Half Time Heroes Contents Page Page 6
Raul Blanco Interview
Page 10
ZERO AGAINST HAS A CHAT WITH AUSSIE FOOTBALL PAST AND PRESENT
Page 16
Con Stamocostas 10-Page World Cup Special
Page 26
Kieran Pender takes a look @ how the La Liga clubs are doing
Page 27
Page 11 SALLY SHIPARD INTERVIEW
UK writer Ben Hall takes aim @ Liverpool FC
Page 12
Page 28
Mike Salter video madness
Page 13
Sunil Awasthi the trouble with Pim
Page 14
Shane Davis says
we shouldn’t be so hard on ourselves
Page 15
Ben O’Neill talks Soccernomics
Danny Nightime likes russian Sltutky’s
Page 30
Jason Pine models the Kiwi’s home World Cup kit
Page 32
Glenn Sieiver takes the hard yards
Page 34
Bill Skinner updates the Pissants
Page 36
Sarah D is singing Championes!
Page 38 Artiro Aberdin gives his Melbourne Heart away
Page 38
PAGE 40
Ashley Morrison reviews the NYL
Page 42
Nat Adamopoulous previews the SA Super League
Page 44
Russ Gibbs keeps you
up to date with the Matilda’s news
Wayne Snowdon Cartoons Cover Page, 6, 18, 19, 31 and 35
The Editor makes a comment Hello football fans and
welcome to the March edition of Half Time Heroes.
We have a bumper edition to coincide with the end of the A League season, with both the Australian and International game covered.
We have a special Interview with former Socceroos Coach Raul Blanco. Raul will make his debut at the World Cup in South Africa sitting on the Kiwi’s bench. You know you are in a proper football conversation when the interviewee starts asking the questions. Sally Shipard will be joining HTH as an inside correspondent as the Matilda’s attempt to qualify for the Women’s World Cup in Germany. This month we introduce Sally with a Q & A to see what she’s been up to.
The World Cup is only 80 something days away. This month HTH previews the favorites with interviews from football writers from Brazil, Italy and Germany thanks to the website: www.worldcupblog.org.
The Socceroos have lined up a pre- World Cup friendly with the USA who could end up being the Socceroos round of 16 opponent. I thought we’d try and learn something about the yanks, so I organised a Q & A with Daniel Seco, the editor of the football website: http://www.yanksarecoming.com/ We are also joined by Wellington Phoenix fan Jason Pine as he reviews the awesome season the Nix just had.
The hardest working lady in Australian football, Nat Adamopolous reviews the upcoming South Australian Super League season. Justin Morrison also gives us his look at generation next as he runs the rule over a just completed National Youth League season. I found a Victorian who has a Heart. Arturo Aberdin gives his views on the A League’s newest team.
Our regulars cover everything from the Socceroos, A League, Matilda’s and Wayne Snowdon is on fire again with his cartoons. Enjoy! Peace and Football Con Stamocostas
( This issue is dedicated to Matty McGrath)
Half Time Heroes a league g Congratulations sydney
above inset: Top Row: Simon Colosimo, C Bolton, Stephan Keller, Stuart Musialik, Mark Bridge, Alex Brosque, Bottom Row: Seb Ryall, Chris Payne, Terry McFlynn, Byun, Karol Kisel Picture by Sydney Low, photos@syd-low.com
grand final picture special y fc champions 2009/10 inset left: Mark Bridge puts Sydney FC in front and then celebrates in front of the Cove with his teammates. Picture by Sydney Low, photos@sydlow.com
inset Left: Byun scores the penalty to secure the Championship
Photo by Sydney Low, photos@syd-low.com
hth Q & A with raul blanco Part 1: The Kiwi’s World Cup Adventure by Con Stamocostas
Half Time Heroes: You must be buzzing about going to the World Cup even if it is with your second adopted country for now New Zealand. Raul Blanco: I have previously tried with the National Team of our country (Australia), we didn’t achieve the dream (‘93 against Argentina, assistant to Eddie Thomson, ‘97 Iran as assistant coach to Terry Venables) and when it didn’t look like there was going to be another opportunity this invitation came and obviously I’m so thrilled to be part of it. HTH: Have you been to a Wold Cup before as a spectator? RB: No I haven’t. I have been to the Olympic Games and everywhere but not to a World Cup either as a spectator or a coach, imagine how thrilled how I am! HTH: Will getting to the World Cup with New Zealand be the highlight of your coaching career in terms of success? RB: My role here with the national team of New Zealand is not the role that I had with the national teams of Australia. I was the man in charge; here my role is as an advisor to Ricky Herbert and the team. It’s a bit of a difference but nevertheless anybody who loves the game would love to go to a World Cup in any capacity. To be part of this New Zealand team is a great honour and a dream. HTH: What’s been the difference between working with the Australian and New Zealanders?
RB: I don’t see any great deal of differences. As you know for the last 42 years New Zealand has been the great opponents of Australia. They are the ones we love to beat and vice versa they love to beat us, it’s an incredible rivalry between the two countries. I’m sitting on this side of the fence to compete against them. Suddenly I became part of it. I’ve been to NZ many, many times, now that I am working with them I found them very, very similar in many different ways. I see many similarities with the way they approach things in everything really. I will be lying if I said I see a big difference between them and us. HTH: Tell us about the fan reaction when NZ won? RB: The biggest surprise for me was the reaction of the public. As I said before I’ve been many times to NZ but never experienced what I experienced this time. Obviously after 28 years wait the possibility of going to World Cup is a big occasion, but nevertheless, I’m used to a bit more control type of crowd, but this one was absolutely incredible, not only the 37,000 people who packed the stadium, the way they dressed, the way they sing, they way they welcomed the 82 world cup squad during the parade before the games They gave them a standing ovation for a very long time, it was really an emotional scene, it doesn’t matter where you come from, when you see that reaction from the public, that incredible support they were offering the national team it was wonderful to see; really a big experience.
The game finished and some of the players asked to go through the heart of the city, you can go by right by the water through the heart of the city on the way to the hotel. The people were absolutely crazy, not only were they celebrating when they realised the bus was there, everybody came out of parks, pubs and restaurants, it took us 2/ 3 hours to travel 5 kms and not even that. The following day I was not there because I returned home but I was told there was a quarter of a million people to see the team paraded around the city centre, it is just an unbelievable response. I don’t know if the same reaction would have happened in Auckland but the Wellington people were absolutely phenomenal HTH: NZ has drawn Slovakia Paraguay and Italy. Can you pull a surprise against any of those teams? RB: I think you can, of course! Why shouldn’t you go to a World Cup thinking that you can? We achieved the dream to get there now the next step is to see if all the planning and preparation that we are going to have, can help us get a step further. I think when you talk about Italy they are a world power, Paraguay are one of the best South American teams and Slovakia is a good team in Europe. I think the possibilities are there. We should be positive when you qualify to be amongst the best 32 teams in the world I think your chances are as good as anybody else. Obviously we have the respect of those who are the world powers of the game and Italy can be and should be considered one of the world powers of the game. Paraguay and Slovakia I think we have the possibility to do a good job against them and I think we should be positively thinking that it can be achieved. HTH: In the Europa league Cannavaro had a shocker gave away a penalty and got sent off as Juventus got knocked out by Mark Schwarzer’s Fulham. Italy always starts slow, that could be to your advantage. RB: That is true. That is something you keep in mind, I don’t remember a World Cup where Italy starts well. But at the same time, saying that, they are still a world power, they still have phenomenal players; they are team that can go all the way. Today more or less the world is not thinking of Italy as much as before and I must say their football is not what it used to be either, all in all they are too powerful, there is no question in my mind, I agree with you that normally they don’t start well and I hope they continue with the same habit. HTH: The first game that NZ plays at the WC is against Slovakia and it will be crucial? RB: Winning the first game will give you an incredible confidence to continue on in your search to go into the second round and obviously Slovakia is a team that I think you can do the job against them with all the respect we should have and I think it can be done.
With the first game at the WC it’s a very, very important one, much more to NZ. The team is growing up, the confidence is obviously getting better and better not only the success with the National team but the Wellington Phoenix doing as well as they did you can see and you can sense that the belief is much better than a year ago. I think this game is a very vital game because if they do win their chances will increase in a big way. HTH: You must be happy that Wellington Phoenix succes in the A League this year? Players like Leo Bertos, Tim Brown and Tony Lochead have been in good form for Wellington. RB: We have a lot of players there I think there is five or six altogether, obviously you have to have a lot of admiration for the job that the coach Ricky Herbert has been doing. He is a very intelligent and good coach too in my eyes, he’s been in charge of the NT for four or five years, he’s been in charge of Wellington since they started in The ALeague and the consistency the National Team shows, and the way Wellington is playing I think it speaks very highly, everything is coming into place at exactly the right time and as I said, to have the team going to the WC and Phoenix doing as well as they did, I think it speaks very highly of Ricky obviously because he has been behind everything. HTH: Will you have divided loyalties when you play Australia at the MCG or will it be Kiwi’s all the way? RB: Look, as you know I am Argentinean born and I was in an elimination (game) for the World Cup against Argentina when Maradona and the rest came to play. I was assistant coach to Eddie Thomson at that time and I had lived in Argentina 25 years, that’s like your Mum and I love this country, I mean this is the woman of my life. My mother plays against the woman of my life and now when I think, well I was in a tough situation. But obviously I love the country so much and when you are on the bench and working with people there is no way in the world where you think it’s not divided, only for that occasion for 90 mins I will just have to make sure that I won’t be . It is human nature, it is impossible to sit on that bench with friends, people I have been working with, players that I worked with and think that anything else can go through my mind. I think when you sit with one colour that’s the colour you defend and you have to accept that’s professional football. Hiddink and some other coaches move around the world and coach other teams and that’s how it is, and you just do the best you can for the people you are working with. It is an obvious answer really. HTH: So do you know any words to the NZ National anthem? RB: No. When things like this happen you have to be respectful and just be quiet and be mute for the occasion. I’ve been there for not long so give me a bit of time too. Truthfully I don’t know the national anthem.
Half Time Heroes International football
Raul Blanco Q & A - part 2: the Socceroos Adventures Coaching the Socceroos HTH: You were assistant coach to Terry Venables against Iran back in ‘97 when Australia ended up drawing after leading 2-0 and Iran ended up going to France ‘98. Les Murray has said, “coaches of lesser international standard like Frank Arok or Edie Thomson would not have lost that tie with such a lead”. Do you agree with him? RB: No, no I don’t. Of course not. HTH: Can you tell me why? RB: I can tell you a thousand games by great teams or better teams where results have been reversed. I have to respect Les’s opinion, but that is not the one I have. Those things can happen, it did happen and it happens to great teams in the world. HTH: You spent many years coaching in Australia’s youth teams Olympic Teams and National Teams, you must feel some pride in the achievement of the current Socceroos? RB: Yes of course, the last WC there were nearly 20 players from the final squad that I was associated with. In the beginning of their careers, they continued on some of them from under 17, under 20’s into the Olympic and senior teams. At that time when we started with all of them, they were young kids chasing their dreams, good footballers but yet to develop as great footballers, and to see how far they went in their careers and see the success they have in Europe and with the national team it gives you an incredible feeling because obviously we have been together for many, many years and to see them succeed in what they love to do it is a proud moment in many different ways. HTH: Can you give me an insight into why this group of players have achieved so much, and what did you see in these players when you first coached them? RB: The first thing they had was the skills and the technique and everything which was needed to go further and they had an incredible willingness to make it happen. And when you have technique and are prepared to listen to advice, and when you have the willingness that they had to go further in the game I think that is what the secret is really. And it is no secret, it’s just that you have to have ingredients, the desire and that incredible commitment to be the person you want to become and they did. Obviously it’s full credit to them because some of them left home and moved quite early away from home to be in an environment which was new to them and they had to prove a point and they all did. I’m proud and the country should be very proud, it looks easy now when you look at what they already achieved.
