A-League Football Feast - LIVE STREAMIING!

Watch the five A-League matches here!



Enjoy!

Celtic FC take down a defiant Perth Glory FC

By Marcel Abboud

Traveling Scottish side Celtic FC made up for their 1 - 0 loss to Central Coast Mariners last week after defeating fellow Hyundai A-League side Perth Glory 2 - 0 at nib Stadium in Perth.

Perth coach Ian Ferguson added six new faces to the Glory's starting XI, including Dutch defender Bas Van den Brink and high-profile New Zealand striker Shane Smeltz to liven up a previously dull and underachieving Perth side.


While the match started off tight and cagey, the Hoops eventually got the opening goal thanks to a nicely worked Gary Cooper finish in the 16th minute and claiming the game in the 51st minute, as defender Charlie Mulgrew rose and headed home a Ki Sung Yueng free kick.

The Hoops should have extended their lead many times in the game, but a new Perth Glory defense (and help from the woodwork) made sure the score stayed at 2 - 0 at the end of the game in front a healthy 15,350 strong home crowd.

It's still early days for the Glory but with some extra work and an injection of stability into the lineup, the boys from Western Australia could inflict some damage into the upcoming A-League 2011/2012 season.

Watch highlights here:

A-League 2011/2012 Promo

Check it out, a video made by PTA with 100 days to go until the kickoff of the A-League! If you are looking forward to the season, share it with your friends, help to promote the Australian Football Brand!

Memorable Games: Adelaide United FC 8 - 1 North Queensland Fury FC (A-League, 2010/11)

A red hot Adelaide United needed a win over North Queensland to reclaim second spot on the ladder and to try to secure a top two birth for the A-League finals series.

And win they did.

An emphatic 8 - 1 win by the Reds saw the Fury crushed and sink to an even lower low as their future in next season's participation was still up in the air (at the time).

The rampaging Reds broke three records in the one game:
1) Most goals scored in one game in the A-League
2) Biggest win margin in the A-League
3) First team for two players in the one team to score a hat-trick

Adelaide United attack pair Sergio van Dijk and Marcos Flores both grabbed hat-tricks, with Iain Ramsay and Travis Dodd getting in on the action as well, all the while condemning the Fury were to finishing bottom of the table.

North Queensland Fury did manage to pull one back thanks to a Panni Nikkas freekick in the second half, but the damage had already been done.

Watch all the goals from this exciting and pulsating victory by the Reds.




RIP North Queensland Fury FC (2009/10 - 2010/11)

By Marcel Abboud

Video - Highlights from Brisbane Roar vs Central Coast Mariners - Grand Final

It is probably the greatest Grand Final to have ever been played in the A-League, Brisbane after a stellar season capped it off with a win on penalties in the final, after almost giving it all away in the dying minutes. It was a match which saw four goals scored in extra time after no goals were scored in regulation. Brisbane were to eventually win on penalties. Relive the moment below:


            

A-League 2010/2011 Finals Series - Wellington Pheonix FC preview

Perhaps the luckiest of the final six, the Wellington Phoenix FC had to wait until their final game against the luckless North Queensland Fury FC to book their place in the finals series. In what has been a very indifferent season for the boys from across the Tasman, the Phoenix will be out to prove that they aren’t just there to make up the numbers. A strong preseason (six wins from seven games) had all signs pointing to a tremendous season, but football can be a funny thing sometimes. Only mustering 12 wins from a possible 30, the Phoenix will have it all to do when the take on a rampant Adelaide United FC.

The key behind the Phoenix progressing lies in the hands of four people: New Zealand international Tim Brown, youngster Marcos Rojas, a fit and fighting Paul Ifill and the heroics of former Olyroos keeper Danny Vukovic. Tim Brown has been absolutely resolute in the midfield, setting up crucial goals as well as scoring them in times when the Pheonix really need it. Firebrand Marcos Rojas has been a real revelation for the Phoenix, as his skill, pace, accuracy and finesse has really helped set up goals for the Phoenix as his blistering pace has been hard to contain. Ifill finished joint top goal scorer for the club on seven, despite being out since January but there is speculation that he may return to give Wellington some much needed fire power alongside Englishman Chris Greenacre. Brought in as injury cover for regular Mark Paston, the Perth Glory FC bound Danny Vukovic has been absolutely crucial for the boys across the ditch, pulling off some crucial saves, firing up and organising his defence and even scoring a penalty (albeit in the final minute of the final game of the season regular for Wellington).


For all their determination and spirit, it seems that Ricki Herbert’s men will find it very hard to get past a raging and very fired up Adeliade United, with the defence having trouble containing the three pronged attack of Sergio van Dijke, Argentine Marcos Flores and Matthew Leckie. But football is a funny game and weirder things have certainly happened.

