German Bundesliga Is A Typically Wide Open Race

as seen on Sports Pundit

Ten matches into the new Bundesliga season the title is anybodies and such is the beauty of the German game, the current top seven clubs all have good claims on becoming Deutscher Meister.

Unlike anywhere else in the top European leagues, the German top flight is a wonderful, wide-open race. Last season’s champions VfL Wolfsburg proved that point.

Of course, there are the big clubs with FC Bayern always challenging for the title while Werder Bremen seem to constantly add silverware to their cabinet.

But that doesn’t seem to guarantee them anything when it comes to the Bundesliga title race.
Click here to read the full story on Sports Pundit

Calls To Scrap Pre-Season Comp Off The Mark

as seen on The Roar

The annual debate on the NAB Cup has surfaced again, but this time it was AFL footy operations manager Adrian Anderson who instigated the discussion by admitting the introduction of more clubs has threatened the competition’s future.

Gold Coast will officially join the AFL in 2011, while the Greater West Sydney club will be added the following year. Indeed, the additional clubs make the fixturing of the NAB Cup a logistical nightmare.

Plus, it is believed the AFL wants to increase the regular season to 24 rounds once they have 18 clubs, meaning the pre-season may need to be shortened.

And with the current sponsorship deal with NAB expiring after 2011, the future is hazy for the pre-season competition.

Anderson revealed, “We have got 17 teams (in 2011) so that provides an immediate challenge to the current structure of the NAB Cup... continued
Click here to read the full story on The Roar

Harry Scores In Turkish Cup Tie

as seen on au.fourfourtwo.com

EUROROO WRAP: Socceroo Harry Kewell scored a goal and assisted the other as Galatasaray defeated Bucaspor 2-1 in a busy night of European cup action.

Kewell lashed in a trademark, powerful left-foot effort from the edge of the box which was too hot for the Bucaspor keeper to handle on 17 minutes to give Cimbom the lead after a nice move.

And the Australian was the key for the second, making a good run down the left before attracting two defenders and flicking a tidy pass inside for Arda Turan to double Galatasaray's lead before the break.

Kewell went on to play 78 minutes before being replaced, with Bucaspor's Kenan Aslanoglu scoring a late consolation for the losers.

Elsewhere in the Turkish Kupasi third round, Mile Jedinak scored twice and then during the dreaded penalty shoot-out as Antalyaspor squeezed past Mersin Idmanyurdu.

Jedinak took Antalyaspor's first penalty in the shootout after the match had ended 2-2 with the Aussie scoring in the 16th and 75th minutes. Antalyaspor won the shootout 9-8.

James Troisi had a less happy time as Kayserispor lost 4-2 on penalties to Manisaspor after a 0-0 draw. Troisi, who played a full game for Kayserispor, missed his spotkick in the shootout.

Ersan Gulum played a full game for Adanaspor as they lost 3-2 to Konya Seker SK, while Bruce Djite still can't get a run as Genclerbirligi crashed out 5-3 on penalties to Istanbul BB after a 1-1 draw.

In the Dutch KNVB Beker, Nikita Rukavytsya scored another goal for FC Twente as they cruised past Capelle 3-0.

Rukavytsya, who came on as a 76th minute substitute, scored with a neat finish after a tidy Twente move in stoppage-time.

Earlier David Carney, who played the full 90 minutes, produced a good pass for Luuk de Jong to open the scoring in the first-half. De Jong grabbed a double, before Rukavytsya's late strike.

Brett Holman's AZ Alkmaar made hard work of SV Spakenburg with the game going to extra-time. AZ ended up winning 5-2 after it had ended 2-2 after 90 minutes, with Holman starting and playing 66 minutes.

In Scotland's CIS Insurance Cup, Scott McDonald was rushed on as a 58th minute substitute with Celtic frantically searching for goals as they crashed out losing 1-0 to Hearts.

In Romania's Cupa Romaniei, Josh Mitchell, Joshua Rose and Spase Dilevski all started and helped Universitatea Craiova past Politehnica Iasi 3-0.

In Greece's Cup, Zeljko Kalac's Kavala cruised past Agrotikos Asteras 3-0.

In league action around Europe, Scott Chipperfield was back for FC Basel playing a full game in their 2-2 Swiss Super League draw with rivals FC Zurich. Chipperfield ventured forward and provided the assist for Basel's opener.

In Sweden's Allsvenskan, Ante Covic played a full game as IF Elfsborg's season faded away with a 1-1 draw at Orgryte.
Click here to read the story on 442

Are The Wheels Falling Off At Genoa?

as seen on Sports Pundit

Italian club Genoa have been the bolters of the Serie A in the last 12 months and they started this league season in style with 3 wins from 3 games, but lately things haven’t gone so smoothly.

Genoa, who narrowly missed UEFA Champions League qualification last term after finishing fifth in Serie A, lost key pair Thiago Motta and Diego Milito to Internazionale in the off-season but bolstered their squad with several guns.

Big name arrivals like Argentinean striker Hernan Crespo and Italian international goalkeeper Marco Amelia as well as Serie A stars like Houssine Kharja, Sergio Floccari and Domenico Criscito enthused the Genoa fans and after the club flew out of the blocks in 2009-2010, spirits were high.

But in their last 8 matches in all competitions they’ve won just once and lost a staggering six times.
Click here to read the full story

Holman: We Can Still Hit Back

as seen on au.fourfourtwo.com

Socceroo Brett Holman believes his Dutch champion side AZ Alkmaar can hit back despite a poor start which has seen them lose five of their last six matches.

AZ are currently eighth on the Eredivisie table, having lost six matches already this season compared to four for the whole of last campaign when they won the title.

And the 25-year-old Australian midfielder, who has been in good form this season scoring once in the Eredivisie and providing a number of goal assists, believes AZ have shown glimpses of their best.

AZ's latest league defeat was a 4-2 loss to Ajax on the weekend, after a fine first-half where they took a 1-0 lead into the break before the Amsterdam club hit back with four second-half goals.

Holman told the AZ website: "I think that the break came at a bad time. We played fantastic in the first-half, Moussa Dembele and Maarten Martens had good opportunities.

"After the break, we were very poor. Going to 1-1 was quite unexpected. We could've have actually been 2-0 up, but suddenly it was level.

"And then incredibly quickly it was 2-1 and the match was totally vice versa. That was very regrettable for us."

He added: "3-1 was the last straw. Then Ajax could easily play it around.

"It is disappointing that after the break we couldn't sustain the level of the first-half. We were not tough enough. We increasingly lost the second ball, where before the break that was rarely the case."

Holman believes the weekend's effort has been typical of their season so far, as AZ struggle to string together a full 90 minute performance.

AZ are also having a tough time adjusting to life in the UEFA Champions League although Holman has reason for optimism after their draw with Arsenal in the last matchday round.

"In principle, we have taken many positives from the Ajax match and the game against Arsenal last Tuesday," he said. "Certainly, at times against Arsenal we played well. And on Sunday, in the first-half, we were at a high level.

"We will take that into Wednesday when we face SV Spakenburg in the Cup."
Click here to read the story on 442

Lucas's Sticky Toffee Start

as seen on au.fourfourtwo.com

EUROROOS WRAP: Socceroos skipper Lucas Neill celebrated his first Premier League start for Everton with two goal assists - but his side still lost 3-2 at Bolton.

The 31-year-old Australian defender, who joined Everton last month, was given a start at left-back by Toffees boss David Moyes while Tim Cahill was also on the pitch for the Merseysiders.

Bolton raced to an early two-goal lead courtesy of goals from Chung-Yong Lee and Gary Cahill, before Neill sent a great through-ball in for Louis Saha who fired in a stunner on 31 minutes.

And early in the second-half, Neill's lofted ball put Marouane Fellaini in space in the box and he did well to fire past Bolton stopper Jussi Jaaskelainen.

As both sides searched for a winner there were a few tense moments, including Bolton's Zat Knight appearing to stamp on Socceroo Cahill, although no action was taken.

Cahill picked up a late knock as Bolton went onto grab the winner with Ivan Klasnic's low 85th minute drive.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Mark Schwarzer was beaten twice as Fulham came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Manchester City.

The Australian goalkeeper was beaten early in the second-half after a goalmouth scramble from a corner, with Joleon Lescott getting the final touch, before Martin Petrov doubled City's lead by smashing a fine shot past the Socceroo on the hour mark.

