Sydney soars, United falls - Soccer - Sport - theage.com.au Sydney soars, United falls - Soccer - Sport - theage.com.au

SYDNEY FC's night ended in glory east of Shanghai, while Adelaide United's night ended in disarray west of Adelaide in vastly contrasting starts to Australia's first foray into the Asian Champions League.

Before a small, shivering crowd of around 8000 at the Yuanshen Sports Complex, spectacular first-half goals from Sydney FC's Steve Corica and Ufuk Talay laid the foundation for a surprise, but richly deserved, 2-1 victory over Shanghai Shenhua, providing a dream start for new coach Branko Culina.

However, at Hindmarsh Stadium, a Michael Valkanis own-goal in the 47th minute gave Chinese champion Shandong Luneng a crucial 1-0 away win and created the worst possible start for interim coach Aurelio Vidmar.

  Posted by Stephen @ 7:54 AM   0 comments   

Kosmina not fazed if he is forced to coach from stand - Soccer - Sport Kosmina not fazed if he is forced to coach from stand - Soccer - Sport

MELBOURNE Victory boss Ernie Merrick believes John Kosmina should ask for the money back from his anger-management classes, but his grand final counterpart is not bothered if he gets a touchline ban from Sunday's showdown at Telstra Dome.

Kosmina, in defiant mood, yesterday said that his team was so well prepared and well-drilled for the game that he could coach them from a coffee shop if he had to.

  Posted by Stephen @ 8:03 AM   0 comments   

Kemp searching for card reprieve - Soccer - Sport - theage.com.au Kemp searching for card reprieve - Soccer - Sport - theage.com.au

SUSPENDED Adelaide United defender Matthew Kemp has asked the Professional Footballers Association to explore any legal loophole that might exist to see if the yellow card that earned him a grand final ban can be rescinded.

While neither Kemp nor association boss Brendan Schwab holds out much hope of a last-gasp reprieve, Schwab believes that the Kemp case — when the player was booked erroneously in the judgement of most observers — should prompt a Football Federation Australia rethink on the use of cards in finals series.

  Posted by Stephen @ 8:02 AM   0 comments   

The Reds are coming … busloads of them - Soccer - Sport - theage.com.au The Reds are coming … busloads of them - Soccer - Sport - theage.com.au

THE Rinaldi family from Adelaide's Golden Grove will be among a sea of 4000 supporters crossing the Victoria-South Australia border for the Adelaide United-Melbourne Victory A-League grand final at Telstra Dome on Sunday.

Decked in their red, blue and gold state colours, they're ready for South Australia's biggest sporting challenge since Malcolm Blight took the Crows to AFL flags in 1997 and 1998.

  Posted by Stephen @ 8:01 AM   0 comments   

Finals fever ticket frenzy in February - Soccer - Sport - theage.com.au Finals fever ticket frenzy in February - Soccer - Sport - theage.com.au

MEMBERS of Telstra Dome's Medallion Club are auctioning their seats to Sunday's sold-out A-League grand final on eBay for hundreds of dollars each.

Medallion Club members pay $5000 a year for a seat at all sporting events at Telstra Dome.

  Posted by Stephen @ 8:00 AM   0 comments   

We'll keep improving: van Egmond Hyundai A-League > Display: "Gary van Egmond is confident the Newcastle Jets will go from strength to strength after suffering a heart-breaking exit in the Hyundai A-League finals.

The Jets were denied a place in the Grand Final on Sunday as Adelaide United won 4-3 on penalties in the Preliminary Final to book its place alongside Melbourne Victory."  Posted by Stephen @ 7:47 AM   0 comments   

Veart wants redemption Hyundai A-League > Display: "Adelaide United's grand final berth has been a long time coming but striker Carl Veart believes his side has the talent, fitness and desire to make the season decider a memorable one.

Veart said the players have wanted a chance for redemption after going out of the 2005/06 finals series in straight sets."  Posted by Stephen @ 7:46 AM   0 comments   

Injury dilemma for United Hyundai A-League > Display: "Adelaide United striker Nathan Burns is in doubt for the Hyundai A-League Grand Final after he pulled out of the Australian Under 23 squad after stirring up a reccurring ankle injury during the Reds' preliminary final against the Newcastle Jets."  Posted by Stephen @ 7:45 AM   0 comments   

Sinning Kosmina may be sent to the gods - Soccer - Sport - theage.com.au Sinning Kosmina may be sent to the gods - Soccer - Sport - theage.com.au: "ADELAIDE United coach John Kosmina could, in a worst-case scenario, be forced to watch the A-League grand final from the AFL coach's box at Telstra Dome after again falling foul of Football Federation Australia's disciplinary watchdogs in Sunday's dramatic penalty shootout win over the Newcastle Jets.