HTH: How do you think this Socceroos side will go at the World Cup ? Your honest assessment of our chances. RB: I think they can do easily as well, I think it’s bit of a tougher group, we said this before some of the players are no longer with the national team. I don’t know if we have the same qualities. I mean a Mark Viduka obviously or a Kevin Muscat, Paul Okon Ned Zelic and all those, which are not easy to replace, I mean they were exceptionally talented players. I think the qualities of the team are there, I think Australia is a very difficult team to lose games because they are set in a way were they don’t give you too much. And I think obviously the first game against Germany will again be crucial to our chances. And do I think they can do it to the second round? Yes, I think they can.
The State of Coaching in Australia HTH: A lot of talk around Australian football is that we are not producing the players of the ilk of your Vidukas, Emertons, Cahills and Kewells. Has the environment that these players came through changed so much in the last decade or more , that these types of players are not being produced anymore? RB: If you look at what happened with Viduka, Kewell, Grella, Brescia no Moore, Lazaridis, Aloisi whoever, Ned Zelic, Paul Okon, Bosnich, Kalac, Schwarzer and so on and on, if you look at what they did have at that time and what they have today I think it’s changed in quite a big way; the possibilities. At that time we had the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra which was maybe the only place at that time where special players could go into. People keep on analysing what the reasons are but nobody seems to come up with an answer. I’m thinking at that time a lot of players came through and they become who they are and they were very good players with less possibilities, regarding training facilities and so and on. They did it a very tough way. Today we are living in a much better world. There are academies everywhere, but something is wrong, we are not teaching the players the right way. If you look to now, we are going to lose some of the players that are going to compete at this World Cup, some of them because of their age obviously and we have to start to bring some new players into it. Truthfully I don’t see right now that we have the quality of the players to replace the players that are going to stop playing. I think we already suffered after the last World Cup. All in all the development is not what it used to be. Somebody somewhere failed to do the job properly because I don’t think the technique that we are supposed to have is not near what it used to be.
HTH: Surely the different coaches across the states that were influential in teaching your Vidukas, Grellas, Kewells and Emertons have not all disappeared? RB: It’s quite a long time ago. A lot of people who were working at that time that are not working any longer; for whatever reasons. I think it’s wrong for you to say it’s the same people in the same places. The guy who taught Mark Viduka at the Melbourne Knights when he was 13,14 15 do you know where he is? Do you know where he is coaching? You don’t do you? HTH: I wouldn’t have a clue. RB: Do you know who coached Grella and Bresciano at Bulleen under 13, 14, 15’s? You don’t do you? HTH: No I don’t, but that is why I’m asking you. RB: That is not the assumption. The answer is we produced a lot of good, good players, very good players that went around the world and become who they are today. Today we are not doing this the same way, the quality is not what it’s supposed to be and the questions have to be asked. I’ve been involved in youth but I think something is not well, we have to re-think carefully and come up with a solution, and I think the quality is not what it is supposed to be. HTH: Well going on from that, don’t you think the coaches that coached the players you mentioned before should have been coaching the next group of players that were coming through? RB: I keep saying to you I don’t know if the coaches that were coaching the players are still around in the same place I don’t know if they have same facilities. The coaching is changing, I think coaches in the past where more concerned about keeping the players technique, making sure they knew how to play the game properly. Today sometimes we become too sophisticated for our own good and we talk about a lot of things which people cannot do. It’s easy to talk about a lot of things and this is what you should do and so and, we are forgetting that without technique there are no players and I think if we don’t really believe that technique is the answer to the rest of the things which will cover the life of a footballer then we are on the wrong track. I don’t think the technique is as good as what it could be. Something is wrong somewhere. I can’t say to you that’s what is wrong. I just think it’s not coming, it’s not happening, we have not been successful in youth level we have not been successful in many different ways. The people who are running the game, they are the ones you should question and ask them why? They are the ones who have to give us the answer. I’m like you are, I’m in the same place you are. I think we should be asking questions like: “What happened?”.
The people that are running the game, it seems that they are not answerable to anything, but they have to because it is a substantial difference to what it was and what it is (now). HTH: People who have followed the game in Australia for a while can see and spot the difference in quality compared to the players coming through and the older players. Your thoughts? RB: The game has changed around the world too, so be careful. It’s not what it used to be either. The years you are talking about (were where) good football, intelligent football, good technique was a great priority. Today we keep thinking if you jump higher and if you run 100 metres in 11 or 12 sec and other things which are not really related to good football are becoming priorities. Other people outside the game are becoming influential, telling people how training should be done, and we are forgetting at that time one or two guys were doing everything. Today we have eight or nine people, all influential, all shouting something needs to be done this way or that way. People who have not been in the game, people who don’t know the game are talking about things which maybe I think their priorities are wrong. I work for a club and I’m a technical director so I see things. The reason I think we are not improving with the youth is I think we are not teaching the kids the right way. First of all the skill is the only answer to it. When you bring somebody who wants to play the game and he comes with the skills then you can prepare him for bigger and better things. I know people who are doing best exercises for fitness or things that which are not connected to the game with young players You let one year go by and two years and three years and then you miss two or three years of your development which are vital to increase and to improve the technique and the skills that are required to become a good soccer player and then it becomes tougher and tougher. The coaching today is restrictive in a sense, especially with the young players, because everyone thinks it’s about winning and winning is the answer, only for your own satisfaction. Because the guy coaching under 14/ 15s walks through the ground thinking well I’m a champion; well really you are not. You are there to prepare players to make sure they learn to play the game in a better way so the technique is better, skills are better, the understanding of the game is better and so and on. When you start to get results-orientated, you miss what education is. I’m thinking well if you get the young kids very early and let me tell you that I think there is talent in this country to develop players just as good as there was before too. There is no lack of talent. I think its wrong teaching, that’s what it is. HTH: Thanks very much Raul for speaking to Half Time Heroes. RB: All the best. It was my pleasure.
Half time heroes Australian Football
http://www.zeroagainst. com/
NOW AND THEN
What would a pub conversation between a football fan of the past and a football fan of the present be like? In the week after the stunning close of A-League season five, Zeroagainst draws a literary long bow to help you find out.
Present: The A-League Grand Final only drew a shade under 45,000 people this weekend. Disappointing really. I was expecting over 50,000. Past: 45,000 people! What..the Glory vs Brisbane Strikers? Present: No, no - Sydney vs Melbourne....exciting game - just a pity it wasn’t on free to air - so many more people would appreciate the game if it wasn’t only on Fox. Past: Wait..you mean Michael J Fox has a soccer show on Channel 7? Does it air before midnight...my boss is losing patience with me at work because I keep sleeping in after watching NSL Match of the Day at 1am in the morning after Hour of Power and the re-runs of Skippy. Present: No, not Michael J Fox...FoxSports - you know... PayTV? Looks like they will even get the World Cup broadcasting rights. At least we’ll get to see Australia at the World Cup on free to air this year, for the last time... Past: What, the Rugby world cup?
Present: No, idiot, the World Cup. The FIFA World Cup... Past: The Socceroos are in the World Cup? What? You mean we finally grabbed one of those half places FIFA throw our way every four years? Present: No... that was part of the last World Cup..This time we qualified over 10 games via the AFC - the Asian Football Confederation. Past: Wait..we are part of Asia? We have made another TWO WORLD CUPS? Present: Yeah this is our third campaign. But we will struggle to make it to the round of 16 this time - they all know what to expect from us.
Past: Wait you mean we made it through to the SECOND round of the World Cup! What happened, did we naturalise half a dozen European footballers? Present: Umm, no actually the first team Socceroos play in top leagues all over the world and A-leaguers get snapped up by clubs abroad every year. Past: That would make Soccer Australia happy, I bet. Present: Mate, soccer is regularly called Football now. We even have a Football Federation of Australia. Past: That’s something! Same old personnel though I bet... Present: No - you don’t understand - there was this thing called the Crawford report..Anyway, it doesn’t matter. I am just worried that the new A-League teams that came in this year aren’t doing too well There is a new team in Melbourne next year, and a second Sydney team coming - the game is growing too quickly and the clubs are losing money. Past: Hang on. There are new clubs forming every season, but they are losing money? How does that work....? People are still running scared from investment in football, hey? Present: Well, actually, they are lining up to invest. The FFA are pretty strict about business models and the like, though. Not every Tom Dick or Tony gets granted a franchise. Past: Next thing you are going to tell me we are going to HOST a World cCp! Present: Well actually we are bidding for the 2018/2022 tournament hosting. Past: Sheesh! That must be annoying the crap out of Rugby League. Present: Actually it’s the AFL that’s kicking up a stink. Past: Don’t tell me...they have a World Cup now, too. Present: aahh no mate....things haven’t changed THAT much.
Half Time Heroes Australian football
THE Matilda’s Sally Shipard Takes the Road less Travelled Matilda’s star Sally Shippard is a perfect representation of that famous Robert Frost poem The Road Not Taken. Leaving her spot in the Matildas, Sally took a break not long after playing in World Cup and went overseas to travel. Half Time Heroes will be hearing from Sally as she will be HTH’s embedded reporter as the Matildas attempt to qualify for the Women World Cup in Germany 2011. Half Time Heroes: So Sally you left the Matilda’s at age 20/21 to do what a lot of young Australia’s do and that is go and spend time travelling overseas. That was almost straight after the amazing World Cup experience where the Matildas made history by making the next round and then were narrowly defeated by Brazil in an amazing game . The whole country was behind you at the time, a documentary was made. It seemed that everything was going to plan; why the decision to take a break then? Sally Shippard: All that aside I needed my break. I had always said to myself if I wasn’t enjoying football and life with football then I would step away. I was happy with the teams progress and obviously thrilled with the world cup efforts and direction womens football was taking. But it wasn’t enough to keep me here training once if not twice a day...I lost the passion for it I suppose...I was no longer that little girl who I remember so fondly ‘falling in love with the game’... I was unhappy and unhealthy. HTH: I read that during your travels you spent time in Spain and you were contracted to a Futsal team in Barcelona and like a lot of young Aussie footballers you had some drama’s, care to elaborate on your experience over there? SS: Spain was incredible and yes...I had some trouble with the club ‘releasing’ me upon my return. I had intentions to play over there...I could feel the passion building again... who wouldn’t be influenced by the football culture in Barcelona of all places... in turn I didn’t want to be away from Australia for another eight months...having already backpacked for eight months...there were ‘verbal’ agreements for the contract made, however no contract was signed. They took the case to one of the head judges at FIFA, his ruling was that there was NO contract. Too late though as I’d already missed out on playing with Canberra United... trained with them week in week out anticipating I’d be cleared. But never was. That was certainly a testing
by Con Stamocostas
few months. Certainly stronger for it...the body had a good few months to train so looking back as frustrating as it was... It was good in relation to my body considering I hadn’t kicked a ball for so long. HTH: How does it feel to be back training/playing with the Matildas again? Like a family reunion of sorts? SS: It feels unusual...I know I have experienced it all before...but for some reason this time if feels much more raw...I’m much healthier, older and have acquired a greater balance with my life...I love being back in the environment of the national team...and it is a very exciting time for football in Australia. Only in sport have I ever felt such a natural high after a big win or a hard session. Nothing beats it. HTH: Tell us your thoughts on the W League and what do you think of the quality? SS: Having spectated the previous 2 years of the wleague...apart from my levels of frustration last year, I have enjoyed myself immensely. Obviously with the league being so fresh, the first couple of years will provide a foundation for us all to build on. Our girls who play overseas have managed to convince several internationals strengthening the league. The younger girls coming through the ranks are fast, skillful and good to watch. Small steps, but I can see it being mostly successful. We must be successful at the international level for it to continue to blossom. And for that to happen we need a strong competitive league... so it all goes hand in hand really. HTH: The National Team has some crucial qualfying games coming up in Asia. The Matilda’s recent two game series where you drew one game and won the other in a recent series against North Korea must give the team confidence for the upcoming matches? SS: We have a tough group this May in China. It sounds quite silly but in a week and a half our fate for the World Cup next year will be decided. We have qualified before - so for us ‘older’ players we know the feeling...we are training well at the moment and obviously our strong performances over the past 2 months have boosted our confidence. A lot of hard work to do in the meantime, but I can’t see why we won’t be playing in Germany next year at the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Half Time Heroes Australian football
Mike Salter
“the footbal Tragic” Discusses Football’s Video Madness http://thefootballtragic.blogspot.com/
Video Madness
Three salutary football experiences for me in the last few weeks.
