tally to five goals. After a few pretenders Australian football may have found a free kick specialist.
Read more at http://www.fourfourtwo.com/au/features/bend-it-marinkovic#bEKscTxgb8kZow2r.99
Read more at http://www.fourfourtwo.com/au/features/bend-it-marinkovic#bEKscTxgb8kZow2r.99
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Interview with former Socceroo Mile Sterjovski
Read my yarn with former Socceroos Mile Sterjovski on the Four Four Two website. Featuring his trip back to Lille were he played in the club's 70th anniversary and the time he spent hanging with Maty Ryan in Bruges & being on the same flight as the Western Sydney Wanderers.
As well as his thoughts on the Socceroos chances in the FFA Cup.
As well as his thoughts on the Socceroos chances in the FFA Cup.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Aussies Abroad Month in Review August 2014
Here is the Aussies Abroad Month in Review for August 2014 compiled by Damian Davies. Email Damian for any updates or new info damiandavies@ymail.com
The European season is back for 2014/15, the Asian leagues
continue, the transfer window has just closed and the Socceroos are getting
ready to play a few friendlies - football is back and plenty to review for the
month of August!!
Transfers:- the number of
Aussies Abroad continues to swell with some more interesting destinations like
Uzbekistan, Kenya and The Maldives now seeing Aussie expats plying their
trade. Some notable movements with several
Aussies such as Davidson, Demetriou and Gallifuoco joining the English Premier
League. Current Socceroos Ivan Franjic and James Troisi finding new homes,
along with recent Socceroos in Luke Wilkshire and Jackson Irvine. Of the more notable players seemingly still
searching for a club are Lucas Neill and Kerem Bulut.
Additions/changes to player
database:
Evan Alexandrow-Ridley (19 Jun 1994) - transferred to
Ekranas, Lithuania
Mitchell Austin (3 Apr 1991) - loan from Cambridge Town to
Brackley Town, England
Emre Balci (5 Apr 1987) - transferred from Inegolspor to
Diyarbakir Buyuksehir Belediyespor, Turkey
Andrew Barisic (22 Mar 1986) - transferred from South China
to Kerala Blasters, India
Brandon Chin (14 Feb 1995) - transferred to FC Hennof 05,
Germany
Daniel Collins (15 Jun 1995) - transferred from Bala Town FC
to Wrexham, Englanf
Jason Davidson (29 Jun 1991) - transferred from Heracles
Almelo to West Bromwich Albion, England
James Demetriou (14 Aug 1995)
- transferred from Nottingham Forest to Swansea City, England
Kenny Dougall (7 May 1993) - transferred to Telstar 1963,
Netherlands
Jonathan Faerber (15 Mar 1988) - transferred from FSV
Erlangen-Bruck to TSV 1860 Rosenheim, Germany
Ivan Franjic (10 Sep 1987) - transferred from Brisbane Roar
to FK Torpedo Moscow, Russia
Petar Franjic (7 Apr 1992) - transferred to Olmaliq,
Uzbekistan
Rocci Gabey (TBC) - transferred to Kaya FC, Philippines
Giancarlo Gallifuoco (12 Jan 1994) - transferred from
Tottenham to Swansea City, England
Sam Gibson (11 Nov 1988) - transferred from SV Bergisch
Gladbach 09 to TSV Germania Windeck, Germany
Carter Glockner (16 Sep 1994) - transferred to 1. CFR
Pforzheim, Germany
Tom Glover (24 Dec 1997) - transferred to Tottenham, England
Liam Graham (14 Aug 1992) - loan from Monza to Pro Partia,
Italy
Alex Grant (23 Jan 1994) - loan from Stoke City to
Macclesfield Town, England
Max Haubus (8 Mar 1993) - transferred from TuS Koblenz II to
SV Rot WeiB Hadamar, Germany
Jackson Irvine (7 Mar 1993) - loan from Celtic to Ross
County, Scotland
Luke Kairies (4 Mar 1995) - transferred to FC Eindhoven,
Netherlands
Josip Konyit (29 Apr 1992) - transferred from Trento Calcio
to Inter Zapresic, Croatia
Evan Kostopoulos (7 May 1990) - transferred from Sydney
Olympic to South China, Hong Kong
