tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62833342948484959232024-02-19T14:57:34.078+11:00Ozzy FootballA blog concerned with all things related to the Socceroos and Australian football.Pedrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664504917653975427noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283334294848495923.post-58471342297852938312009-04-02T00:27:00.003+11:002009-04-02T00:35:01.744+11:00Australia Prevail 2-0, One Foot In South Africa<embed src="http://media.foxsports.com.au/multimedia/Interactive/fsVideoPlayers/fsShellLoader.swf?cache=79393861&WS=true&CAT=football&ID=1790&FILE=fsEmbeddedPlayer.swf&SITE=foxsports" quality="high" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"width="427" height="324" name="fsEmbeddedPlayer" align="middle"play="true"loop="false"quality="high"wmode="opaque"base="http://media.foxsports.com.au/multimedia/Interactive/fsVideoPlayers/"allowFullscreen="true"allowScriptAccess="always"type="application/x-shockwave-flash"pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><br /><br />Myself and Bobas were at this one, classic game for australia. Seemed like it could be a dud at half time but Jesus bailed us out as usual. You know who to have faith in..<br /><br />Anyway If Qatar and Bahrain draw tonight, we are the first team qualified for South Africa 2010. I'm staying up, it will finish ~3am sydney time. Check this space... There will be a post if we're through.Pedrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664504917653975427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283334294848495923.post-36778052339855054092009-03-29T07:58:00.005+11:002009-03-29T08:13:38.690+11:00Weekend Qualifier Results<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuRxTKE2J_wmPH-VOtbCmY3qc4fr_dukHgBKcznUPM6OnWCVDsRGxDcm1nirpBaQCXFjP2EyqWOh_YxdVrLNid5q_Xd2etE1PCF8S8W7Xs1zfOhsidEADU2dBT6LuABhLn8L3jJcow1iL/s1600-h/uzbeks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuRxTKE2J_wmPH-VOtbCmY3qc4fr_dukHgBKcznUPM6OnWCVDsRGxDcm1nirpBaQCXFjP2EyqWOh_YxdVrLNid5q_Xd2etE1PCF8S8W7Xs1zfOhsidEADU2dBT6LuABhLn8L3jJcow1iL/s400/uzbeks.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318349820564614882" /></a><br />So the first two results have occurred, Japan has beaten Bahrain 1-0 and the Uzbeks have thrashed Qatar 4-0.<br /><br />So from here we simply need Bahrain and Qatar to draw next Wednesday, the same night tat we must beat the Uzbeks in Sydney.<br /><br />Out of interest the Ubzeks started scoring when a Qatari defender was sent off in the 35th minute. Their striker, Farhod Tadjiyev, scored a hat trick while Anvar Soliev picked up one.<br /><br />Nakamura scored in Japan's victory off a free kick cut back.Pedrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664504917653975427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283334294848495923.post-66932426818383141732009-03-26T20:35:00.003+11:002009-03-26T20:45:21.964+11:00The Formula, How We Can Qualify Next Wednesday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DTg2ktjBEikeWkYw6Hb83t23FR5SG3z1h6fSIHmuDJw_cvGPeBHsZa2pPVkCNnSmuRE_fCbG2w99ZBQ_oG1n6ZeJ9Fva23yRQW5pPvScR8Y8qiIxQrszxIe4sKhVqqojBm-ETHP_GFyS/s1600-h/scottchipperfield_wideweb__470x324,0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DTg2ktjBEikeWkYw6Hb83t23FR5SG3z1h6fSIHmuDJw_cvGPeBHsZa2pPVkCNnSmuRE_fCbG2w99ZBQ_oG1n6ZeJ9Fva23yRQW5pPvScR8Y8qiIxQrszxIe4sKhVqqojBm-ETHP_GFyS/s400/scottchipperfield_wideweb__470x324,0.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317430038850316930" /></a><br />This isn't a very likely scenario, but still possible. Any way you look at it we're in a great position with three wins and a draw from four matches, but we can be the first team to qualify for the 2010 world cup finals with a win against the Uzbeks next Wednesday.<br /><br />Everyone else is playing this weekend so all we need is for the Uzbeks to beat Qatar at home and then for for Japan to beat Bahrain away. Then on Wednesday if we beat the Uzbeks in Sydney and then Bahrain draw with Qatar a few hours later we will secure our place in the South African based WC Finals.<br /><br />Although we require a bit of luck it shows how close we are with so many games yet to play.Pedrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664504917653975427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283334294848495923.post-59248262589271345262009-03-24T22:20:00.001+11:002009-03-24T22:23:03.171+11:00Breciano's Lucky goal Away to Bahrain<object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/U8-H6mPe4gU&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/U8-H6mPe4gU&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object>Pedrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664504917653975427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283334294848495923.post-5422608923614388822009-03-24T22:08:00.001+11:002009-03-24T22:11:25.952+11:00Last Time We Played the Uzbeks<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cBLYnztyOFM&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cBLYnztyOFM&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Pedrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664504917653975427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283334294848495923.post-82628130278706829582009-03-20T19:26:00.006+11:002009-03-23T21:33:06.391+11:00Socceroos Team List For Uzbekistan WCQ (Kewell Included)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9NH1OAjKalJ6-O3CBU7iodRpfu5_zse3oEa_dzkJb3Nkvq95AYMmr9_sK1s9Hn78_7CifQETx6pDcjWc6lxFhFxxVYDphfhDypZD-eaT_eKHTskgwQfglH82z01jP6nOZoEdArdVB6LE/s1600-h/Kewell.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9NH1OAjKalJ6-O3CBU7iodRpfu5_zse3oEa_dzkJb3Nkvq95AYMmr9_sK1s9Hn78_7CifQETx6pDcjWc6lxFhFxxVYDphfhDypZD-eaT_eKHTskgwQfglH82z01jP6nOZoEdArdVB6LE/s400/Kewell.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316329253982636114" /></a><br />Michael Beauchamp (Aalborg) CB<br />Mark Bresciano (Palermo) CM/AMF/SMF<br />Jacob Burns (Unirea) CMF<br />Tim Cahill (Everton) CMF/AMF/CF<br />David Carney (Sheffield Utd, on loan at Norwich) SMF/SB<br />Scott Chipperfield (Basel) SB/CB/SMF<br />Chris Coyne (Colchester) CB<br />Jason Culina (PSV Eindhoven) CMF/SMF<br />Adam Federici (Reading)GK<br />Richard Garcia (Hull) CB<br />Brett Holman (AZ Alkmaar) AMF/CF<br />Mile Jedinak (Genclerbirligi) CMF<br />Josh Kennedy (Karlsruhe) CF<br />Harry Kewell (Galatasaray) AMF/SMF/CF/CB?<br />Scott McDonald (Celtic) CF<br />Lucas Neill (West Ham) CB/SB<br />Jade North (Incheon) CB/SB<br />Michael Petkovic (Sivasspor) GK<br />Mark Schwarzer (Fulham) GK<br />Mile Sterjovski (Derby) SMF<br />Carl Valeri (Grosseto) CMF<br />Luke Wilkshire (Dynamo Moscow) SB/SMF/CMF<br /><br />Pretty strong squad, Kewell is red hot for Galatasaray, even excelling as a central defender in a recent UEFA Cup match. Apparently Verbeek wants to put Cahill back in the midfield for this one (thank God) speaking of which hopefully he puts his faith in Jesus as they're also saying McDOnald will start in centre forward.