Damien Duff and Clint Dempsey each struck back for the Cottagers to level terms before the Sky Blues tested Schwarzer late through Shaun Wright-Phillips.

In Scotland's Premier League, Scott McDonald scored his eighth goal of the season for Celtic as they won 2-1 at Hamilton to returning to the top of the table.

The Australian hitman's drive from close-range doubled Celtic's lead on 29 minutes, after Shaun Maloney had opened the scoring.

For Hamilton, James Wesolowski played a full game while Trent McClenahan started and played 84 minutes before being replaced.

In Italy's Serie A, an early injury to Palermo's Federico Balzaretti forced a re-shuffle for the Sicilians which saw Mark Bresciano play most of their 1-0 win over Udinese in the playmaker's role.

The Australian didn't fare too badly either, with his best attacking moment coming on 27 minutes when he tested Udinese keeper Samir Handanovic with a top strike.

In the Dutch Eredivisie, Brett Holman provided the assist for the opening goal of the game but AZ Alkmaar crashed 4-2 to Ajax Amsterdam.

The 25-year-old Socceroo chested down a high-ball well on the right before providing a lovely low cross for Mounir El Hamdaoui to give AZ the lead on 28 minutes, only for Ajax to hit back with four goals in the second-half. Holman played 60 minutes before being replaced.

Elsewhere in the Netherlands, David Carney and Nikita Rukavytsya's FC Twente defeated FC Groningen 4-0 to stay top of the league, although both of the Aussies did not play.

In Sweden's Allsvenskan, Ante Covic's IF Elfsborg conceded a late equalizer to BK Hacken to effectively fall out of the race for the title with 2 matches to go.

The game ended 1-1, with Hacken's Marcus Jarlegren beating Covic deep into stoppage-time. The result means Elfsborg are third, some 6 points and goal difference behind leaders AIK with 2 games to play.

In Russia's Premier League, Luke Wilkshire scored his first goal of the season to help Dinamo Moscow claim a 1-1 draw at Kuban Krasnodar.

In Turkey's Super Lig, Socceroos star Harry Kewell was a second-half substitute as Galatasaray lost 3-1 at rivals Fenerbahce.

Kewell appeared off the bench on 57 minutes, with Cimbom trailing 2-1, but the Australian failed to make much impact as Fenerbahce stretched their lead on top of the table.

Elsewhere, Socceroo Mile Jedinak played a full game as Antalyaspor won 2-1 at Manisaspor, Aussie goalkeeper Michael Petkovic put in a full shift as Sivasspor defeated Gaziantepspor 3-0, while Bruce Djite wasn't involved again as Genclerbirligi crashed 1-0 at Diyarbakirspor.

And in Turkey's Lig A, Ersan Gulum played a full match at the back as Adanaspor drew 2-2 with Altay.

In Switzerland's Super League, Scott Chipperfield missed FC Basel's thrilling 5-4 victory at FC Luzern due to injury.

In Greece's Super League, veteran Zeljko Kalac played another full game in goals for Kavala as they lost 2-1 at Xanthi.

In Ireland's FAI Cup, Australian shot-stopper Chris O'Connor missed the chance to head to a cup final after his club Bray Wanderers lost 4-2 to Fingal in the semi-final.

Click here to read the story on 442

Josh Strikes Again For Nagoya

as seen on au.fourfourtwo.com

ASIAROOS WRAP: Socceroo Josh Kennedy scored yet again for Nagoya Grampus as they came from three goals behind to draw 3-3 with Jubilo Iwata in the J.League.

Jubilo had raced to a three-goal lead just after the break courtesy of a Ryoichi Maeda hat-trick, before Nagoya, playing in front of their home fans, fought back.

Early in the match, Kennedy had been played in behind the Jubilo defence but the Australian failed to score in a one-on-one situation with opposing keeper Naoki Hatta saving.

Then Maeda went onto run riot with strikes in the 31st, 39th and 48th minutes to give Jubilo a good advantage before Grampus responded.

Shohei Abe's 60th minute left-wing cross was headed into the Nagoya net by Jubilo defender Kentaro Ohi with Kennedy lurking to give the hosts hope.

That was before Kennedy launched a typically powerful header on 74 minutes which Hatta couldn't keep out.

And five minutes later Nagoya won a penalty which Keiji Tamada stepped up to convert to level the match at 3-3 which is the way it would end.

The result leaves Kennedy's Nagoya with just one point from their last three J.League encounters seeing them sit ninth on the table and realistically out of contention to qualify for the AFC Champions League.

In Korea's K-League, Jade North's Incheon United slipped out of the top six playoffs spots with one regular season game to go following a 1-0 loss to FC Seoul. North was an unused sub in the clash.

Elsewhere, Sasa Ognenovski's Seongnam Ilhwa failed to cement their playoffs spot after a 4-1 loss at in-form Gyeongnam FC. Ognenovski played a full game in the match which leaves Seongnam sitting 4th.
Click here to read the story on 442

Garcia Makes His Comeback

as seen on au.fourfourtwo.com

UKROOS WRAP: Socceroo Richard Garcia made his first English Premier League appearance in five months after a serious knee injury as Hull City drew 0-0 with Portsmouth.

The 28-year-old Australian had injured his knee in pre-season training for the Tigers and had been absent all season until Saturday when he was named on the bench.

And Garcia made an appearance as a 74th minute substitute, although he didn't receive the greatest reception from the KC Stadium faithful, who were disappointed by Hull boss Phil Brown's decision to remove Irishman Stephen Hunt.

The Aussie worked hard during his quarter of an hour on the pitch but ultimately neither side could make the breakthrough in a clash between two clubs destined for a relegation battle.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Brett Emerton put in a full shift for Blackburn as they were thumped 5-0 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Emerton battled hard for Rovers but didn't have much to work with against a dominant Chelsea side. Vince Grella remains out for Blackburn.

In the Championship, Rhys Williams and Brad Jones both played full games for Middlesbrough as they conceded late to draw 2-2 at Preston North End.

Boro led at the break, before Preston equalised after Jones had made a good save to deny Jon Parkin only for Paul Parry to score from the follow-up.

The visitors went ahead again through Adam Johnson, before Williams almost sealed the win when he smashed a cracking shot into the post late on.

Middlesbrough would rue that miss when Preston launched a long hopeful free-kick into the box in stoppage-time with Billy Jones converting past Jones from six yards.

Elsewhere in the second tier, Shane Lowry played a full game for Plymouth Argyle as they drew with winless Ipswich Town 1-1 at Home Park.

Nick Carle was worryingly left out the Crystal Palace squad altogether as they drew 1-1 with Nottingham Forest at Selhurst Park.

Carle had given away a penalty midweek against Leicester and that incident angered Eagles boss Neil Warnock who said after that match, "Nick Carle, whatever he has thought about I wouldn't have a clue, but it was a really poor penalty to give away at that stage."

In League One, Socceroo Patrick Kisnorbo scored but Leeds United's unbeaten start to the season came to a grinding halt at Millwall, losing 2-1.

Neil Harris had put Millwall ahead early before Kisnorbo crunched home from Robert Snodgrass' corner on 12 minutes. But Gary Alexander grabbed the winner for Millwall.

The Australian central defender played a full game for the Whites, while fellow Aussie Neil Kilkenny was an 89th minute substitute.

Kisnorbo, who had missed Leeds' last fixture due to a virus, was earlier this week named in the British FourFourTwo's League One Team of the Season so far.

Elsewhere, Gareth Edds struck the crossbar early on as Tranmere Rovers slipped to a 1-0 loss at Hartlepool. Edds played the full 90 minutes for Rovers.

In League Two, Shane Cansdell-Sherriff continues to lead the line in Shrewsbury's defence as they defeated Aldershot 3-1 to consolidate seventh spot in the table.

Elsewhere, Scott Guyett's Bournemouth defeated Grimsby 3-1 to move three points clear at the top of the table, although the Aussie is currently out injured with a knee problem.

Finally in the early rounds of the FA Cup, James Meredith's York City defeated Bedworth United 2-0, while Kyle Nix's Mansfield Town got past Altrincham 3-0.
Click here to read the story

Valeri Dropped In Contract Row

as seen on au.fourfourtwo.com

EUROROOS WRAP: Socceroo Carl Valeri missed his Italian Serie B club Grosseto's 2-2 draw with Cesena due to a contractual issue which could escalate further.