Theo Markelis (24 Jun 1992) - transferred from Hercules
Alicante to PAE Veria, Greece
Josh Macdonald (TBC) - transferred from Sydney FC to
Nottingham Forest, England
Ian Niva (1994) - transferred to Gor Mahia, Kenya
Richard Porta (1 Aug 1983) - transferred from Nacional to
Independiate del Valle, Ecuador
Alistair Quinn (1 Jun 1993) - transferred from NAC Breda to
Telstar 1963, Netherlands
David Rowley (6 Feb 1990) - transferred to Club Sportif
Grevenmacher, Luxembourg
Mario Simic (28 Dec 1989) - transferred to Lucko, Croatia
Brad Smith (9 Apr 1994) - loan from Liverpool to Swindon
Town, England
Roko Strika (12 Feb 1994) - transferred from Velika Gorica to
GNK Dinamo Zagreb, Croatia
Dean Tomeski (4 Feb 1991) - transferred to FY Makedonija GJP,
Macedonia
James Troisi (3 Jul 1988) - loan from Juventus to SV Zulte
Waragem, Belgium
Luke Wilkshire (2 Oct 1981) - transferred from Dinamo Moscow
to Feyenoord, Netherlands
Removed from player database:
Luis Abadia (Kaya FC) - uncontracted, whereabouts unknown
Dario Al Saad (B&I Svebolle) - uncontracted, whereabouts
unknown
Matthew Bonasera (CF Badalona) - uncontracted, returned to
Australia
Bryan Bran (FC Chabab) - uncontracted, whereabouts unknown
Kerem Bulut (Akhiser Belediyespor) - uncontracted,
whereabouts unknown
Billy Celeski (Liaoning Whowin) - transferred to Newcastle
Jets
Christian Esposito (Novara) - uncontracted, whereabouts
unknown
Matthew Fletcher (Hull City) - uncontracted, whereabouts
unknown
Charlie Fuller (Balzan Youths) - uncontracted, whereabouts
unknown
Iain Fyfe (Mes Kerman) - transferred to Campbelltown City, SA
Ryan Go (Feyenoord) - uncontracted, whereabouts unknown
Calvin Lovric (Hercules Alicante B) - uncontracted,
whereabouts unknown
Ben McNamara (Northampton Town) - uncontracted, whereabouts
unknown
Jordan Nadalin (Balzan Youths) - uncontracted, whereabouts
unknown
Lucas Neill (Watford FC) - uncontracted, whereabouts unknown
Conor O'Neill (Middlesbrough) - uncontracted, returned to
Australia
Stepehen O'Neill (Middlesbrough) - uncontracted, returned to
Australia
Robert Paratore (Leicester City) - transferred to Barwell,
England (non-league)
Adam Parkhouse (Stalybridge Celtic) - uncontracted,
whereabouts unknown
Steve Pepper (FCV Dender) - transferred to Croydon Kings, SA
Connor Thurston (Blackpool) - uncontracted, returned to
Australia
Sebastian Usai (Cowdenbeath FC) - uncontracted, returned to
Australia
Daniell Zeleny (Churchill Brothers) - uncontracted, returned
to Australia
Club Level:-
England (Premier League) - Mile Jedinak has continued as
captain at Crystal Palace, playing 90 minutes in each of the club's first three
fixtures. Jason Davidson has made his
starting debut after a prolonged transfer from Holland. The only other Aussie that has made a match
day squad to date is Liverpool reserve keeper Brad Jones.
England (Championship) - making their senior debuts for
Fulham were young defender Cameron Burgess and Ryan Williams. To recap, Williams had a fantastic loan spell
at Oxford United last year and has returned a better player. Great to see Scott McDonald on the scoresheet
early in Millwall's new campaign. He
seems to have moved to an attacking midfield role, and initial reports were
positive on his involvement level. Great
to see Adam Federici back between the sticks at Reading after a disappointing
last season. Also featuring for Reading
has been Ryan Edwards after returning from a loan in the A League.
England (League One) - of the Aussies in this league, Brad
Inman has possibly started the strongest at Crewe, scoring twice in six
league/cup appearances. The boys at
Swindon are also impressing with young defender Brad Smith joining on loan from
Liverpool, complimenting our other young Aussie Mass Luongo who will be looking
to build on his World Cup experience.
