Ange Postecoglou’s status as the greatest football coach ever produced by Australia has been confirmed after leading Yokohama F.Marinos to the J-League title.

The ex-Socceroos coach added the Japanese championship to his 2015 Asian Cup triumph, two A-League championships and two NSL titles with a 3-0 win over nearest rivals FC Tokyo.

The victory secured Yokohama’s first J-League crown since 2005 and came despite Yokohama being reduced to 10 men for most of the second-half of Saturday’s fixture.

A delighted Postecoglou hailed his players for their calmness as they wrapped up the league, winning the title by a six-point margin.

“We played our best football at the most important time and that’s why we ended up champions,” the 54-year-old said.

Again our players showed tremendous belief and confidence and played fantastic football.”

As well as his titles, Postecoglou was also at the helm of Brisbane Roar during their 36-match undefeated run in 2011 – a feat which eclipsed the national club record held for 74 years by rugby league’s Eastern Suburbs.

He also successfully led the Socceroos to qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia before surprisingly resigning from the position two weeks later in November 2017.

Within a month of that decision Postecoglou had joined Yokohama.

After guiding them to a 12th-place finish in his first season in charge, Postecoglou has transformed the club into a title-winning side with an attractive, attacking flair.

The success with Yokohama has reportedly put Postecoglou on the radar of European clubs, as well as the Japan national team.

For now though, Postecoglou was adamant he still had work to do at Yokohama.

“I’m definitely going to be around next year for sure,” he said.

-AAP

The post Football: Postecoglou a hero after Yokohama F.Marinos triumph appeared first on The New Daily.

https://thenewdaily.com.au/sport/football/2019/12/08/football-postecoglou-a-hero-after-yokohama-f-marinos-triumph/

Ange Postecoglou is adamant wherever he goes he’ll be a success.

The ex-Socceroos coach has repeatedly downplayed talk of a move to Europe after leading Yokohama F. Marinos to the J-League title on Saturday.

Postecoglou has a year left on his contract in Japan and says he still has things he wants to achieve with Yokohama.

As to future plans, he is keeping an open mind.

“I figured out pretty early no point putting goals or ambitions in front of you,” Postecoglou told Optus Sport.

“The football world’s amazing where it can take you and I’ll just see, I’ll just see what happens after here.

I’ve still got some things to do here … and then where the next step takes me mate, I don’t think too much about.

“Wherever it is I’ll do what I’ve always done and tackle it head on.

“I know I’ll be successful. I don’t say that sort of in an arrogant way I just know that what I do and the way I get my teams to play and the belief that I can instil in people … the fact that I’m Australian or geography isn’t going to stop me from believing I can succeed wherever I am.”

Postecoglou’s Japanese success adds to a glittering honour roll as a coach including Australia’s 2015 Asian Cup win, two A-League championships with Brisbane Roar and two NSL titles with South Melbourne.

He coached the Socceroos at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and successfully qualified them for the 2018 tournament in Russia.

Two weeks after securing that qualification, Postecoglou stepped down from the Socceroos job amid frustration with criticism of his selection and tactics.

A month later the 54-year-old headed to Japan to take the reins of Yokohama but refused to claim his title win was a vindication of his decision to walk away from Australian football.

“We’re passionate about sport. Not everyone’s going to like the way I do things, not everyone’s going to agree with my decisions,” Postecoglou told ABC’s Offsiders program.

“I get that. It’s not what drives me. For me, I love the joy of sport, any sport.

“I love seeing young people – men and women – realising their dreams and tackling things without fear.

“That’s what gets me up every morning. I’ve dodged having a real job my whole life mate and as long as that continues I feel very blessed.”

The ex-Socceroos coach added the Japanese championship to his 2015 Asian Cup triumph, two A-League championships and two NSL titles with a 3-0 win over nearest rivals FC Tokyo.

The victory secured Yokohama’s first J-League crown since 2005 and came despite Yokohama being reduced to 10 men for most of the second-half of Saturday’s fixture.

A delighted Postecoglou hailed his players for their calmness as they wrapped up the league, winning the title by a six-point margin.

“We played our best football at the most important time and that’s why we ended up champions,” the 54-year-old said.