The 25-year-old Australian, who comes out of contract at the end of the season, was left at home and did not make the trip to Cesena for Saturday's match.

Grosseto sporting director Andrea Iaconi clarified the situation in a press conference stating, "At the moment, on the renewal of the contract, the parties are distant."

Valeri has been linked with several Serie A clubs in the past, most recently Catania and Chievo Verona during the Italian summer, and with his contract expiring soon it is understood Grosseto don't want him to leave on a free transfer.

Iaconi added, "As a club we prefer offloading players that we own. But it is clear that the door remains open and we hope to achieve an agreement as soon as possible with Valeri."

Elsewhere in Europe overnight, Dario Vidosic was a 58th minute substitute as FC Nurnberg slumped to a 3-0 loss at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. Matthew Spiranovic wasn't involved for the Bavarians.

In Scotland's Premier League, Danny Invincibile made an appearance as an 85th minute substitute as Kilmarnock claimed a much-needed 2-1 victory over newly promoted St Johnstone.

In the Scottish second tier, Ryan McGowan played a full game for Ayr United as they were smashed 5-1 by Inverness Caledonian Thistle, while Erik Paartalu put in a full shift for Morton as they lost 3-1 at Dunfermline and Simon Storey also played 90 minutes in Airdrie's 3-0 loss at Partick Thistle.

In Denmark's Superliga, Aussie goalkeeper Nathan Coe dropped down the pecking order with Kevin Stuhr-Ellegaard returning for Randers as they drew 1-1 with OB Odense.

In Romania's Liga I, Joshua Rose, Josh Mitchell and Spase Dilevski all played full games for Universitatea Craiova as they lost 2-1 at home to FC Vaslui.

In Croatia's Prva HNL, Josip Skoko's Hajduk Split lost again going down 1-0 to NK Karlovac, while Daniel Georgievski's NK Medimurje defeated NK Zagreb 4-2.
Click here to read the story

Allsopp Strikes For His New Club

as seen on au.fourfourtwo.com

Former Melbourne Victory forward Danny Allsopp scored his first league goal for new club Al-Rayyan as they defeated Al-Ahli 2-1 in the Qatari Stars League overnight.

The big striker has been in decent form since arriving in Qatar and scored twice in last week's 3-3 cup result with Al-Gharafa, but had previously failed to hit the back of the net in the more important Stars League.

But the Australian broke his duck in the 15th minute of the clash, before teammate Daniel Gouma doubled their advantage on 33 minutes with Julio Cesar getting a late consolation for the losers.

The win was an important result for Allsopp's side who ambitiously recruited Brazilian coach Marcos Paqueta from champions Al Gharafa in the close season.

The result moves Al-Rayyan up to fifth on the table with 8 points, two points behind joint leaders Al Sadd and Al Gharafa who play later in the weekend.

Lowy's A2-League Proposal Is Premature

as seen on The Roar

To a mixed response, FFA Chairman Frank Lowy revealed this week he wants to introduce an A2-League in the “not too distant future” allowing for promotion and relegation in our top flight. And while the idea shows ambition, it’s totally premature in the Australian market.

In Wednesday’s address, Lowy outlined several plans for the game, including free-to-air television and changes to the scheduling of the season.

But Lowy surprised a few when he remarked relegation and promotion was ‘vital’ for the Australian game and strongly floated the prospect of an A2-League being created in the medium-term future.

“We need to support teams by developing a second division which can allow for promotion and relegation, which is the lifeblood of national football competitions around the world,” Lowy said.

“Some people might have suggested that this might be growing the league too quickly. I accept that there is a risk, and I know better than anyone else how fragile some of our existing A-League clubs are.

“But we could not continue forever with an eight-team competition and be taken seriously in world football.

“The larger competition will generate greater interest around the country, not just in isolated pockets of Australia, but a truly national game.”

There’s no denying Lowy’s ambition and plenty of the responses from his comments have had bloggers and forumers dreaming up A2-Leagues of their own with clubs from every pocket of our wonderful land.

But, like Lowy acknowledges, creating a whole new bunch of clubs from scratch to form a completely new league is risky business.

Indeed, Lowy’s latest additions to the A-League, the new second Melbourne and Sydney franchises, have been greeted with some skepticism, so creating another string of clubs for another division seems outrageous in that context.

But, of course, Lowy isn’t proposing an A2-League tomorrow. It is something the FFA should keep in the back of their minds and work towards but realistically in the next 5-10 years it simply isn’t viable.

The current A-League season has shown us that the novelty has worn off the competition and clubs need to knuckle down and find a way to make a profit year-in year-out.

And in terms of expanding into regional areas, the two newboys from Townsville and the Gold Coast are finding it tough although the example of the Central Coast (who are making an annual profit) is the ideal regional prototype, but executing that example is clearly easier said than done.

Plus, as we know, football isn’t the number one dog in Australia, whereas in Europe football is a religion and second or third divisions work because the people make it work. So elevating the game in Australia requires the people to embrace it and the recent calls for free-to-air coverage are central to this.

So right now is the time for consolidation rather than an A2-League (which ultimately requires mass expansion), with TV deals, crowd figures, the quality of football and sponsors, all important factors which need to be stabilized.

Lowy’s arguments for an A2-League include the boost it’ll give to the competitiveness, intensity and relevance of the A-League (relegation battles make good TV!), the nation-wide interest it’ll add via new regional clubs and how it’ll make the league more European.

But these points pale in significance when compared to the risks which the game would face with an A2-League, when we the competition isn’t stable with 12 teams just yet.

Indeed, the risks which would come with an A2-League in the next 5-10 years would include the possibility of clubs failing and folding, which would do so much harm to the public perception of the code.

Maintaining, the A-League’s image of professionalism is crucial right now, because currently image is everything as the game tries to convince the Australian public of it’s worth.

Nevertheless, of Lowy’s argument for the A2-League the first point is the strongest, as that added intensity would do a lot for the competition, but at this stage it is a pipe-dream because it simply isn’t viable as there are other priorities.

Sure the FFA should aim towards an A2-League, but for now let’s focus on the immediate matters at hand which will facilitate the game reaching that dream, as long as that may take.

The AFL Is Tempting Ireland's True Promise

as seen on The Roar

To little fanfare earlier this week, St Kilda secured the services of an Irish lad named Tommy Walsh. But behind the scenes this was a big, big decision for the 2008 Young Gaelic Player of the Year. And in the end, it says a lot about the lure of the big-business, professional game we call Aussie Rules.

Walsh is a son of a gun, who won Gaelic football’s equivalent to the Rising Star award in 2008, so his defection to AFL has rocked the Irish game, whilst also pleasing the premiership-hunting Saints.

In fact, Saints list manager Matthew Drain labelled Walsh ‘the best credentialed player to come out of Ireland’ so this is a big deal.

Anyway, as a lover of all sports, I try to keep an eye on what’s happening in the Gaelic Athletic Association’s (GAA) All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, although I’ll admit I’m hardly knowledgeable about the competition.

Nevertheless, witnessing ex-Sydney Swan Tadhg Kennelly help Kerry defeat Cork at Croke Park in the All-Ireland final this year, made me aware of his county teammate Tommy Walsh after he booted 4 crucial points in the decisive match.

But Walsh, 21, is someone who has been known in AFL circles a lot longer than just that match.

St Kilda had been chasing his signature for some time (after player agent Ricky Nixon identified the talent) bringing Walsh out on a one-week trial in December last year, but the Kerry youngster resisted their courtship preferring to stay in his native Ireland.

After all, Walsh was part of a large family of Gaelic football stars and he was ready to follow in the footsteps of his father, Sean, who was a seven-time All-Ireland winner between 1978 and 1986.

Walsh hails from the south-west region of Kerry which is the most successful county in the Irish game and where bloodlines are an important part.

Former Kerry player and popular Gaelic football broadcaster Weeshie Fogarty claims this family tradition is ‘the secret of Kerry’, who have won a record 36 All-Ireland championships.

And Walsh, who won the prestigious honour of being awarded the GAA’s Young Footballer of the Year in 2008, before winning the All-Ireland championship in 2009 with Kerry, was destined for big things in Ireland.

But St Kilda’s enticing offer was enough to tempt him away from Kerry, all the way to Melbourne to play a foreign game in a foreign land.