Kosmina, who served a four-match touchline ban during the regular season after being involved in a pitch-side altercation with Melbourne Victory captain Kevin Muscat, is the subject of an FFA investigation over an alleged breach of the sport's code of conduct."  Posted by Stephen @ 7:44 AM   0 comments   

The goalkeeper's art of ultimate defence - Soccer - Sport - theage.com.au The goalkeeper's art of ultimate defence - Soccer - Sport - theage.com.au: "IF SUNDAY'S A-League grand final ends up deadlocked after extra-time, then Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos and his Adelaide counterpart, Daniel Beltrame, should relish the opportunity to face penalties, not fear it.

Victory's goalkeeping coach Steve Mautone, a former shot-stopper with English Premier League clubs West Ham and Reading, says the shootout is the goalkeeper's moment in the sun, the chance to be the game-breaker or match-saver."  Posted by Stephen @ 7:42 AM   0 comments   

Injury cloud over Victory's Sarkies ahead of final - Soccer - Sport Injury cloud over Victory's Sarkies ahead of final - Soccer - Sport: "Melbourne Victory's worst fears have been realised, with midfielder Kristian Sarkies in doubt for the A-League grand final after being injured on national duty the club sought his release from.

Sarkies, one of four Victory players currently in Taipei for the Olyroos' Olympic qualifier second leg against Taiwan on Wednesday, injured his groin during training."  Posted by Stephen @ 7:41 AM   0 comments   

59.167.186.245 The World Game: "Adelaide United has won through to its first A-League Grand Final after two saves from goalkeeper Daniel Beltrame in the penalty shootout put paid to Newcastle United Jets' hopes at Hindmarsh Stadium.

United booked a Grand Final match-up with Melbourne Victory next weekend thanks to a 4-3 win on penalties after the teams were locked at 1-1 after 120 minutes."  Posted by Stephen @ 9:57 PM   0 comments   

ESPN Back in Mobile Game - New York Times ESPN Back in Mobile Game - New York Times: "LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Mobile ESPN is back on the line. After hanging up its branded cellular phone package in September, the Walt Disney Co. is re-entering the wireless business with a pair of deals announced Thursday with Verizon Wireless and MediaFlo USA.

In other ESPN digital news, the sports network will kick off an online minutelong iteration of its iconic ``SportsCenter'' on Monday, a day after the franchise marks its 30,000th episode.

ESPN and Verizon are joining forces on mobile in several forms, including as part of the phone company's V-Cast subscription lineup and through V-Cast TV, a package of 24/7 channels being distributed by MediaFlo, a division of Qualcomm. Terms of the multiyear deals were not disclosed."  Posted by Stephen @ 9:54 AM   0 comments   

Capon praise for Butcher - PA Sport The World Game: "Sydney FC chairman Edmund Capon has praised Terry Butcher after the former England international stood down as head coach of the A-League side.

Butcher's stint in Sydney came to an end after just one disappointing season that began with the loss of Dwight Yorke to Sunderland and ended when his side crashed out of the title race after losing in the minor semi-final to Newcastle United Jets last weekend."  Posted by Stephen @ 9:37 AM   0 comments   

Melbourne warned to back off - Soccer - Sport - theage.com.au Melbourne warned to back off - Soccer - Sport - theage.com.au: "A-League boss Matt Carroll yesterday warned Melbourne Victory chairman Geoff Lord to lay off his battle with the State Government over the new Olympic Park stadium.

He suggested that the pugnacious businessman could cause more harm than good with his outbursts, and flagged the possibility that FFA could push to capitalise on the game's growing Victorian fan base by giving the go-ahead for a second club in Melbourne for the 2010-11 campaign."  Posted by Stephen @ 9:36 AM   0 comments   

Adelaide confident drought will end - Soccer - Sport - theage.com.au Adelaide confident drought will end - Soccer - Sport - theage.com.au: "While Adelaide United has won important games and major trophies, it has not won a finals game, but coach John Kosmina senses the drought is about to break in tomorrow's preliminary final against red-hot Newcastle Jets.