By Marcel Abboud

A-League 2010/2011 Finals Series - Gold Coast United FC preview

Watching Gold Coast United FC 2010/11 A-League season has been like being on a see-saw: it’s either up or down, with a rare moment of an in-between. The second season for the boys from the Glitter Strip have seen them ditch the hype that owner Clive Palmer heaved unto them last season and has seen a team with flashes of brilliance at one time or another. Their final position on the season regular table doesn’t accurately describe their form for the season, at times they were struggling for wins and at other times fighting for second place. Their final position sees them finishing in fourth place, with a home semi-final against Melbourne Victory.

While losing want away captain Jason Culina to a knee injury whilst on Socceroos duty, Miron Bleiberg’s recruitment policy during the season saw the return of two time A-League golden boot winner Shane Smeltz from Turkey, the introduction of former Adelaide United striker Bruce Djite, as well as Peter Perchtold from 1. FC Nuremberg II and South Korean Kim Sung-Kil from Busan Kyotong. While their football hasn’t been flashy unlike last season, it has been enough to get them through to the finals series.

Without a doubt, Shane Smeltz will be once again Gold Coast United’s go to man to bag in the goals. Since his return from Turkish club Gençlerbirliği, he has been on the scoresheet in every game. Service from the midfield will be the key to his firing up, as departing midfield dynamo Zenon Caravella will be relied upon to help supply the attacking front.

A cagey and tight affair will be had against Melbourne Victory, with a goal to separate the two sides. Even though the ledger falls in Melbourne Victory’s way, PTA favours a Gold Coast United progression over the two legs with Smeltz playing a key roll. Should Adelaide United win their semi-final tie, it will be hard to see a Culina-less Gold Coast United make it to the Grand Final.

By Marcel Abboud

A-League 2010/2011 Finals Series - Central Coast Mariners FC preview

Perhaps the darkhorses for the entire 2010/11 A-League season, Central Coast Mariners FC have been a revolution both on and off the field. Everyone has been talking about the coaching and player changes at the rampant Brisbane Roar FC, but it seems that the Mariners have flown under the radar (to their advantage it seems). The replacing of Lawrie McKinna with former Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has reaped dividends, as he has managed to transform a team who were playing ugly, dire football last season to this season’s runners up in the reason proper.

While getting off to a slow start at the beginning of the season with two draws and two losses in the opening four games, the boys from up the Coast managed to string in some great attacking performances, no less thanks to mini midfield Argentinean maestro Patricio Perez feeding the likes of hometown hero Matt Simon, Adam Kwasnik and Daniel McBreen to bag in a considerable amount of goals each. Brought in from Gold Coast United FC to replaced departed goalkeeper Danny Vukovic, Jess Vanstrattan suffered a season ending ACL injury. Taking a gamble, Arnold placed his faith in 18 year old Matthew Ryan who has shined this season while taking the A-League record of most clean sheets in a season with 12 (breaking Clint Bolton’s record while at Sydney FC).


Pipping out Adeliade United FC for second spot, Central Coast Mariners booked their double chance spot in the finals on the back of a wonderful season and if they can keep up their form, they may just meet Brisbane Roar FC in the Grand Final.

Defensive stalwart and captain Alex Wilkinson along with Dutch import Patrick Zwaanswijk will hold key to stop any form of attack on the Mariner’s goal, but it’s the midfield that holds the key for the Central Coast. Patricio Perez will be crucial but if along with young Mustafa Amini can fire up and deliver the supply to the attacking front, there may as well be no stopping the Coast on the march to the Grand Final.

It will be hard to see them loose in the finals series, so a Brisbane Roar FC and Central Coast Mariners FC final looks like it's on the cards.

By Marcel Abboud

A-League 2010/2011 Finals Series - Melbourne Victory - Preview

Arguably the most successful club in the history of the A-League, Melbourne Victory have experienced a season resurgence in 2011, just making the top six. A season marred by controversy especially surrounding their captain Kevin Muscat, who, made one of the most vicious tackles in the history of the game.
Melbourne's season was always going to be one of catchup, after their opening round draw against rivals Sydney - where they came back from 2 goals down.

Melbourne relied on in form striker Robbie Kruse for much of the season. The young gun eventually earning an Australian call-up as a result of his stunning performances. Marquee player Ricardinho found his feet slowly at the club, but once he was up and running, Melbourne took creativity to a new level, breaking down even the best of the defences in the A-League. Carlos Hernandez meanwhile, was having that season, where inconsistancy was a regular part of his game.