It is believed Walsh will earn about $50,000 a year on a two-year contract with the Saints, while back in Ireland, Gaelic football isn’t even a professional sport and the youngster had actually taken a year off his studies in IT to work in an engineering firm during 2009.

Upon the announcement of his deal to join St Kilda, Walsh commented, “It was a very tough decision … but it was just too good an opportunity to pass up. I’m not under any illusions about what’s ahead and hopefully it will work out.”

Indeed, the opportunity to play professionally, earn good money and live abroad is something which has enticed young Irish talent to Australian shores in recent years with players like Kennelly, Setanta O’hAilpin, Marty Clarke, Kevin Dyas and Colm Begley following Melbourne’s Jim Stynes and Sean Wight a decade or so earlier.

But Dyas and Clarke’s recent departures represents a trend of Irish players returning home after a few years in Australia, and Kerry coach Jack O’Connor believes Walsh will be back.

Speaking about Walsh, as well as another potential St Kilda addition from Kerry, David Moran, O’Connor said, “The fact is there are more people coming back from Australia than are going out there. One way or the other, they’ll be back playing for Kerry in the future.”

But Nixon believes Walsh could be a template for change, saying, “Too many clubs are in a rush and they don’t think about it long term. Tommy has had a year now to think about it and plan it.

“It certainly has created a bit of a template. We’re not going to rush out and sign a kid this week and stick him on a plane. That’s not going to happen anymore.”

And the well-known player agent has tipped big things for Walsh who he rates highly; “Hopefully he will revolutionise Irish players in the AFL. Most, if not all, have been running midfielders but Tommy is a forward and no Irish player has come to play forward in the AFL … he is a powerhouse player.”

Clearly, though, Irish players in the AFL have been a tad hit-and-miss, but the Saints’ effort to lure a true talent to our shores could provide the template for success and Walsh’s progress will be monitored with keen interest.

And you can count on that interest travelling beyond Australia, all the way back to Ireland where Walsh’s progress will be big news for the GAA who just can’t compete with the AFL’s temptations.

Reaction From The UEFA World Cup Playoffs Draw

as seen on Sports Pundit

The draw for UEFA’s World Cup playoffs took place on Monday night with several interesting ties served up.

The 8 best group runners-up qualified for the playoffs draw with Russia, France, Portugal, Greece, Ukraine, Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Ireland entering into the pot.

UEFA had somewhat controversially decided to split the pot in two, with the former aforementioned four nations seeded with respect to the current FIFA rankings.

And the draw for the matches to be played on November 14 & 18, went as follows;
Republic of Ireland v France
Portugal v Bosnia-Herzegovina
Greece v Ukraine
Russia v Slovenia

Republic of Ireland v France
Les Bleus battled through Group 7 after a slow start, but superstars like Franck Ribery and Thierry Henry ultimately scored some crucial goals and got the French this far, while the Irish went unbeaten in Group 8 but now face the 1998 world champions.

And France are reasonably happy with their draw, with FFF technical director Gerard Houllier saying, "Ireland are competitive and tricky to play but we must not overrate them.

"It's a slight advantage to play the return leg at home but the first leg is often the most important one because it either gives you confidence or ruins your hopes."

On the other hand, Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney wasn’t too downbeat about the draw, claiming on Irish radio, "I've spoken to the manager, Giovanni Trapattoni, he's quite relaxed about it.

"We don't lose games on many goals, we don't win games on many goals. I wouldn't expect that pattern to change."

Portugal v Bosnia-Herzegovina
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portuguese finally pipped Sweden for second in Group 1 after a less than impressive campaign, while Bosnia-Herzegovina scored bucketloads of goals as they chase their first ever spot in a World Cup finals.

Portugal boss Carlos Queiroz admitted he felt the unheralded Bosnians would be tough, “Reputation has no weight or significance in these circumstances. We have to prepare well to play against an excellent side that has a very dangerous attack."

Indeed, Bosnia enjoy the services of VfL Wolfsburg’s Bundesliga winning pair Edin Dzeko and Zvjezdan Misimovic and they combined for 14 goals in the first stage of World Cup qualifying.

And Bosnian boss Miroslav Blazevic played down his sides chances although he remained coy by saying, "To be honest, I think the Portuguese are favourites. But it is not always the favourites that win.”

Greece v Ukraine
Euro 2004 winners Greece drew 2006 World Cup quarter-finalists Ukraine in perhaps the most even tie of the lot. Most of the seeds feared Ukraine, runners-up in Group 6, while most of the non-seeds had eyes on a tie with the Greeks.

Indeed, Ukraine boss Alexei Mikhailichenko said, "I think it was a good draw but we'll know for sure after the matches. If we win, that will mean that it was a good draw after all. Greece are very strong at home because their fans are amazing.” Interestingly, Greece will play the first-leg in Heraklion, not Athens.

Mikhailichenko added, “We take a lot of inspiration from our magnificent performance of four years ago."

Greek national technical director Panagiotis Fyssas commented, “There are no easy teams, so I can't complain about our luck in the draw. We played Ukraine twice in the Germany 2006 qualifiers so we know them and they know us.”

For the record, in the 2006 World Cup qualifiers, Greece claimed a 1-1 draw in Kiev, before Ukraine won 1-0 in Piraeus.

Russia v Slovenia
Guus Hiddink’s highly-fancied Russians have drawn Group 3 runners-up Slovenia in a tie which seems destined to go only one way.

Slovenia, though, have produced playoffs shocks in the past, qualifying for Euro 2000 and the 2002 World Cup defeating Ukraine and Romania respectively.

Nevertheless, Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek said, "Russia are clear favourites in our two matches and I am worried about the conditions we will have in Russia.”

Head of the Russian Football Federation, Alexei Sorokin said, “There were no weak opponents in the draw but now I believe we can clinch a place in the finals.”

Although Russian national team player Alexander Kerzhakov was less diplomatic when he stated, “We've got a favourable draw. I don't know much about Slovenian team but I think we managed to avoid a bigger challenge."

'Beach Ball Goal' Shouldn't Have Stood

as seen on Sports Pundit

The referee who awarded Darren Bent’s ‘beach ball goal’ in Sunderland’s 1-0 win over Liverpool on the weekend will be dropped from the EPL, with it clear the strike shouldn’t have counted.

Bent’s fifth minute strike at the Stadium of Light incredibly deflected off a beach ball thrown on the field by a Liverpool fan, before the shot confused Reds keeper Pepe Reina and rolled over the line for the game’s only goal.

At the time, the matchday referee Mike Jones was approached by several angry Liverpool players who claimed the goal shouldn’t have stood, yet the ref decided to award Sunderland the goal.

After the game, even Sunderland boss Steve Bruce couldn’t believe his luck with the goal.

And in the wake of the incident Jones was attacked by several former referees who acknowledged it was a glaring error.

Jeff Winter, whose final game as a referee was the 2004 FA Cup final between Manchester United and Millwall, said, “I'm absolutely amazed. It is a basic law in football and the goal should just not have stood.

"I am absolutely amazed that a referee at that level of football, between him, his assistant and the fourth official didn't see what had happened and give the correct decision."

And former Premier League referee Dermott Gallagher chipped in by saying, “It was such a glaring error. Everybody knows that when something encroaches on to the pitch the game stops.

“It’s an error that no one can fathom because it goes down to grass-roots level in the laws of the game. For it to happen in a high-profile game at this level is unbelievable. Any one of the four (officials) could have stepped in.”

Indeed, in FIFA’s Laws of the Game it is written that ‘the referee stops, suspends or abandons the match because of outside interference of any kind’ and that a drop-ball should result from any such incident.

But Jones and his fellow matchday officials failed to do so on Saturday, and the senior man has copped a demotion by the English FA which means he’ll be in charge of a second tier Championship game for the upcoming weekend.

For Liverpool, though, there’s no demotion or suspensions, but instead a missed opportunity and another loss as they slide down to eighth and seemingly out of title contention already.

Harry Strikes Back For Gala

as seen on au.fourfourtwo.com

EUROROO WRAP: Harry Kewell returned to the Turkish Super Lig in style scoring in Galatasaray's 4-3 win over Trabzonspor.

The 31-year-old Australian, who started both of the Socceroos recent matches against the Netherlands and Oman, was in the Cimbom first XI on Sunday and begun in style with a 23rd minute strike.