Again our players showed tremendous belief and confidence and played fantastic football.”

As well as his titles, Postecoglou was also at the helm of Brisbane Roar during their 36-match undefeated run in 2011 – a feat which eclipsed the national club record held for 74 years by rugby league’s Eastern Suburbs.

He also successfully led the Socceroos to qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia before surprisingly resigning from the position two weeks later in November 2017.

Within a month of that decision Postecoglou had joined Yokohama.

After guiding them to a 12th-place finish in his first season in charge, Postecoglou has transformed the club into a title-winning side with an attractive, attacking flair.

The success with Yokohama has reportedly put Postecoglou on the radar of European clubs, as well as the Japan national team.

For now though, Postecoglou was adamant he still had work to do at Yokohama.

“I’m definitely going to be around next year for sure,” he said.

-with AAP

The post Football: Postecoglou assessing next move after J-League triumph appeared first on The New Daily.

https://thenewdaily.com.au/sport/football/2019/12/08/football-postecoglou-a-hero-after-yokohama-f-marinos-triumph/

Ange Postecoglou is adamant wherever he goes he’ll be a success.

The ex-Socceroos coach has repeatedly downplayed talk of a move to Europe after leading Yokohama F. Marinos to the J-League title on Saturday.

Postecoglou has a year left on his contract in Japan and says he still has things he wants to achieve with Yokohama.

As for future plans, he is keeping an open mind.

“I figured out pretty early no point putting goals or ambitions in front of you,” Postecoglou told Optus Sport.

“The football world’s amazing where it can take you and I’ll just see. I’ll just see what happens after here.

I’ve still got some things to do here … and then where the next step takes me mate, I don’t think too much about.

“Wherever it is I’ll do what I’ve always done and tackle it head on.

“I know I’ll be successful.

“I don’t say that in an arrogant way. I just know that what I do and the way I get my teams to play and the belief that I can instil in people … the fact that I’m Australian or geography isn’t going to stop me from believing I can succeed wherever I am.”

Postecoglou’s Japanese success adds to a glittering honour roll as a coach including Australia’s 2015 Asian Cup win, two A-League championships with Brisbane Roar and two NSL titles with South Melbourne.

He coached the Socceroos at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and successfully qualified them for the 2018 tournament in Russia.

Two weeks after securing that qualification, Postecoglou stepped down from the Socceroos job amid frustration with criticism of his selection and tactics.

A month later the 54-year-old headed to Japan to take the reins of Yokohama but refused to claim his title win was a vindication of his decision to walk away from Australian football.

“We’re passionate about sport. Not everyone’s going to like the way I do things. Not everyone’s going to agree with my decisions,” Postecoglou told ABC’s Offsiders program.

“I get that. It’s not what drives me. For me, I love the joy of sport, any sport.

“I love seeing young people – men and women – realising their dreams and tackling things without fear.

“That’s what gets me up every morning. I’ve dodged having a real job my whole life mate and as long as that continues I feel very blessed.”

The ex-Socceroos coach added the Japanese championship to his achievements with a 3-0 win over nearest rivals FC Tokyo.

The victory secured Yokohama’s first J-League crown since 2005 and came despite Yokohama being reduced to 10 men for most of the second half of Saturday’s fixture.

A delighted Postecoglou hailed his players for their calmness as they wrapped up the league, winning the title by a six-point margin.

“We played our best football at the most important time and that’s why we ended up champions,” the 54-year-old said.

Again our players showed tremendous belief and confidence and played fantastic football.’’

As well as his titles, Postecoglou was also at the helm of Brisbane Roar during its 36-match undefeated run in 2011 – a feat that eclipsed the national club record held for 74 years by rugby league’s Eastern Suburbs.

He also successfully led the Socceroos to qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia before surprisingly resigning from the position two weeks later in November 2017.

After guiding Yokohama to a 12th-place finish in his first season in charge, Postecoglou has transformed the club into a title-winning side with an attractive, attacking flair.

The success with Yokohama has reportedly put Postecoglou on the radar of European clubs, as well as the Japan national team.