After romping away with the minor premiership last season Adelaide flopped in the finals, failing to win any of its three games before being bundled out by Central Coast Mariners one game short of the grand final."  Posted by Stephen @ 9:33 AM   0 comments   

Culina set to replace Butcher - Soccer - Sport - theage.com.au Culina set to replace Butcher - Soccer - Sport - theage.com.au: "Sydney FC yesterday reached a settlement with outgoing coach Terry Butcher — paving the way for Branko Culina to be unveiled as the interim coach in the next 48 hours.

After tense negotiation, Butcher has agreed to resign — heading off a potentially ugly legal dispute.

Butcher's departure will allow Culina, the Soccer NSW technical director, to take charge of the team for the Asian Champions League campaign. Sydney plays its opening match of the ACL against Shanghai Shenhua on March 7. The squad is due to reassemble next Wednesday after being given time off after their exit from the finals last weekend.

Culina, who spent almost a decade coaching in the old National Soccer League with four clubs — Melbourne Knights, Sydney United, Canberra Cosmos and Sydney Olympic — was Sydney FC's initial choice as coach before the A-League was launched. But when Football Federation Australia sidelined Soccer NSW its management of the club, Culina was eventually overlooked."  Posted by Stephen @ 9:32 AM   0 comments   

Consistency remains key for coach - Soccer - Sport - theage.com.au Consistency remains key for coach - Soccer - Sport - theage.com.au: "While the results have been so much better for Melbourne Victory this year, Ernie Merrick does not believe he has made any fundamental changes in his coaching style.

'It's the same as last year — we have just got better preparation and better players in key positions in midfield. The difference in the engine room has been huge in maturity. (Rody) Vargas in the back line is another of the key differences. The rest has not really changed."  Posted by Stephen @ 9:31 AM   0 comments   

Merrick's personal victory - Soccer - Sport - theage.com.au Merrick's personal victory - Soccer - Sport - theage.com.au: "If the TAB were to run a market on the A-League coach of the year, Melbourne Victory's Ernie Merrick probably would be a short-priced favourite.

The only other contender who would be backed to beat him is , Gary van Egmond, the man who wrought the miraculous makeover of the Newcastle Jets."  Posted by Stephen @ 9:30 AM   0 comments   

Victory ask for players release - AAP The World Game: "Melbourne Victory's tug-of-war with the Olyroos flared up again on Thursday, with the club asking for its players involved in the A-League grand final to be released from next week's dead rubber Olympic qualifier.

The Olyroos thumped Taiwan 11-0 in the first leg in Adelaide on Wednesday night, effectively killing off the return leg in Taipei next Wednesday."

Labels: Melbourne Victory

  Posted by Stephen @ 11:42 PM   0 comments   

Culina hoses down talk - AAP The World Game: "Branko Culina says talk of him replacing sacked Sydney FC coach Terry Butcher is news to him because he hasn't 'heard a thing' from the club.

Culina, NSW Soccer's technical director, said the growing rumours over his employment at the glamour could just be a smokescreen and he wasn't even sure he would take on the role if offered.

'I've been there before,' Culina told AAP.

'Coaching has huge highs and huge lows, and I would have to seriously consider all the terms and conditions and all that sort of thing before accepting a role like that.'"

Labels: Sydney FC

  Posted by Stephen @ 11:40 PM   0 comments   

Zola to takeover Sydney? - PA Sport The World Game: "Gianfranco Zola has emerged as an early candidate to take over as coach of A-League club Sydney FC after the departure of Terry Butcher via mutual agreement on Thursday.

The former Italy international is currently assistant coach of the national under-21 team, but his contract with the country's federation runs out in mid-June and a move to Australia could be on the cards after he declared his interest in the role."

Labels: Sydney FC

  Posted by Stephen @ 11:39 PM   0 comments   

Sydney Bone Butcher The World Game: "Sydney FC has finally confirmed the sacking of coach Terry Butcher after days of speculation.

'The contractual arrangement with Terry Butcher as head coach of the club has come to an end,' a club statement released on Thursday said.

'The parties and their lawyers have had discussions. No further statements or comments will be issued or made at this stage.'

'An interim coaching structure will be implemented for the six AFC Asian Champions League matches.'

Sydney's Asian commitments begin next month in Shanghai with former NSL coach and current Soccer NSW technical director Branko Culina expected to fill the void."

Labels: Sydney FC

  Posted by Stephen @ 11:37 PM   0 comments   

Van Egmond's tactical brilliance put Jets on mid-season flyer, says Carle Van Egmond's tactical brilliance put Jets on mid-season flyer, says Carle: "NEWCASTLE star Nicky Carle last night revealed how rookie coach Gary van Egmond won the team over with a combination of tactical brilliance and smooth man management.