<br /><br />We're only missing Moore, Emmerton and Grella. I'm just glad we're not relying on A-league players for this one. Especially as myself and Bobas will be at this game.Pedrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664504917653975427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283334294848495923.post-89184844727151658962009-03-17T20:30:00.001+11:002009-03-17T20:33:32.775+11:00Uzbek Training Methods Revealed<object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Dv7gwoAUky4&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Dv7gwoAUky4&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object>Pedrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664504917653975427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283334294848495923.post-2877391503952988562009-02-26T16:16:00.002+11:002009-02-26T16:18:26.399+11:0024 A-League PlayersDanny Allsopp (Melbourne), Fabian Barbiero (Adelaide United), Billy Celeski (Melbourne), Shannon Cole (Sydney FC), Robert Cornthwaite (Adelaide United), Tarek Elrich (Newcastle), Eugene Galekovic (Adelaide United), Dean Heffernan (Central Coast), Scott Jamieson (Adelaide United), Ben Kantarovski (Newcastle), Matthew McKay (Queensland), Craig Moore (Queensland), Daniel Mullen (Adelaide United), Mitch Nichols (Queensland), Tom Pondeljak (Melbourne), Paul Reid (Adelaide United), Matt Simon (Central Coast), Michael Theoklitos (Melbourne), Archie Thompson (Melbourne), Matthew Thompson (Newcastle), Nikolai Topor-Stanley (Newcastle), Rodrigo Vargas (Melbourne), Danny Vukovic (Central Coast), Michael Zullo (Queensland)<br /><br />The above list are the players who have been chosen to come up against Kuwait in Canberra on Thursday the 5th of March. The Match is an Asian Cup Qualifier (2011) not a World Cup Qualifier.Bobashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04730679858066602682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283334294848495923.post-34176655724122934152009-02-15T15:00:00.003+11:002009-02-15T15:07:38.792+11:00Nil All, Good For Qualifying, Bad for Spectators.<embed src="http://www.foxsports.com.au/swf/fsEmbeddedPlayer.swf?WS=true&CAT=football&ID=10995" quality="high" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"width="427" height="324" name="fsEmbeddedPlayer" align="middle"play="true"loop="false"quality="high"wmode="opaque"base="http://www.foxsports.com.au/swf/"allowFullscreen="true"allowScriptAccess="always"type="application/x-shockwave-flash"pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><br /><br /><br />Pretty scrappy effort from the Socceroos, Japan out played us, had all the possession and scoring efforts. Cahill played alone up front which surprised me, he was starved of ball and we only looked a chance to score when the perennial mismatch of Kennedy came on all too late.<br /><br />Puts us in a good position to qualify but made for dour viewing. The main positive to come out of it is that we're yet to concede a goal in this phase of qualifying.Pedrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664504917653975427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283334294848495923.post-86688357931072471812009-02-08T22:21:00.003+11:002009-02-08T23:32:24.431+11:00Japan vs Australia WCQ<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RCWWHtdRT3ZTp_Lg-aLoY-005CpwKlCh3XEYdE6ZzRR6LmtgP-g3upEbcjge2H1Id7r8I9PJp4PmZ-uNp87SGMobzxsPmnVRDWeC08VPHugsubZi9ZdTdUb7P7Zg6bKTNUxErAqSxIMz/s1600-h/Socceroostrain.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 221px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RCWWHtdRT3ZTp_Lg-aLoY-005CpwKlCh3XEYdE6ZzRR6LmtgP-g3upEbcjge2H1Id7r8I9PJp4PmZ-uNp87SGMobzxsPmnVRDWeC08VPHugsubZi9ZdTdUb7P7Zg6bKTNUxErAqSxIMz/s400/Socceroostrain.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300402867364696242" /></a><br />So Australia are to play Japan on the 11th of February in Tokyo. The socceroos will miss the services of Harry Kewell (still recovering from hernia surgery) and Brett Emerton (Archilles' injury). We do get Vincenzo Grella back though, the classy, hard nosed central midfielder will be crucial if we are to nullify Nakamura's influence on proceedings.<br /><br />Other good news is that red hot midfielder come striker Tim Cahill will be fighting fit for it, shrewdly being rested after 77mins in Everton's 3-0 victory over Bolton. Ace striker Scott McDonald has also scored over the weekend in Celtic's 2-1 victory over Queen's Park. I noticed that the young Turkish based striker, Djite didn't make the squad, but it's only a matter of time given his recent efforts with the boot.<br /><br />Viduka has just come off the bench for Newcastle, although for only 10minutes, he nearly layed one on for a team mate. It's the first time he's played since reinjuring his archilles 6 weeks ago.<br /><br />The two coaches have been talking this game up, Verbeek saying that Japan's coach is scared for having closed training sessions. Japan's coach has countered this by saying that in fact, he's not. What we know for sure is that if Australia can win this one, we will have one foot in the world cup village. With such a good start to the campaign, I think Verbeek will attack, we still scare Japan after the last world cup and we can afford to lose quite frankly.<br /><br />Even without Emerton and Kewell it is easy to select a midfeild from the squad list. Japan will struggle to contain our height and strength, they may have slightly better technique in the form of Celtic star Shunsuke Nakamura, as long as he has a quiet game we should be dominant. As for strikers, Kennedy is a head ache for any team tall and agile, McDonald should start alongside him an old fashioned poacher in form but still with something to prove, Cahill has played a lot of striker for Everton too. We're a bit skinny on defenders but Coyne and North have stepped into the breach next to Neill and done admirably.<br /><br />I guess Japan still deserves favouritism after there recent 5-1 thumping of Finland (understrength), but that was an understrength Japan team too. I Just feel (hope!) that Australia's largely European based side will come out hard and attempt to break Japan's spirit with the knowledge that a win may just about qualify them for the WC and a loss does no great harm.