First, watching a match in the Europa League (the European Also-Rans League would be a far more appropriate moniker) featuring those absurd experimental officials beyond the by-line.
The bemusement among the players was palpable, and the presence of the extra referees was utterly pointless. In fact, a disagreement between a linesman and one of the extra officials created a moment of farcical confusion at one point, with the poor man in the middle unable to reach a proper decision.
To the A-League, and two tense finals games. The first was the major semi-final second leg between Sydney and Melbourne. Twice in the second half the visitors, timing their moves cleverly as always, broke through the Sydney offside trap and put a man clear through on goal. First Robbie Kruse, then, inevitably, Archie Thompson. In both cases, the play was called back. In both cases, the linesman’s decision was plainly wrong.
Then to the preliminary final, and Chris Payne’s contentious hand-ball goal. Those criticizing Payne over his actions are essentially barking up the wrong tree; the referee was the one who needed to make the call, but in such a situation referees can often become unsighted.
What do all these incidents have in common? Answer: they all demonstrate with grim clarity the crass stubbornness and foolishness of FIFA in refusing to countenance the use of video replays. Football is the most popular sport in the world, but in terms of ensuring (as far as possible) the correctness of decisions, it is over twenty years behind the times. Two supernumerary officials behind the goal will make no difference whatsoever; the only way to judge contentious goals properly is via the replay. Kruse and Thompson can be allowed to run on and possibly score, and then the video can come into play. Payne can have his honesty put under the microscope immediately, if the referee is in reasonable doubt as to the legitimacy of the goal. All of this can be accomplished in less than thirty seconds...about the time it usually takes the game to restart after a contentious decision in any event.
Half time heroes Australian football
Yeah,, another Aussie football fan takes a dig at the national coach. But Sunil Awasthi doesn’t have a go for the reason you’d think… t
h e p r o b l e m with Pim… I watch the Socceroos, and I want to bag Pim Verbeek. Original, eh?
There are certain positions in life that you shouldn’t take if you’re criticism-sensitive. Politician, bank manager… add “national football team coach” to the list. A controversial hire when he was appointed to steer Australia’s ship, Verbeek has only gotten more controversial since. He’s poor with the media, some reckon. Others think he’s grossly overpaid. Many think he’s not diplomatic enough. And, of course, there are those who think his X’s and O’s are not up to scratch, or at least not what’ needed.
Many think the Pimster is too conservative and defensive in his approach. Too many defensive midfielders and not enough attackers, apparently.
To some degree, though, he deserves defending. He has gotten the Socceroos to the World Cup, via their potentially-perilous first qualifying path through the Asian Football Confederation, with relative comfort. Although it was ugly along the way, he has also gotten Australia to the 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar. If you don’t concede - and the Socceroos haven’t often done so under his tutelage- you can’t lose. Verbeek has aligned the Socceroos mainly in a 4-23-1 formation, to the annoyance of some. Many feel the green-and-gold should be starting more matches with two strikers. Sometimes it’s frustrating to watch. But, for the most part, the 4-23-1 formation is a good formation, with many strengths, and it suits the ‘Roos as a base formation. So, for the most part, that’s not where the problem lies. The problem, folks, lies not in what Verbeek does personnel-wise before a match, but in what he does once the game’s started.
When the need arises during a contest for the Socceroos to attack more, Verbeek rarely brings on a second true striker, usually to Australia’s detriment.
A classic example came in one of Australia’s rare hiccups on the road to South Africa- the 0-1 loss to Iraq in Dubai. Down a goal, and thus chasing the game, in the second half, Verbeek decides to change the situation, which sees Harry Kewell deployed as a lone striker. He brings on Scott McDonald. Great move, right?
Except, instead of bringing on McDonald to play alongside Kewell, Verbeek brings him on instead of Kewell with 20 minutes to go. The result? 0-1 it remains. This was the starkest example of the craft, but it’s been repeated in many guises throughout Verbeek’s tenure as Aussie boss. Not starting with two strikers is fine, Pim. But not bringing a second one on when a spark is needed? That’s asking for some big-time trouble in South Africa, my friend.
In 2006 in Germany, Guus Hiddink engineered much of Australia’s inspired World Cup run with daring, attacking substitutions. Neither Tim Cahill nor John Aloisi started that famous game in Kaiserslautern against Japan that they scored in. They came on as substitutes when it was 0-1. Both Josh Kennedy and Aloisi were introduced off the bench when Australia trailed in the second half against Croatia. Hiddink was a master at seizing the initiative with his chances, at becoming more aggressive and taking the fight to an opposition. Want proof? In the only match where he plainly didn’t, against a ten-man Italy, Australia lost and was eliminated. Four years on, in another tough group (perhaps even tougher than last time), Australia can expect few favours, and could (God forbid) fall behind in a match. What will Verbeek do then? Will we see a Kennedy-for-McDonald swap with 25 to play against Serbia, with qualification for the next round on the line? Can we expect a comeback if Germany get on top of us early in our opening game?
Of course, prevention is better than cure. But, with his substitutions during a game, a coach can provide the cure. Can Dr Verbeek change his usual prescription in South Africa? The Socceroos’ World Cup hopes may be counting on it.
Shane Davis asks if we are too
hard on ourselves?
http://hiraldo.wordpress.com/ Too hard on ourselves? (Part 1) With another unspectacular win for the Socceroos against Indonesia in Brisbane achieved under the tactically rigid reign of Pim Verbeek, a second Asian Cup participation has finally been secured to go along with the upcoming business in South Africa. No further win/ draw-at-all-costs qualifiers are on the horizon and it’s perhaps a good time to reflect on the past two years as discussion over Australia’s long-term approach steadily gains momentum. The continuing nature of Socceroos games under Pim Verbeek deeply frustrates some fans and garners confidence among others over Australia’s tough tactical approach and need to prioritise “street smarts” over aesthetics after decades of failing to get over the line in World Cup qualifying. Those who say we should be playing more expansive football are met by the rhetoric of the current team resolutely succeeding in qualifying where past teams failed. “Pim’s Socceroos would never have thrown away the two goal lead against Iran in Melbourne in 1997” is a common catch cry. “This is the first time we’ve consecutively qualified! This football gets results in international football” being another. My personal impression here is that Australian football is being too hard on itself in regards to its past and too easy in regards to its present, a bit like someone suffering from a crisis of confidence; quick and eager to discredit a discouraging past, and hastily accepting an apparently successful remedy for the present while being without the long-term confidence to hold it up to proper scrutiny The Socceroos enjoyed a very comfortable qualification for South Africa in the end, but it’s hard to deny that we weren’t in the considerably weaker of the two final Asian groups.
Drawing Uzbekistan appeared to balance it out, but their campaign turned out to be an enormous choke and let down after a promising few years beforehand. Potency in the final third of a respectable international standard was not much of a feature in Group A. The Socceroos’ second half decline in Tashkent would surely have resulted in the dropping of at least two points had Maksim Shatskikh and co. not been so underwhelming in the penalty area. Two months later, Australia was frankly incredibly fortunate to escape Bahrain with any points after a dreadful performance. With all that in mind, or had we been drawn in the more testing Group B instead, it’s quite conceivable that Verbeek’s men could have deservedly entered the second half of the group with around five points rather than 10. That, then, would’ve made it far more difficult to not panic in the last four games at half-time if, as it transpired, we were level with Uzbekistan, Qatar and Bahrain and down 1-0 to Japan. We would probably – I’d say inevitably, due to our experience and relative talent – still have qualified, but a struggle and some truly exposed weak points would have had an important effect. It would’ve helped force some serious and constructive questioning and scrutiny over the direction and way forward for the Socceroos earlier than it transpires. Safe in the knowledge that they were in a secure group position, the Socceroos crucially didn’t lose their composure in the last four games and qualified by a counter mile... But after the unconvincing journey to get to that stage, it may be somewhat premature to place tremendous stock in the style and success of the 2010 qualifying campaign. So too would it be unfair to compare the success of the current campaign with past failed ones to discredit the latter. More on that next month.
Half Time Heroes Australian football
Ben O’Neill talks Soccernomics:
Why Germany has a head start on the Soccerooss in Durban At the time of writing Pim Verbeek has just over 80 days to firstly sift through, select, and then fine tune his squad for the World Cup. With the first 11 likely to include many of the names that were present in our opening game of 2006 (with the notable exception of Mark Viduka), it’s with confidence that we should step out against the Deutsche in Durban . Any team should, after all, have confidence in itself. However, having recently read a quite marvellous book titled Soccernomics, penned by Simon Kuper and Stefan Szymanski (available from Perseus Books), my expectations have been somewhat mellowed. This is despite Kuper and Szymanski devoting their entire closing chapter to the work of former Socceroos boss Guus Hiddink, His teachings, as well as the fact that the pair declares Australia as a “future king” of the sport. While only a couple of pages of the chapter are aligned with his work with Australia, the methodologies of the Dutch maestro install him as a deity of the Soccernomic (and core continental European football) process. And while it seems an age since Hiddink was at our helm, I thought I’d share some of the insights Kuper and Szymanski tell (with the aid of Matthew Hall’s The Away Game) of the Australian players as he converted them from technically-lacking individuals into tactically-aware students of soccer inside 12 months. “Hiddink spent Australia ’s first training session in the Back Corner watching his new charges fly into each other like Kamikaze pilots. After a half hour he stopped the game. When the players’ cries of “Come on, Emmo!” “Hold the ball, Johnno!” “Let’s go!” and the streams of “Fucking” had finally faded, Hiddink asked them to shout only when a teammate was in trouble and needed coaching. That would improve everyone’s vision of play, he said. The game resumed in near silence. It was Australia’s first baby step towards continental European soccer.” He noticed that at the Confederations Cup of 2005, shortly before he took over, where the Socceroos had lost all their three games and conceded ten goals, all four Australian defenders would often stay back to mark a single forward. That left them short elsewhere on the field. No semi-professional Dutch team would be so naïve.” But, while these lessons (and many more) should still abound in Socceroos circles, facilitating success in many circumstances (like Asian Qualifiers, etc), Soccernomics also indicates that the result of any match involving Australia and Germany at international level (for the time being anyway), is just about a foregone conclusion.
Hiddink’s lessons won’t be enough. Indeed, the two nations have met only twice before, with Germany claiming success on both occasions. Kuper and Szymanski explain that the telling aspects of a successful soccer nation are its experience, geographical location and GDP. Population can also be important. Germany, they explain, are masters of the world game because they have played among the most International matches of any side in world football, are networked to the rest of continental Europe, and are rich. To put the statistics more precisely, the Germans (as a unified country) have played 826 games in all time, winning 473 (57%), drawing 169 (20%), and losing 184 (just 23%). Their connections with the rest of Europe are obvious, while in 2008 the World Bank estimated Germany ’s gross domestic product at US$3.65 trillion. Their population stands at over 82 million. While I couldn’t source exact figures on how many games the Socceroos have ever played, it can be suggested they would be far less frequent overall than the Germans. Likewise, I’d doubt our win and draw percentages are so healthy. Finally, we are far removed from Europe (but this geographical gap/network is lessening with European coaches coming in), and in 2008 our GDP was a mere third (US$1.07 trillion), of Germany ’s. Our population is a tad over 21 million. Kuper and Szymanski’s formula for winning international matches indicates that “playing at home is like having a goal’s head start in two out of every three games. Second, having twice as much International experience as your rival is worth just over half a goal. Having twice your opponents population is worth only about one-tenth of a goal. Having twice the gross domestic product (GDP) is worth about as little.” So, with this in mind, the statistics (collated over thousands of International matches) indicate about a goals head start to our adversary. The game is on neutral territory, but with the Germans enjoying greater experience, greater GDP and a greater population, the numbers add up to our demise. Further considering we scored just three goals in four games in 2006, it seems unlikely Germany’s stingy defence will offer us too many opportunities to claw back the one goal advantage they already, ‘soccernomically’, enjoy. One online bookmaker has a 1-0 German win currently paying $6.50 (and other German wins by a one goal margin paying even juicier odds), so despite my heart favouring a reverse result in Durban, I’d suggest a small, responsible play on a one-goal margin for Joachim’s charges over Pim’s men may prove to be money well spent.