With the absence of Muscat due to a lengthy suspension, Melbourne wll have to rely on their up and coming stars to pull through, to help the team mount a challenge against their rampant opposition. A loss on the last matchday of the season(Adelaide 2-1) will certainly do harm to the morale. The season certainly has not shaped up for Melbourne. Finishing 5th in the league will add an extra level of difficulty to the final, if they make it.

The five other teams who will contest the knockout round, may have produced a better brand of football this 2010/2011 season. However Melbourne have experience over the field. It may just be the advantage that is needed to carry Melbourne to the summit of the A-League yet again!

A-League 2010/2011 Finals Series - Adelaide United - Preview

Adelaide adopted a different coaching approach in the 2010/2011 A-League season. Coming through the hardest time in clubs history which involved the club going under financial administration, crowd numbers dramatically falling and a disasterous run of performances on the field.

Under new ownership Adelaide began the season by making a host of new signings, including the much hyped move of Sergio van Dijk to the club. But it wasn't van Dijk who would prove to be the instrumental start to the season. Argentinian import Marcos Flores, brought creative flair to the midfield going forward. United's season looked to be in good stead when Flores scored one of the greatest goals in A-League history against the Jets.

This form continued with van Dijk going top scorer of the league. His head proved to be the difference in many games, as well as his physical domination upfront. They took the A-League to a new level comprehensively accounting for the North Queensland Fury 8-0 on their way to the top of the table. Adelaide were on a collision course with the Roar. However Brisbane steamed past Adelaide 4-0, beginning their form slump which was evident for the remainder of the season - they went on to lose 10 of their last 19 games. They finished 3rd in the league after a win against the Victory on the final matchday.

Adelaide have a genuine chance of winning the A-League title this year. However to do so they will need to replicate the form which took them straight to the summit of the A-League. Marcos Flores and Sergio van Dijk will have to lead the team through the knockout phase. With instrumental attacker Matthew Leckie out probably for the rest of season, United will have to push their squad to the limit.

Comeback Kids - Great Footballing Comebacks in Recent Times

Comebacks have been the talk of the footballing weekend, particularly as Newcastle United FC managed to claw their way back to draw 4 – 4 against an Arsenal side that managed to put three goals past them in under 10 minutes.

Here we look at just a few of thousands of remarkable comebacks in recent footballing memory:

1) Manchester United FC v Bayern Munich FC (2 – 1) 1999 UEFA Champions League Final

In what would go down as a memorable moment forever etched into any Manchester United fan’s memory, this enthralling final saw a resilient Manchester United trounce a rampant Bayern Munich. What made this result more remarkable was the fact that both of Manchester United’s goals came in stoppage time.

After Mario Basler put the Germans ahead in the 6^th minute of play, Bayern Munich looked almost definite to hold up the UEFA Champions League trophy that is until England striker Teddy Sherringham had his say. Coming off the bench in the 67^th minute, the English marksman levelled the game in the first minute stoppage time before another substitute Ole Gunnar Solskjær won the game for the Red Devils in the third minute of stoppage time, poking the ball in the top of the net.


By Manchester United winning, this cemented their place in footballing echelons by completing an unprecedented treble (EPL, FA Cup and Champions League) and the players of this legendary team (despite having lost their captain Roy Keane and Paul Scholes due to suspension) have forever etched their names in footballing history.

2) Central Coast Mariners FC V Sydney FC (5 – 2) 22nd Dec, 2007 (Round 15)

Labelled as the greatest game in the A-League’s short history, a rescheduled game at the Bluetounge Stadium saw these two teams contest the South NSW Derby but with entertaining results. In a very fluid and attacking game, Central Coast keeper Danny Vukovic was given his marching orders in the 16^rd minute as he was to have judged to handle the ball outside his box, but this didn’t stun the boys from the coast. The Mariners had taken the lead in the 3^rd and 15^th minute thanks to goals from Mile Jedinak and John Aloisi respectively.

The Sky Blues then bounced back thanks to goals from popular defender Ian Fyfe in the 33^rd minute before Northern Irishman Terry McFlynn levelled the scores at the 49^th minute. In what is possibly the most exciting second half in the A-League’s history, Greg Owens for the Mariners restored parity in the 63^rd minute (courtesy of a penalty). This did little to dampen the Sky Blues attacking prowress as youngster Adam Biddle nutmeged defender Dean Heffernen and put Sydney FC ahead in the 71^st minute. Before Sydney fans had a chance to catch their breathes back, they were treated to a moment of true class as Brendon Santalab stunned the masses with a fantastic spin-come-strike from just inside the box to thunder Sydney further into the lead. A terrific goal was made better by the fact that this was his first A-League goal for Sydney FC.