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Squad List:<br /><br />Mark Bresciano (Palermo, ITA)<br />Tim Cahill (Everton, ENG)<br />David Carney (Norwich City, ENG)<br />Scott Chipperfield (FC Basel, SWI)<br />Chris Coyne (Colchester United, ENG)<br />Jason Culina (PSV Eindhoven, HOL)<br />Adam Federici (Reading, ENG)<br />Richard Garcia (Hull City, ENG)<br />Vince Grella (Blackburn Rovers, ENG)<br />Brett Holman (AZ Alkmaar, HOL)<br />Mile Jedinak (Genclerbirligi SK, TUR)<br />Josh Kennedy (Karlsruhe, GER)<br />Scott McDonald (Celtic, SCO)<br />Craig Moore (Queensland Roar, AUS)<br />Lucas Neill (West Ham United, ENG)<br />Jade North (Incheon United, KOR)<br />Michael Petkovic (Sivasspor, TUR)<br />Mark Schwarzer (Fulham, ENG)<br />Shane Stefanutto (FC Lyn Oslo, NOR)<br />Mile Sterjovski (Derby County, ENG)<br />Carl Valeri (Grosseto, ITA)<br />Luke Wilkshire (Dinamo Moscow, RUS) <br /><br />Sorry couldn't findy Japan's squad list but I know it includes most of their top class European players, I'll post it when it pops up.Pedrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664504917653975427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283334294848495923.post-56073815210268747942009-01-29T10:39:00.002+11:002009-01-29T10:46:46.882+11:000-0 Socceroos Scrape Away Draw to Indonesia.<embed src="http://www.foxsports.com.au/swf/fsEmbeddedPlayer.swf?WS=false&CAT=football&ID=10812" quality="high" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"width="320" height="324" name="fsEmbeddedPlayer" align="middle"play="true"loop="false"quality="high"wmode="opaque"base="http://www.foxsports.com.au/swf/"allowFullscreen="true"allowScriptAccess="always"type="application/x-shockwave-flash"pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><br /><br />Nil all, didn't see it but the highlights are quie entertaining, especially Moore's tackle.<br /><br />Away draws are always welcome in qualifiers and Indonesia proved no push over at home.Pedrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664504917653975427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283334294848495923.post-67243241759852949922009-01-28T21:05:00.006+11:002009-01-28T21:17:55.298+11:00Australia vs Indonesia, Squad list.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLiaXt6XPvViIdo8FWBwzM2wa1lCJ_2SX2uv-dsc85NauS3o0VY7yRoum9FKAIaqri8VT8RzM7tQxV_L0htTpyp9rI2oUkedh4eu9URyatMbNEx3x-7eiZpc4WnUPSDQl7vW-NwYZ399a/s1600-h/PIXU-MOORE-03.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLiaXt6XPvViIdo8FWBwzM2wa1lCJ_2SX2uv-dsc85NauS3o0VY7yRoum9FKAIaqri8VT8RzM7tQxV_L0htTpyp9rI2oUkedh4eu9URyatMbNEx3x-7eiZpc4WnUPSDQl7vW-NwYZ399a/s400/PIXU-MOORE-03.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296286466880331394" border="0" /></a><br />So we're attempting to qualify for the Asian Cup again. Predictably, Verbeek has opted for an all A-league squad, giving the European Stars a rest ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.<br /><br />Danny Allsopp, Melbourne Victory<br />Billy Celeski, Melbourne Victory<br />Shannon Cole, Sydney FC<br />Robert Cornthwaite, Adelaide United<br />Tarek Elrich, Newcastle Jets<br />Eugene Galekovic, Adelaide United<br />Dean Heffernan, Central Coast Mariners<br />Scott Jamieson, Adelaide United<br />Dylan Macallister, Central Coast Mariners<br />Matthew Mckay, Queensland Roar<br />Craig Moore, Queensland Roar<br />Tom Pondeljak, Melbourne Victory<br />Paul Reid, Adelaide United<br />Matt Simon, Central Coast Mariners<br />Michael Theoklitos, Melbourne Victory<br />Archie Thompson, Melbourne Victory<br />Matthew Thompson, Newcastle Jets<br />Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Perth Glory<br />Rodrigo Vargas, Melbourne Victory<br />Danny Vukovic, Central Coast Mariners<br />Michael Zullo, Queensland Roar<br /><br /><br /><br />Indonesia shouldn't really worry us, even with a B-team, we still have one ball Moore and destroy inferior oppositions Archie. But they are at home in front of some massive vocal crowd so who knows?Pedrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664504917653975427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283334294848495923.post-87216497537792559532009-01-19T00:06:00.007+11:002009-01-19T01:12:43.332+11:00Culina Come's Home, Earlier Than Expected.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2tR_mgcVb39h9A7SKL41D5XOgDLkFCNelt3GbnbYvAXJ91dRawm-4m0rt8SnY5Bs06CAFhVvKXRnH667km3JVM1UsbdgwrKyVX-CA9WH5vvMZNn9JdK5mDBm6-bkvphREXLsvhk2E8t_/s1600-h/Clunia.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2tR_mgcVb39h9A7SKL41D5XOgDLkFCNelt3GbnbYvAXJ91dRawm-4m0rt8SnY5Bs06CAFhVvKXRnH667km3JVM1UsbdgwrKyVX-CA9WH5vvMZNn9JdK5mDBm6-bkvphREXLsvhk2E8t_/s400/Clunia.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292635518091761666" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" >So I was reading an interview <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">shere</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Pim</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Verbeek</span> was talking about Jason <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Culina</span> taking a position with next season's A league debutant franchise Gold Coast <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">FC</span>. He said that at first he was against <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Culina</span> moving to the a-league, because it's a step down in class, but now he thinks it will be good for his family and therefore his football or some such malarkey. In the same breath he began to say how players such as Jade North and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Sasa</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Ogenovska</span> we're making a mistake for playing for K-league sides because, although the money may be better, the standard is below that of the A-league.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" >Two thing's struck me form this assessment, the first is that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Verbeek</span> must think Australia produces better players than any other AFC country. Korea is, in terms of international tournament success, equal with Japan or any other AFC team. To say that the K-league isn't up to A-league standard intimates that when you compare our B-teams, Australia is superior. Your B-team is important for dead rubbers but also indicates the national threshold of mediocrity, which raises the bar for the European superstars who need to live up to their bank balances when they share locker rooms. But what is surprising is that with for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Verbeek's</span> K-League experience he considers it inferior to the Australian equivalent in the infancy of it's third season(the K league some 22 seasons it's senior).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" >The other ties into this, if players of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Culina's</span> quality can come back with some zip still in their stride than that raises the level of the A-league. This raises the standard our European stars need to be to make the team, plus helps us win dead rubbers. As long as diamonds in the rough such as Scott McDonald and Josh Kennedy keep turning up then we can afford players of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Culina's</span></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> quality to reduce their workload and perhaps increase their longevity. </span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" >Maybe, definitely, I'm biased, but if we can have a strong home team of yesterdays superstars and up and comers, only to be added to with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">European</span> class where possible, it </span><span style="font-family: times new roman;">bodes well for the future and present squad depth.