For now though, Postecoglou was adamant he still had work to do at Yokohama.

“I’m definitely going to be around next year, for sure,” he said.

-with AAP

The post Football: Ange Postecoglou assessing next move after J-League triumph appeared first on The New Daily.

https://thenewdaily.com.au/sport/football/2019/12/08/football-postecoglou-a-hero-after-yokohama-f-marinos-triumph/

Bruno Fornaroli has been the hero against his former club, as Perth jump off the bottom of the A-League table with a 3-0 win over Melbourne City at AAMI Park.

Fornaroli headed home in the 27th minute, Harrison Delbridge scored an own-goal in the 47th and Tomislav Mrcela rounded out Friday night’s victory with a fine header in the 71st, catapulting the Glory to sixth on the table – albeit with four games this round still to be played.

City started the brighter of the two teams but, despite controlling possession, rarely made inroads in attack and lacked fluency.

Jamie Maclaren had just two decent chances in the opening half – sending one flick over the bar in the fourth minute and a shot into Liam Reddy’s arms in the 15th.

Two minutes later, the Glory almost profited after a disastrous moment from City goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis, when he attempted to play out from the back but turned it over to Diego Castro, who arguably should have done better as he put his shot off target.

Against the run of play, it fell to Fornaroli to open the scoring in the 27th minute.

Juande had a strike ricochet aerially off Connor Metcalfe and Delbridge failed to deal with Fornaroli, who outbodied the defender and powered a header past Bouzanis.

The former City captain had a muted celebration but was mobbed by his teammates.

Perth doubled their lead in the 47th minute through a Harrison Delbridge own-goal.

Neil Kilkenny found Castro, who cut the ball back to Gregory Wuthrich with the defender launching a low, long-range shot.

In attempting to block the ball, Delbridge instead cut it into his own net.

In the 71st minute, Tomislav Mrcela, on his return from injury, made it 3-0.

Kilkenny played a 1-2 with Fornaroli and whipped a ball to the back post, from where Mrcela towered over Delbridge and buried a superb header.

Metcalfe looked to have pulled back a consolation goal in the 79th minute but his left-footed strike was ruled out by the offside flag, with City suffering their first goalless performance since round one’s Melbourne derby.

Fornaroli departed the game in the 87th minute, leaving to applause from City and Glory fans alike.

-AAP

The post A-League: Fornaroli steals all the Glory against his old club appeared first on The New Daily.

https://thenewdaily.com.au/sport/football/2019/12/06/a-league-fornaroli-steals-all-the-glory-against-his-old-club/

Observers of the A-League over the past month would have been hard pressed to miss the sudden explosion in figures sporting a hairy addition to their top lip.

Movember took the A-League by storm across November and one of the more easily identified moustachioed characters was Melbourne City’s Josh Brilliante, who – taking advantage of his existing beard – sported a look the likes of which would easily qualify him for a part in Hollywood’s next western blockbuster.

“I think it’s important as a footballer [to get involved in charitable efforts],” the City midfielder said as Movember wound down to its final days.

“Obviously, it’s quite a good lifestyle and it’s a lucky position to be in.

“I think it’s nice to be able to give back to the community and enjoy and appreciate these times.”

Brilliante’s point is a salient one for, as the world’s most popular sport by some distance, the power that football wields to serve as a driver for positive social change is undeniable.

The uniting of the footballing community behind the work of Craig Foster and his push to free falsely imprisoned Hakeem al-Araibi in late 2018 and early 2019 shows what can be done when those that love the beautiful game come together.

Less than a year after political machinations denied him a place on the FFA board, Foster worked tirelessly as he crisscrossed the globe to rally support behind the release of the young refugee – a Bahraini refugee wrongfully detained while in Thailand at the request of his former government.

“When I look at Hakeem I see a footballer. I don’t see a Bahraini. I don’t see a Muslim and I don’t see a refugee,” Foster went on to tell Australian Story.

“I just see a kid who plays my game. We are going to have to step up for this kid and as an ex-player, I knew I had that responsibility.”

Demonstrating the latent potential that lies at all levels of the sport, though, the original call for support for al-Araibi came in a social media post from his NPL Victoria club, Pascoe Vale FC.

