A man who has done so much for the A-League, Ange Postecoglou, will coach his last A-League match for some time and it is fitting his current side Melbourne Victory face his former side Brisbane Roar. Join us for live scores and commentary from 7.30pm AEDT.
Earlier in the week I wrote A testament to Ange Postecoglou prior to his Socceroos appointment and that Friday night might be his last game in charge of Melbourne.
Although it is Ange Postecoglou’s farewell match, there are still three points on offer in what will prove another important clash in season 2013/14.
As of Monday, Postecoglou will officially become the coach of the Socceroos, but he remains focused to the task at hand, and that is to help Victory notch their first win of the season.
“It doesn’t feel like a final game, it didn’t feel like a final training session,” Postecoglou said to the Herald Sun after his last training session with the team.
“It probably hit me on Monday when I … walked out there and I shouldn’t have been out there.
“It’s obviously been a big week, but I’ve really been conscious of making sure that everyone within here has been focused on Friday night’s game because it’s a big game for us.
“Training has been good, everyone’s ticking along well so I’m looking forward to it.”
Mike Mulvey spoke to the Courier Mail and was perplexed as to why Ange was coaching this match, but also didn’t stray too far away from the focus he and Brisbane Roar have heading into the match.
“Seriously, it’s just another game. It’s the third game of the season, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to test ourselves against the team everybody’s tipped to the champions,” he said.
“So we’ve got to go down to their backyard, and we’re going down there to try and win.”
Both sides have gotten off to very different starts to the season as Roar have won both of their fixtures, while Victory are yet to record their first win.
In what may be viewed as a positive for Melbourne Victory, Brisbane Roar have not won a match against Victory away from home since 2009/10 but on the flip side for Roar supporters, Victory have also not defeated the Roar since round six of 2010/11.
With it being Ange Postecoglou’s last match in charge we should be in for a good crowd but as always between these two teams, and a great contest as well.
Prediction: Melbourne Victory 3-3 Brisbane Roar
TK
Guest
every week until then !!!
Felix
Guest
I agree with pretty much everything you said there Ian, except that I think Theo's problem was that he didn't commit fully to blocking Troisi. He got caught in no man's land after trying to get there then having a brain snap and retreating. He needed to commit fully to the sprint and try to dive on it or not move at all. Full credit to Troisi for his finish, good manoeuvring seeing him start to turn back and get the shot away at the right time.
bobbyjim
Guest
The Adelaide Victory game was an absolute ripper. Had goals, drama, and lots of skill on display. Shame about the refs though obviously.
Ian
Guest
Don't recall brisbane being title favourites. There was 1 article last week with that title. In short roar turned over possession way too easy, yeboah will gain from the experience and Berisha would have made a difference. Now we can see our depth tested as has been talked about as a weakness. Bes, Liam and Brattain out. Control possession better and defence was generally good. Theo should not have left the box to block troisi . i thought the crowd would be more than 21900.
Cameron
Roar Guru
I agree. However, is a $$ decision from the club that takes them to Etihad. I think fans continue to speak with their attendance and whenever matches are held there, there is no significant increase in attendances unless its the derby.
Cameron
Roar Guru
Out of Sydney vs Jets, Adelaide vs Victory & Victory vs Roar, what do you believe to have been the best contest for viewers on SBS2 midfielder?
Cameron
Roar Guru
If you're going to send donuts them make sure you do it before round 13.
TK
Guest
i disagree on the Bes front. His touch and ability to get through traffic is what was missing, he can create space for himself to get shots off which the others failed to achieve tonight. Don't get me wrong I thought victory created better chances and on balance deserved the win but I really didn't think there was much in it. it was a tough match with both teams making mistakes....Theo getting caught unfortunately made the difference. i am going to send Mitch some donuts to help him celebrate the win....we all know how much he loved them in brisbane.....they musn't sell them in melbourne.....alternatively I'll send him a map to Acklin Street..
TK
Guest
i disagree on the Bes front. His touch and ability to get through traffic is what was missing, he can create space for himself to get shots off which the others failed to achieve tonight. I dont recall a chance inside 18 yards for brisbane. Don't get me wrong I thought victory created better chances and on balance deserved the win but I really didn't think there was much in it. it was a tough match with both teams making mistakes....Theo getting caught unfortunately made the difference. i am going to send Mitch some donuts to help him celebrate the win....we all know how much he loved them in brisbane.....they musn't sell them in melbourne.....alternatively I'll send him a map to Acklin Street..
midfielder
Guest
Enjoyed the match
Cameron
Roar Guru
+1...
midfielder
Guest
+9999999900
Cameron
Roar Guru
No Mark Milligan... Mike Mulvey mate!
Mike
Roar Guru
Yeah he's been great! And tonight was a good chance for him to showcase his talent in front of the new national coach.
Titus
Guest
Wow...Mitch Mallia said that? That is impressive.
Mike
Roar Guru
Yeah I'd be ken to give Nabbout a start. He has a lot of talent. Archie is great, but hasn't really been switched on this season. Had a few too many offsides.
Cameron
Roar Guru
If I recall correctly, MM has even tipped Nichols to win the Johnny Warren medal this season. He's been great this season!
Cameron
Roar Guru
Look I love Bes but I'm not going to blow wind where the sun don't shine, Roar didn't really threaten at all and the passing was wayward. Take Yeboah out, put him in and you would have gotten a more frustrated Bes as he would have got nothing! Liam Miller hasn't really done anything in three matches for the Roar this season but who could replace him? And I reiterate... He's done nothing!
Titus
Guest
Nicholls is really emerging as one of our best prospects. Great to see kids being creative.
stu
Guest
Just heard Jason Cullina on SBS...I wonder if he was watching the same game, what a negative individual.