Another returning Socceroo is Bailey Wright, who will also be looking
for a career defining club season. Neil
Kilkenny has had a good start to the new season at Preston North End.
England (League Two) - early days but Shane
Cansdell-Sheriff's Burton Albion sit top of the table with Shane playing centre
back in a miserly defence.
Italy (Serie A) - a rapid rise to fame with Josh Brillante
debuting for Fiorentina in the first game of the season. Some negative press after the game but
tipping Josh to bounce back strongly after featuring in the Socceroos camp this
week.
Germany (Bundesliga) - Mitch Langerak started the first game
in goal but was promptly relegated to the bench for the second game.
Germany (2. Bundesliga) - an impressive start to Mat Leckie's
Inglostadt career with goals and assists flowing. A mixed start for Ben Halloran as he tries to
nail down a starting berth at Fortuna Dusseldorf.
Netherlands (Eredivisie) - a few great stories with Tommy Oar
showing great form after returning from injury at Utrecht. Trent Sainsbury is moving towards a regular
centre-back role at PEC Zwolle after several starts, and Luke Wilkshire may
have a new lease of life after starting his career at Feyenood strongly.
Austria (Bundesliga) - James Holland has returned to the
starting eleven but Austria Wien have had a terrible start to their season.
Belgium (Pro League) - Mat Ryan may not have started with a
high number of clean sheets, but qualifying for the Europa League group stage
would be arguably more satisfying.
Croatia (1. HNL) - great to see Tomislav Mrcela scoring on
debut for his new club NK Lokomotiva Zagreb.
He was rewarded with a starting position. Another to start the season in the senior
squad is Steven Ugarkovic at NK Osijek.
Greece (Super League) - a bright start for Apostolis Giannou
with two starts and two goals at Panionios Athens. A debut as well for Robert Stambolziev at
Niki Volos.
Iceland (2. Deild) - the amazing run continues at club level for
Kile Kennedy. KF Fjardabyggd have 13
points up their sleeve as they look for a second successive automatic promotion
while Kile is in goal each week.
China (Super League) - plenty of minutes for veteran Jonas
Salley at Guizhou Renhe. Another who has
seemingly worked his way back to a regular starting role is Harbin Yiteng
midfielder Adam Hughes.
Korea (K-League Classic) - the standout Aussie in this league
for August would have to be defensive midfielder Aleksander Jovanovic. He has now made 19 starts for Jeju United in
a tough league.
Thailand (Premier League) - mixed results for our Aussies
with Michael Beauchamp and Matt Thompson starting regularly for PTT Rayong.
Maldives (Dhivehi) - nearing the end of the season,
journeyman Dane Milovanovic has featured prominately on the scoring charts for
New Radiant as they push for the title.
Injuries:- a fair
number of Aussies in the medical rooms. Socceroos Curtis Good (hip), Adam
Taggart (abdominal), Rhys Williams (achilles), Robbie Kruse (knee) and Tom
Rogic (Abductor) all yet to appear this season.
Club Competitions:-
Europe
(UEFA Champions League) – no Aussies appeared during
August, however Leverkusen (Kruse) did progress to the group stages.
(UEFA Europa League) – a bit of Aussie action with Mat Ryan
appearing as Club Bruge progressed to the group stages. Similar story for Luke Wilkshire as he
started both legs that saw Feyenoord progress.
Trent Sainsbury also played both legs for PEC Zwolle who lost their
playoffs and failed to enter the group stages.
North Amercia
(CONCACAFChampions League) – Tim Cahill started in the 2-0
win against FAS (El Salvador).
South America
(Copa Sudamericana) – Richard Porta was an unused sub for
Independiate del Valle.
Asia
(Asian Champions League) - no Aussies Abroad remain.
(AFC Cup) - no Aussies Abroad remain.
Reserves and Youth:-
Youth leagues just recommencing, next report in September
International level:- preparations
begin now for the Asian Cup in January.
