One game left in a very Spanish A-League season
On the field it's been an outstanding A-League season, perhaps the best yet, as I wrote two months ago. One of the things I've…
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Tony Tannous, "The Round Ball Analyst", is a Sydney-based freelance football writer of all things technical and tactical, and has been covering Australian and international football for over 20 years. Tony is a pioneer of football analysis downunder, having started Australia's first football blog, "The Round Ball Analyst", in 2006, and has been an integral part of The Roar since 2009.
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On the field it's been an outstanding A-League season, perhaps the best yet, as I wrote two months ago. One of the things I've…
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Shoot! Great memories….
There was one point where it featured an 8 or 12 pg Australian football spread in the middle. You might even find my byline among the archives 🙂
Football has become the cool kid in the playground
Another note from the U20s WC;
Watched the second half of Spain v Ghana this morning. The referee was Ben Williams. Won’t surprise A-League viewers, but looked like he swallowed his whistle.
Spain won 1-0. Williams turned down a penalty claim from Ghana in injury time, looked a fair shout for obstruction. Earlier in the second half he didn’t blow his whistle when a Spainish attacker appeared to be clipped in the box.
Evidence generation next are armed with the tools to play and play out
Thanks for the feedback all.
Already thinking ahead to El Salvador and a few pointers;
Mustn’t be complacent, need to ensure that everyone is mentally prepared
Okon had a chance to see the Turkey-El Salvador game live as it was at the same stadium, after the Colombia game
Watching the highlights I note that Turkey’s 3 goals came from rapid transition moments on the right, so targeting El Salvador’s left could be an avenue.
They appeared to play high, maybe because they were chasing. So there may be some space for Hoole, Taggart and Pain to exploit.
Here’s Okon’s thoughts ahead of the match;
“The players had to battle until the last minute (against Colombia) so we expected some tired bodies but we’ve recovered well,” said Qantas Young Socceroos Head Coach Paul Okon.
“Football’s all about emotions, it’s all about enjoyment and moments like the other night, the result, the performance, you need to sit back and enjoy the moment.
“But we know it’s step one in the direction that we want to go, we will face a good opponent in El Salvador and it’s important for us to continue to play the way we’ve been playing since we started the program.
“We need to maintain that and not get anything else in the way of doing what we feel we do well..
“We’ve looked at a number of DVD’s, but I think it was great to actually see them (El Salvador) play live, after our game the other night, against Turkey..
“They’re a good team, they’re typical street footballers, very good one v. one’s, we’re aware of that.
“They have one or two key players, but we feel that we have the game to beat them and we just need to continue the things that we’re doing, maybe execute them a little bit better.
“If we have the same amount of chances as we did against Colombia – which I feel we will create – we need to maybe be a little bit more clinical.”
Evidence generation next are armed with the tools to play and play out
Hard to wipe the smile off the face today 🙂
Will the Young Socceroos bear the fruit of our technical revolution?
The point is, that’s what Holger wanted, but it’s my job to tell it as I saw it & not how Holger wanted me to see it
Not quite Kruse-ing, but Robbie gives Roos rhythm
Coaching kindergarten it might be Sky Blue, but how often has out national team manager put out a selection to match or reflect the game-plan? That’s the point!
Osieck's Jordan selection should be dictated by his strategy
Not wrong Mid. Nervous as….
Osieck's Jordan selection should be dictated by his strategy
Fuss, I expect you to come on here and defend your club, and that’s fair enough, but my commentary above is based on my reading of the MV situation that year.
I haven’t said that Harry was poor on the field, because I actually felt he made a decent on-field contribution, but I argue that his presence in the squad was disruptive. To me he had too much power. That’s my opinion, and it’s based on what I saw.
If you read that as “parrotting unsubstantiated tabloid gossip”, you’re entitled to see it that way.
Harry Kewell to Heart: Under pressure Aloisi must balance the friend and the player
No GF replay to launch Friday night FTA. My guess is Sat night
The hint into who’s hosting the launch is in my piece 😉
What A-League matches should be on Friday night FTA?
In respect to point 3 Fuss, my mail is that that won’t necessarily be the case
What A-League matches should be on Friday night FTA?
Wouldn’t call it defensive football, far from it. The defence just provides the base that allows both to play.
Indeed, yay for having an organised defensive structure
Why the Wanderers and Mariners are in the grand final
Socceroos XI
Schwarzer; Wilkshire, Cornthwaite, Thwaite, McKay; Kruse, Jedinak, Holland, Holman; Cahill; Brosque
Socceroos are back, with the World Cup at stake
Midfielder, my feel & hope is that the ownership issues at CCM will be resolved soon enough.
As you say, too much time/money has been invested for it to not work. These issues have been festering, and it’s time they were resolved, & I’m confident they will be.
As I’ve written here, just one of the things that needs addressing over the off-season.
Australia has found the A-League, but FFA must capitalise
May have bumped into a few too many over the years
Blockbuster encapsulates A-League's quality on and off the pitch
So who took the “very few goals” tip?
Blockbuster encapsulates A-League's quality on and off the pitch
Must have been watching a very different game to me. If the quality produced by the Mariners isn’t to your liking, I’d live to know who you actually support overseas and what type of football tickles your fancy?
Please enlighten us.
Blockbuster encapsulates A-League's quality on and off the pitch
Awesome mid, hope the weather clears up a bit, can’t wait
Blockbuster encapsulates A-League's quality on and off the pitch
Yes, the per capita figures stack up really well
Blockbuster encapsulates A-League's quality on and off the pitch
Absolute special that Bondy, and thanks. And so you should be proud of your team, the most consistent team in the league, enjoy the game
Blockbuster encapsulates A-League's quality on and off the pitch
Not sure we’ll get too many goals, will be more of an arm wrestle I’d suspect. Both teams are so well organised.
But if there is a lack of goals or open play, it shouldn’t diminish from what should still be a quality clash.
The atmosphere will be so immense though & should inspire the players even more, so it should be special…
Blockbuster encapsulates A-League's quality on and off the pitch
Wow, thanks Michael, appreciate the kind sentiments.
Great last line as Ian also points out. As you say, it’s all about a willingness to learn, and the more you watch, read & listen the more you’ll pick up.
Glad you enjoyed this one. It’s been a long battle to try and help in the education of Australia about the finer intricacies of football, but it’s one I continue to enjoy, thanks again
Muscling-up helps muzzle Melbourne's momentum
Thanks Gobouten for the kind words.
I think you’re spot on about the Victory depth, clearly evident that they missed Milligan against Adelaide. And they haven’t really been able to fully fill for Finkler.
Agree they’re still a work in progress, Mullen’s another decent capture & I think they can do with more quality & depth up top, both through the middle & out wide.
Muscling-up helps muzzle Melbourne's momentum
Enjoyed the read John, thanks
When I heard we’d signed him & heard about his work with our defence in 2010 & how he was one of these new breed of detailed, thoughtful & analytical coaches, I was impressed.
That defensive base is evident in the stats you write, just over 10pts a game, clean sheets galore. And the players all seem content, a sign of his man mgmt
Also like that he’s quiet an contemplative in a game full of loud mouths without much clue. Hope he stays like that.
Trent Robinson ruling the Roosters roost