That one small voice started a global movement and saved a life – and it’s just one example of local football making a difference at all levels of society.

In May, the extraordinary bravery shown by Andy Brennan in becoming the first openly gay male footballer in Australia broke down previous taboos and helped add to the positive conversation around LGBTQIA+ athletes.

Why footballer @AndyBrennan36 wanted to tell the world his biggest secret: https://t.co/rv9cBEsbON pic.twitter.com/H5myNUiu6X

— The New Daily (@TheNewDailyAu) June 27, 2019

Across the 2019 NPLW Victoria season, Melbourne Victory, Calder United and fringe Matildas’ defender Angie Beard ran a fundraiser in which she donated funds to Beyond Blue every time she found the back of the net – which she did 31 times.

And, despite being cruelled with a long-term injury before the season, the impact of Newcastle Jets attacker Kaine Sheppard is still felt through the work of the KS Foundation.

Inspired by Kaine’s experiences with his brother Jake, the foundation seeks to create opportunities for children with autism to play and enjoy football.

“I was born and raised in England and [Jake] had autism,” Sheppard told The New Daily.

“He used to come to all of my games – he was my No.1 fan and supporter. Being able to give back to families, it was something that I was really excited about and interested in, so we started the KS Foundation.

“We’ve got sensory rooms – one of the boxes in the [Jets’] stadium – and we put kit in there; headphones for the children, tents and games. A lot of sensory stuff can set children off, such as loud noises, lights, storms or if there are any emotions, such as getting upset or getting angry.

“It’s an opportunity to go back into the room and have an area where they can relax a bit instead of having to leave the game.

“They have space when they can relax and once they calm down, quite a lot want to go back out there to watch.

Another fantastic day in the KS Foundation Autism Sensory Room.
8 families had the opportunity to spend the day in a comfortable environment at McDonald Jones Stadium to watch the Newcastle Jets take in Perth Glory.#Autism #AutismAwareness #AutismAustralia #Aleague #PerthGlory pic.twitter.com/gihM8ZOzAK

— KS Foundation (@ksfoundationau) November 10, 2019

“We’ve had families that have been to their first game ever – they felt they haven’t been able to before because they didn’t have an area to go to – and we’ve got families that haven’t been able to watch for a few years.

“The biggest one is families being able to go all together. Normally, the husband is a member and goes on his own but more recently they’ve been able to go and enjoy the game together.

“For me growing up, seeing the impact that some of the players I looked up to had on me, to be able to give back and seeing how much the kids liked seeing their heroes was really good.”

There’s a lot of things that Australian football doesn’t get right.

But it can’t be forgotten that every level of the game is inhabited by good people doing what they can to give back.

Donations to the KS Foundation can be made here.

A-LEAGUE – ROUND 9
Friday: Melbourne City v Perth Glory, AAMI Park, 7.30pm
Saturday: Wellington Phoenix v Western Sydney Wanderers, Eden Park, 5pm; Sydney FC v Brisbane Roar, Jubilee Stadium, 7.30pm
Sunday: Western United v Melbourne Victory, Kardinia Park, 4pm; Adelaide United v Newcastle Jets, Coopers Stadium, 6pm
Bye: Central Coast Mariners
W-LEAGUE – ROUND 4
Thursday: Canberra United v Brisbane Roar, McKellar Park, 7.30pm
Saturday: Melbourne Victory v Western Sydney Wanderers, Latrobe City Stadium, 4.30pm; Perth Glory v Newcastle Jets, Dorrien Gardens, 10.15pm
Sunday: Sydney FC v Melbourne City, Cromer Park, 4pm
Bye: Adelaide United

The post Hair-raising: Footballers giving back to the community appeared first on The New Daily.

https://thenewdaily.com.au/sport/football/2019/12/04/footballers-giving-back/

Melbourne Victory’s 1-0 defeat of Perth Glory on Friday night presents an intriguing insight into the power that perceptions can hold over the A-League.

Despite being little better than Victory on a functional level, Glory outpossessed, outcrossed and outshot its foes but failed to find the back of the net at AAMI Park.