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:webdings;" >I was hoping to put the actual interview in, but unfortunately it it isn't on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">SMH</span> website, but it's probably only a matter of time.</span>Pedrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664504917653975427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283334294848495923.post-44204288598443568122008-12-12T10:10:00.004+11:002008-12-12T10:46:17.418+11:00Finally Something to Read on the Internet.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_P8eofrRJ1DmawCY2TF__bgIGv7SddRhZX9c2_dP7TKhHaa51xgM_ER3uBSBc_NZ8zNy5JtYGKt-I0hVny4PMHkmvdjkrryryon3RxIwtjSWADiwRAxkBmvY92tX5ANSmvTeruF59nxGt/s1600-h/Adelaide.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_P8eofrRJ1DmawCY2TF__bgIGv7SddRhZX9c2_dP7TKhHaa51xgM_ER3uBSBc_NZ8zNy5JtYGKt-I0hVny4PMHkmvdjkrryryon3RxIwtjSWADiwRAxkBmvY92tX5ANSmvTeruF59nxGt/s400/Adelaide.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278682905485560018" border="0" /></a><br />Sorry to all the many (maybe double figures?) people waiting so long for a post on this thing. But not a lot has been happening for the Socceroos, well nothing that might have put my lazy arse into gear to post something. Here's a rundown of what has been happening in vague terms.<br /><br />Harry Kewell, has continued to score, got one last week end then took the next flight to Sydney to see his surgeon, nothing new there.<br /><br />Bruce Djite has scored again for his Turkish club.<br /><br />Tim Cahill has been playing but has missed a couple of sitters recently, still to regain his true form after the early season foot fracture.<br /><br />Carney still not getting a game for Sheffield in the English Championship looks to move in the January transfer window.<br /><br />Also in the English championship, perhaps unsurprisingly Crystal Palace's Nicky Carle feels he's playing well enough to be in the Socceroos, who would you leave out though for this show pony.<br /><br />At long last Mark Viduka has returned after an Archilles' injury for Newcastle and played pretty well off the bench, hopefully still an option for the roos come WC 2010.<br /><br />Moore has played for the Queensland Roar since surgery for testicular cancer, hopefully the door remains open for him at the socceroos.<br /><br />Jade North is going to play in Korea next season instead of being a marquee player for the next new franchise in the A-league.<br /><br />Lucas Neil continues the charm offensive by asking for more cash from West Ham despite being one of their highest paid players.<br /><br />At the moment there is the FIFA Club World Cup in Tokyo, don't know much about the relevance of the knockout competition, but the Adelaide Reds are in it. Last night they defeated Waitakere United 2-1 in a come from behind victory, this sets up a rematch with Gamba Osaka who beat them in the two leg final of the AFC 5-0. They will need to play a lot better to be competitive against the Japanese, Waitakere United are only a semi-pro team and they pushed Adelaide until Dodd's 82nd minute set piece header.<br /><br />Australia's qualification for the next Asian cup begins next month against Indonesia in Jakarta. Pim wants his Euro stars but one would imagine the A (league) team can take care of these guys, I love it when a plan comes together.<br /><br />Feel free to add comments, I'm sure there's plenty of stuff left out of this.Pedrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664504917653975427noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283334294848495923.post-4411390453442866992008-11-20T13:53:00.010+11:002008-11-20T23:49:08.623+11:00Schwarzter, Bresciano & Kennedy steal win<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRt3mXQ3NofyWKLJP_jK0Nqb_dMynUtXrYg7E0NUQTpmKka_k1r5z4aOKEAA2spd_qE0q8ffboxDgG9JyqEC6FEMPKTvTKE1_9ykb2viLTKD148paHZcQNEdv5c3tgwF1wDovVYpVSjgw/s1600-h/0,5001,6358534,00.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270572447039960290" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 350px; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRt3mXQ3NofyWKLJP_jK0Nqb_dMynUtXrYg7E0NUQTpmKka_k1r5z4aOKEAA2spd_qE0q8ffboxDgG9JyqEC6FEMPKTvTKE1_9ykb2viLTKD148paHZcQNEdv5c3tgwF1wDovVYpVSjgw/s400/0,5001,6358534,00.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The Socceroos came into the match against Bahrain full of confidence. This vanished however after kick off and the Socceroos were completely out played. Bahrain had plenty of chances all game, some of them the were very unlucky to score from. Jaycee John their 23 year old Nigerian born striker was causing havoc for Schwartzer all game. The Socceroos for much of the game didn't give themselves any chances, Harry Kewell sprayed a header wide shortly after half time from a David Carney cross. Everyone thought by the 90min mark this game was going to be a lucky nil all draw for the Socceroos. But two and a half minutes into the three minutes of stoppage time a long ball was played by Schwartzer and headed on from Kennedy manage to catch the defense of guard and put Bresciano through the offside trap. Bresciano seemed to dribble slowly and hesitate as the defense and keeper was catching up on him. He calmly placed the over the keeper into the top of the net from just inside the box and celebrated the goal with his patented Spartacus celebration.<br /><br />Australia was lucky this game, but they did keep Bahrain scoreless and when you do that you can win a lot more easily. What are your thoughts?<br /><br /><table class="data4" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr class="groupHeader"><th scope="col" colspan="2" title="Team" class="team">Group A</th> <th scope="col" abbr="played" title="Played">P</th> <th scope="col" abbr="won" title="Won">W</th> <th scope="col" abbr="draw" title="Draw">D</th> <th scope="col" abbr="lost" title="Lost">L</th> <th scope="col" abbr="for" title="For">F</th> <th scope="col" abbr="against" title="Against">A</th> <th scope="col" abbr="diff" title="Diff">Diff</th> <th scope="col" abbr="points" title="Points">Pts</th> </tr> </tbody><tbody> <tr class=""> <th scope="row">1</th> <td class="team">Australia</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>6</td> <td>0</td> <td>6</td> <td>9</td> </tr> <tr class=""> <th scope="row">2</th> <td class="team">Japan</td> <td>3</td> <td>2</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>7</td> <td>3</td> <td>4</td> <td>7</td> </tr> <tr class=""> <th scope="row">3</th> <td class="team">Qatar</td> <td>4</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>4</td> <td>8</td> <td>-4</td> <td>4</td> </tr> <tr class=""> <th scope="row">4</th> <td class="team">Bahrain</td> <td>3</td> <td>0</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>3</td> <td>5</td> <td>-2</td> <td>1</td> </tr> <tr class=""> <th scope="row">5</th> <td class="team">Uzbekistan</td> <td>3</td> <td>0</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>1</td> <td>5</td> <td>-4</td> <td>1</td></tr></tbody></table>Bobashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04730679858066602682noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283334294848495923.post-18864104262749131662008-11-19T21:28:00.004+11:002008-11-19T21:40:58.954+11:00What will Become of Bahrain?