World Cup Analysis. The Favourites, Brazil Q & A with Duvel Pierre By Con Stamocostas Duvel Pierre is a law student and resident of Kansas City, Missouri. His mother’s family is from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He has been the writer for the Brazil World Cup Blog for over a year. Half Time Heroes: What was your first reaction upon hearing that Group G contained your country Brazil, surprise finalist North Korea, African heavy weights Ivory Coast and one of your fiercest football rivals Portugal? Portuguese midfielder Simao told FIFA .com recently that : “It’s the toughest group at the competition” Do you agree with him? Duvel Pierre: Its a difficult group, no question about it. When it originally came out I thought it was the group of death. I worry a little more about the Ivory Coast than I do Portugal, who we crushed 6-2 in our last match against one another. However, Ivory Coast underachieved at the African Cup of Nations. They have star power in a few positions, but this is not a complete side. So to answer your question, after thinking about this longer, I think Group D is the group of death. You have three nations who reached the Round of 16 in 2006, plus an extremely talented Serbian team. HTH: What’s been the reaction by the management of the Brazilians? Does your Coach Dunga see your group G opponents as a threat? DP: I think the overall attitude from Dunga and company is that the group is what it is. There wasn’t a panic, and he fully anticipates winning this group.
HTH: Everyone loves the Brazilians for their Joga bonito and all that but what about this team? Do they still have the same strengths that has characterized Brazilian football over the years? PT: I think the team still plays with flair, but Dunga has certainly brought a more disciplined brand of football to the national team. One characteristic about this team versus the past, is that its world class at three of the defensive positions and keeper. Julio Cesar was arguably the top keeper in the world in 2009. Lucio is in top form, and was outstanding at the Confederations Cup. The other central defense spot is played by Juan, Thiago Silva, and Luisao, all excellent defenders. So this is certainly a newer strength for the national team. One past strength that is probably lacking would be in the midfield. Brazil under Dunga relies on the counter attack and plays with two defensive midfielders, Gilberto Silva and Felipe Melo. Kaka and Elano/Ramires make up the other two spots. Brazil basically plays a 4-3-1-2 with this lineup. As a result, the midfield is very dependent on the play of Kaka. Dunga’s tactics have made some matches a bit of a grind. It might not be as fun to watch at times, but this style has been successful in the modern World Cup. HTH: Any weaknesses that you see in the team? Does stories like Robinho buying bags of condoms during the World Cup qualification series and partying with the boys after the game while his club team cannot find him, and tales of Ronaldinho’s partying worry you? Can Dunga keep the teams discipline? DP: I think Dunga can keep this team disciplined during the World Cup. We didn’t hear of any incidents when the team was in South Africa for the Confederations Cup. The CBF has picked a small town in Angola as their training site immediately before the tournament starts. I saw a picture of the hotel they will be staying at during that time period and it probably is the worst hotel anyone on the national team has stayed during their careers. In comparison, the team trained at posh spot in Switzerland in 2006. The national team has been focused when it counts under Dunga. There was a big backlash against the partying after 2006. As a result, I think everyone will take a serious, business-like approach to this summer.
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HTH: Speaking of Ronaldinho he is in great form for AC Milan but Dunga does not appear to like him? Will he make the World Cup squad for South Africa? DP: Dunga has obviously been asked this question a lot. He has been rather defensive when the question comes up. He has only given very general statements about Dinho not being in his plans right now. I think when all is said and done Dunga is going to have to pick him. The team currently is a Kaka injury from throwing in the towel for 2010. Even if Dinho is not in the starting XI, at his current form he is capable of replacing Kaka. HTH: Brazil played Australia at the last World Cup and I’m sure some players from that group game still have the scars to prove it. What do you know about Australian football? DP: I know that it is an improving brand year after year. Pim Verbeek has maintained the progress that was made under Guus Hiddink. I think there is quality in the midfield with Tim Cahill and the very underrated Mark Bresciano. If Australia makes it to the knockout stages again I would not be stunned. HTH: How do you think your team will adapt to the conditions in South Africa where teams can expect high altitude, differing weather conditions and those ubiquitous vuvuzelas that will be blasting for the whole game? PD: Well we obviously had the benefit of getting a taste of these conditions during the Confederations Cup. Additionally, during qualification, we have to go Quito and La Paz, two cities with insanely high altitudes. Its a challenge, no doubt about it. However, Brazil is probably more prepared to handle the conditions than any nation except South Africa clearly. HTH: What kind of support can your team expect in South Africa? PD: Brazil is the most popular national team in the world. I think in every match, except perhaps the Ivory Coast match, the crowd will be overwhelmingly supporting the team. HTH: Are you happy with the Coach and the way the team is playing leading in to the World Cup and is there anything you would change? PD: Dunga has produced results, plain and simple. We won the Copa America, the Confederations Cup, and finished first in the daunting South American qualifiers We won in Argentina for the first time in a billion years. In 2009, the team was very consistent in their play. My problem with Dunga is the player selections more than anything else.
Julio Baptista is a good example of this. Here you have a player who never starts for his club team. Only really plays in the last couple minutes of Roma matches, if at all. I think he has scored once this year for Roma. However, he is selected over Diego and Ronaldinho. He is the guy that will be called upon to replace Kaka if he were injured, and you would be crazy to think he is capable at pulling that off. At left back, Dunga has played musical chairs at this position. In the last two years we have seen Filipe, Marcelo, Juan, Kleber, Michel Bastos, Andre Santos, Gilberto, and Fabio Aurelio get called up to the national team to try and nail down this spot. Fabio Aurelio’s callup was for the England friendly, but he had to pull out with injury. If you are uncertain about a position, I think it makes to most sense to pick our most experienced and consistent player in Fabio Aurelio, but for whatever reason Dunga is thinking of something else. HTH: Tell us the player in your team that annoys you the most and why? PD: Robinho. The guy shows up to play in the big games, however he is garbage at every other time. Nilmar has outplayed him on the national team for the past year in my opinion. His step over move is the worst kept secret in sports. HTH: The player you like the most? PD: Lucio. World class player. Absolutely consistent. Monster in the air, and makes a huge runs down the pitch. John Terry has nothing on Lucio. HTH: Any good young players to watch out for? HTH: Well Nilmar is still fairly young. I think he is a guy who could have a big tournament. Michel Bastos, who has been stellar at Lyon this year is another. I think he could be the starting left back this summer. HTH: Lastly please give me a prediction on how your team will progress and also who will be the winner and loser of the World Cup? DP: I think that Brazil will host the 2014 World Cup as the cup-holders. I think the Ivory Coast match will be difficult. However we know Lucio, as he did this week in the Champions League, will neutralize Drogba. I fully expect us to win all three group stage matches. In the final, I have gone back and forth on who will be the challenger. Spain is the attractive pick, but I don’t think they’ll get there. Like the 1994 World Cup I think we’ll face a tough Netherlands side in the quarters, and in a surprise, will play Italy in the final again.
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World Cup Analysis. The Favourites, Italy Q & A with Julian De Martinis By Con Stamocostas Julian De Martinis is an avid Italy and Roma fan and one of two bloggers who writes for the Italy WorldCupBlog (Italy.worldcupblog.org) HALF TIME HEROES: What was your first reaction upon hearing that Group H contained your country Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia. Pretty easy hey? Julian De Martinis: Considering the alternative draws that we could’ve had, I was pretty happy. Italy managed to avoid most of the big gunsFrance wasn’t placed into their group, and both Brazil and Argentina were also avoided. That being said, this group does have quite a bit of quality running through it. Paraguay had a tremendous qualifying campaign, beating both Brazil and Argentina. Italy fans know how good Marek Hamsik is, so his Slovakia team is no pushover either. But, all in all, about as good as it could’ve been. If any team made it as far as the group stage, it means they are pretty good at the least, so while I don’t think it’s a piece of cake I do think we avoided the Group of death for the first time in at least 2 tournaments. HTH: What’s been the reaction by the management of the Italians? Does your Coach Marcelo Lippi see any of your group H opponents as a threat? JDM: Lippi is always a tough character to read. He tends to do what he wants, and given his resume, I personally give him the benefit of the doubt. Many Italy fans think he’s stubborn and over-reliant on age to the detriment of incorporating youth, as the core of this Italy side is the same
Italy are notoriously slow starters at tournaments, and with the first game being against Paraguayprobably the toughest opponent in the group-I don’t think Lippi will under-estimate our opponents. I think Lippi knows that you really can’t afford to underestimate anyone at the World Cup, so he’ll probably put out his strongest XI from the first game onward. HTH: The Italians are the current wold champions but your team is getting older. Your strength has always been your defense. Can the heroes of the last World Cup Cannavoro, Buffon, Matterazzi, Totti, Del Piero do the business again? Will they even make the squad? JDM: Out of those five players, only two are certainties to make the squad- Buffon and captain Cannavaro. Materazzi is all but out of national consideration after the Euro debacle, and Del Piero seems to have been written off by Lippi. Totti is another case, but it depends on whether or not he returns from international retirement- if he does I fully expect a call up. But either way, the heroes of the last World Cup almost have to be the heroes this time around because so many of the players are the same. Buffon is going to have to repeat his heroics and Pirlo will have to dictate the midfield tempo once again. Luckily, a few stars have broken out since, chief amongst them Giorgio Chiellini. But yes, I think that Lippi will probably stick with the same core so they’ll have to repeat that. Whether or not they can is another question, but Italy is tough to write off. Experience is very important, too.
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HTH: Any potential weaknesses that you see in the team? JDM: Zambrotta and Grosso seem to be Lippi’s first choice wingbacks, but their defending is quite poor and leaves massive gaps at the back. The worst problem may be that we don’t really have a striker to build this team around. Toni and Gila never really cut it, but one of them will probably be a starter –if not both- come this summer. The lack of cutting edge up front is definitely going to be our biggest problem at the World Cup. HTH: Italy famously knocked out Australia at the last World Cup with a disputed penalty decision. Was it a dive by Grosso? Reflecting back what did you think of the Australian team that day? JDM: I’ve seen the replay quite a few times and I’m on the fence. Grosso definitely went looking for a penalty but from some angles it’s hard to tell. Without video replay, referee’s decisions have to be accepted and this is just part of the game. That being said, Italy was down to 10 men for most of the match. Australia weren’t poor by any means but their inability to capitalize on it is what truly cost them that match- not the penalty. HTH: How do you think your team will adapt to the conditions in South Africa where teams can expect high altitude, differing weather conditions and those ubiquitous Vuvuzelas that will be blasting for the whole game? JDM: Honestly it will be tough for an aging squad to adapt. On the other hand, some of these players have a ton of experience playing in venues all over the world, so I expect that adapting is second nature to them. Lippi needs to get the team there early enough so their bodies can become used to the conditions, but I don’t really see this being a factor in how the Cup goes. It’s going to affect everyone equally, except the African teams, so it’s not an excuse for a poor performance. HTH: Are you happy with the Coach and the way the team is playing leading in to the World Cup and is there anything you would change?
JDM: I trust Lippi because his football knowledge is a million times what mine is. I don’t think his tactics are bad at all, but I do think he places far too much trust in aging players. I would give youth a run out, especially in defence. Santon and Motta should get a shout, as well as Balzaretti and Cassani of Palermo. It’s really too late to change the team now and throw on newcomers right in the middle of the world’s biggest competition without any experience. HTH: Tell us the player in your team that annoys you the most and why? JDM: On the national team it’s Di Natale. He’s a fantastic club player but he’s shined very few times for the Azzurri and almost never in the games that truly count. I just think he’s too old to be on the team and epitomizes Lippi’s trust in age over youth. HTH: The player you like the most? JDM :Has to be Pirlo. He’s the Xavi to the Azzurri, the gears that turn the clock of the midfield. Without him we often look static and lost. Always raises his game when we really need it and his vision is superb. Might be getting on in age but in his position it’s rarely a problem- just don’t ask him to defend. HTH: Any good young Italian players to watch out for? JDM: Bucketfuls. Giovinco, De Ceglie, Candreva, Balotelli, Santon, Motta, Pazzini, Rossi, Bonnuci, Ranocchia… if Italy don’t do well this World Cup, the next world cup could be a real chance to win. The entire defence will likely be overhauled and it seems like another golden generation of defenders is just waiting to shine. HTH: Lastly please give me a prediction on how your team will progress and also who will be the winner and loser of the World Cup? JDM: I hate these things because I’m superstitious, but I think we have a shot of winning it again. That being said, the final will be someone vs Argentina (yes) with Maradona writing the fairytale of a lifetime.