Winger Sabri Sarioglu whipped in a teasing cross which eluded two Trabzonspor defenders and fell to Kewell at the back-post and he did well to control on his right before firing in a powerful left-foot shot for the opener.

Servet Cetin doubled Galatasaray's advantage before Trabzonspor fought back with two goals either side of half-time courtesy of Tayfun Cora and Gustavo Colman.

A tired Kewell was replaced on 64 minutes with the score tied at 2-2, before Cimbom responded to Trabzonspor's comeback with goals from Arda Turan and Milan Baros, although Colman grabbed a late consolation.

Elsewhere in the Turkish Super Lig, Mile Jedinak scored as Antalyaspor ran riot against newly promoted Diyarbakirspor running out 4-1 winners at the Antalya Ataturk Stadyumu.

Jedinak struck in the sixth minute when he fired a speculative 25-metre free-kick at goal with Diyarbakirspor keeper Fevzi Tuncay poorly allowing the shot through his grasp.

The Socceroo's busy evening didn't end there though, as he begun the play which saw Necati Ates double Antalyaspor's lead on 23 minutes.

But Jedinak was at fault when he fouled Abdullah Cetin inside the box, allowing the visitors to drag one back courtesy of Andres Mendoza's 41st minute spotkick.

Early in the second-half, Jedinak was involved in another dramatic moment when Diyarbakirspor's Egyptian midfielder Ayman Abdelaziz was sent-off for a bad challenge on the Australian.

Jedinak went onto play the full 90 minutes as Antalyaspor piled on second-half goals through Hakan Ozmert and Ahmet Kuru.

Staying in Turkey, Michael Petkovic's Sivasspor lost 2-0 to Bruce Djite's Genclerbirligi, although the latter did not play for the winners.

Poor defending let Petkovic down for Gencler's opener, although the Aussie might have done better on 65 minutes when Kahe doubled the lead with the Socceroo producing a rather tame attempt at a save in a one-on-one situation.

Elsewhere in the Super Lig, James Troisi did not play as Kayserispor comfortably defeated Ankaragucu 3-0.

In Turkey's Lig A, promising young defender Ersan Gulum scored the winner for Adanaspor as they defeated Giresunspor 1-0.

In Italy's Serie A, Mark Bresciano was back after injury for Palermo as they claimed their first league away victory since March with a 2-1 triumph at Livorno.

Bresciano played a full game for the Sicilians although his form was down on previous weeks, with little attacking threat coming from the Aussie.

In England's Premier League, Brett Emerton made a brief 82nd minute appearance as a substitute as Blackburn defeated Lancashire rivals Burnley 3-2. Vince Grella remains on the sidelines.

Emerton, who recently returned to action after a long-term knee injury, didn't really have enough time on the pitch to make an impact for Rovers.

In Greece's Super League, Zeljko Kalac played a full game in goals for Kavala as they drew 2-2 with Greek giants Panathinaikos.

Kavala led two-nil at the break, but Pana fought back with Kostas Katsouranis dragging one back on 55 minutes with a near-post flick, before the Athens club piled the pressure on late on.

Kalac did well to deny Sotiris Ninis late, before Djibril Cisse scored the equaliser in injury-time when his header took a weak bounce in the goalfront mud to beat the veteran Australian stopper.

In Denmark's Superliga, Aussie goalkeeper Nathan Coe played a full game for Randers as they held on for a 1-1 draw at Aalborg BK.

Aalborg were by far the better side throughout the game, but Randers held on with Coe making some excellent saves towards the end.

In Romania's Liga I, Spase Dilevski started but was replaced early as Universitatea Craiova worryingly lost 3-1 at newly promoted Astra Ploiesti.

Dilevski went off on 27 minutes for fellow Aussie Joshua Rose, while defender Josh Mitchell put in a full shift for Craiova who slide down to 14th.

In Norway's Tippeligaen, Kasey Wehrman was in the FC Lyn Oslo side which lost 1-0 at home to Stromsgodset. Wehrman, who is on loan at relegated Lyn from Fredrikstad FK, is rumoured to be pondering a move back to Australia soon with the Norwegian season almost over.

Finally in Croatia's Prva HNL, former Socceroo Josip Skoko was back in the Hajduk Split side, but they lost 1-0 at home to Sibenik and are now ninth, 13 points behind leaders Dinamo Zagreb, who lost this weekend.

AsiaRoos In Action & Sasa

as seen on au.fourfourtwo.com

Former Adelaide United defender Sasa Ognenovski scored as Seongnam Ilhwa consolidated their playoff spot with a 3-2 win over champions Suwon Bluewings in the K-League.

The big 30-year-old put Seongnam up just minutes before the break, after both sides had shared goals in the opening stanza.

The result means Seongnam are fourth on the table with two games to go and all but assured of a top 6 spot.

Elsewhere in the K-League, fringe Socceroo Jade North remains on the outer at Incheon United as he wasn't in their squad as they shored up sixth spot with a 2-0 win at Jeju United.

In Japan's J.League, Eddy Bosnar was in action for JEF United Chiba but he couldn't help them grab an important three points, as they drew 1-1 with 12th placed Kyoto Sanga at home.

The result leaves United in 17th position on the table, some 9 points short of safety with 5 games to play. JEF United haven't won in the league for 13 matches and look set for the drop.

In Saudi Arabia's Pro League, Adam Griffiths' Al Shabab recorded their first loss of the season going down 2-1 at Al Fateh.

Scott Comes Up Short For Celtic

as seen on au.fourfourtwo.com

Socceroo Scott McDonald missed a simple stoppage-time chance as Celtic slipped out of top spot in Scotland after a 0-0 draw with Motherwell overnight.

With scores tied and time running away from the Hoops, who had seen rivals Rangers win earlier in the day, the Australian was presented with a great chance to win it but he somehow managed to head over from close-range.

Aiden McGeady also missed a close-range header late, as Celtic endured a poor day losing their SPL lead to Rangers who now enjoy a one-point buffer on their Glasgow rivals.

Elsewhere around Europe, it was a case of many of the Socceroos having a rest after their long journeys for the Australia games against the Netherlands and Oman.

In Germany's Bundesliga, Dario Vidosic and Matthew Spiranovic were not included in the FC Nurnberg side which claimed a great 3-0 win over cellar-dwellers Hertha Berlin.

In the Dutch Eredivisie, the battle of the Aussies failed to eventuate as FC Twente defeated AZ Alkmaar 3-2. Nikita Rukavytsya was on the bench for Twente, but David Carney was suspended, while Brett Holman was an unused sub for AZ and James Holland wasn't in the squad.

In Sweden's Allsvenskan, Socceroos reserve keeper Ante Covic kept a clean sheet helping IF Elfsborg claim a 1-0 win at Trelleborgs FF. The result keeps the pressure on leaders AIK, but they also won overnight and enjoy a 4-point advantage with 3 games to play.

In Russia's Premier League, Luke Wilkshire returned to action with Dinamo Moscow but his club slipped up 1-0 at home to Tom Tomsk. Dinamo have lost 3 of their last 4 matches and slide to eighth on the table.

In Italy's Serie B, Australian midfielder Carl Valeri wasn't in the US Grosseto squad which blew a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Padova at home.

In Switzerland's Schweizer Pokal, veteran Socceroo Scott Chipperfield was rested as FC Basel eased past Le Mont 3-1.

Returning to Scotland's Premier League, James Wesolowski and Trent McClenahan both played full games as Hamilton Accies drew 1-1 at Dundee United, with the hosts grabbing a late equaliser, while Danny Invincibile's Kilmarnock lost 1-0 at Hibernian with the Aussie playing the full 90 minutes.

In Scotland's Division One, Young Socceroo Ryan McGowan started and played 82 minutes as Ayr United lost 2-0 at Partick Thistle. Elsewhere, Simon Storey put in a full shift as Airdrie lost 1-0 at home to Ross County while Erik Paartalu was a 52nd minute sub as Morton lost 1-0 to Dundee.

Cahill Saves The Day (Again)

as seen on au.fourfourtwo.com

Socceroo Tim Cahill blew a first-half chance but redeemed himself late by helping Everton rescue a 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton in the English Premier League.

Australia's midweek goalscoring hero slotted straight back into the Toffees starting XI after his stint with the Socceroos, but Lucas Neill could only make the bench where he stayed for the full 90.