Thus, Robbie Kruse’s 33rd-minute goal served to secure Victory the win and, in doing so, shifted the tone of Victory’s season.

Sitting second bottom of the league entering Round 8, the win sees Victory only missing the top six on goal difference.

Coach Marco Kurz was recruited in part because he was seen as a safe pair of hands to guide Victory’s transition to a post-Kevin Muscat era.

With the pressure somewhat off him, now he can head towards next week’s clash against Western United with an opportunity to build rather than defend.

Victory is unlikely to be able to use Friday evening’s contest as a sustainable template to kickstart its season, with many questions still remaining.

Still, it could tip either way.

If Kruse can find some form, things are looking up.

If United gets a win at Geelong, it’s back to square one.

Wobbly Wanderers

The early-season honeymoon for Markus Babbel’s Western Sydney Wanderers ended against Newcastle Jets on Saturday after goals from Dimi Petratos and Angus Thurgate – the 19-year-old christened the ‘Pele of Port Macquarie’ by fans.

The Wanderers, with their suavely dressed gaffer on the sidelines of a shiny new stadium, were top of the league after Round 4 but have now suffered three straight defeats.

Babbel will have to show off more than just a flash wardrobe to right the Red and Black ship in coming weeks.

In Queensland, Brisbane Roar secured its second win of the season after downing Central Coast 2-0 at Suncorp Stadium, thanks to goals from Roy O’Donovan and Scott Neville.

Western United’s lean run of form continued on Sunday, as it lost 2-0 to champions Sydney FC in Geelong, thanks to an Adam Le Fondre double.

Sydney wasn’t at its best in the contest – a fact coach Steve Corica admitted post-game – but United’s profligacy in front of goal stretched into a third straight defeat before next week’s derby.

Adelaide United’s four-game winning run ended at the hands of Wellington Phoenix in the final game of the round.

The ‘Nix recovering from going behind to a Nikola Mileusnic goal-of-the-season contender to win 2-1, thanks to David Ball and Ulises Davila.

Wanderer women are winners

Western Sydney’s W-League side continued its highly impressive start to the season, riding a Kristen Hamilton hat-trick and strong performances from Lynn Williams and Kyra Cooney-Cross to a 3-1 win over Brisbane Roar.

Surrendering a 2-0 lead to two Tara Andrews penalties late in the first half, Canberra United bounced back and recorded its second win of the season.

Elise Thorsnes’ 81st-minute winner secured a 3-2 win against Newcastle Jets.

An eighth-minute goal from Kyah Simon was enough for Melbourne City on Saturday afternoon.

The three-time W-League champions continue to notch points despite not blowing sides out of the water in defeating Adelaide United 1-0 at Shepparton, while Sydney defeated Perth Glory 3-1 on Sunday.

Best of the rest – European dreaming

Set to kick off in June of next year, the draw for the 16th iteration of the European Championships is complete.

The tournament will open in Rome with Turkey facing Italy.

They were drawn in Group A alongside Wales and Switzerland.

World No.1-ranked Belgium was drawn in Group B alongside Denmark, Finland and Russia while the Dutch, Ukraine, Austria and a playoff winner were sorted into Group C.

In Group E, Spain, Poland, Sweden and a playoff winner will lock horns.

Group D and F, though, are where the fun begins.

Always hard at it England and Croatia will renew their burgeoning rivalry – which in recent times included a World Cup semi-final – in Group D alongside a playoff winner and Czech Republic.

An unfortunate playoff winner sorted into Group F will have to contend with a three-headed dragon of France, Portugal and Germany – the reigning world champions, European champions and 2014 World champions.

The post Round ball round up: Pressure off Victory coach Marco Kurz … for now appeared first on The New Daily.

https://thenewdaily.com.au/sport/football/2019/12/01/round-ball-round-up-pressure-off-victorys-kurz-for-now/

This Saturday, far away from the A-League and W-League, Australian football history will be made in Sydney’s north.

It won’t be a game that causes a flock of media to descend, hordes of fans to pack in or generate the social media buzz that follows the Matildas or Socceroos but it will still serve as an important celebration of what football is.