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World Cup Analysis. The Favourites, Germany Q & A with Jan Daldrup By Con Stamocostas JAN DALDRUP is the German blogger for the excellent World Cup web site http://www.worldcupblog. org/. The March issue of Half Time Heroes focuses on the World Cup favorites Germany Italy and Brazil as the count down to South Africa gets closer. HALF TIME HEROES: After the World Cup draw was announced, some dubbed Group D containing the Socceroos, Germany, Serbia and Ghana has the third group of death. What was your first reaction when you saw the draw? JAN DALDRUP: I thought that this is a group where Germany can’t afford a slow start into the tournament. Most parts of the team need to click straight away, otherwise Germany could be in for a rude awakening.
HTH: What’s been the reaction by the German management team, do they see the Socceroos as a threat? JD: The management was relieved that some of the - on paper - big names were drawn into the other groups. But they were also careful to point out that Serbia, Ghana and Australia shouldn’t be underestimated. Australia wasn’t mentioned/singled out in particular though. HTH: Who do you consider to be your key players and what are your teams main strengths? JD: Michael Ballack has proven that he is still the one to pull the strings in the center of midfield. Young creative midfielders like Mesut Özil - or potentially Toni Kroos - will also be key to a good tournament for Germany.
A main strength of the team is an offense that can break most defenses both through the center or from the wings with a series of quick passing moves. You can check out the goals against Russia in both WC qualifiers as good examples. Otherwise the team has been a big work-in progress to really single out other qualities. I wouldn’t predict what other qualities the team can bring to the table in time for the tournament. HTH: Any weaknesses that you care to quietly mention? A dodgy keeper or a suspect defender perhaps? JD: The fullback positions (minus Philipp Lahm) are still a weak spot. There are enough talented central defenders available, but Jogi Löw has struggled to build a strong defense with them nonetheless so far. There are still some question marks over who might partner up with Ballack in the center of midfield and a couple of strikers aren’t having the best of times at their clubs or are still coming back from long term injury. HTH: What do you know about Australian football and are there any players you think your team should keep an eye on? JD: I don’t follow the Australian league and I only kept an eye on the Asian World Cup qualifiers in terms of results. I haven’t seen Australia play 90 minutes of football since the last World Cup. In other words, I really don’t know a lot. I know that Australia has kept it Dutch in terms of coaching and I could name a few players. Though, I don’t follow any of the teams/leagues they play in to know whether they are in or out of form etc. In short, Australia will be a surprise package for me.
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HTH: How do you think your team will adapt to the conditions in South Africa where teams can expect high altitude, differing weather conditions and those ubiquitous Vuvuzelas that will be blasting for the whole game? JD: I would be surprised if any of the things you mentioned really caused a problem. Wintry temperatures also won’t affect the team. HTH: Australian fans have bought tickets in large numbers. What kind of support can your team expect in South Africa? JD: Initially a rather lukewarm response had been reported, but it seems sales have picked up. I recently read an article that around 7,000 of 21,000 tickets available to German fans had already been sold. HTH: Are you happy with the coach and the way the team is playing leading in to the world cup and is there anything you would change? JD: No, I’m neither happy with the coach nor with the way the team is playing. Most of the games have been lacklustre and forgettable affairs, problems in the defense couldn’t be fixed, Jogi Löw’s man management kept being rather underwhelming etc. I have to arrange myself with Jogi Löw’s coaching and decision making, but I have hope that a very strong generation of young players can give a rather dead team the fresh impulses it needs for a successful World Cup.
HTH: Tell us the player in your team that annoys you the most and why? JD: Heiko Westermann. He is a cool guy and all, but he’s not one to anchor a defence and Jogi Löw for some reason seems to think otherwise. HTH: The player you like the most? JD: Miroslav Klose. An experienced, quiet, cool team player who doesn’t just boast an amazing goal record but also sets up almost as many goals for others. HTH: Lastly please give me a prediction on how your team will progress and also who will be the winner and loser of the World Cup? JD: I currently find it difficult to predict how Germany will do. With the team that made it through the qualifiers, Germany won’t achieve a lot. With a fresh and revamped side Germany could once again challenge for a top four finish. Well, Spain or Brazil is probably the easy answer for World Cup winner, and in reality it will probably be a surprise team like France.
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Daniel Seco is editor in chief of: http://www.yanksarecoming.com
His cellphone once went off during a press conference with US coach Bob Bradley. Seco is still feeling the after effects of such jackleg-esque move. Reports remain unconfirmed if Bradley “wakes up in the morning feeling like P-Diddy.” Half Time Heroes: Compared to some other groups you must have been happy with scoring Group C? You have the glamour game with England and you could say that Algeria and Slovenia are not really World Cup heavyweights are they? So what was you first reaction? Daniel Seco: When I first found out that the US would be playing in Group C, my initial reactions were that of relief and optimism. We have a great first match against England and the other two teams are extremely beatable. While we might not win the group, I’d be surprised if the USMNT doesn’t advance to the next round.
even have t-shirts that say It’s not Soccer Mate!). What’s your opinion on that? The second is that football/soccer is not the most popular sport in both countries. In Australia it faces radical opposition from so called local sports like AFL and the Rugby codes sometimes to the point of sabotage and getting into the mainstream media is a challenge. How is football in USA responding to challenge of your other big other sports? DS: Soccer continues to grow in America. Hopefully Major League Soccer can continue to grow and become more commonplace in the everyday sports conversation. We’re still a long way off, but soccer will become a major sport in America sooner rather than later.
HTH: What’s been the reaction by the management of the USA when they saw the draw? Save for England does your Coach Bob Bradley see your group C opponents as a threat? DS: The words “cautiously optimistic” come to mind. Granted, what the team says to the media and what they really feel are two different things. I would surmise that my sentiments and theirs regarding the draw are probably pretty close. HTH: Before the World Cup draw was made four years your then coach Bruce Arena said he thought that Australia would be one of the weakest teams, this caused Australian fans to get a bit agro. It ended up that the USA was knocked out of the group stage and the Socceroos made the round of 16. Care to make any such claims this time round? DS: I’m not Bruce Arena as I generally have respect for all teams that have the wherewithal to actually make the field of 32. Simply put, best of luck to the Australian team. HTH: The USA and Australia have many similarities when it comes to football. The first is a lot people in both countries love calling it Soccer (we
HTH: It seems that the World Cup bid is shaping as a European tournament in 2018 and the 2022 tournament looks like a face-off between the USA, Australia, Japan and South Korea. How is your bid going? And how the hell will you guys me able to afford it, isn’t the country broke? DS: I’d like to think we have a great shot to secure the bid for 2022. Just look back to 1994 – America hosted one of the most successful World Cups in history – even if the mascot was ridiculous. America is broke, but we’ll find a way; we always do. HTH: What is your honest assessment of the quality of the MLS on the field and off the field? DS: The league is struggling a bit as the players and owners are trying to come to an agreement over contracts and free agency. I think the product on the field is adequate and should continue to get better. Will it ever become the EPL? Of course not, but it doesn’t need to be. The fans are good and continue to be supportive of their teams. You have to love what the supporters in Seattle and Philadelphia do for their respective teams.
HTH: David Beckham brought a lot of attention to US Soccer on and off the field. One ofmy favourite moments was David Beckham trying to teach Snoop Dog’s kids to play fooball and then going out and eating some fried chicken after. Did the Beckham experiment work in your opinion? DS: I always appreciated Beck’s style of play, but as one of my colleagues puts it: “He’s a philanthropist, socialite and sometime soccer player.” HTH: Back to the World Cup, what are your teams main strengths? DS: We have a great goalie, strong midfielders and a defense that continues to improve. HTH: Any weaknesses that you see in the team? DS:An inability to score goals. I’d love to discover that Wayne Rooney is actually from Bergen County, New Jersey. Alas, he is not. HTH: How do you think your team will adapt to the conditions in South Africa where teams can expect high altitude, differing weather conditions and those ubiquitous vuvuzelas that will be blasting for the whole game? DS: The Yanks are a professional bunch. There’s no reason to believe it will affect them any more than any other team. We’ll be fine. HTH: What kind of support can your team expect in South Africa? DS: I imagine the U.S. will have a strong presence in South Africa. We’re sending two of our writers, but I won’t be making the trip. Hopefully we’ll have more supporters there.
HTH: Are you happy with the Coach and the way the team is playing leading in to the World Cup and is there anything you would change? DS: I respect Coach Bradley a great deal and think he is the right man for the job. The team has dealt with injuries fairly well and seems to be in a great place to make a run come June. HTH: Tell us the player in your team that annoys you the most in team USA and why? DS: Wow, great question. There are so many players to choose from: Dempsey, Landon, Junior Bradley. All of these guys can be great, but often disappear, disappoint or disgust me from time to time. HTH: The player you like the most in team USA? DS: Jozy Altidore, our young striker, has shown a lot for his 20 years of age. If the Yanks want to play well in South Africa, it relies on Altidore’s ability to score goals. HTH: Any good young players to watch out for? DS: Besides Altidore, Junior Bradley is still pretty young and a major part of the team. Let’s just hope he doesn’t get a few silly red cards that have him on the bench early and often. HTH: Lastly please give me a prediction on how your team will progress and also who will be the winner and loser of the World Cup? DS: Spain takes it and England implodes early. As for the Yanks? I won’t say where they will end up in terms of a round, but they will surprise people with their play.
half time heroes International Football
La Happenings!
Kieran Pender checks out how the la
liga clubs are doing in europe.
http://an-aussies-view.blogspot.com
Spanish Progression in Europe
The conclusion of the round of sixteen in both of Europe’s premier team competitions, the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, has seen a mixed bag of results for Spanish sides. Barcelona has progressed through to the quarter finals of the Champions League, as have both Valencia and Atletico Madrid in the Europa League. Sevilla and Real Madrid however have both crashed out with poor displays against CSKA Moscow and Lyon respectively.
Barcelona: A one-all draw away against German side Stuttgart left the reigning European champions with a difficult home leg to negotiate. True to Barcelona style though, the team from the Catalan capital brushed past Stuttgart with an emphatic four-nil victory, with a brace from Lionel Messi, and goals from both of Barca’s young guns, Pedro and Bojan. The draw for the quarter finals could pose significantly more problems for Barcelona, who will face a rejuvenated Arsenal eyeing revenge for the 2006 defeat in the Champions league final. The English side have just recently found form, and are only two points adrift from the top of the Premier League. If Barcelona manages to beat Arsenal in what promises to be a highly entertaining game, they will face the winner of Inter Milan v CSKA Moscow. While Barcelona beat Internazionale two-nil at the Camp Nou in their group stage encounter (and drew with them nil-all in Milan), they will face a much sterner test against a Inter team who showed great strength in beating Chelsea. Madrid: Real’s hopes of playing in the Champions League final, in their home stadium (the Santiago Bernabéu will host the final this year), were ended abruptly by Lyon with a two-one aggregate defeat. A goal from Lyon’s Miralem Pjanic in the seventy-fifth minute levelled the score in the second leg (after an opener from Ronaldo) and put the French side up two-one on aggregate (after a one-nil victory at home). Try as they might Madrid were unable to find the winner, and dropped out of the Champions League.
Sevilla: While Sevilla may have left the
Luzhniki stadium (CSKA Moscow’s stadium) feeling confident for the return leg, after a one-all draw in Russia, it was not to be and another Spanish team dropped out of the Champions League. A howler from Sevilla goalkeeper Andres Palop gave CSKA at two-one lead, and ultimately progression into the quarter final, after Diego Perotti had cancelled out Moscow striker Tomas Necid’s opener.
Valencia and Atletico Madrid:
Spain is however certain to have a semifinalist in the Champion League’s little brother, the Europa League, after Valencia were drawn against Atletico Madrid for the quarter final.