Most notable inclusions for me were Josh Brillante who was close to the
WC Squad, but has had a great pre-season in Italy. Brad Smith has been recognised for a strong
season at Liverpool and after appearing for the England youth team, would be
great to lock him away. Chris Herd
hasn't been able to break into the Villa squad, so he is an interesting
pick. He has had injuries preventing him
from appearing in the green and gold before now, hope to see how he is
travelling now with a position at both club and national level seemingly on his
agenda. He certainly looked very
promising a year or two ago so reason to be optimistic. The last player I wanted to mention was Carl
Valeri. Certainly a player that has
given his all to the Socceroos over the years.
With a transfer back to Melbourne Vicotry, I hope he has a fantastic six
months at both club and national level. All in all, great to see Ange continue
to look to build the depth of Australian football.
Socceroo (capped) of the month – on
hold
Nov - Ryan, Dec - Jedinak, Jan
- Jedinak, Feb - Ryan, Mar – Kennedy, Apr - Jedinak
Under the radar (uncapped) - on hold.
Nov - Luongo, Dec - Mrcela, Jan
- Giannou, Feb - Wright, Mar – Lowry, Apr - Halloran
Young player (U21) of the month
– on hold.
Nov - Ryan Williams, Dec -
Cooper, Jan - B.Smith, Feb - Grant, Mar – Tanner, Apr - Ugarkovic
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Socceroos Paralysis (Analysis) vs. South Africa
So
the Socceroos performance against the Bafana Bafana was Disappointing
Disappointing! With not too long to go till the World Cup and with more
injuries than a King Cross hospital ward on a Friday night at this moment the
Socceroos are a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an Enigma (Go the Winston
Churchill quotes!)
The Riddle
What
do you call Australia’s only hope of scoring goals at the World Cup and at the
same time Australia’s potential downfall because it will lead to a style of
play that is easy to defend and predictable to the point of embarrassing?
Tim
Cahill is probably not a riddle but maybe a paradox or perhaps an irony. The
irony is that Tim Cahill is probably the Socceroos best chance of scoring
goals. The more the team centers themselves around Super TImmy
the more easier the opposition will be able to neutralize the Socceroos
attack as it's easy to defend crosses.
I’m not sure what the correct literary device to use is in this instance but the Socceroos created more crosses against South Africa than the production design team used for that scene in the Film Spartacus.
I’m not sure what the correct literary device to use is in this instance but the Socceroos created more crosses against South Africa than the production design team used for that scene in the Film Spartacus.
The Mystery
Which
Ange Postecoglu will we see at the World Cup? The Brisbane Roar Ange Postecoglu
where the team was patient with their passing, the one where they refused to
cross except for when it was stupid not to.
Will
it be the Ange Postecoglu which made everyone in Australia who followed the
local game give standing golf claps in adoration at the quality of play? Will
it be the Ange that even the Duck (Craig Foster) and the Poet (Les Murray) ate
their words and gushed inside their foreign made underpants due to the exciting
nature of the tactical and technical mastery that was on display?
Or
will it be the Melbourne Victory Ange Postecoglu getting thrashed one week and
playing just OK the next?
The Enigma
Where
our Holiness Gus Hiddink was quoted by his Protégé Graham Arnold as saying
“international football is not won or lost in the first 20 mins” AP it seems is
spouting the opposite.
“If
we try and score three goals in the first twenty minutes and try and hold on
for the next 70 minutes we might not get smashed”
It’s
difficult to understand why Ange Postecoglu is into the crossing thing at the
moment. He did so well with Brisbane Roar with the patient possession game. Why
play like David Moyes Everton? Why play like Holger Osieck and Pim Verbeek?
Yes,
yes, yes I know some first team players are injured and not fit and James
Holland looks stoned and permanently has a look of wanting to punch someone.
And Yes, yes, yes the Socceroos always do better against higher quality opposition
and then blow it at the end and sometimes cause big upsets.
Yes,
yes, yes we also know that against easier opposition and games we are expected
to win easily the Socceroos usually play within themselves and the result and
performance can be historically disappointing.
As a friend wisely quipped after the game:
“If the Socceroos play like this again, Chile will
crucify them on their own cross”
Short reflections:
- Did you
see Luke Wilkshire put on his Socceroos shirt right before he came
on for Ivan Franjić? He looks like you and me not the fit Luke Wilkshire
of yore.
- Jason "outstanding season" Davidson
is/will be a liability
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