In a tense final ten minutes, Adam Kwasnik levelled the scores before, remarkably, Kwasnik handeled the ball in the penalty box. With Kwasnik sent off, Ufuk Talay slotted away the spot kick to send Sydney FC 5 -4 winners and put and end to was has been and since unmatched, the greatest game of the A-League so far.

3) Liverpool FC v West Ham United (3 – 3, 3 – 1 penalties) 2006 FA Cup Final

What is it about a cup final that produces some of the greatest comebacks?

Going down in the 21st minute thanks to a Jamie Carragher own goal, West Ham were sent further ahead when Dean Ashton in the 28nd minute tucked in a loose ball from a West Ham’s Matthew Etherington shot, which Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina failed to hold on to properly.

Liverpool managed to peg one back thanks to French international Djibril Cissé’s goal in the 32^nd minute. West Ham had the lead going into the second half before the Gerrard show kicked in. A Peter Crouch knock down is volleyed in by the Liverpool captain in the 54^th minute, levelling the scores at 2 – 2. Paul Konchesky’s goal in the 63^rd minute had the Hammers thinking they had done enough to win the FA Cup but a thunderous Steven Gerrard 30 yard strike into the back of the net levelled the score on the 90^th minute, leaving Hammers keeper Shaka Hislop doing nothing more than pick the ball out.


Extra-time passed without much incident which led the game into penalties. With three misses from Zamora, Konchesky and Ferdinand for the Hammers (only Sherrigham managed to put one in), Liverpool were handed the 2006 FA Cup when John Arne Riise stepped up and slotted the ball in the back of the net.

This game was truly one of the greatest FA Cup finals to be had and it was truly the Steven Gerrard show for all to see.

4) Arsenal FC V Tottenham Hotspurs FC (4 – 4) 28^th Oct, 2008 (English Premier League)

Tottenham scored twice in the dying minutes of the game to level with their London arch-rivals in an enthralling game of skill, entertainment and football.

After David Bently had put the Spurs ahead on the 13th minute, the Gunners fought back and scored and seemingly had the game wrapped up with thanks to goals from Mikael Silvestre (37), William Gallas (46), and Emmanuel Adebayor (64). Even though Spurs managed to get one back in the 67th minute with a Darren Bent goal, Arsenal responded immediately with a goal from Robin van Persie in the 68th minute of the game.

For any fan that left with five minutes to go, they sure are kicking themselves now. In a display of utter skill and scenes that you can only imagine, Tottenham managed to score when a Luka Modric rocket hit the woodwork with Jermaine Jenas there to put in the rebound in the 89^th minute, making the ledger at 4 – 3. With Arsenal shelshocked, the damage wasn’t over as Aaron Lennon sent the white half of the Emarites Stadium into raptures when in the 90^th minute managed to level the scores from just outside the box.


So the game ended 4 – 4, a highly attacking display from both sides that saw the Gunners capitulate their lead into a 4 – 4 draw. Scenes like this against Arsenal weren’t repeated until an understrength Newcastle United FC managed to come back from 4 – 0 down in the first half to draw 4 – 4 in the dying stages of the game in 2011.

By Marcel Abboud

Brisbane Roar – Last Season’s Chumps to This Season’s Champs

Rewind to this time last season for the Brisbane Roar FC.  The Ange Postecoglou revolution had just started and a faltering Brisbane Roar were already looking to build for next season. After the end of yet another disappointing season, the Roar finished a lowly ninth out a possible tenth on 30 points, two points below A-League debutants and rivals North Queensland Fury with many whom had predicted would end up with the wooden spoon.

 A tremulant end of, close and off season saw many players come and go, most notably the release of Former Socceroos Craig Moore and Danny Tiatto and the releases of Scottish international Charlie Miller who left mid-season to rivals Gold Coast United and goalkeeper Liam Reddy to Wellington Pheonix. The club also saw the talented trio of Michael Zullo, Adam Sorata and Tommy Oar transferred to Dutch club FC Utrecht, while talisman striker Serjio van Dijk switched sides and joined Adelaide United. Other players were also released, retired or had their contracts mutually terminated, so this in turn left a “skeleton squad” with a lot of work for Ange Postecoglou and his backroom staff to rejuvenate a squad that has in the past shown so much promise, yet failed to translate it into tangible results.

In what was the busiest off season for any of the A-League clubs (bar new boys Melbourne Heart FC and the North Queensland Fury v2.0), the club from Brisbane saw an introduction of 12 new faces including:

- Michael Theoklitos from Norwich City in England
- Shane Stefanutto from North Queensland Fury
- Erik Paartalu from Greenock Morton in Scotland
- Thomas Broich from 1. FC Nuremberg in Germany
- Jean Carlos Solórzano on loan from L.D. Alajuelense in Costa Rica

A great work ethic, fuelled by desire to rid their tag of the league’s perennial underachievers saw the Roar get season off to a blistering start, drawing against rivals Gold Coast United in the opening round before going undefeated until Round when losing 2 – 1 to Melbourne Victory.   The Roar have (at the time of publishing) gone a remarkable A-League and Australian football record 23 games undefeated, beating the previous record of 21 set by APIA Leichhardt in 1987.