Valencia find themselves in the quarters after a entertaining four-all draw with Werder Bremen, a David Villa hat trick and an effort from Juan Manuel Mata were enough to see the Spanish team progress on away goals (the first game, in Valencia, finished one-all). Atletico Madrid also progressed as a result of two draws, with a scoreless draw at home to Sporting CP, followed by a two-all draw in Lisbon, enough to see Ateltico through. While the La Liga table would suggest an easy progression for Valencia (Madrid are currently tenth while Valencia sit comfortably in third), the teams last encounter only a few weeks ago saw Atletico Madrid thump Valencia four-one (although the two red cards didn’t help Valencia). With Valencia looking for revenge, it should be a quality encounter. The resulting semi will also be interesting, as it sees the winner of Valencia v Atletico taking on the winner of Liverpool v Benfica. Wins for both Valencia and Benfica would see the return of Rafael Benitez to the Mestalla, in what would surely be a good game. The quarter and semi finals of both the Champions League and Europa League will bring with them plenty of juicy encounters, and with plenty of Spanish involvement, you can expect some riveting action.
half time heroes International Football
Ben Halls is a London based comedy and sports writer. This month he takes aim at Liverpool FC and he doesn’t miss. http://thebenhallsblog.blogspot.com/
In the interests of fairness here, I need to admit some-
thing. I cannot stand Liverpool FC. I don’t like the fact that they make up for current shortcomings by relying on their past, I don’t like their sense of entitlement, I don’t like their manager Rafa Benitez’s stupid evil villain goatee and I don’t like the fact that Fernando Torres looks a little bit like a 12 year old girl. That especially confuses me. Anyway, with all that dealt with, let’s try to talk about them sensibly and rationally, shall we? This season could well mark the beginning of the end of Liverpool FC as we know it. And no, I’m not being a little drama queen when I say that. For the last umpteen years Liverpool has been a top four club. That is to say they have finished nicely in the top four of the Premiership and qualified for the European Champions League. In doing so, that gave them extra clout in the transfer market, as everyone wants to play for an ECL side, and it gives them several zillions of pounds in TV money. This year, though, with just 7 games to go they are sat in 6th place and 4 points adrift from that 4th placed spot and ECL money. They have also played more games than their rivals for that spot. By all logical conclusions, they are not going to get into the Champions League next year. That would be an absolute disaster for the club. Where did it all go wrong? Well, it is hard to say. You could easily point the finger at manager Rafa Benitez as his tactics work well in Europe, but not so well in the rough and tumble of the Premiership. You could also say that it is their over reliance on Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, but in all fairness all the top teams these days lean on just one or two players. Sadly, you’ve sort of got to say that it all comes down to one thing – money. Liverpool haven’t got any. They can’t afford to fire their manager as it will cost them £16m. They can’t afford to invest in their squad. They can’t afford to build their new stadium. One of their American owners even sold an NHL team to pump some into the financial black hole that is Liverpool.
Fernando Torres has said all year long that it doesn’t matter how much money Liverpool throw at him, he has zero interest in playing for them if they aren’t in the Champions League. He is the best striker in the world and he knows it, why should he slum it? Steven Gerrard, too, is becoming a wee bit impatient. He has dedicated his career to Liverpool, but in return only has scant few medals (alright, ONE of them is a ECL winners medal...) while his equals have picked up far, far more. With his contract coming to an end next year, and his career a few after that, Liverpool will have to try hard to convince him to hang around.
Even if Liverpool are able to convince Torres and Gerrard to stay for another year, there are serious questions as to whether or not they would be able to offer Champions League football past next season. Where as before the big four clubs that finished on top of The Premiership were well established – Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool – these days there are a few new forces about. Aston Villa are growing ever stronger under the leadership of Martin O’Neil, as are Spurs under Harry Redknapp. Manchester City have more money than God after being bought up by some filthy rich Middle Eastern company. All of those teams have it in them to take ECL football, and it’s privileges, away from Liverpool. With Liverpool having the nasty combination of no money to improve their squad, less money coming in than before due to a lack of ECL football and increased competition, they find themselves in a nasty situation. The end of this season, where their only chance of salvaging anything is to win out and hope for the best, and next year will be crucial for Liverpool. If they can’t stop the rot, then one of the greatest franchises in English football may start a steady downward spiral.
half time heroes International Football
Danny Nightime is a
member of the Mighty Sydney band Magic Lunchbox... - danny used to write dirty jokes for lads mag Zoo.
The Netherlands gave you ‘Total Football’ but in this edition of
HTH we give you Total Slutsky’. Check out these two big Russian Slutskys.
CSKA manager
Leonid Slutsky
Leonid Viktorovich Slutsky Leonid is the current manager of CSKA Moscow. In 2009 the club reached the knock-out stage of the Champions League for the first time in its history thanks to Slutsky. Originally a talented goalkeeper Slutsky sustained a career ending knee injury in an incident that has unfortunately become all too common in professional football – he fell out of a tree whilst attempting to rescue his neighbour’s cat. Born - May 4, 1971 in Volgograd, Russia Position – Goalkeeper Playing Career – Slutsky made 13 appearances for FC Zvezda Gorodishchee in 1989 Clubs managed – 2000 Olimpia Volgograd 2002–2003 Uralan Elista (reserves assistant) 2003– 2004 Uralan Elista 2004–2005 FC Moscow (reserves) 2005–2007 FC Moscow 2008–2009 Krylia Sovetov 2009– CSKA Moscow (current)
half time heroes International Football
Moscow State University Dean Leonid Slutsky
Leonid Eduardovich Slutsky Like Leonid Slutsky, Leonid Slutsky was also born in Russia. Whilst one Slutsky is holding the reigns at CSKA Moscow the other is doing the same at the international relations department at the Moscow State University where he is the dean. Leonid was also an advisor to the mayor of Moscow, held senior banking position and is First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma’s Committee on International Affairs. Born - January 4, 1968 in Russia Position – Dean/chairman Club - Liberal Democratic Playing Career – Details on Slutsky’s playing career are unclear yet for more information you may contact him directly. Tel: + 7495 692 1747/8743 or by Fax: + 7495 692 3513 Or why not pay him a visit? Just go to Okhotny Ryad 1 RU - 103265 - Moscow Thanks to HTH you can now tell all your friends that you are completely covered in Slutskys.
half time heroes International Football
Jason Pine models the kiwi’s home kit & Reviews what was an Amazing season by the Wellington phoenix
Never in our wildest dreams could New Zealand
Perth were the first sudden-death visitors and 24 thousand watched from the edge of their seats through the agony of a penalty shootout. The Phoenix players held their nerve and Liam Reddy turned away two Perth penalties to send the Phoenix through. Two weeks later, a packed house were treated to more high drama. Extra-time was again on the menu, but this time goals
November 14 was one of those nights when being there was everything. I’ve tried on occasion to explain the atmosphere at the All Whites/Bahrain match to those who weren’t present, but it’s practically impossible. The wall of sound which greeted Rory Fallon’s winning goal, Mark Paston’s penalty save and the game’s final whistle is simply indescribable.
But all good things must come to an end, and end they did under controversial circumstances in Sydney. Chris Payne’s “goal” grabbed the headlines and while it provided a convenient distraction from the fact Sydney were by far the better team, it was certainly a pivotal moment in the match. Had the sides gone into the sheds level at half-time, the second period could have taken on an entirely different shape. Having said that, every Phoenix fan would have accepted preliminary final elimination if you’d offered it to them in August. For them to still be alive one weekend from the Grand Final shows just how far this team has come. Season one was about regaining respect, last year was about consolidation, but this campaign was something different altogether. The Phoenix proved beyond doubt that they belong, both on and off the field. And so, as we look forward to the World Cup and the next A-League season, football continues to ride high here in New Zealand. Never in my lifetime can I remember a time when the sport was embraced so passionately by so many. It’d be drawing a long bow to suggest it could topple rugby from its historical perch at the top of our sporting tree, but the events of the past eight months have gone a long way to ensuring football will command significant coverage and enjoy vastly increased popularity for quite some time.
football fans have anticipated the eight months we’ve just enjoyed. World Cup qualification, backed up by the Phoenix’s excellent showing in the A-League and a remarkable groundswell of positivity around the game have elevated football to the rarefied air of centre-stage in a rugby-mad nation.
Many have called it their greatest ever night. It was certainly mine. Never before has such drama and emotion been wrapped around a sporting occasion in our country and every time I recall that match (which is often) I do so with a feeling of immense pride at what the All Whites achieved. June can’t come quickly enough for us to find out how our side will acquit themselves on football’s biggest stage. The Phoenix were written off by just about everyone pre-season and when they languished in eighth place as we opened our Christmas presents, predictions of a finish outside the playoffs looked wellfounded. from Paul Ifill and Eugene Dadi settled the contest. But an astonishing run of six wins in their last eight regular season games took the Phoenix to a scarcely believable fourth-place finish and led to two enormous home playoff matches.
Half time heroes Australian football
Glenn Sievier
(Midfielder @ Theroar.com) & Australian football’s hard yards Yards
Football’s Hard
Snipping on some lovely Hunter Valley wines we brought last week. I got to thinking of this and that, but the lack of football news screams at you as we approach and start of the AFL & NRL seasons. I got to wondering how football could survive the onslaught of the traditional media and promotion of sports products. Existing media practices and their funding will be helped by a reduction in tax on Free-To-Air TV networks, and the introduction of new channels operated by the FTA networks. The Commonwealth Government returned to the freeto-air networks effectively $1.5 billion per year, spread across all the major networks including the country networks like WIN and Prime, by reducing their TV licence fees. The fee reduction is to help fund the extra digital stations currently being rolled out by most networks. Leaving aside arguments about why the Commonwealth did this, it does provide the ‘free-to-air’ (FTA) networks with a lot of extra loot. Some say it will help the FTA’s with funding sport products. Fox executives
My understanding is the FTA stations are all in a position to pay a good price for sporting product, which was not the case twelve months ago. Maybe the reductions in fees is helping. Plus the pressure of Online TV streaming sports events is emerging as another revenue source The major codes as I see them are AFL, cricket, rugby league, rugby union and football. I did a little bit of analysis to determine what each code had in terms of competition. I should say now I am assuming in the future that football’s under 23 Olympic and under 20 World Cups will each develop a following far in excess than what they currently do and I assume football will be free to air as well to some extent If you look at the sports, Cricket and Rugby Union they receive most of their funding for international matches. Football mainly from internationals but with a developing domestic competition. Rugby league for domestic, interstate and limited international, AFL for domestic and, sooner or latter, an inter-state competition. Cricket, AFL and rugby league have traditional heartlands and large traditional viewing audiences. Rugby union less so but it does have an extra Super team and the 7’s rugby at the Olympics.
Chart assumes the sporting competitions about seven to nine years out from now. Sport
Domestic Competition
Inter State Competition
Domestic International Competition
International Competition
AFL
20 team all states. 20 rounds plus finals
Southern States.
Nil
Nil
Rugby
18 team competition 24 rounds plus finals
NSW V QLD
One game per year
Tests, 5 per year
Rugby Union
Nil
Nil
Super 15
School Boy & Senior Wallaby, Olympic 7’s male & female
Football
14 Team A League, 8 Team B-League, W League. Plus a FA cup style competition
At Junior levels only
Asian Champions League Min 24 games. + friendly’s
Socceroos, Matildas U 23 Olympic Male, Olympic Female. U 20 WC Male & Female
Cricket
Nil
Nil
20/20, ODM (50o)
Test, 20/20, ODM (50o)
The A-League will continue to grow steadily, but not steeply. But as we speak, there is a lot of cash now available for sport because of the reduction in the FTA annual licences and potential new online streaming providers. The chart shows the overall strength of the football and the number of products from domestic park clubs to internationals. Meaning, in the new sports media talk, Football can unbundle its various products. Would be a great time right now to be going to the networks for a new media deal. But we still have four years to survive. Even then the A-League will be seen as an unknown and thus not command a huge fee. Meaning, I guess the BIG media deal is the second deal after football has proven itself.
By then, the media buying landscape will have changed with the Internet much more important. The bottle of red is almost gone, and I still wonder how football gets meaningful media from the traditional media. How long the 17 million from Fox will be enforced and if Football can cash in now on the extra cash the FTA channels have.. all I do know is that football has the best product range going forward, and we need to support the A-League. The hard yards for football will be surviving until the next round of media deals.