Because, at its core, football isn’t about the bright lights of packed out stadiums, an unending push for trophies, glamorous player branding or the machinations of a worldwide industry worth hundreds of billions of dollars.

No, when boiled down to its very essence, football is – despite what some overinflated egos would have you believe – a game.

It’s a game for men and for women, for girls and boys and for young and old.

It’s a game for forging friendships that last a lifetime, for uniting a community through a shared love, and for serving as a momentary distraction from the humdrum.

It’s also a game for everyone – regardless of their abilities.

And that’s what makes this weekend’s fixture so momentous.

On Saturday, the Pararoos – Australia’s national team for athletes with cerebral palsy, an acquired brain injury or symptoms acquired from stroke – will clash with Canada at Cromer Park and play their first game on home soil since the Sydney 2000 Paralympics.

On Saturday, the @Pararoos will play at Cromer Park.

Hear from @masokicks, CEO of MWFA & Manly United FC, about what it means to the Northern Beaches community to embrace this opportunity.

: https://t.co/L6jooGc0Bo#gopararoos #undefeated #changingthegame #cpfootball pic.twitter.com/p3RXEB43Qb

— Pararoos (@Pararoos) November 25, 2019

The rules that adjudicate Pararoos games are quite similar to those that govern their able-bodied compatriots, with a few modifications made to ensure the athletes taking part are able to compete to the best of their ability.

Fielding seven players instead of the normal 11 on a smaller field, there is no offside rule governing attackers positioning and throw-ins can be made with one hand. Matches consist of two halves of 30 minutes each.

Those competing have Ataxia, Hypertonia or Athetosis; three types of impairment most commonly associated with those dealing with neurological impairment, with a motor control impairment of a cerebral nature or causing a permanent and verifiable activity limitation.

Ostensibly, Saturday’s fixture serves as a preparatory hit out for Head Coach Kai Lammert’s side ahead of next June’s IFCPF Nations Championships in Sant Cugat, Spain but, for the players, it means a lot more.

“You try to hold back tears in many ways,” Pararoos goalkeeper Chris Barty told pararoos.com.au.

“What an opportunity to show other people with disabilities what they can achieve in their lives.”

Established in 1998 in order to compete at the Sydney Olympics, the Pararoos have been operating under the auspices of Football Federation Australia since 2005 and, after the Australian Sports Commission withdrew funding in 2015 in accordance with the Winning Edge strategy, has relied upon support from the public to generate significant amounts of its funding.

The side currently operates a tax-deductible fundraising arm, thanks to a partnership between the FFA and Australian Sports Foundation but a lack of consistent, dependable funds has meant that there has, until now, been no opportunity for the players to play an out-of-competition friendly on home soil.

The Cromer Park fixture, as well as a number of training camps, has been funded thanks to FIFA Forward 2.0 initiative, but the squad is constantly seeking new revenue in order to compete.

Donations to the Pararoos can be made here.

Meet Taj Lynch, our number 3.

Taj has played on almost every continent except Australia.

See the @Pararoos play in front of their biggest fans next Saturday 30 November in Sydney. https://t.co/L6jooFUpJQ ️ #gopararoos #undefeated #changingthegame #cpfootball pic.twitter.com/tSCfgyRCbT

— Pararoos (@Pararoos) November 22, 2019

Playing in front of stands largely consisting of family and friends, the Pararoos recently finished in 11th place at the 2019 IFCPF World Cup; defeating Saturday’s opponents Canada 4-2 to seal their placing.

But with a crowd that is hoped will break into the hundreds on Saturday, the upcoming game will serve as a memorable occasion for a squad that only has two members – Chris Pyne and David Barber – that have previously had the chance to play in Australia.

Indeed, such is the gap between Australian hosted fixtures, the squad that will take on Canada will feature a number of players not yet born the last time it happened.

“It has been so long since we played on home soil, it is going to mean the world,” Barber – who will play his 100th game for the Pararoos against Canada – told footballqueensland.com.au

“For me personally, it is something that I have been dreaming about for a really long time

“If you are a fan of football, a fan of good football, then that is what this team is all about. Just because we have a disability doesn’t change the fact that we play amazing football.