But what is the secret to their success? What is about this Roar side who have captivated audiences, pundits and naysayers alike with their very attractive brand of attacking football (no, the Barcelona FC comparison will not be alluded to) that have made them a shining example of Australian football? It’s hard to pinpoint exactly, but it can come down to a few reasons.

The first is the introduction of a coaching revolution. The 2009/2010 team was compounded with an aging squad, unsettled by divisions in the squad and the infamous Frank Farina incident. When Farina was released just over midway of the season, the Postecoglou revolution set about changing the dynamics of the squad by cutting out the deadwood and introducing young, hungry players as well as quality imports. Postecogolou has a tremendous track record of working with youth squads, being the Young Socceroos U-20’s coach for seven years (2000 – 2007) as well as coaching NSL powerhouse South Melbourne FC to two NSL titles. He is noted for identifying and developing young players and using them to their maximum capabilities, and haven’t the results payed dividends. Players like Mitch Nichols and Luke DeVere have really flourished under the Postecogolou revolution, proving how important it is to have an injection of youth in your first team squad.

The second is the addition of quality players, both Australian and overseas players. Who’d of known of German midfield dynamo Thomas Broich in Australia before he was signed by the Roar? Exactly… It’s the proper selection of finding imports (not just scouting them on DVDs and YouTube) that have added a much needed zest to the squad. Broich, working alongside fellow midfielder and team captain Matt MacKay have supplied the Brisbane attack with much needed service, while bagging a few themselves. Broich’s mastery of the ball from the centre of the park has played a great role in why the Roar are probably the most potent team in the league this season. On loan and in form striker Jean Carlos Solórzano got off to a slow start but has proved to be quite a handy signing, constantly challenging for golden boot honours. Partnered with the now departed Reinaldo, they formed a very attacking and lethal strike force which could punish any defence.

The return of Michael Theoklitos to the A-League from Norwich City has reaped massive rewards as his dynamics, marshalling of the defence and consistent upon consistent performances are a real reason why the Brisbane defence refuses to leak so many goals. With players like Erik Paartalu and Shane Stefanutto in front of him, the Roar defence has turned from last season’s chumps to (inevitably) this season’s champs.

So with the minor premiership basically all but wrapped up, the Brisbane Roar have proven that with the proper mentality, proper coaching and a balanced playing roster, a team can go from perennial underachievers to the envy of all clubs in the league. The challenge now  remains for the boys from Brisbane is to maintain their hot form well into the finals series.

By Marcel Abboud - Football Correspondant and Facebook follower

A-League Round 23 - Sydney FC vs Melbourne Victory - Review

Two of the some of the A-League’s biggest clubs met at the Sydney Football Stadium last night (15/1/2011) in what can be effectively called Sydney FC’s “do or die” match against their arch rivals Melbourne Victory for a chance to qualify for the finals series.

A very frenetic, sometimes physical match ended with both teams taking a share of the spoils in a pulsating 1 – 1 draw that surely left many Sydney FC fans with their hearts on their sleeves. For all the Sky Blues’ possession and domination in the first half, they were unable to break down a stubborn Melbourne Victory defence. A few reflex saves by Petkovic saved the blushes of what looked like a depleted Victory backline, missing the services of inspirational hardman Kevin Muscat (suspended) and young defender Adrian Leijer.



Great lead up work from Hirofumi Moriyasu saw his shot come back off the post while a great header from Brazilian Bruno Cazarine was saved by the boots of Petkovic, arguably the two best chances of the first half. Melbourne lacked vigour in the opening stages and at times couldn’t keep up and stop the quick feet and creative work of sometime Socceroo and man of the match Nicky Carle.

The second half was a completely different story and the Sky Blues were made to pay for their lack of a finishing touch as on the Victory came out blazing with Melbourne coach Ernie Merrick making a very attacking substitutions in the way of Mate Dugandzic and Matthew Foschini. Carlos Hernandez slipped through the ball for a quick Victory counter as Danny Allsopp made his return the Australian domestic football scene scoring a looping deflected effort past Sydney keeper Liam Reddy.