After some early pressure from Wolves, Cahill was set up by Louis Saha after Sylvain Distin's long-ball only for the Australian to hit his shot over the bar from just on the edge of the box.

Everton would rue that miss when on 75 minutes Wolves keeper Wayne Hennessy launched a long punt downfield which got through to Kevin Doyle who shot under the approaching Tim Howard to give the visitors the lead.

But two minutes from time, Cahill did well to hold up play before releasing Jo on the left side and the Brazilian's cross found Diniyar Bilyaletdinov at the back-post with the Russian firing home from close-range.

Elsewhere in England overnight, Adam Federici had an eventful match as Reading lost 3-1 at promotion-chasing West Bromwich Albion in the Championship.

The Royals had taken an early lead through Matthew Mills, but then conceded a soft goal on 29 minutes when Jobi McAnuff and Federici got in a mix-up.

A Reading corner had been cleared before McAnuff, on the halfway line, underhit a backpass intended for Federici allowing Albion's Jerome Thomas to chip beyond the stopper before winning the race to tap the ball in.

But the Australian goalkeeper then produced a string of fine saves to keep the scores level, including a brilliant save from young All-Whites international Chris Wood.

On 65 minutes, though, West Brom inevitably made the breakthrough courtesy of Thomas, before Youssouf Mulumbu added some gloss to the win with a third on 87 minutes.

Elsewhere in the Championship, Brad Jones played a full game for Middlesbrough while Rhys Williams was left on the bench after his long trips to-and-from Australia, as Boro lost 1-0 at home to Watford.

Socceroo Nick Carle didn't make the Crystal Palace squad which drew 1-1 at Cardiff City, while young Aussie Shane Lowry played a full game for Plymouth as they lost 2-0 at Blackpool.

In League One, Gareth Edds scored the opener for struggling Tranmere as they claimed a priceless 2-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.

In League Two, Shane Cansdell-Sherriff played a full game in defence as Shrewsbury moved down to 7th following a 2-1 loss at battling Darlington.

In the Blue Square Premier League, left-back James Meredith was sent off on 82 minutes after two bookable offences as York City drew 1-1 with Oxford United.

Griffiths Steps Up With Brace

as seen on au.fourfourtwo.com



Ryan Griffiths scored a crucial brace in the absence of suspended brother Joel for a 2-0 win over Guangzhou Pharmaceutical as Beijing Guoan edged closer to the Chinese title.

The Australian forward fired Guoan ahead after 13 minutes and doubled his personal tally with a second on 84 minutes to seal an important three points for the capital club who remain top of the table with two games remaining in the Super League season.

Guoan's closest rivals Henan Construction easily accounted for Qingdao Jonoon, winning 3-1 to stay level on points with Beijing but behind on goal difference. Changchun Yatai moved into third place, a point and goal difference behind the top two, with a 2-0 win over Dalian Shide.

Elsewhere, Mark Milligan played a full game for Shanghai Shenhua but they slipped out of the title race after drawing 1-1 with battling Hangzhou Lucheng at home. The result leaves Shenhua sixth, some 4 points behind the leaders.

And Brendon Santalab scored the only goal of the game as Chengdu Blades all but secured their top flight status with a 1-0 win over Jiangsu. The goal was Santalab's ninth since moving to China.

In Japan's J.League overnight, Joshua Kennedy was a 63rd minute substitute as Nagoya Grampus conceded late to lose 2-1 at Yokohama F.Marinos. Nagoya fielded a makeshift side ahead of Wednesday's ACL semi-final first-leg against Al-Ittihad Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.

In Korea's K-League, Antun Kovacic wasn't in the Ulsan Horang squad which lost 1-0 at home to Gyeongnam FC. The result means Ulsan can no longer qualify for the top 6 playoffs.

In Singapore's S-League, Goran Subara reverted to a central defensive role as Gombak United lost 2-0 at home to Tampines Rovers.

AFL Moves Quickly To Find A Solution To Staging

as seen on The Roar

Earlier this week, the AFL opened up the discussion on staging for free-kicks. ‘Staging’ is a growing scourge on the sport, so the AFL’s course of action was correct. But as the round ball code shows, it’s a difficult problem to police and the issue may go unresolved.

AFL Football Operations Manager Adrian Anderson brought the issue to the fore on Tuesday, as well as several other topics he was seeking feedback on from the clubs as part of the annual Tribunal review.

In Tuesday’s press release from the AFL, the misconduct charge of staging was at the top of the list, with the question posed, “Should players face a financial sanction for obvious staging?”

Indeed, simply opening up the debate is an appropriate course of action from the AFL, because if left alone, the problem could potentially escalate to the point where it is a major blight on the sport.

And the example of football (or soccer) where diving has firmly become part of the game is something the AFL would want to avoid, so attacking the problem early is a wise move.

But again, using the example of the round ball game, it is an issue which has proved hard to define, and ultimately police with consistency.

Indeed, the recent case where Arsenal forward Eduardo was banned for two matches for diving before having his suspension overturned, emphasizes the grey areas with regard to the topic.

Anderson, though, insisted several AFL clubs had raised concerns about the staging issue and wanted the topic up for discussion, although he denied it was a result of the infamous Preliminary Final incident involving St Kilda’s Nick Riewoldt and the Western Bulldogs’ Brian Lake.

But that incident alone highlights the problems involved in policing staging, where it was obvious contact was made with Riewoldt but the Saints skipper exaggerated the impact to win the free-kick.

And players like 1993 Brownlow medalist Gavin Wanganeen or, more recently, Geelong premiership player Joel Selwood have mastered the art of exaggerating or ‘milking’ free-kicks, but there’s no way they should be punished for that, as frustrating as it is for any rival supporter.

Indeed, there must be a differentiation between exaggeration and simulation.

Referring to the Riewoldt-Lake incident, Anderson said, “We would be looking at more obvious examples of staging than that.”

But at this stage in the cycle of Aussie Rules footy there aren’t too many more obvious examples of staging than Riewoldt’s Academy Award winner.

Contact-less simulation seldom occurs in AFL footy, although as the game evolves, players will continue to push the boundaries and bend the rules and it is foreseeable staging is a problem which could escalate in the future.

The issue of rushed behinds is a good example of players exploiting a rule, before the AFL took action to good effect in 2009. A similar change of laws could potentially rid the game of staging.

But the sticking point is how to define staging and how to actually police it? And that’s what Anderson will hope to discuss with the AFL clubs, although it is hard to envisage a solution.

Interestingly, Anderson also commented on Tuesday, “They (the clubs) believed there had been some instances (of staging) that had not been good for the image of the game.”

Indeed, the image of the game is something the AFL is desperately trying to protect, see Lance Franklin’s Round 22 bump on Ben Cousins and his subsequent suspension.

But in the context of Australia, where our sport stars need to be seen as strong, tough and fair dinkum, the tactic of staging contradicts all of that as it is soft and basically cheating.

The two don’t go hand in hand. Therefore the AFL must be seen as though they are active in eliminating the problem.

But Anderson’s admission about the Riewoldt incident suggests such a rule would rarely, if ever, be put to use. It’s an interesting thought and it makes it all smell like PR hogwash.

Ultimately, though, as the round ball game shows, it is a difficult problem for administrators to handle.

Indeed, the players are the ones who will decide if staging comes into the game, but by raising the discussion the AFL have reiterated it isn’t in the spirit of the game and probably added that crucial little bit of extra scrutiny to such incidents ahead of 2010.

The discussion may not stop the problem, but it could stem the flow.
Click here to read this article on The Roar

McGowan Scores On Ayr Debut

as seen on au.fourfourtwo.com

Young Socceroo Ryan McGowan has scored on his debut after moving from Scottish Premier League club Hearts to second tier Ayr United on a three-month loan deal.

The 20-year-old Adelaide-born defender began his stint at Ayr in style with a goal in their 2-2 draw with Dundee on Wednesday in the Scottish First Division.

McGowan only just returned to Scotland after playing for Australia in the under-20s World Cup in Egypt, where he was sent off in the opening game against the Czech Republic.

The youngster, who was handed the number 17 shirt at Hearts in July after a good pre-season, is chasing first-team football having not broken into the Jambos side this campaign despite making his debut for them on the final day of the 2007-08 season.

McGowan told the official Hearts website, "This will be a good move for me as I need to be playing games. Hopefully being at Ayr will help my game and in turn I can help Ayr climb the table.