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOeTPOD6yWYlsQhK5FSH6qrADG_VujREekOtyLo2Y7TCAvyPSaEWFyhGXJeMc2-38VJqMa0B2wksjKQzqe4YHZ6-vqYjuUwFK7QjYz9aawjem_7gnhRIfVvLRg9cUwgb4TZ26gaFxV1Y8/s1600-h/einstein.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOeTPOD6yWYlsQhK5FSH6qrADG_VujREekOtyLo2Y7TCAvyPSaEWFyhGXJeMc2-38VJqMa0B2wksjKQzqe4YHZ6-vqYjuUwFK7QjYz9aawjem_7gnhRIfVvLRg9cUwgb4TZ26gaFxV1Y8/s400/einstein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270314846571739090" border="0" /></a><br />A win in this match will maintain our number one status in the qualifying group. We will be at least 2 points clear possibly 4 points, with 5 games to go, 3 at home.<br /><br />A draw means we're equal leader on points, or possibly 2 points clear.<br /><br />A loss means we're 1 point up or down.<br /><br />A good start can be made a great start with a win or at least a draw in this crucial qualifier. I think we can do this, the time difference to Europe is only 3 hours or so. Australia's class should undo what will be a fierce opponent with it's last chance to make it in this group.<br /><br /><table class="data4" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr class="groupHeader"><th scope="col" colspan="2" title="Team" class="team">Group A</th> <th scope="col" abbr="played" title="Played">P</th> <th scope="col" abbr="won" title="Won">W</th> <th scope="col" abbr="draw" title="Draw">D</th> <th scope="col" abbr="lost" title="Lost">L</th> <th scope="col" abbr="for" title="For">F</th> <th scope="col" abbr="against" title="Against">A</th> <th scope="col" abbr="diff" title="Diff">Diff</th> <th scope="col" abbr="points" title="Points">Pts</th> </tr> </tbody><tbody> <tr class=""> <th scope="row">1</th> <td class="team">Australia</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>5</td> <td>0</td> <td>5</td> <td>6</td> </tr> <tr class=""> <th scope="row">2</th> <td class="team">Japan</td> <td>2</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>4</td> </tr> <tr class=""> <th scope="row">3</th> <td class="team">Qatar</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>4</td> <td>5</td> <td>-1</td> <td>4</td> </tr> <tr class=""> <th scope="row">4</th> <td class="team">Bahrain</td> <td>2</td> <td>0</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>3</td> <td>4</td> <td>-1</td> <td>1</td> </tr> <tr class=""> <th scope="row">5</th> <td class="team">Uzbekistan</td> <td>3</td> <td>0</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>1</td> <td>5</td> <td>-4</td> <td>1</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table class="data14"><thead><tr><th>Nov 19 2008</th> <th><br /></th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td align="center" width="50%">Qatar</td> <td align="center">vs</td> <td align="center" width="50%">Japan</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="font-weight: bold;" align="center" width="50%">Bahrain</td> <td align="center">vs</td> <td style="font-weight: bold;" align="center" width="50%">Australia</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" width="50%">UAE</td> <td align="center">vs</td> <td align="center" width="50%">Iran</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" width="50%">Saudi Arabia</td> <td align="center">vs</td> <td align="center" width="50%">South Korea</td></tr></tbody></table>Pedrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664504917653975427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283334294848495923.post-23324941422821988092008-11-18T14:22:00.006+11:002008-11-18T14:51:27.259+11:00The Bahrain Tactics<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pAESrfHjK4LDpN_fmVvYYPUoZL2fKGYVXwiL47DmvTw6UrbWGCC4LpNVFoiZffkP9TBSC3ocsQnDA1KtYSdn4LTPlncIDZO-CBzDOrhakS4-pXbgqtlFdkUevV8hdlhKj34KhU3_VkA/s1600-h/neill.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269839777989419026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 343px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pAESrfHjK4LDpN_fmVvYYPUoZL2fKGYVXwiL47DmvTw6UrbWGCC4LpNVFoiZffkP9TBSC3ocsQnDA1KtYSdn4LTPlncIDZO-CBzDOrhakS4-pXbgqtlFdkUevV8hdlhKj34KhU3_VkA/s400/neill.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />What strategy do you think PIM VERBEEK will employ?<br /><br /><div></div><div>Everyone knows Bahrain is playing for 3 points, they are sitting equal last on 1 point on the bottom of group A and is going to throw everything at us.</div><div></div><div>Pim really has three choices in terms of tactics: defend, attack or counter attack (defend then hit them on the break).</div><div></div><div>A bad coach would say, "they are going to attack, we will 'Defend', they will become angry and score an own goal or we will get the draw, if we defend well enough that is", Pim will not do this (i hope). Its really a dumb negative move.</div><div></div><div>The coach of the Gamba Osaka against Adelaide United in the final of the ACL went into the game with a 3-0 home leg victory, played 'Attack' and got the away goals needed to make victory certain. Pim could do this, however this is not a two legged knock out or final. This is a round robin pool match.</div><div></div><div>From the players available and according to the media Pim is far more likely to 'Counter Attack' & play like he did against the Uzbeks last time around. Harry Kewell up front, with Bresciano, Cahill (according to him he's fit to play) and Holman just behind. Culina and Valerie in defensive midfield and Carny (left fullback), Coyne (left centreback), Neill (right centreback) and Wilkshire (right fullback) making up the back 4.</div><div></div><div>My main problem with this is apart from Harry Kewell, we are missing geniune counter attacking footballers, without Chipperfeild and Emerton (we had them last time) we lack pace and width to run around them. Unless Sterjovski starts this tactic seems like it wont work as effectively as last time.</div><div></div><div>I would prefer we play with the same tactics as our demolition of Qatar, get some away goals and prove we can do it away from home as well as at home. Like i previously posted start with a 4-2-3-1 formation with Kennedy up front, Kewell (left), Cahill (centre) and Sterjovski (right) behind, Culina (right of middle) and Bresciano (left of middle) in defensive midfielder roles and the same back 4 as above.