Melbourne then sparked into life and absolutely dominated the remaning proceedings, as Sydney FC’s touch seemed to have gone passed them. An absolute air-swing by youngster Dimitri Petratos in the final third of the game could have sealed it for the homeside, but it was not until the introduction of right back Shannon Cole that Sydney FC showed some determination to at least snatch a draw. His delightful lead up play and resulting shot just ended up wide of the Victory posts, a bright moment in what was a dull half for the reigning champions.



When it seemed the game was set to end in the Victory’s favour, Finnish import striker and fan favourite Juho “The Surgeon” Mäkelä excellently latched onto Nicky Carle’s shot-come-pass to slot it passed the Victory, grabbing a late equaliser in the first minute of extra time to send the crowd of over 11,000 into raptures.

The pre-game press was dominated by Sydney FC’s CEO Edwin Ludgt coming out and saying that his side will “smash” the victory, but yet even though the Sky Blues managed a late and dramatic draw, it was the Victory who really come out as victors here. They further cemented their top six aspirations and at the same time have crushed their rivals’ very slim chances of ever making the finals series.

So for Sydney was it one point gained or two points crushed? In retrospect, all signs definitely point to the latter.

By Marcel Abboud (Facebook Follower) and Football Correspondant

Alex Terra on Fire in the A-League

Brazillian import Alex Terra has prodcued a spectacualr goal in his sides 1-1 draw.

Check out the goal below.

Floods and Football

For our international readers around the globe, you may be unaware of the current disaster occuring in Australia. Play the Advantage is a football site based in Australia so it is only natural that we offer our support to the flood disaster, by generating awareness in the global community.

Queensland is often referred to as the sunshine state however over the past few weeks extensive rain has caused 75% of Queensland to flood. The disaster has cause much grief to residents and Australian's alike. Amongst the anguish Australia's A-League has also been affected by the rising water. The Football match scheduled to go ahead between the Brisbane Roar and Wellington Phoenix was postponed for two reasons, including the fact that resident cannot access public roads as well as the issue of the pitch being under water.

Although the game is the least of the states worries and what will certainly be on the mind of the players is the welbeing of their friends and families. The devestation has caused much damage to the agriculture industry as well as businesses around the CBD. With Brisbane being under water Queensland has come to a halt, as people wait for the water to subside.

For those of you interested in helping out the flood victims we have provided the link to the Red Cross donation site.

DONATE AT -http://www.redcross.org.au/ourservices_acrossaustralia_disasteremergencyservices_Queensland-floods-2010.htm

A-League Round 23 - Sydney FC vs Melbourne Victory - Preview

This Saturday (15/1/2011) sees another exciting chapter in the interstate rivalry between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory. While Sydney FC are experiencing a “mini-revival” of sorts after notching two straight wins against Newcastle Jets and Gold Coast United, Melbourne Victory will be trying to restore some pride after being humiliated 4 – 1 at the hands of a ruthless Adelaide United.

The Sydney Football Stadium will prove to be the defining place for both these teams’ seasons. Anything but a win for the Sky Blues against their nemesis will see their “mathematical” chances of making the finals vanish, as will (perhaps) Vitezslav Lavicka’s position as coach. If Melbourne succumbs to a second loss in a row, Ernie Merrick and his team will be biting their nails as the likes Melbourne Heart and Wellington Phoenix will be breathing down their necks for the top sixth berth.

Entering the heat of the battle, nothing but best from each of these two team’s key players will be expected. Sydney’s creative force of sometimes Socceroo Nicky Carle will be crucial for the team’s chances as he provided the much needed creative spark that the Sky Blues so severely needed this season. While injury has hampered his chances of showing his true potential this season, a fully fit and fighting Carle could just be the remedy that the defending champions need to add some lustre in what is otherwise an immensely disappointing season for both club and fans.

Finnish import Juho Mäkelä will also look to add some firepower into a very limp Sydney attack. His extra time goal against the Gold Coast catapulted “the Surgeon” (as he is affectionately known by The Cove) into fan folklore and into the memories of fans alike, sealing a much needed win scoring the club’s 200^th goal. Combined with Brazilian import Bruno Cazarine, perhaps this partnership is just what the Sky Blues need to save themselves from what is arguably the A-League’s worst title defence.

With charismatic leader and hardman Kevin Muscat suspended for this crucial meeting, defender Adrian Leijer out with a suspected groin injury and with Robbie Kruse out on Socceroos duty, the Victory will need to dig deep and muster a win to cement their position in the top six for the finals.

The Victory will once again turn to creative maestro Carlos Hernandez to launch the platform of a Melbourne assault at Moore Park. When the Costa Rican is at his best, everyone knows about it (particularly the score line). A mainstay to the Victory, “El Zorro” will need to dazzle his way through what has become a “stern” and “desperate” Sydney defence.

