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The Roar

Anthony Karakai

Roar Rookie

Joined September 2011

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I understand what you are saying, Sassy. Archie did give us years of entertainment, but I believe if he could have cut it in Europe or the top flight of Asia, he would have. In an ideal world, these players would remain in the HAL and eventually lift the standards of the game, however, the quality of leagues such as the J-League are superior, and better for player development.

In turn, this is better for future Socceroos. True, they go where the money is, but we have to accept that this is the same in any profession. In order for players/professionals to be the best, they have to beat the best. That’s why Australian players are so ambitious and try very hard to cut their teeth in the best league’s possible. It makes them better players, because they play against better teams.

I’m going to go out on a limb here, but the bet is if Kewell, Viduka, and Schwarzer remained in Australia, they wouldn’t be 1/10th the players they are today, and as a result, Australia would suffer.

I think it’s great that our players strive for professional excellence, I wouldn’t have it any other way. We must also remember that certain leagues in Asia, such as the J-League, have well constructed, efficient football academies that allow them to “grow” home players, adding to the quality of their domestic league. The issue for the HAL is that we have the talent, but do not have the resources or public support to make football “our” bread and butter. The AFL, rugby, and cricket dominate proceedings. The AFL blocked our World Cup bid.

“AUSTRALIA’S bid for the soccer World Cup is in danger of being derailed after AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou declared Etihad Stadium off limits for the world’s largest sporting event.” -The Age

“THE AFL has scored again with Etihad Stadium chief Ian Collins all but closing the door on World Cup soccer being staged at the Docklands venue.” – Herald Sun

The arrogance of one man to not realise that having a World Cup in Australia would be a historic honour, was unpatriotic and detrimental to our World Cup bid. This is an example of the order of things in Australia, which directly affect the HAL. Simply put, if the HAL was a good prospect for players, they would stay, but it isn’t nearly as good as other leagues. Even leagues, such as the Hungarian Premier League, which have had teams playing in the Champions League, ultimately struggle as a national team when all of their squad pretty much plays domestically. The quality of their league isn’t that good. Players who remain in it therefore suffer at the hands of players with higher quality playing experience.

Big signings attract some attention, but not as much as one might think. Like everybody else, I want to see the quality of the HAL improve. But big signings will just lead us to a Middle Eastern situation, where good players are snapped up for a final hurrah before calling it a day. It doesn’t actually fix the problem, it just attracts a bit more attention to the league.

The aim is to one day have players wanting to come to the HAL, because of the quality of the competition. It certainly won’t rival EPL, Serie A, La Liga, Ligue 1, or Bundesliga, but if it achieved the same quality and entertainment level of the J-League, we should count that as a huge success.

Australian players should choose the A-League over Asia

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Football
 
2014

I agree Al. I’ve always been against judging a sports person on anything else other than their sporting abilities. I see a lot of hate for CR7 based on his perceived arrogance, and a lot of love for Messi due to his perceived humbleness. I use the word “perceived” as nobody really knows these two people, and Messi has done a lot of “bad” things which aren’t nearly as publicised as Ronaldo’s occasional statements.

It’s a media war, really. When Messi attacked Arbeloa venomously in front of his pregnant wife, he had to be dragged away and forced onto the team bus.Hurling abuse at Aitor Karanka in the tunnel was also unwarranted and low. I met a bunch of Messi fans in Barca last year, and even they admitted that if this was Ronaldo, the Spanish press would have a field day with it.

There’s a stark division between these two players which, as a neutral fan, is annoying to see unfold. The only other rivalry in recent memory that I believe is as hotly contested, is Ali versus Tyson. Like Messi an Ronaldo, each fighter has their pros and their cons, their strengths and their weaknesses. Ali had incredible stamina and was an under rated hard-hitter. He was extremely fast for a heavy weight boxer. Tyson was like a rhino in the ring. Brute force. Raw power. Devastating.

I believe these rivalries make the sport more fun to watch, but sometimes commenters step over the line and become disrespectful.

I don’t doubt that without Ronaldo, or without Messi, the game today wouldn’t be as interesting. They push each other, and represent different styles of play. The fact that we are blessed enough to see these two legends play in the same era should quash the debates. I discuss this whole debacle at length in my book, “Football Obsession: An Inside Look Into The Global Game”. I think Ronaldo deserves a third Ballon d’Or, but increasingly, it seems to be a popularity vote more than a genuine, objective analysis.

There are far too many inconsistencies in the voting procedures for it to hold its total weight in gold.

@AZ_RBB: I agree with you. I was on the fence about how well Messi was returning to his usual self, and this morning saw his hattrick for Barca. This is great news. Are any of you guys going to the World Cup?

Is Ronaldo on the way to Ballon d'Or number three?

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Football
 
2014

I agree. Although the Ecuador loss was embarrassing, we displayed a newfound confidence in front of goal that is certainly promising. It’s hard to see us going past the first round, but I’ll be there for the Spain match in Curitiba hoping for a miracle!

Which Socceroos are certain to start in Brazil?

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Football
 
2014

I agree Danno. I’m hoping we discover the next genuine Aussie superstar in Brazil!

Which Socceroos are certain to start in Brazil?

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Football
 
2014

It’s bad news. I hope a miracle occurs and he can recover!

Which Socceroos are certain to start in Brazil?

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Football
 
2014

I wanted to see Heart win. A draw is at least better than where they were a few months ago, but it would have been better to see them win this one.

Melbourne Heart vs Wellington Phoenix: A-League live scores, blog

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Football
 
2014
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