"I am due to come back to Hearts in January when I hope to stake a claim for first team involvement again."

33 or 22 Rounds In A-League Version 6?

as seen on The Roar

We’ve all heard the argument against A-League fixtures clashing with FIFA dates and this weekend is a case in point. The FFA admits they’ll review the situation at season’s end, but with a congested fixture list next season, it’ll be a tough decision.

The 2010-2011 Hyundai A-League campaign will see eleven teams compete for the ‘silver toilet seat’, with a decision not yet made on the format for the next season.

Many expect the FFA to go with a 33-round season but that hasn’t been decided yet, with 22 rounds still an option.

Creating all the drama is the fact the FFA remain reluctant about seeing the A-League overlap with the AFL and NRL competitions, which both kick off in early-to-mid March.

And considering the A-League’s attendance figure woes during those rival codes’ respective finals series, it is understandable.

But with the introduction of Melbourne Heart next season, under a 33-round system, there will be an extra 6 rounds of football to be played.

That will be hard to fit into the FFA’s preferred A-League window from August to early-March.

Alternately, the A-League could simply run for 22 rounds, with every team playing each other twice, before the top six finals.

It would easily fit into the calendar, but perhaps 20 games wouldn’t suffice for the clubs and the fans, who will get either 13 or 14 home games this season compared to a meager 10 under that format.

Confusing the matter more is the fact the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar (which Australia should compete in) will be played during the A-League season, during the Middle East winter from January 7-29.

As this weekend’s international fixtures showed, the A-League is affected by FIFA dates, and such a clash in 2011 would be detrimental to the competition.

For example, Sunday’s South-East Queensland derby between Brisbane Roar and Gold Coast United was without three of its main drawcards, in Socceroos pair Jason Culina and Craig Moore along with All-Whites international Shane Smeltz.

It’s easy to argue those who attended the match at Suncorp may have felt a bit short-changed without those quality players on display.

And you could argue the discrepancy of the derby crowds from Round 1’s figure of 19,902 compared to this weekend’s 8,882, could in some ways be attributed to the absence of the big names.

Indeed, when the Asian Cup rolls around in January 2011, if the A-League loses a whole host of stars for 3-4 weeks, fans will feel short-changed, as well as those clubs who may subsequently drop results due to the loss of their best players.

And it is quite realistic to believe there will be a large A-League contingent in the Socceroos squad in 2011, considering the potential retirement of several European-based veteran Socceroos after the 2010 World Cup.

Add to that the fact that the Asian Cup won’t run during a FIFA break and there could be club-versus-country problems with some European-based players, which may force Australia to look at A-League options.

That’s not to say it will happen, but as the African Cup of Nations shows sometimes there’s the odd problem or two if injury clouds come into it.

Also the problem won’t be the Asian Cup alone, with five FIFA international breaks set to interrupt the 2010-2011 A-League season.

And there are plenty of international players floating around the A-League these days, as the re-scheduling of Wellington-Newcastle this weekend showed with the Phoenix minus six All-Whites players plus Malta’s Manny Muscat.

And as the A-League grows, we should be hoping it gets more capable of attracting international stars, rather than hoping they don’t get selected like Melbourne’s Costa Rican midfielder Carlos Hernandez this week.

The simple solution is to postpone and re-schedule matches when those situations arise, like the FFA did with Wellington this weekend. But how often can that happen before it totally disrupts the league, especially considering the 3-week Asian Cup and the 5 FIFA breaks scheduled during next season?

The Phoenix will now face the Jets on the first Wednesday of November and more midweek matches aren’t out of the question looking ahead.

Buckley said a few months back, “We think there’s an opportunity for it (midweek football), we haven’t determined that’s the direction we’ll go but it’s certainly on the drawing board.

“I think television would welcome it – if you look at any TV sports schedule during the course of the week, there’s not a lot of genuine competition during the summer months.”

During December and January this season there will be a number of Wednesday matches which will give the FFA a rough idea on the concept’s viability.

But the FFA showed by not re-scheduling the Brisbane-Gold Coast match this weekend that they are not willing to change too many fixtures, as unfair as that was on the fans.

Fundamentally, though, the whole problem lay with the FFA’s reluctance to schedule the A-League alongside the AFL and NRL, and as this season’s crowd figures show, there’s reason to be cautious.

Next season will offer up an increasingly congested fixture list for the FFA and how they handle it will take plenty of consideration.

And they must not forget those who hand over their money to watch the A-League every week, because denying them the opportunity to witness the best players because of international clashes is far from ideal.

But there are clearly no easy solutions here, so you’d think something’s got to give.

Who Will Make The World Cup?

as seen on au.fourfourtwo.com

With the final matches for World Cup qualifying due to be completed this Wednesday, it’s time to analyze who can and who will make it to South Africa in 2010.

We’ll briefly and concisely go through the groups which are still open, paying attention only to sides still in the World Cup race and offer a few predictions along the way. It should be a riveting Wednesday, so here’s a preview to make sense of it all.

UEFA
European qualification sees the nine group winners all qualify directly to the World Cup, while the 8 best runners-up enter into two-legged playoffs. It is very likely Group 9’s runners-up Norway will miss out on the playoffs, so the rest battling for second spot in their respective groups have their eyes on the prize already.

Group 1
1.Denmark - 21 points (qualified)
2.Portugal – 16 points (prediction for playoffs)
3.Sweden – 15 points
The Portuguese can book a playoffs spot with victory over bottom-of-the-group Malta in Guimaraes, but anything less and Sweden can swoop when they host Albania in Stockholm.

Nevertheless, Portugal is in the box seat although the Swedes will be enthused by the news Cristiano Ronaldo won’t face Malta due to an ankle injury but they’ll still need a Maltese miracle.

for more of the same, from all the groups and confederations, click here...

Garcia Fighting His Way Back

as seen on au.fourfourtwo.com

Forgotten Socceroo Richard Garcia says his comeback is near after seriously damaging knee ligaments during pre-season training with his Premier League club Hull City.

The 28-year-old Australian hasn't played for the Tigers first-team since they dramatically survived the drop on the final day of last season back in May.

But the Perth-born right-winger believes he is close to a return to action after his long injury layoff.

"I'm not far off training, probably a couple of weeks," Garcia told Tigers Player. "After that, it's just a case of getting fit and getting my sharpness back. We'll take things from there."

Garcia, who hasn't appeared in green and gold since the 0-0 draw in Qatar in June, acknowledges the injury has come at a frustrating time for him with Hull set for a difficult second season in the top flight and with a World Cup spot up for grabs with the Socceroos in 2010.

He added: "I have to concentrate on getting back into the Hull City team and trying to play some good games. If I do that, hopefully I will be selected for the (Australian) squad and that would be a dream come true for me.

"It's been a very, very frustrating time for me. It's not nice sitting on the sidelines, especially when you see everybody else outside on the training pitch.

"I just want to come back and be able to add something to the team. Hopefully that will happen."

Griffiths On Target For Guoan

as seen on au.fourfourtwo.com

Ryan Griffiths scored as Beijing Guoan grabbed a dramatic late equaliser to draw 2-2 at Henan Construction in a crucial top of the table clash in China's Super League overnight.

Going into the game Henan lead the standings ahead of Guoan by just the one point, although the capital club did have a game in hand, which meant the hosts were intent on claiming the three points.

Early on though, it was Beijing who took the lead when Griffiths won the ball in midfield with great pressure before running onto a nice through-ball and sliding a tidy shot past the Henan keeper. The Australian celebrated his 16th minute strike with his brother Joel who also started for Guoan.

Not long later, Ryan Griffiths might have had a double when he reacted quickly to a Guoan shot which hit the post, but the Aussie's effort was tame and easily saved.

Henan had a few late chances before the break with Xiao Zhi heading wide from a corner and Brazilian Netto firing a long-range shot past the post.

But it was a warning for Guoan, who quickly conceded two goals in 3 minutes in the second-half, the first coming in the 57th minute courtesy of Henan's Song Tae-Lim.

The Korean midfielder rose highest to head a nice cross over Beijing keeper Yang Zhi, although it appeared Song had pushed his opponent in the back.

Guoan's pain was doubled minutes later when Yang Zhi didn't deal with a shot which rebounded off the post into Netto's path and he coolly fired a close-range left-foot finish past the stopper.