</div><div></div><div>We've proven we have a team that can play beautifully, so why not play beautifully. I don't want to stay up at 2am and watch us wait for the other team to miss a shot to try and score. I want to see the Socceroos showing that beating Holland wasn't a fluke and that we can and will do it again.</div><div></div><div>What are your thoughts?</div>Bobashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04730679858066602682noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283334294848495923.post-66284472372204116872008-11-17T10:56:00.010+11:002008-11-18T10:46:48.249+11:00Kewell Heads In, Emerton Hamstrings Out, Cahill In Doubt, McDonald Virused Out<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zFiVokL_j_ZqoKPVUBTxJU5Za0-TCpb8RCBhJec5qQ2efYvDw56mnY0bVq2AeO8zvckh0x8htTXvKwVXmg9_liyU1C73KB4V6ebYzyQ_hU8qZVLcNqYT9fxHM3ZxWdbP52oUgQ7KDO8/s1600-h/emerton+kewell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269414197152852162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 149px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zFiVokL_j_ZqoKPVUBTxJU5Za0-TCpb8RCBhJec5qQ2efYvDw56mnY0bVq2AeO8zvckh0x8htTXvKwVXmg9_liyU1C73KB4V6ebYzyQ_hU8qZVLcNqYT9fxHM3ZxWdbP52oUgQ7KDO8/s200/emerton+kewell.jpg" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Emerton</span></span> will miss the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Socceroos</span></span> class with Bahrain this Thursday with a soft hamstring injury. Obviously Blackburn Rovers cannot afford him getting another brace for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Socceroos</span></span>.<br /><br />Tim <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Cahill</span></span>, is also in doubt with a heel injury. After <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Cahill's</span></span> recent foot injuries I'm pretty sure <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Everton</span></span> will not let him play despite him coming to Bahrain with the squad. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Emerton</span></span> in the past have not release <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Cahill</span></span> for international matches, although this one fell on a international date.<br /><br />Scott McDonald has a virus, probably influenza and cant fly to the squad, let alone play. He didn't play in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Celtic's</span> last match, so a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">plausible</span> excuse.<br /><br />Harry <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Kewell</span></span> scored for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Galatasary</span></span> again, that's his 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">th</span></span> in 13 appearances. Last night he scored off a corner, seemed to miss time his arrival, but jumped backwards and headed forwards to score(watch the video).<br /><br />World Cup Qualifier Bahrain v Australia<br />Thursday 20<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">th</span></span> November kickoff 02:00 am (on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Foxsports</span></span> 1).<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">OzzyFootball</span></span> tip <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Sterjovski</span>, to take <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Emertons</span></span> spot on the right wing. And HOLMAN to take <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Cahill's</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Shadow</span> striking attacking midfielder role.<br /><br />Previously would have tipped <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Wilkshire</span></span> to move forward and have another right fullback, but with the defense being so solid last game and having it already disrupted with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Chipperfield</span></span> and Moore being swapped for Carney and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Coyne</span></span> respectively you can see why some stability in this area would be important.<br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/13p1CHjAVUw&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/13p1CHjAVUw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Bobashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04730679858066602682noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283334294848495923.post-15558421404336829392008-11-12T19:05:00.005+11:002008-11-12T19:15:39.190+11:00Craig Moore has testicular cancer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrEhZ4PzK-ve2-IhSQOHoCXxP199-Q4F3dW9V5IleegaCBbMFWS7h2OngH5ojuwlpXQ0Yxnn12wJwxfiEwDlmT2V3u6viBDiVmzBMggHG9e-ADV3t6CJVg2LXgfA6Fw4OTcoCEC6Xlxs/s1600-h/F_0_moore_socceroos_a_320.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrEhZ4PzK-ve2-IhSQOHoCXxP199-Q4F3dW9V5IleegaCBbMFWS7h2OngH5ojuwlpXQ0Yxnn12wJwxfiEwDlmT2V3u6viBDiVmzBMggHG9e-ADV3t6CJVg2LXgfA6Fw4OTcoCEC6Xlxs/s400/F_0_moore_socceroos_a_320.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267680898536593074" border="0" /></a>No Joke.<br />The 32-year-old was diagnosed last Thursday and underwent the procedure on the on Tuesday.<br />This means he will not play for the Socceroos against Bahrain. Ozzyfootball hopes Moore will have more luck with his balls and Coyne will take his place in the starting team.<br />A picture of the areas testicular cancer can effect is below.<br />Hopefully Moore returns lighter and therefore better, like Lance Armstrong.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LJu3l9pcXt8b-IfjBPduDychexo2NtRanzIQzACwJGjDwOnP6ndGIJDNXZzT6fec6aZKT3-QxQ3AB5XyJQnUKR82FSVNcsIwGeocWxfeUEte07Fa5JnXr0D_xzAeOrctAJ78VvZOCMY/s1600-h/testicles.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LJu3l9pcXt8b-IfjBPduDychexo2NtRanzIQzACwJGjDwOnP6ndGIJDNXZzT6fec6aZKT3-QxQ3AB5XyJQnUKR82FSVNcsIwGeocWxfeUEte07Fa5JnXr0D_xzAeOrctAJ78VvZOCMY/s200/testicles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267681013838792850" border="0" /></a>Bobashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04730679858066602682noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283334294848495923.post-41390627401693929382008-11-11T15:33:00.004+11:002008-11-12T16:14:45.044+11:00Retirement Stoppervics Tony Popovic<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsfyNyqQzn2VZFBxXBr0u30T40kYImTl_k8yo6g1EjrpjEdGjsHnhZ3haeV2t_G8HDZAHn-ulFqvHZRsmJ2dL9o97unFBQNHR8B0Czxs0i8iAkFAca7WxdS7TT92FfGn5zi2MfyP3lKI/s1600-h/popovic.