The Jets did not win a game this season before Nick Theodorakopoulos was sacked after seven rounds. Van Egmond was appointed caretaker coach and they won four of their next five games to establish themselves as a force."

Labels: Newcastle Jets

  Posted by Stephen @ 7:42 AM   0 comments   

North found guilty - Football Federation Australia The World Game: "Football Federation Australia (FFA) appointed Disciplinary Arbitrator, Tony O'Reilly, found Newcastle Jets player Jade North, guilty on a charge of violent conduct on Wednesday evening.

A penalty of a two match suspension was handed down in relation to the charge - although, one match of the two match suspension has been suspended until the end of the A-League 2007/08 season and will be invoked should North receive a red card or suspension for any violent conduct offence during that period, in addition to whatever other penalty is determined."  Posted by Stephen @ 7:39 AM   0 comments   

Sydney FC set to bone Butcher - Soccer - Sport - theage.com.au Sydney FC set to bone Butcher - Soccer - Sport - theage.com.au: "SYDNEY coach Terry Butcher has coached the team for the last time, although the club has delayed an official announcement until today.

Although Butcher has a year left on his contract, there is little doubt the board wants him out. But while the media had him sacked yesterday, the club was working through the final stages of negotiation last night."  Posted by Stephen @ 7:39 AM   0 comments   

Brebner's gamble on an Australian sojourn could deliver a silver lining - Soccer Brebner's gamble on an Australian sojourn could deliver a silver lining - Soccer: "Melbourne Victory playmaker Grant Brebner, a recovering gambling addict, made the biggest bet of his life when he left the fiercely competitive world of British soccer for a new sporting career in Australia.

The punt has paid off spectacularly, not just for the measured midfielder but for the club that gave him the chance to reinvent himself."  Posted by Stephen @ 7:38 AM   1 comments   

Defeat is not all doom and gloom - Soccer - Sport - theage.com.au Defeat is not all doom and gloom - Soccer - Sport - theage.com.au: "THE World Cup euphoria might have dissipated somewhat after the Socceroos' 3-1 loss to Denmark yesterday, but the balloon of expectation has far from deflated despite a first half that exposed Australia's defensive frailties."  Posted by Stephen @ 7:37 AM   0 comments   

Youngster loves a kicking - Soccer - Sport - theage.com.au Youngster loves a kicking - Soccer - Sport - theage.com.au: "MELBOURNE Victory players do not wear shinguards at training. The coaching staff prefer them to practise their touch and ball skills rather than clatter into each other in heavy tackles.

But there is one exception to the no-contact rule — and 169-centimetre teenager Leigh Broxham is always the victim.

Victory's skipper Kevin Muscat, the legendary hard man of the Australian (and English) game, takes great delight in roughing up the diminutive youngster, physically testing him and kicking him around whenever they contest possession."  Posted by Stephen @ 2:15 PM   0 comments   

Sydney faces uphill battle with injuries to key players - Soccer - Sport Sydney faces uphill battle with injuries to key players - Soccer - Sport: "SYDNEY'S preparations for the defining game of its season have gone from bad to worse with injuries to Ruben Zadkovich and Jacob Timpano once again leaving coach Terry Butcher scrambling to fill his teamsheet for tomorrow night's do-or- die match against Queensland Roar.

Timpano and Zadkovich both picked up injuries during this week's training camp in Canberra with the Australian Olympic (under-23) team, exacerbating an already delicate situation. Timpano has been ruled out for six weeks with a groin tear, while Zadkovich pulled his calf muscle in the final session at the Australian Institute of Sport yesterday, and remains in doubt."  Posted by Stephen @ 2:13 PM   0 comments   

Venue problem still vexes Victory - Soccer - Sport - theage.com.au Venue problem still vexes Victory - Soccer - Sport - theage.com.au: "MELBOURNE Victory officials continue to wrestle with what chief executive Geoff Miles describes as ' a nice problem to have' — whether to move to a smaller, purpose-built rectangular stadium or stick with the larger Telstra Dome as a home ground.

The Age revealed on Saturday that planning over the proposed new $190 million, 20,000-capacity Olympic Park stadium was up in the air.

Melbourne Victory's average crowds of nearly 30,000 threaten to turn it into a white elephant if capacity is not increased because the club might not agree to play there."  Posted by Stephen @ 1:45 PM   0 comments