With Henan desperate to hold on for the three points, Guoan pushed forward and late on there was a goalmouth scramble which Ryan Griffiths somehow couldn't force in.

But when the fourth official showed 6 minutes of stoppage time, Guoan found extra legs and when Henan's Xu Yang committed a foul in dangerous territory Beijing pushed up.

The resulting set-piece fell kindly for Honduras midfielder Emil Martinez who swept home from close-range to grab a crucial equaliser in the context of the title race.

All the title challengers drew on Saturday as well, leaving Henan top on 42 points from 27 games, with Beijing second (41 points from 26 games), Shandong third (41 points from 27 games) and Changchun Yatai fourth (41 points from 27 games).

The Winners & Losers Of AFL Trade Week

as seen on The Roar

It’s been an unusually busy AFL Trade Week this year, with big names like Brendon Fevola, Darren Jolly and Shaun Burgoyne all finding new homes. And with Friday’s deadline ending proceedings, it’s time to analyse who won and who lost in Trade Week.

Adelaide
Gains; did not trade
Losses; did not trade
Draft Picks; 13, 29, 45, 61, 77

The Crows opted to stay away from the trade table this week and perhaps that was a wise call by Neil Craig’s men who have their key positions sorted and with a few veterans near the end, keeping their draft picks is important.

Brisbane Lions
Gains; Brendon Fevola, Andrew Raines, Brent Staker, Amon Buchanan, Xavier Clarke, picks 27, 47
Losses; Bradd Dalziell, Lachlan Henderson, picks 12, 28, 44, 60
Draft Picks; 27, 47, 76

Michael Voss has proven himself to be quite the dealer this week and it seems he’s ready to offer second-chances to footballers.

But getting Brendon Fevola is perhaps the deal of the week, especially considering what it cost the Lions after Daniel Bradshaw and Michael Rischitelli had been up for offer. Indeed, in the short-term the Lions have lost little and gained a lot.

Carlton
Gains; Brock McLean, Lachlan Henderson, pick 12
Losses; Brendon Fevola, picks 11, 27
Draft Picks; 12, 43, 59, 75

Despite all the controversy he brings, Brendon Fevola’s departure means Carlton have lost the Coleman Medallist and that’s a huge blow. And the Blues didn’t cash in on the deal to trade Fevola north. That too is a blow.

Adding McLean is handy and after a few injury interrupted seasons perhaps this is the move he needs. But the Blues have lost a few draft picks as well as Fevola, so it hasn’t been a great week at the trade table for Carlton.

Collingwood
Gains; Darren Jolly
Losses; picks 14, 46
Draft Picks; 30, 62, 78

The Pies got their man, with Darren Jolly heading back to Victoria to bolster Collingwood’s dodgy ruck stocks although they missed out on St Kilda’s Luke Ball, who may still join via the pre-season draft.

The Jolly deal cost the Maggies first and third round selections but they believe they’ve got a very young list already and that their premiership window will soon be open. Indeed, the Pies have done well.

Essendon
Gains; Mark Williams, picks 24, 33, 97
Losses; Andrew Lovett, Jay Nash, pick 42
Draft Picks; 10, 24, 26, 33, 58, 74, 97

Bombers coach Matthew Knights is delighted with Essendon’s trade week with a couple of good draft picks added alongside a handy forward in Mark Williams.

Once upon a time, Williams was the main man in Hawthorn’s forward-line, so perhaps this is a great move for him and the Bombers.

Fremantle
Gains; picks 48, 49
Losses; Brett Peake, Marcus Drum
Draft Picks; 4, 20, 36, 48, 49, 52, 68

The Dockers have a history of poor trades so they wisely kept to themselves this time round, allowing a few out-of-favour players to move on. They did also keep born-again key position player Chris Tarrant. They haven’t done too badly.

Geelong
Gains; Marcus Drum, picks 28, 40, 42, 56
Losses; Shane Mumford, picks 33, 49, 97
Draft Picks; 17, 28, 40, 42, 56, 65, 81

The Cats got involved in the confusing four-way Burgoyne-to-Hawthorn deal and by doing so improved their draft choices. They’ve also hung onto all of their premiership players too, signaling some good work by Geelong.

Hawthorn
Gains; Shaun Burgoyne, Josh Gibson, picks 39, 46, 69, 70
Losses; Mark Williams, Ben McGlynn, Josh P. Kennedy, picks 9, 25, 41
Draft Picks; 39, 46, 57, 69, 70, 73

The lessons of 2009 have been learned and Hawthorn are determined not to waste anymore time with the clock ticking on their premiership window. Adding key defender Josh Gibson and classy 26-year-old midfielder Shaun Burgoyne represents great business in the short-term.

And while they’ll be the last club to enter this year’s draft, it seems they’re more worried about short-term matters. They had their targets and landed them both, they’ve done well.

Melbourne
Gains; pick 11
Losses; Brock McLean
Draft Picks; 1, 2, 11, 18, 34, 50, 66

The Demons will go into the 2009 AFL Draft with three of the first 11 picks. That’s all that matters for the re-building, young Melbourne list. Retaining those draft picks and adding another via Brock McLean’s trade (which probably favoured the Dees) is good business.

North Melbourne
Gains; picks 25, 41
Losses; Josh Gibson, pick 69
Draft Picks; 5, 21, 25, 37, 41, 53

The Kangas’ ability to bargain was compromised when Josh Gibson admitted he wanted out of the club and Hawthorn was to be his destination. North wanted a first-round pick for Gibson and didn’t get it. They’ll still go into the draft with 3 picks inside the first 25, but they may have got better.

Port Adelaide
Gains; Jay Schulz, Jay Nash, picks 9, 16
Losses; Shaun Burgoyne, Mitch Farmer, pick 24, 40, 56, 72
Draft Picks; 8, 9 ,16

When Shaun Burgoyne nominated Hawthorn as his club of choice, it left Port in an awkward position on the trade table. In the end, snaring picks 9 and 16 out of it was a pretty decent return.

Interestingly, Mark Williams’ Power will go into this year’s draft with only 3 picks, all in the first-round.

Richmond
Gains; Mitch Farmer, picks 44, 72
Losses; Andrew Raines, Jay Schulz
Draft Picks; 3, 19, 35, 44, 51, 67, 72

The Tigers’ trade week was neither poor nor great. Perhaps having come second-last in 2009, they could’ve been aggressive in adding high draft picks but instead their only changes were a few fringe players.

St Kilda
Gains; Andrew Lovett, Brett Peake, pick 60
Losses; Xavier Clarke, picks 16, 48
Draft Picks; 32, 60, 64, 80

Ross Lyon’s additions obviously represent quick players who offer plenty of run and carry, but with ball-winner Luke Ball desperate to leave it was an interesting policy for the Saints to go with. They wanted Tyson Goldsack in the Ball to Collingwood deal but they couldn’t make it work and Ball may still leave. The Saints could’ve done better.

Sydney
Gains; Mark Seaby, Shane Mumford, Ben McGlynn, Josh P. Kennedy, pick 14
Losses; Amon Buchanan, Barry Hall, Darren Jolly, picks 22, 47, 70
Draft Picks; 6, 14, 38, 54

With ruckman Darren Jolly off to Collingwood, the Swans wanted bigmen and they got two in Mark Seaby and Shane Mumford. Jolly leaves big shoes to fill (pardon the pun) and it’s hard to see either of these two doing so immediately.

But the Swans are re-building and have added a first-round draft pick as well as some handy players so they’ve done okay.

West Coast
Gains; Bradd Dalziell, pick 22
Losses; Mark Seaby, Brent Staker, pick 39
Draft Picks; 7, 22, 23, 55, 71

The Eagles have allowed some deadwood to move on and in return have done quite well. Pick 22 and young local ball-magnet Bradd Dalziell are good additions for a West Coast side still focusing on youth. It was reported they were after a small forward but nothing materialized.

Western Bulldogs
Gains; Barry Hall
Losses; pick 47
Draft Picks; 15, 31, 63, 79

The Dogs had one thing on their mind at trade week. Barry Hall. With Hall always leaving the Swans, it was a pretty simple deal for the Bullies.

Hall, though, offers no promises and hasn’t been at his best for the last few years but he will add another dimension up forward which could prove critical. The Dogs also re-signed Brad Johnson and Brian Lake during trade week and that tops off a pretty good week at Footscray.