The return of Melbourne Victory’s favourite son Danny Allsopp has come at just the right time as an attacking front is exactly what the Victory are missing right now. If fed properly through the midfield, Allsopp can inflict great damage on any opponent and wouldn’t it be great to mark his return to the A-League with a goal in the Big City Derby?

So what will the next instalment of the Big City Derby bring? Who knows. Both teams are at a crucial stage in their seasons with a great importance riding on this game.

Nothing but a win for both sides will suffice.

By Marcel Abboud (Facebook Follower) A-League Correspondant

Getting crowds back to the A-League.....Advertise? Television?

The 2010/2011 Hyundai A-League season has seen some exciting and pulsating games, moments of brilliance and the unearthing and exposure of young talent being thrust unto the Australian sporting landscape. It’s also seen some humiliating lows and crushing defeats with clubs either facing financial uncertainty or not even being lifted off the ground (RIP Sydney Rovers FC, we hardly knew yee unfortunately).

The season’s headlines have been mostly dominated with record low crowds, despite the fact the quality of the game has significantly risen since the first season. To help bolster crowd numbers to the games, it’s agreed that something drastic needs to be done sooner rather than later. The naysayers to the A-League/football in Australia will make you believe that it’s is on life support and the plug needs to be pulled. Far from it.

There are many, many “remedies” that can be said to help bolster the A-League and the growth of the sport in Australia, but besides throwing millions upon millions of dollars at the problem/s in hope that it will fade away, here are two (of perhaps many) examples that the Football Federation Australia (FFA) and each individual A-League club could do to help generate crowd numbers.

Television: Currently, the A-League is only available on Foxtel through the Fox Sports network. Foxtel’s market penetration is over 30 per cent of the total Australian population and then you have to take into account how many subscriptions of that 30+ per cent actually have the sports package and how many of those watch the A-League. Suffice to say that one would imagine that it wouldn’t be a lot.

This means that an entire market (Free to Air television) goes without seeing a full game and is left with tid-bits of highlights from either SBS’ The World Game or OneHD’s World Football News. An ideal way for Foxtel to have the majority of the A-League cake while promoting the game would be to allow a Free To Air network to have a delayed “game of the week” and/or an extended highlights package of the round’s games. This allows for Foxtel to have live rights to the games (for those who want to watch the games live) and gives exposure to perhaps a “neglected” market for the game to grow.

Advertising: Remember those freestylers kicking paint covered footballs of the A-League’s first season? Or the “90 Minutes, 90 Emotions” advertising campaign in 2007/2008? Seems like a long time ago when one thinks about it retrospectively. Any advertising person will tell you that once you have a product that you want to sell, you have to advertise to get your target market’s attention. While it’s understandable that the FFA focused their attentions to the (now infamous) unsuccessful attempts to win the hosting rights of the FIFA 2022 World Cup, they seriously left the promotion of the game unchecked.

This is obvious in terms of dwindling crowd numbers across all A-League clubs. Better attention to the marketing of the game will pay massive results for the clubs and the game as a whole.
Society is rapidly evolving (communication wise) so why not utilise social networking tools like Twitter, YouTube and the ever popular Facebook to promote the game. Facebook has over 50 per
cent penetration of the online population in Australia with over nine-million users, so wouldn’t this be an effective platform to advertise the game? Harness the power of social media and its control over people to great effect and watch the results that will follow.

But the FFA is not solely to blame, the clubs themselves need to engage themselves with their local communities. The attitude of (for argument’s sake) Gold Coast United’s “build it and they will come” ethos has spectacularly crashed and burnt, with an Australian record low crowd of 1,714 fans coming to see their team fall 1 – 0 to North Queensland Fury.

This in turn prompted billionaire owner Clive Palmer to announce a free ticket day against the Central Coast Mariners which produced a record high crowd of over 11,000 people, but suffered the unfortunate fate of being cancelled before even half the game was played due to heavy rain. A-League clubs need to really connect with their local community and show a sense of loyalty and commitment to the promotion of the game through formal engagements with regional associations within their respective states/territories. Build that sense of wanting to come to the game and the love of the team.

If the FFA can combine the two “ingredients” together properly, who knows what results may come to fruition and while the results may not be instantaneous, the impact that it can have on the youth and the casual football of today will pay dividends in many seasons to come.

You can only reap what you sow.

By Marcel Abboud our A-League Correspondant (Facebook Follower)

A-League Round 22 - Central Coast Mariners vs Wellington Phoenix - Review

It could have gone either way, but ultimately it was the Central Coast Mariners that came out 1-0 victor’s over the Wellington Phoenix in a tiring encounter. Both sides were desperate for a win, with Central Coast looking to close the gap on second placed A Adelaide United, and Wellington hoping to help earn one of the two remaining spots in the top six playoffs.