Half Time Heroes Australian football
Bill Skinner looks
forward to the Red’s Asian Champions League Campaign http://www.pissanttown.com/
Més que un colonia de pissant? We’ve been hearing bits and pieces in
the media for a long time now about the consortium of local businessmen, headed by stockbroker Alan Young, that is preparing itself to dash heroically into the fray and rescue the helpless Adelaide United from the FFA’s control.
The viability and sustainability of the proposed ownership model has, I assume, been subjected to rigorous scrutiny by Ben Buckley’s minions (yes, I am writing this with a straight face) with all parties now simply waiting for the right moment to make an announcement. Well, with the A-League having wrapped up for the season and the Adelaide public getting back on board the Red Express for another big tilt at Asia, I’d imagine that we’ll be hearing some news very soon if the deal goes through. By and large, this will be a huge step forward for the club. The new owners have been making all the right noises about ensuring that Adelaide United is a ‘club for the people’.
The finances apparently look very good, and there will be no reliance on a single tycoon owner. This is most definitely a good thing - the FFA’s record with the likes of Con Constantine and Clive Palmer has been patchy, to say the least, and North Queensland are currently in the process of trying to plug the gaping hole left by Don Matheson’s withdrawal of funding. Rumours are even circulating about Adelaide adopting a Barcelona-esque ownership structure, with members becoming shareholders with voting rights (as good as that sounds, I’ll believe it when I see it). There is only one big negative with the new owners coming on board: apparently, the Reds will move up to ten games a year to Adelaide Oval. Now, business is business, but in my book Hindmarsh is sacred ground. For all its shortcomings - of which there are a few, as anyone who has watched a match there on a cold, wet and windy September evening can attest - it is still the best ground in Australia to watch football. It’s our home. And it will be sad if that ever changes.
Half Time Heroes Australian football
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NOW AVAILABLE AT A CITY NEAR YOU 32
Cove girl Sarah D relives Grand Final Day!
Championes! Every nail biting and hair pulling moment this season was worth it just to hear the resounding ‘clunk’ of Kevin Muscat’s penalty off the post around Etihad Stadium on Saturday night. Coming in second was Vitezslav Lavicka closing his speech with ‘FTT’ at yesterday’s welcome home reception in Sydney’s Domain. The Grand Final in all its drama and glory could not have been scripted any better. Archie Thompson going off injured before the game really got going, Varga’s goal ruled offside, and the fans not realising – bad luck to them. The thirty seconds that followed, where Mark Bridge one upped them, was brilliant.
above inset: Mark Bridge put Sydney FC in front. Picture by Sydney Low, photos@syd-low.com
I know it has been said that Chris Payne should have knocked the ball in from Brosque, but I doubt any Sydney Fan would change it now knowing what was to come? The penalty shootout, as intense as they are, was definitely worth it. I only wish that I could have been there in the away bays. Over the past season our fans have put in a lot of time, effort and money to make our home end stand out. There was a lot of time spent making sure that this Grand Final game was safe and memorable for all the right reasons. There isn’t much more to say except- silencing the Melbourne Victory and their fans was priceless.
above inset: Sydney FC players hug Clint Bolton. Picture by Sydney Low, photos@syd-low.com
As one SMS post match that I received suggested, it was simply ‘poetic justice’.
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Aritro Abedin gives his heart to
Melbourne’s new a league side! How I learned to stop worrying and love the Heart I can remember the moment I decided to stop striving to be passionate about Melbourne Victory. It was after a 2-0 home loss to Central Coast Mariners during season one. The result wasn’t the problem. That was the evening we’d worked out that with a well co-ordinated series of throwing and catching maneuvers, it was possible for a group of thirsty young fellas like us to successfully sneak a goon-bag into the Northern Terrace. Suffice to say, we had a pretty good night despite the scoreline. However, it was what happened when we stumbled round to the dressing room after the game that made me have a rethink about this whole newfangled A-League business. A fairly large group of Victory fans were there to greet the team outside the dressing room, and as we waited, a familiar looking bloke with curly hair and a yellow Mariners track-suit popped his head out the door and gave us a thumbs up. His appearance was immediately met by a chorus of boos and abuse. I suggested loudly that Alex Tobin had perhaps earned the right to more respect than we were showing him. There was a brief pause as they looked at each other quizzically. And then someone asked ‘Who’s Alex Tobin?’ Who indeed. Now, I get it folks. The A-League was supposed to attract the sort of football fan who wasn’t necessarily of the type to remember that Alex Tobin was our all time most capped Socceroo. Fair enough. The more the merrier eh? But that was just one among a great number of other alienating symptoms: the stupid names, the American style club ‘franchise’ structure, the logos, the kids thumping inflatable thunder-sticks together in the crowd. All of these things were signs of a move to the mainstream that we’d all been crying out for years and years. And yet, at the same time, all of them characteristic of a league laden with gimmicks, and plastic to the core.
You’ve heard this before I’m sure. Our footballing fraternity is not short of people who’ve been repeating the ‘plastic league’ argument ever since the league’s inception. Well you’ll be happy to know I got over it. It’s been a number of years now, and only the bitterest of cynics would deny that the league is beginning to develop the reserves of folklore, rivalry and tradition that are so essential to football’s wider cultural make-up. The Melbourne vs Sydney rivalry that once seemed to be as forced and emotionally hollow as a monologue in a porno has now become loaded with enough history to have a genuine claim to spitefulness. Similarly the Melbourne vs Adelaide rivalry. And although I’m yet to be convinced that it’s significantly better than what I saw in the NSL, the football is improving. I am still not overjoyed about the way the history of the local game continues to be denied like some regrettable national disgrace. To expunge the past from the record may have been necessary from a marketing point of view, but that doesn’t alleviate my intuitive sense that it’s not right. And to hear the idiot-baked opinions of a number of Victory fans about the old ‘effnick’ clubs is still liable to make me have to force myself to picture lotus flowers and sunsets in my head and keep smiling until they finish. However, I can live with it. The fact is folks, I’ve got the itch. I took up the offer of a free ticket to the Grand Final the other day and in those final hand-wringing moments of extra time, as the Victory masses huddled together riding every kick in a collective agony, my friend turned to me and said ‘Imagine how good this would be if either of us gave a stuff about the result!’ And that’s why I’m going to buy a membership for the Melbourne Heart next season.
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I need a team to support in this league. For all its problems with crowds and clubs haemoraghing money, it’s still our national league and it’s still the only league we’ve ever had that receives enough mainstream exposure in order for the average part-time football watcher to give a flying one about the weekend results. And I know I’m not going to support Victory because once you’ve actively made the decision to not to support a club, it’s nigh on impossible to start. So indeed, in the next A-League season I will be a paid-up supporter of Melbourne Heart: the league’s newest, and therefore most plastic club. Yes, it’s a backflip of Shola Ameobi proportions but I can see myself getting into the spirit of it. I’m not over-enamoured with the name, but in a league which plays host to a pair of clubs with monikers as utterly winceinducing as ‘Fury’ and ‘Roar’, ‘Heart’ is by no means the worst possible result. Their avantegarde variation on a traditional football club’s crest looks to me somewhat like the lower half of a white figure as it passes a rather enormous kidney stone, but I can live with it. The fact is, I’m relishing the prospect of supporting the under-dog club in Melbourne. Let’s face it, in terms of club size and crowd numbers, the Melbourne derby is far more likely to resemble Celtic vs Partick Thistle than Celtic vs Rangers, but that will only make the wins all the more satisfying.
I can’t speak for everyone, but I suspect Heart’s support will be made up of a share of football fans who’ve thus far been indifferent to the A-League, but have started to wonder, for all its failings, whether the A-League might be actually be quite fun to be part of. It will also be home to a great number of NSL and VPL fans who regard Victory as the club of choice for the Johnny-come-lately set. Some of them will act on a nostalgic impulse to resume their participation in Australia’s national league. Others will simply throw their support behind Victory’s new cross-town rivals on the grounds that they’re not the Victory. Good luck to them all. There is no right or wrong reason to start supporting a football club. All I know is that I’m looking forward to watching the A-League next season and actually giving a stuff about the result.
Half Time Heroes Australian football
Ashley Morrison reviews the second
Year of the National youth League. National youth League review The National Youth League Came to an end with Gold Coast United winning a wonderful game of football at Etihad Stadium beating a valiant Perth Glory 2-1 in injury time. There is no doubt that as a competition it has gained a lot more credibility and has show cased some players who look capable of stepping up to the next level, the Hyundai A League. What has been interesting is the way certain clubs have approached the Youth League, and the way that they have structured their teams. At Melbourne Victory it is seen very much as a pathway to the first team. Youth team coach Mehmet Durakovic sits down with first team coach Ernie Merrick and they look at the players they believe can make the first team in three years time. Then it is a three-year investment. If one of the boys drops out or is picked up during those three years another will come in and take his place. At the Gold Coast former Queensland Academy of Sport Coach Mike Mulvey has a very different approach. His view is that they want Gold Coast United to be the premier development club for A League players, whether they sign first for the Gold Coast or for other clubs. They want to have the reputation for being the best club at which talent is developed to make the step up to the Hyundai A league. These are just two examples of how clubs approaches to the Youth league differ, which makes it a very interesting long term case study, to see which approach reaps the most rewards. One area that has been a concern to many is how poor the team from the AIS has been this year, even accepting that they boys are a few years younger than the players that they are up against.
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This group of players are supposed to be the cream of Australian football, those most likely to not only make it in Australia, but also overseas. There is no doubt that this is a work in progress, but this year with only two wins their form was a major concern. Let us not forget that when Ron Smith was involved at the AIS his groups of players took part in the state leagues of Victoria and New South Wales and actually won them, although they were in fact not crowned as champions. The lowering of the age of the Youth League by a year in 2011 is happening too soon for both the Youth League and the A league. It is something that has to happen with time, but after two seasons one feels that it is being rushed. The problem being that the A League clubs are now going to be less likely to blood a youngster from the Youth team in the first team, as physically they will be a year behind in their development. Another issue that needs to be addressed with the AIS and the Hyundai A league is one of looking at where the boys come from. With the National Youth League they too have a shop window to show what they can do to all the A League clubs. The FFA should however give the boy’s hometown clubs first option on the players and then if they do not wish to sign them they are on the open market in Australia. Obviously this is void should an overseas opportunity arise. As successful a season as this second year has been, the other big question is how many of the players on the park in the National Youth League Grand Final will end up playing regularly in the Hyundai A League? Tahj Minnecon and Zac Anderson already have A League contracts, so if we take those out of the equation, probably at best three possibly four. Is that a good return? Time will answer that question for us all.
THE A-LEAGUE’S GENERATION NEXT Position Goalkeepers:
Defenders:
Player Mark Birighitti
Club Adelaide
Jerrad Tyson
Gold Coast
Lawrence Thomas Alex Pearson Adam Ormsby Ryan Pearson Nathan Sherlock Dane Milovanovic Mitchell Speer Mitch Bevan Nikola Stanojevic Trent Sainsbury Zac Anderson Petar Franjic Kenneth Dougall Midfielders:
Player Josh McVey
Club Brisbane
AIS
Isaka Cernak Eli Babalj Chris Harold Brady Smith
Perth Glory
Adam Taggart
Central Coast Perth Glory Central Coast Adelaide
Jordan Farina
Brisbane AIS Gold Coast Central Coast Perth Glory/ AIS Brisbane
Sydney Gold Coast AIS AIS Gold Coast Melbourne Victory Brisbane
Koh Satake Cameron Edwards Iain Ramsay
Gold Coast Perth Glory
Stephen Hatzikostas Nicholas Fitzgerald Dean Evans Kenneth Dougall Mustafa Amini
Melbourne Victory Central Coast Perth Glory Brisbane
Position Strikers:
Having travelled the country watching the Youth
league this season, I have been asked to name my best eleven. Please take into consideration that I have watched every Perth Glory Game, so have only seen all of the other teams on a minimum of three occasions. However I have chosen instead to highlight players who impressed this season. Let us see how many of them make the step up in the next few years. This is a good competition that needs more profile and more support, but as it costs the A league clubs close to half a million dollars to run a youth league side; this will have to be done by others. IT was an absolute privilege to cover the Youth league this season, and witness the flair and freedom on display. Long may it continue.
