The Matildas Secure their Passage into the Quarter Finals after Overcoming Norway

By Marcel Abboud

The Australian Women's National Football Team (known as the Matildas) took their tournament progression into the quarter finals by the scruff of the neck by coming back from behind to defeat Norway 2 - 1 in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup in Leverkusen. Coming into the game, the Matildas needed at least a draw to progress, while for the Norwegian women nothing but a win would do.

In a tight contest, The Matildas fell behind early in the second half as long standing captain and goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri failed to collect an oncoming ball due to a Australian defensive error, with young Norway striker Elise Thorsnes thrashing the ball into the net in the 57th minute.


Not even a minute had passed when Sydney FC striker Kyah Simon restored parity with a fine strike from the centre of the box, making the scores 1 - 1 after a fantastic cross from talisman striker Lisa De Vanna.

The Matildas sealed their progression into the quarterfinals thanks to yet again another goal from Simon in the 87th minute, after an over-hit corner was crossed in by Kim Carroll and met the head of Simon, evading all the Norwegian defense and into the goal.


The win sees The Matildas progress into the quarter finals, but a lot more work is needed defensively if the ladies in Green and Gold are to progress any further.

Watch the highlights of the game here:

Memorable Games: Australia vs Italy (0-1 Germany 2006 World Cup)

Italy went on to win the 2006 World Cup in Germany, however not without facing a few hurdles on the way. Australia had qualified for just their second World Cup and were on a roll, qualifying for the round of 16 for the first time in their history. It looked to be going well for the Aussies who had Italy on the ropes, as the Italians were down a man.

In the 93rd minute a dubious penalty was awarded, and was converted by Totti, it inevitably sealed the fate of the Aussies who were knocked out by the soon to be Champions of the World.

Memorable Games: Parramatta Power 0 - 1 Perth Glory (2004 NSL Grand Final)

With the final kick ever of the old National Soccer League (NSL) in Australia in 2004, Nick Mrjda after some fantastic build up Australian football legend Damian Mori, sunk the hearts of Parramatta Power and their fans, winning the last ever NSL grand final in 2004. Being locked 0 - 0 in normal time, the golden goal in extra time was in effect and a rampant Perth Glory managed to take all the day's honors and leave Parramatta Stadium as champions of Australia.

Mrjda's strike symbolized the end of "old soccer" in Australia, a league (NSL) dominated by clubs with ethnic ties and political overtures and made way for a year-long recess in Australian football. The 2005/06 season saw the launch of a new, eight team national based competition known as the A-League, which has seen a dramatic rise in professionalism and the administration of the game in Australia. Parramatta Power have since ceased to exist and Perth Glory, though still plying their trade in the A-League, are just a shadow of what they used to be in the days of the NSL.

Many of the clubs that dominated the NSL have resided into the top tier of the respective states and are still very much a cultural hub of the people that once supported them week in and week out behind their stadium's terraces. The Australian footballing public owes much thanks to the Frank Lowy led administration at the FFA, but every Australian footballing fan should never, ever, forget the past and acknowledge that these clubs helped build many of our past and present (and even future) Socceroos. Never forget history.

Nick Mrjda has just recently announced his retirement from professional football at the conclusion of the 2010/11 A-League season and has returned home to Perth.

To read more about the NSL and it's demise, visit the ever reliable Wikipedia here

Watch the curtain close on the NSL and the dawn of a new era in Australian football:



By Marcel Abboud

Cahill supports Queensland Flood Relief Appeal

As we've earlier reported Queensland has been hit by a flood of massive proportions. The widespread destruction has resulted in the loss of many lives, thousands of homeless, lost businesses and has even affected football in the area with Queensland's iconic Suncorp Stadium going under water.

Everton striker and Australian international Tim Cahill has shown his support in the relief appeal. Cahill's initiative invloves an Ebay auction for the "opportunity of a lifetime". Tim is offering a chance for two people to go and watch him play for Everton in the Premier league. His package includes two flights, accomodation, box seat tickets, Cahill's signed boots, team signed Everton jersey and a chance to attend a team training session. All proceeds from the raffle will obviously be donated the relief appeal.

Bidding has resembled rapid fire as the price of the experience moved past the 400000 Australian Dollar mark. Along with this football Australia has donated $100000 and pledged all ticket sales next week to the cause.

Cahill is currently in international duties with the Socceroos in the Asian Cup.

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Asian Cup 2011 - Australia vs South Korea - Preview

In what should prove to be an exciting encounter for both fans on opposite ends (and the spectating neutral), Australia will come up against what is probably their hardest test thus yet in the group stages when they take on two time former Asian Cup champions South Korea. There’s a lot at stake for both teams as a win will secure either team’s passage into the knockout stages of the tournament, while the looser will have to see how results come to fruition with the group’s remaining  games.

