Roar Guru
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Australia's search for a new coach is set to intensify after the World Cup, with names like Paul Le Guen already linked to the…
He has the ability to divide opinion like few in the game in Australia, but none have ever faulted Craig Foster’s love for the…
[caption id="attachment_30933" width="300" caption="The forwards of the German nationa soccer team nominated for the World Cup. AP Photos"][/caption] Little has taken place in Australia’s…
With the naming of Pim Verbeek’s final Socceroos World Cup squad comes the end of more than a dash of uncertainty, because while the…
Many believe New Zealand’s World Cup will be over the moment the final whistle blows on its third group match against Paraguay on June…
Soon after announcing the capture of John van’t Schip as Melbourne Heart’s inaugural coach late last year, club chief executive officer Scott Munn told…
[caption id="attachment_9692" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Australia's Scott McDonald and Iraq's Haidar Hussain during the Australian Socceroos v Iraq World Cup qualifier. AAP Image/Dave Hunt"][/caption] Pim…
[caption id="attachment_11245" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Australia's coach Pim Verbeek reacts from the sideline. AP Photo/Ermindo Armino"][/caption] Pim Verbeek has several pressing issues ahead of the…
The phrase “ticking all the boxes” has become a well-worn and overused cliché in sporting vernacular. But when it comes to Robbie Fowler’s move…
Better than any Christmas present, Wellington Phoenix fans got the gift they’d been waiting for this week when the club was handed a five-year…
[caption id="attachment_30072" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Joel Griffiths of the Newcastle Jets celebrates. AAP Image/Paul Miller"][/caption] A-League clubs can often be accused of naïveté when it…
[caption id="attachment_26922" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Dyron Daal in action during the Newcastle Jets vs North Queensland Fury. AAP Image/Tim Clayton"][/caption] Its financial problems well known…
[caption id="attachment_29663" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Lions player Brendan Fevola (r) reacts after kicking a spectacular grubber kick goal. AAP Image/Dave Hunt"][/caption] It was the sight…
[caption id="attachment_29425" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Adelaide United's Cassio is jubilant after scoring the winning goal against Sanfrecce Hiroshima during their AFC Champions League soccer game.…
Permiership window might be a term thrown about far more liberally in other codes, but the concept is certainly worthy of consideration ahead of…
Like a swarm of bumblebees, Wellington Phoenix has swept into the A-League finals and is - remarkably - just one kick off from a…
Some might not have you believe it, but the most pressing story to come from Australia’s 1-0 win over Indonesia on Wednesday night was…
[caption id="attachment_28319" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Gold Coast United's Adam Griffiths is fouled by Brisbane's Danny Tiatto. AAP Image/Dave Hunt"][/caption] Danny Tiatto has cultivated a controversial…
[caption id="attachment_11081" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="New Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek (left) talks with former coach and now assitant coach, Graeme Arnold, as they watch a…
Second chances rarely come around in sport. A third is rarer than a comment from AFL House admitting tanking exists. But that is what…
Gazz- But, regardless of the strength or squad, the tactics remain very similar. And yes, Magnificient11, we know Scott McDonald is a good poacher, but we’ve not seen that at all for Australia. So while the potential is there, cold hard evidence is not. I’d be worried if we left it until camp to find our attacking groove.
Socceroos goal scoring problem still not solved
Agree about Hauritz. His selection is underwhelming and low-risk, and Krejza would have been a far more attacking option. As Rodney Hogg said this week, Australia didn’t appreciate Stuart MacGill enough.
This Ashes bowling attack
True, we have been lucky at times, but I still believe we have far more depth than in 2006, which is promising.
I actually think that we are as good defensively as we have been for some time, particularly with Spiranovic and Williams coming through. We are not overly blessed with pace in our senior defenders, which is why I believe that our younger guys should be afforded plenty of game time in our games over the next 4-6 months in order to stake their own claims. In terms of club game time, the decision of the likes of Chris Coyne and Craig Moore on how to maximise their playing opportunities over the next season will be crucial to their selection. It’s going to be a intriguing run-in to the finals!!
A case for the Socceroos' defence
Whiskey – my article only deals with the central defence position (eliminating left-back Stefanutto) and with those candidates who have tasted action since the qualification campaign began (eliminating Madaschi, although that’s not to say that he or the likes of Kisnorbo won’t get their chance in the next nine months).
A case for the Socceroos' defence
I know the name Daniel; Turkish-based Aussie right? But tell me more, I’m intrigued…
… and hoping both Spiranovic and Williams get a start against Japan.
A case for the Socceroos' defence
Yup, official on http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/95572,fowler-says-yes.aspx
Great news for the club and the A-League.
Robbie Fowler would be the ultimate marquee signing
Announcement from the Fury is imminent – appears as if Fowler may in fact be their man….
Robbie Fowler would be the ultimate marquee signing
Pip – I still think both players have at least added depth to their respective clubs, and that is worth pursuing in Asia given that it is so close to home and the resources for club scouts are much more accessible.
True Tah – some very good points as well. AFL club Western Bulldogs has awarded a scholarship to talented Fijian kids this year, who have barely played the game. An Oceania spot at A-League clubs would be great, even if it was a youth team place to a talented Samoan kid or the like.
A-League clubs need to broaden recruitment nets
Not sure I totally agree with all your points, Pip. Yes, it may be too much of a risk to entice a player over as a marquee, and Africa is a source which needs tapping. But i still believe that there are players to be had in Asia. As I pointed out, Song has been more than serviceable for the Jets, while as a Melbourne supporter I bet you are content with Fabiano’s place among the Victory squad. Melbourne was able to entice him over – surely there are other players available who would add to the A-League, all without paying a mint for.
A-League clubs need to broaden recruitment nets
Dasilva
McDonald has certainly come back to earth somewhat this season, and has had to work harder for his strikes. It’s probably why it’s been so pleasing to see him back among the goals, particularly recently. I just hope that we can soon see it in the green and gold!
Allsopp, the player his own fans love to hate
Extremely well put, both to Mick and Pip. The people who bag Allsopp are the ones who probably downplay Scott McDonald’s record with Celtic. Most of them are probably “tap-ins”, but someone has to be there to put them away.
Mahony, not sure where the resentment is coming from. Simplistic as it is, surely it is fair to deduce that the fact Verbeek selected Allsopp and not Griffiths in the squad that, currently, the Aussie coach rates the MV man higher?
And it might be a personal thing, but I’ve always found it a bit curious when people wear team shirts that have no discernible relevance to the game in front of them. Might be just me though.
Allsopp, the player his own fans love to hate
* Formation fixed, apologies lads. Cheers for pointing it out.
The positives and negatives against Denmark