Both sides were missing key players, with Adam Kwasnik suspended for the Mariners, following a red card in the previous game. The Phoenix are still missing key striker Paul Ifill, and goalkeeper Mark Paston, both suffering season ending injuries in earlier matchups. Jade North was also missing at the back for the Wellington side, due to Socceroo’s duties in Qatar for the Asian Cup.

The Phoenix started the game strongly, with two golden opportunities in the opening five minutes. Dylan Macallister couldn’t avoid the picking out the Mariners keeper, Matthew Ryan, as he latched onto a cross from Marco Rojas, and Ben Sigmund couldn’t put his header from the resulting corner on target. The Phoenix were on top for the first 15 minutes of the game, until they let the Mariners start dictating the flow and tempo of the game.

The balance of the game swung to both sides continuously, with both keepers made to work on several occasions. Referee Matt Breeze failed to spot Mariners defender Patrick Zwaanswijk grab the shirt of Rojas and pull him down inside the box, but the majority of the refereeing decisions in the match were correct.

The Mariners made better use of their chances, having more shots on goal than the Phoenix in the first half. The score remained deadlocked at 0-0 until the 40th minute of play, when Central Coast midfielder Michael McGlinchey put the ball onto the back of the Phoenix net from a cross by Joshua Rose following a run through the midfield by Argentine playmaker Patricio Perez.

The Mariners came out on top at the start of the second half, creating a number of shots to work the Phoenix defense, but could not find the back of the net. When Wellington manager Ricki Herbert injected Leo Bertos and Daniel into the game in the 55th minute, for Rojas and Nick Ward respectively, the Phoenix lifted their game and managed to create several more chances, but lacked the final few touches to score an equaliser.

The best of these chances was a powerful free kick for Macallister, only to be denied by the keeper.
Up and coming Mariners player Mustafa Amini was given a run 10 minutes from time by coach Mustafa Amini, but couldn't help his side add to the scoreline.


Final Score - CCM 1                  Wellington 0
                      McGlinchey 41


Man of the Match: Patricio Perez (CCM)
Crowd Attendance - 6844 (Bluetounge Stadium)


By Patrick Barnes (Twitter Follower http://twitter.com/#!/patrick478)

Impact of A-League imports

The Hyundai A-League has certainly helped to grow football in Australia, as the FFA develops new ways to make the league appeal to Aussie fans we need look no further than some of the imports many of the clubs have brought in. Many Europeans, South Americans, Africans and Asian players now call the A-League home. The mix of diverse playing styles allow for a variety of outcomes in each and every match, it has also led to the highest scoring A-League so far in recent years.

Analysing the various imports it is clear that some have had more of an impact than others.

Adelaide's Marcos Flores has established himself as one of the best players in the A-League, His goals have been impressive too and it would be hard to pick a better goal than his solo effort vs Newcastle. He sits on 5 goals this campaign, but is even more dangerous from the way he dictates play with classy passing and sublime through balls. The Argentinian proves to have had one of the greatest effects on A-League football in recent times

 

In Melbourne Carlos Hernandez has certainly brought about sucess. Now in his fourth year at the club the Costa Rican sits on three goals. However his shooting ratio is second to none. With 28 shots on target Hernandez is a keeper's worst nightmare. The passing ability of the 26 year old has helped team mates Robbie Kruse and in past years Archie Thompson find the target on many occasions.

German midfielder Thomas Broich is a valuable asset at Brisbane Roar. The midfielder's success this season has been in the assists department, claiming an assist in 8 of Brisbanes goals this year. Broich represented his national team at an under 21 level and has brought with him talent and a fantastic work ethic. Broich also proved that he can find the score sheet, on three occasions this year he has found the back of the net.

As the league continues to grow so to will the budgets of clubs, allowing for more expensive and effective improts to be brought into the league. They are an excellent source of football talent and provide great incentive for fans to go and watch their team play.

Sydeny Rovers officially withdraw bid.....for the time being.

The much anticipated expansion of the Hyundai A-League into South West Sydney has stumbled as the bid has failed to gain much needed funding from a major sponsor. The West Sydney Rovers were aiming to enter the league within the next two years, and looked to be a promising franchise with a massive support base out west.

Although the FFA has not given up on adding another team to the growing leauge. Canberra looks like another safe bet, but the FFA's chief Ben Buckley did not rule out the possibility of another bid from South West Sydney perhaps under a different franchise.

It was suggested that another bid build upon the work of the Rovers team as alot of effort had gone into ensuring that the bid be both viable and prmising. This included work into establishing stadiums and government support.

One thing is for certain the league will need to reach a greater fan base to survive and what better way to do so than to expand the league.