“We are going to be playing against a world-class opponent in our own backyard, and if you are a fan of football and want to get out and support the green and gold then this is your chance to do it. It’s going to be a great day at a great venue, and I cannot wait to play.”

Plans are also in place to continue to grow opportunities for more athletes to compete in CP Football.

In October, the first-ever Asia/Oceania Regional Female CP Football Camp was held in Sydney with 12 players from Australia and four from Japan present; an opening step on the road to establishing a female Pararoos squad.

While there currently exist fledgling international sides and competitions for female CP football around the world, a lack of funding has hampered Australia’s attempts to join them.

Increased financing and public recognition will hopefully rise in the near future for both the Pararoos and any burgeoning female team – ensuring that football’s legacy of inclusion grows.

Pararoos v Canada
When: Saturday, 30 November
Venue: Cromer Park – South Creek Road, Cromer, NSW
Kick-Off: 5.30pm
Tickets can be purchased here.
100% of ticket sales will go directly back to the Pararoos program.

A-LEAGUE – ROUND 8
Friday: Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory, AAMI Park, 7.30pm
Saturday: Brisbane Roar v Central Coast Mariners, Suncorp Stadium, 5pm; Newcastle Jets v Newcastle Jets, McDonald Jones Stadium, 7.30pm
Sunday: Western United v Sydney FC, Kardinia Park, 4.00pm; Adelaide United v Wellington Phoenix, Coopers Stadium, 6.00pm
Bye: Melbourne City

W-LEAGUE – ROUND 3
Thursday: Brisbane Roar v Western Sydney Wanderers, Lions FC Stadium, 7.30pm
Saturday: Newcastle Jets v Canberra United, McDonald Jones Stadium, 4.30pm; Melbourne City v Adelaide United, John McEwan Reserve, 7.00pm
Sunday: Perth Glory v Sydney FC, Dorrien Gardens, 4.00pm
Bye: Melbourne Victory

The post History in the making as Pararoos take on Canada appeared first on The New Daily.

https://thenewdaily.com.au/sport/football/2019/11/28/history-in-the-making-as-pararoos-take-on-canada/

The story of the A-League round came in Sydney’s west, as a controversial penalty swung the momentum as top-of-the-table Melbourne City downed Western Sydney Wanderers 3-2 at Bankwest Stadium.

Taking the lead after Bruce Kamau set up Kwame Yeboah in just the second minute, the Wanderers had initially looked like they were sitting pretty against a blunt City.

Yet, a disputed decision to award City a penalty in the 56th minute by referee Chris Beath after an apparent foul on City prodigy Denis Genreau allowed Jamie Maclaren to level things up.

Just under 20 minutes later, Maclaren turned provider with a cross that Josh Brilliante – still tormenting the Wanderers despite switching from Sydney FC – steered home from close-range.

Nonetheless, the Wanderers answered back in the 80th when Yeboah fired in from close range.

But in the 92nd minute Lachlan Wales – the subject of much controversy after his Olyroos suspension midweek – picked out Maclaren inside the penalty area to fire home for his 19th goal in 12 games for club and country in 2019/20.

Speaking to media post-game, Wanderers Head Coach Markus Babbel was unable to contain his fury when asked about the contentious penalty’s veracity, proclaiming; “is that a serious question? Serious question? F––––sake. No Comment.

Babbel will likely face a fine for his post-game antics but, judging from the reaction of the Wanderers faithful, he probably won himself an even greater admiration from the red and black faithful in return.

Roar fail to fire

Babbel’s former Liverpool teammate Robbie Fowler’s poor start to life as coach of Brisbane Roar continued in the first of Saturday’s three games.

Wellington Phoenix captain Steven Taylor put his club ahead after just ten minutes and Ulises Dávila made it two in the 49th.

Though Stefan Mauk got a late goal back, the result marked a depressing return to dour reality for the Roar after their breakthrough 4-3 win over City last week.

Melbourne Victory’s woes continued against Adelaide United

Riley McGree – playing in his first game since also receiving a ban from national team duty – made it 1-0 in the 23rd minute only for Ola Toivonen to even it up  in the 61st minute.