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267253630102990146" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 304px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsfyNyqQzn2VZFBxXBr0u30T40kYImTl_k8yo6g1EjrpjEdGjsHnhZ3haeV2t_G8HDZAHn-ulFqvHZRsmJ2dL9o97unFBQNHR8B0Czxs0i8iAkFAca7WxdS7TT92FfGn5zi2MfyP3lKI/s400/popovic.jpg" border="0" /></a>I thought he'd either make himself available for the Socceroos again, or retire. <div></div><div>He's retired for Sydney FC as of now but will stay on as Kosmina's assistant coach.</div><div></div><div>Popovic is truly a great socceroo and these are my three most memorable moments of Popovic brilliance:</div><div>1. Scored the winner goal against England from a Lazaridis cross when we historically beat them away from home in 2003.</div><div>2. Scored what looked to be the winner in the last minutes of his own retirement match, he went off with lots of cheers, then his replacement scored an own goal and tied the game. (see photo).</div><div>3. He elbowed Recoba in the face from behind when he was the last defender and only copped yellow card... Australia went on to tie the series, win on penalties and go to Germany, where Popovic got a tournament ending injury...</div><div></div><div>He will be sorely missed.</div><div>In remembrance of him check out this hilarious youtube of his Crystal Palace days, this is Nicky Carle skill.</div><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oP3jbpcCo2E&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oP3jbpcCo2E&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />Comment on what you remember most about the Unstoppovic Tony Popovic.Bobashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04730679858066602682noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283334294848495923.post-19155810728770829942008-11-11T08:53:00.005+11:002008-11-17T13:42:41.756+11:00Socceroos Squad will bring down 'the rain' in ManamaMark Bresciano, Jacob Burns, Tim Cahill, David Carney, Chris Coyne, Jason Culina, Bruce Djite, Brett Emerton, Adam Federici, Richard Garcia, Vince Grella, Brett Holman, Josh Kennedy, Harry Kewell, Scott McDonald, Craig Moore, Lucas Neill, Michael Petkovic, Mark Schwarzer, Matthew Spiranovic, Shane Stefanutto, Mile Sterjovski, Carl Valeri, Luke Wilkshire.<br /><br />Make up the 24 man squad to play Bahrain in Manama on Thursday the 20th of November. Will probably be only on Foxsports but I'm not sure of that or the time played yet.<br /><br />Only Grella isn't a good chance of playing in this game. He's been added to the squad just in case he's miraculously healed, If they didn't put him in the squad and Kennedy performed a miracle on him he wouldn't be able to be flown over for the game.<br /><br />Only one injury concern for Australia will make this game a possibly goal scoring cracker, maybe not as big as the 32-0 thrashing of American Samoa, but I'm guessing at least 4 goals for the socceroos.<br /><br />The following is the Ozzy Football's choice of players and formation with Grella missing due to his hamstring injury.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0KEKh8CkKctxsNUIS4APdmMyUKyYUt6q46suIGVCIqof1UND83L-EOYKSQYesjOy6Pj_8j6oF4a1r_B9WZLUPnLzsNV1LmlTByV3tQwMKkyhHjM4ZDrRQ7cgGu92GpmUtgqlAHpeRwM/s1600-h/bahrain+formation.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267220757210540290" style="WIDTH: 285px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0KEKh8CkKctxsNUIS4APdmMyUKyYUt6q46suIGVCIqof1UND83L-EOYKSQYesjOy6Pj_8j6oF4a1r_B9WZLUPnLzsNV1LmlTByV3tQwMKkyhHjM4ZDrRQ7cgGu92GpmUtgqlAHpeRwM/s400/bahrain+formation.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />What do you think? Tell us.Bobashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04730679858066602682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283334294848495923.post-6208274828996322102008-11-06T22:43:00.005+11:002008-11-06T23:38:07.961+11:00Mcdonald Scores Against Christiano and Co.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXEuklxmvMp-YOGm2R8sn20AWzQF8x5Aq90fzl-ksd2NTdbI9jw3WKdaOcRV9UXnBdSshgXQTxYNv1qlhDompf1wJxbdQG0yp7SIWU35k_jDRIi3b4eBqnHCnOTyI1pB34VI1Y72om-uA/s1600-h/McdonaldChips.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 277px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXEuklxmvMp-YOGm2R8sn20AWzQF8x5Aq90fzl-ksd2NTdbI9jw3WKdaOcRV9UXnBdSshgXQTxYNv1qlhDompf1wJxbdQG0yp7SIWU35k_jDRIi3b4eBqnHCnOTyI1pB34VI1Y72om-uA/s400/McdonaldChips.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265522842868487250" border="0" /></a><br /><p class="intro">Celtic marksman Scott Mcdonald scored to put his team ahead in their home UEFA champions League tie against Manchester Utd. It occurred in the thirteenth minute, a sublime lob from inside the box, United stand-in keeper Ben Foster had no chance. United pegged it back in the sixth minute after half time, with Giggs heading home a keeper parried strike from CRonaldo.</p><p class="intro">It was a welcome for the home team after losing 3-0 away the last time they met ManYoo. Celtic manager Gordon Strachan had special praise for Mcdonald:</p><p class="intro">"It looked like calm finish from Scott.</p><p>"But what he has done in recent weeks has been phenomenal. He lost all his striking partners and he has tried to keep it going.</p><p>"He can be really pleased with himself. I wanted to keep him on as our experienced striker but he couldn't raise a gallop at the end."</p><p class="intro">Galatasaray ace Harry Kewell has a "hairline toe fracture" and been sidelined for UEFA Cup matchday 2, away to Benfica,Thursday (Friday morning AEDT). Dissapointing for both club and country given his hot form, scoring goals in the last two games including the winner on matchday one against Olympiakos.</p><p class="intro">He will apparently could be available for their w/e league match away to Fenerbahce but I doubt he will play, unless it's not really a fracture and they're just resting him.</p><p class="intro">Oh, and in worse news, the Adelaide Reds were beaten 3-0 away to J-League side Gamba Osaka in the first leg of the Asian Champions League Final. Apparently outplayed, but not without their own chances, Adelaide managed an own goal but not a goal of their own. People haven already started engraving Gamba Osaka name on the trophy and even the Australian media is stating that it's unlikely that Adelaide can score 4 goals in the return tie at home. But we don't need 4 goals, if Adelaide score 3 we can go to overtime and penalties. Scoring 3-0 in ninety minutes is an outside chance, but coming to an away venue with a lead to defend can do things to your mind. Gamba Osaka's coach will know they can't play too defensively so will obviously go for the early goal, to kill the game off. If Adelaide can use this time to catch them on the counter then game on, also don't forget the value of jet lag against teams flying all the way from Japan.<br /></p>Pedrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664504917653975427noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283334294848495923.post-85326243670203384012008-11-03T21:51:00.006+11:002008-11-03T22:45:00.779+11:00Kewell Scores, Djite In, The Holman Delivers.