Sydney
AIS
Half Time Heroes Australian football
Nat Adamopoulos is a South australian based foot-
ball writer and is also the creator/producer/host of TV football show www.youtube.com.au/user/fullonfootball He has however accepted an invitational 2-game stint at State League side South Adelaide Panthers, reuniting with his ex-team mate Steve Maxwell. The 2010 FFSA Super League season kicks off on the 20th Mori’s absence is undoubtedly the single biggest loss to March with the top 4 teams facing up against each other in blockbuster games for Round 1. After seven weeks of presea- the Super League in recent times. Defender Paul Pezos has moved down to the Premier league with Adelaide Olson competition it’s shaping up to be another tight fight for ympic keeping his loyalty to his Greek heritage. Returnchampionship honours. ing to his old stomping ground will be Charlie Villani, one of City’s old sons looking to regain that winning en2009 Super League Champions MetroStars are going into this season with almost vironment at the club. The club welcome back Fred Agius (Qld Fury) to the midfield looking mean and lean, hoping a 100% unchanged Grand Final squad to restore that deadly Nick Budin-Fred Agius partnership making them firm favourites. Apart from that was prevalent in 2008. New additions of Eli Vlassis midfielder Jim Stavrides moving to Enfield City and Corey (Western Strikers) and Daniel Spagnuolo (MetroStars) Artone choosing to retire, the squad remains firmly intact area indeed looking for the winning recipe for 2010. with an abundance of strength and football talents. A coaching change has seen David Terminello deciding to hang up Adelaide Galaxy Coach Carl Maynard has the boots from his playing career to take over the reigns as had more work that expected for the start Senior Coach from Michael Barnett who has been at the helm to the season. The loss of key player and since 2003 but has his commitments to Adelaide United staunch midfielder Captain Paul Karittevlis Women’s Team. The Stars will definitely be the ones to (Adelaide Cobras) is a blow to the side but watch. to take his place he has the services of hardman Steven Kidd (Adelaide Blue Adelaide Blue Eagles are the squad that is Eagles) who will more than amply fill that certainly looking the goods this season. After void. The experience of Captain Steve DeGiovanello will a somewhat disappointing finish to the 2009 keep the side grounded and the return of striker Shaun season, multi-championship winning coach McGreevy (Raiders) who will hope to regain his form Zoran Karadzic would be hoping for more success this year as their preseason competition has shown. If from 2008 will be in their favour. New additions of Ben rumours are correct, the single biggest loss to the side will be McLoughlin (Pirates), Adelaide United Youth Team youngsters Liam Wooding, Evan Kostopoulos, Brett the retirement of long time keeper Gina DeLucia, whose Rayner and Jake Markham (Adelaide Hills) will ensure entertaining keeping talents and love of controversy will be sadly missed by all football fans alike. Young up and coming they field a team that is fit, strong and play hard for 90 minutes. keeper Lucas Andreucci (S.A.S.I./Adelaide United Youth Team) will be next in line to put the gloves on under the guidance of DeLucia. Also missed will be midfielder Steven After a good season last year Adelaide Kidd (Adelaide Galaxy) who has parted from the club but the Raiders are looking to improve overall in ones to watch will be incoming prolific goalscorer Chad 2010 and going on their preseason perBugeja (Adelaide City), glamour boy striker Saranti Parissos formances are set to achieve that goal. and young Evan Kounavelis (Adelaide Galaxy), all giving the 2009 Inaugural Martyn Crook Super title a red hot go. League Coach of the Year Coach John Duthie has retained most of last years players but has lost his strike2010 Preseason Cup Winners and multiforce in Rhys Townsend (Para Hills) and Shaun Mcple title holders Adelaide City are Greevy (Adelaide Galaxy). Experience has been added to coming into this season with 3 key losses the side with defender Charles Marwe (Adelaide Hills) to their side. No1 goalkeeper Ben Moore and pocket rocket Matthew Muscroft (Para Hills) which who has provided fans with his extrocoupled with 2009 Sergio Melta Player of the Year verted antics and keeping prowess has winner and Captain Richie Alagich will keep the side up moved onto Para Hills Knights, paving the way for incoming there with the front runners. Youngsters from last season Dave Picca (Western Strikers) who has already made his stood up to the challenge of senior football and are mark between the sticks. Player/Coach Damian Mori has continuing on with playing some beautiful possession decided to step down from his commitments to the seniors football. Definitely a team to watch out for and never to and concentrate on coaching junior league football. be underestimated.
ALL GO FOR SA 2010 SUPER LEAGUE SEASON
The Red Devils Campbelltown City are another side that remains mostly unchanged with the exception of a few new signings to add depth to an already strong side. Coach Rocky Aloisi boasts one of the best lines of defence in the league, led by Captain Michael D’Aloslio and rocksteady keeper Les Pogliacomi. The Devils have lost 3 times Sergio Melta medalist Simon Catanzaro (Adelaide Comets) who missed most of last season with a knee injury but will welcome the return of Matthew Deegan from overseas. Despite this Aloisi has recruited well with towering forward Alor Bulabek (Western Strikers) and Aaron Taye (Adelaide Olympic) forming a great partnership along with Toby Nelson (Adelaide Galaxy) and Mark Talbot (Raiders). Capping it off with 2009 Top Goalscorer Jason Trimboli up front, the Red Devils are a well drilled team who will certainly be in contention to finish their season on a high. “Homeward Bound” could well be the theme for Para Hills Knights this season with many old faces coming back to the club. With the departure of Rob Ditroia taking up a coaching position with Bulleen, ex club man Kenny Tosh comes in on debut as Senior Coach. Assisted by club stalwart Darren Steele and the return of defender David Bounds the trio bring back some club loyalty to the Knights. Losses incurred to the Knights include Mark Mulady, Micheal Greco, Jimmy Mckee, Micheal Cartwright (retired) and fiery Nathan Day (Comets). The highlight signing is undoubtedly keeper Ben Moore, who has already proven to be one of the best decisions the club has made, flexing his muscles with several best on ground performances. Strikers Rhys Townsend (Raiders) and Russell Clayton (Modbury) are fitting in well and young Alex Mullen has been playing with maturity, proving the Mullen name is synonymous with quality footballers. Led by experienced Captain Aaron Goulding, the para boys will be a tough outfit to break down and surely will be in the mix at the top. 2009 relegation escapees Western Strikers will be up against it this season with the loss of their super keeper Dave Picca and creative player Eli Vlassis who have both followed coach Charlie Villani to Adelaide City. Villani’s assistant Aldo Maricic will be taking charge of the squad and has numerous new players coming into the side.
Maricic will be welcoming the return of Captain Mikele Lastella (MetroStars), Vice Captain Michael Russo (broken leg), Frank Muscara Croydon), Mathew Fanto (White City Woodville) and Chahine Noujaim (SASI and national representative). He also brings in 2 UK imports Callum Flanagan (Ashton Utd, England Unibond Premier League, ex Man Utd Youth Team) and Chris Middleton Ashton Utd) hoping they can bring the same qualities and success that Andy Thorpe did in 2009. Punters will be keeping their eye on Takumi Takahashi, a keeper from Japan and what he will be able to bring into the team. 2009 Premier League Champions Adelaide Cobras have showed that they are ready to take on the challenges of higher level football with their first ever promotion to the Super League. Coach Maurice Natale has made significant changes as expected, to ensure the club is up for the challenge. The signing of Newcastle Jet Angelo Costanzo is indeed a coup for the Cobras and coupled with Captain Paul Karittevlis (Galaxy) who joins his brother Con, will provide a real sting to their first year in. Other inclusions include speedster Anthony Costalos (White City), Paul Marino (Para Hills), Adrian Aufiero (Blue Eagles) and Foti Likouras (Western Strikers) to compliment what is already a strong squad with players that have super league experience. Watch out for Omary Katuka, his speed and agility making the job hard for any opponent. An unknown quantity, the Cobras are out to make a statement in their debut year. 2009 Federation Cup winners Cumberland United are making their return to the Super League after a hiatus of 3 years. Under the superb direction of ex Bournemouth club champion Neil Young, the Foxes are coming in with a level of professionalism and positive attitude that demands success. Hardman Captain Danny Greystone leads the team from the back and with the 2-pronged strikeforce of the Macdonald brothers Robbie and Brenton, they are hard hitting team to overcome. Amongst the new signings for 2010 are talented young keeper Dan Atkins, tall timber Damien Puyenbroek and midfielder Charlie Bowman all from Adelaide Hills. You can be sure the Foxes will be a fit squad that play hard football with their ‘never say die’ attitude that punters have grown accustomed to seeing. All in all going on preseason performances, we are set to see an extremely tight season ahead where competition for top spots will be fierce. With the relatively short run of 18 matches to make the Top 5 play offs, it will only take a bad streak of 3 games or a spate of injuries to make it very hard for a side to make up ground against the other quality teams in this League.
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Russ Gibbs keeps you up to date
with all the latest Happenings of the Matildas Matildas’ Asian Cup preparations on track The Matildas’ preparations for the AFC Asian Cup are well and truly on track following three wins and a draw in their four warm-up matches played over the past month. And, whilst the two 3-0 victories over New Zealand were perhaps to be expected, it was the draw and defeat of powerhouses DPR Korea that drew most attention.
Coach Tom Sermanni would have been delighted by the steely resolve shown by the squad during the 3-2 win over DPR Korea at Ballymore, Brisbane in the second of their two matches with the team ranked number five in the FIFA World Rankings, having to overcome not just the Koreans onfield excellence but their ‘amateur dramatics’.
The histrionics shown by the visitors, who threatened to walk off the field after referee Sara Hodson had awarded a first-half stoppage time penalty to Australia, was nothing short of disgraceful.
A late winner to Kyah Simon, one of a number of youngsters who are putting their hands up for inclusion in the AFC squad, was a welcome boost to the national side and, coming on the back of a creditable 2-2 draw three days earlier with the same opponents, puts Australia on the right track and sends an ominous warning to their group rivals. The Koreans have previous as well having threatened to leave the field during the AFC Asian Cup in Adelaide a few years back. The way the Matildas’ handled the situation is a credit to coach Sermanni and the players and they responded in the best possible manner – Katie Gill converting the spot-kick after a six-minute delay.
A late winner to Kyah Simon, one of a number of youngsters who are putting their hands up for inclusion in the AFC squad, was a welcome boost to the national side and, coming on the back of a creditable 2-2 draw three days earlier with the same opponents, puts Australia on the right track and sends an ominous warning to their group rivals.
Sarah Walsh Celebrates scoring the opening goal against DPR Korea
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Katie GILL scores A penalty after a five minute North Korea protest.
Isn’t protesting banned in North Korea? The AFC Asian Cup tournament will be held in China from May 19-30 and Australia has been drawn in Pool China (ranked 13th), Korea Republic (ranked 21st) and Vietnam (ranked 32nd). With Australia currently ranked 14th in the world (the next rankings are due for release any day now), whilst it will be difficult, there seems to be nothing for Sermanni’s squad to fear. The return to international action of Canberra United midfielder Sally Shipard adds another dimension to an already formidable looking central pocket and the partnership of Gill and Sarah Walsh, who grabbed the opening goal in the 3-2 win in Brisbane, is beginning to bear dividends. Add in the electric pace of Lisa De Vanna and it’s easy to see why the attacking third is well-covered.
The emergence of youngsters with genuine potential such as the Brisbane Roar pair Elise Kellond-Knight and Tameka Butt is also promising and defensively the team looks well set. With Melissa Barbieri (Melbourne Victory) and Lydia Williams (Canberra United) between the posts the confidence of knowing the team has two ‘keepers of world-class ability could make all the difference. With the AFC Asian Cup doubling as a FIFA World Cup qualifying event it’s imperative that the Matildas’ perform well at the tournament. If the lessons learned of the two match series with DPR Korea can be harnessed there seems no reason why success should not come knocking on Tom Sermanni’s door.
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The next edition of Half Time Heroes is out late May 2010. no football clique’s were harmed in the making of this publication. stay tuned for a short film called: kevin muscat and the art of taking penalties; coming to a grand final near you!