The Reds restored their lead just moments later through an own goal from Migjen Basha. The in-form McGree nailed a brace five minutes later to seal a comfortable win and send Victory second-bottom of the league.

There was also no Grand Final revenge for Perth Glory in Saturday’s final contest, as Tony Popovic’s side went down to defending champions Sydney FC in the west.

A 12th minute penalty from Adam le Fondre quickly had the Harboursiders ahead at HBF Park but Bruno Fornaroli sealed his place as the quickest player in A-League history to 50 goals with an equaliser in the 44th minute.

Alas for Glory, played onside by millimetres, Kosta Barbarouses restored the visitors lead in the 58th minute and Milos Ninkovic made it 3-1 in the 65th.

Popovic said after the game his backline needed “time” before they were to fire on all cylinders.

The round’s final contest in Gosford saw a little piece of history made as Central Coast Mariners consigned Western United to back-to-back defeats for the first time in their existence.

The W-League

Defending premiers Melbourne Victory recorded their first win of the season after a spectacularly well-taken goal from Natasha Dowie propelled them to a 3-2 win over Brisbane Roar.

They now travel to South Korea as Australia’s first-ever representatives in the AFC Women’s Club Championship.

On Friday evening, Western Sydney Wanderers recorded a deserved, lightning delayed, 1-0 win over Newcastle Jets after a second-half Amy Harrison penalty.

In South Australia, defending champions Sydney FC made it two wins from two and went top of ‘the Dub’ after a tight contest against Adelaide United.

Matildas’ attacker Caitlin Foord turned in a Chloe Logarzo cross in the 57th minute for the game’s only goal.

Leaving it incredibly late, Melbourne City was able to join their crosstown rivals in recording their first win of the season after coming back from a Katie Stengel-supplied deficit to defeat Canberra United 2-1 in the nation’s capital.

A 66th minute goal from Serb international Milicia Mijatović and a penalty from Matildas’ stalwart Emily van Egmond in the 94th minute did the damage.

The Best of the Rest

The eyes of the footballing world rested squarely upon one man over the weekend – and he probably wouldn’t have it any other way.

José Mourinho took up a position in the Tottenham Hotspur dugout for the first time on Saturday night and watched on as his new side recorded a 3-2 win over London-rivals West Ham.

The scoreline, though, flattered a shambolic Hammers side.

Unfairly maligned after his stint at a Manchester United, Mourinho’s appointment – made mid-week after Spurs sacked Mauricio Pochettino less than 12 months after he took them to the Champions League final – was a move that launched a thousand think-pieces.

However, regardless of the detractors, the 56-year-old remains one of the most successful managers in world football.

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Ange Postecoglou is on the verge of becoming the first Australian coach to win the J-League title after steering his Yokohama F. Marinos team to the top of the standings with two games remaining.

Former Socceroos coach Postecoglou guided Yokohama to the summit with a 1-0 win at Matsumoto Yamuga on Saturday.

That result and FC Tokyo’s surprise 1-1 draw with lowly Shonan Bellmare saw the top two change positions.

Yokohama are on 64 points with Tokyo on 63. Kashima Antlers, the only other team in title contention, are on 60.

Postecoglou’s man could clinch the title as soon as next weekend if they beat fourth-placed Kawasaki Frontale away and Tokyo lose to 13th-placed Urawa Red Diamonds.

However, it is more likely it will come down to a final round home showdown with Tokyo on December 7.

Postecoglou’s side are unbeaten in the league since August 17, a span of nine games.

However, the former Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory boss – who recently signed a one-year contract extension with Yokohama that will take him through till the end of next season – was not getting carried away with the title up for grabs.

“Just keep playing our football, that’s what’s got us to here,” said Postecoglou.

“We look forward to a big game next week against Kawasaki. They’re a fantastic team and we look forward to that challenge.”

The 54-year-old Postecoglou is wildly popular in Yokohama for driving the five-time champions to within reach of a first success since 2004 with minimal spending, as well as establishing an exciting brand of attacking football.

It’s an impressive improvement for the club who finished 12th last season and narrowly avoided a relegation play-off in Postecoglou’s first campaign in Japan’s top flight.

 

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