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLY_cUhyphenhyphen9bu9HTMJgHS4jtg4JxitNsyfdZt72xnxkn17ZHtT77IAJc3G_V6GZ6nvBkUGCkdoySZsmMMddQZxcwbCzRZ3njCr-rmcJ3mwbFWaAvHur7KiPXQ-TGjkbXu7js7Zcs8iJ2NVe0/s1600-h/Kewellgala.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 162px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLY_cUhyphenhyphen9bu9HTMJgHS4jtg4JxitNsyfdZt72xnxkn17ZHtT77IAJc3G_V6GZ6nvBkUGCkdoySZsmMMddQZxcwbCzRZ3njCr-rmcJ3mwbFWaAvHur7KiPXQ-TGjkbXu7js7Zcs8iJ2NVe0/s320/Kewellgala.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264395912938428450" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Another hectic week across Europe for our far flung socceroos.<br /><br />Kewell continues to score for Galatasaray, netting the opener in a 3-1 league win over Gaziantepspor. The hot form continues for the left footed dynamo, subbed in the 63rd minute although hopefully only as a precaution. Good to see from the lad given all the "contraversy", he lets his boots do the talking.<br /><br />In another Turkish league game Bruce Djite scored a consolation goal as his team Genclerbirligi lost 2-1 to Antalyaspor. His strike came just after half time, with Genclerbirligi already down by two goals.<br /><br />Ozzy Football's favourite Brett Holman scored for his Dutch team AZ Alkmaar in a 3-3 draw away to Heerenveen. Coming off the bench in the in the 46th minute Holman put his team in the lead with a neat one two move. Holman played the ball through to his team mate on the edge of the box who one timed a bobbling pass laterally for the Aussie strike to run on and sweetly volley home, glancing off the right hand upright. The result puts AZ on top of the Dutch league on goal difference, ahead of Ajax and NAC Breda. Culina's PSV Einhoven secured a 2-0 win at home to Willem II Tilber in another Dutch league game.<br /><br />Cahill's Everton squeaked home 1-0 winners over Fulham at Goodison Park. Fulham's Mark Schwartzer kept Everton out until substitue Louis Saha grabbed the winner. Apparently Cahill missed a sitter but set one up that was saved by Schwartzer, so all good then.<br /><br />Marko Bresciano playing for Palermo, was sent off early in the 2nd half after receiving a second yellow card against Chievo Verona. His team was already ahead by three goals by that stage and managed to hold that advantage until the final whistle. Palermo had only taken one point from their last three games, so this was important for them, pity Bresciano took an early shower.<br /><br />In contrast Celtic's Scott Mcdonald was fouled with a clear scoring opportunity by Inverness Caladonian defender Marius Zaliukas prompting a red card. The resulting penalty was missed by some other Celt (Paul Hartley) but it mattered not as Celtic was already 2-0 up and that's how the scoreline remained.<br /><br />And that's about it for Aussie Footballers in Europe for now...Pedrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664504917653975427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283334294848495923.post-9635345784455036242008-10-31T15:36:00.004+11:002008-10-31T16:09:21.528+11:00Chippers not so ChipperSo a few developments with Socceroos players.<br /><br />Harry Kewell has hepatitis, although his condition is thought to be likely genetic and certainly uninfectious, he's had it since he played for Leeds. So no real story except some journalist thought it was juicy. One interesting quote came from Kewell's manager Bernie Mandic told <a target="_blank" href="http://au.fourfourtwo.com/">au.fourfourtwo.com</a>:<br />"Bottom line, Harry does not have and has never had any infectious disease,"<br />He must be some kind of superhero.<br /><br />Scott Chipperfield is to undergo surgery for a urinary tract infection (ouch), which means he'll be out until January. It's an annoying set back for another Aussie scoring regularly for his club Basel. Although they have lost three games in the Champions League, Chipperfield is Basel's joint leading scorer having struck four times in 10 Swiss Super League matches this season. Obviously he will miss the Bahrain match for the Socceroos.<br /><br />Scott Mcdonald scored the opener for Celtic, as they cruised past Kilmarnock in their recent Scottish Cup quarter-final clash. It was a neat header from a cross, beating his man to the ball Mcdonald gave the keeper little chance. It's good to have players who can work a set piece. Speaking of which, team mate Japan midfielder Nakamura knocked in a free kick sweetly with his left. Something to look ot for when we meet them in qualifying.<br /><br />Luke Wilkshire scored for Dinamo but it was too little too late as they went down 3-1 to city rivals, and league leaders CSKA Moscow.<br /><br />That's about it, feel free to post stuff I might have missed.<br /><br />Check this video of Chipperfield rejecting a Brazilian jersey.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pI71xmThzLs&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pI71xmThzLs&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Pedrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664504917653975427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283334294848495923.post-58766054753098419452008-10-27T22:18:00.007+11:002008-10-27T22:51:45.988+11:00Djite and Troisi Delight Turkish Club Genclerbirlig with Draw<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4D6IhrtG5FDko_TEfXHDUAQQc1jER31UqpV2PLy_FdeZ2OLWz33pUNzFZumoTZcewKkbYu55IVd7X0-gos4maJcZaAFjLk-HypgJ84PkpdKPcAfqgcRNYkJ424edjCwxPNuFsftU2JQ7/s1600-h/TroisiChina.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 232px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4D6IhrtG5FDko_TEfXHDUAQQc1jER31UqpV2PLy_FdeZ2OLWz33pUNzFZumoTZcewKkbYu55IVd7X0-gos4maJcZaAFjLk-HypgJ84PkpdKPcAfqgcRNYkJ424edjCwxPNuFsftU2JQ7/s320/TroisiChina.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261800052384366274" border="0" /></a><br />Two fringe members of the socceroos, Bruce Djite and James Troisi, both scored in a 2-2 draw for their Turkish club Genclerbirlig. So it seems Turkey delights other attack minded Aussies securing a league draw away to Denizlispor. Both goals were scored in the first half and both put Genclerbirlig in the lead.<br /><br />Elswhere Scott mcdonald set up a goal for Cillian Sheridan and came close to scoring one himself in Cetics 4-2 win over fellow SPL side Hibernian.<br /><br />In the EPL, Richard Garcia played 12 minutes plus injury time to round out Hulls 3-0 win over West Bromwich Albion. Emerton and Grella both played in Blackburn's 1-0 loss to Middlesborough. Cahill is still suspended..<br /><br />In the English championship, Sterjovski scored for Derby although they were beaten 3-2 by Blackpool.<br /><strong><br /><br /></strong>Has anyone seen how Emmo and Vinnie go together at Blackburn? I haven't caught a match or even any footage of it.Pedrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664504917653975427noreply@blogger.com2