Coming from a convincing 4 – 0 win over India in Group C’s, the Socceroos will have it all to do when the face a strong South Korean side who, with a win over the Socceroos, can secure their passage into the knockout stages of the Asian Cup. Although India showed a lot of courage, they were in reality a few classes below the “new found attack prowess” of the men in the Green and Gold. The combination of Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill leading the attack reaped great dividends, as the Australian midfield fed and supplied the back of the Indian net with an abundance of goals. While the Australian defence had next to nothing to do during their encounter with the Bhangra Boys, it can be said that they were found wanting when India did manage to produce a few counter attacking opportunities. This will be severely tested against the speed and agility of South Korea, who are known for the high work rate and their speed within the midfield. Though Australia possess the physical strength and height (thanks to players such as Sasa Ognenovski  and Tim Cahill) to out muscle their opponents, this proved to be the opposite as the last time these two sides met, South Korea came out as convincing 3 – 1 victors.

Although defeating fellow knockout stage hopefuls Bahrain 2 - 1, the Taeguek Warriors were given a run for their money as it turned out that the men from the Gulf were no easy beats. The South Koreans tasks will be made just that much harder as starting centre-back Kwak Tae-Hwi was shown a straight red and given his marching orders after conceding a late penalty. Many Manchester United fans and football enthusiasts will recognise a familiar face as inspirational leader and team captain Park Ji-Sung looks to further galvanise a strong midfield, all the while using fellow English Premier League player Lee Chung-Yong of Bolton Wanderers fame on the right wing. Known to be lightning quick on the break, Lee will be hard to shut down along with the rest of the Korean attack with the Socceroos needing to sure up their defences if they are to withstand the quick feet of the men from the East.

 

A great, attacking game should ensue with not only both sides having a lot riding on the outcome of this game, but the makeup of the entire Group C. A win will see the victor progress, while the looser will be sweating results elsewhere.


By Marcel Abboud - (Facebook Follower) - Football Correspondant

Asian Cup, first round wrap up.

The first round of the games in the Asian Cup has come to an end, some suprising results have come to light, while the "big guns" of the tournament also sent out a message to their opponents.


Group A: With Qatar sitting at the bottom of Group A we might just see a suprise qualifier from the group. Qatar subsequently lost Uzbekistan 2-0 in the opening match of the tournament and sit equal bottom with Kuwait who also experienced the same deficit again China. The next round will see Qatar take on China as the host nation tries to bidge the three point gap that exists. An Uzbekistan win against Kuwait could see the Uzbek's qualify for the knockout round.

Group B: Japan, who are percieved as one of the favourites to take out the title played out a 1-1 draw with little known footballing nation Jordan. Syria also caused an upset beating Saudi Arabia 2-1 to claim top spot in group B. A solid performance in their next game against Japan could see them unexpectedly qualify for the knockout round of the Cup.

Group C: No suprises in group C as favourites to qualify Australia and Korea Republic both won their opening matches proving that their intentions to win the Asian Cup are well and alive. Australia comprehensively accounted for India 4-0, whilst Korea escaped a close fought contest against Bahrain in a 2-1 game. The group favourites will face eachother in their next round and the winner of the match will surely qualify for the knockout round.

Group D: Defending Champions Iraq have been stunned by rivals Iran in a close fought contest. The Iranians fought back from 1-0 down to take all three points from the Iraqis in a final score of 2-1. North Korea when on to draw 0-0 against the United Arab Emirates. Iraq will hope to rebound and once again reign supreme in Asia.


Their were certainly a few suprises in the first round of the Cup. Stay tuned to Play the Advantage for all the new from the biggest International Competition in Asia.

Asian Cup 2011 - Australia vs India - Preview

After a disappointing 2010 Australian Football will look to recover by producing a successful Asian Cup campiagn. However little known footballing nation India will look to stand in their way. With the momentum of a nation behind them India may just prove to be a tough obstacle for the Socceroos.

Australian football has had a turbulent year, with a disappointing performance in the World Cup as well as a dismal bid for the 2022 World Cup bid, however a new coach in the form of Holger Osieck has seen major change in the Socceroos squad including the introduction of a new generation of Roos who will look to spark and inspired and agile performance.



Ranked 142nd in the FIFA International rankings India are not known for their footballing prowess, the euphoria surrounding the Asian Cup has boosted support for their footballing nation. Their participation in the Cup will certainly boost the support for football in their country.

Australian Team News: Australian come into the match at full strength. All their European stars are avaliable including Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell and Mark Schwazer. Captain Lucas Neil will also be avaliable to sure up defence, however his partners in the backline are still not known. Youngsters Tommy Oar and Robbie Kruse may get a chance to prove their worth for the national team.

India Team News: Indian sport headlines have been dominated by the news that their star footballer Bhaichung Bhutia may be out injured. But after a recovery during the week it is expected that he will start at least from the bench.

Australia's first match in the Asian Cup will prove to be little challenge for a side desperate to reign supreme in Asia

Prediction: Australia 4 - India 0