Young excellence, promotion battles, and a happy farewell: The Australian team of the week from players around the globe
Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
Brisbane Roar coach John Aloisi says there’s no urgent need for the A-League to introduce simultaneous kick-offs for the final round of matches.
A thrilling A-League season will reach an epic conclusion this weekend with four teams still in the hunt for the Premiers Plate and a range of finals permutations at play.
But unlike most competitions around the world, the action won’t all unfold at once.
Demands from broadcasters prohibit Football Federation Australia from scheduling all final round matches at the same time, which happens in most leagues and the final round of group matches in the World Cup to ensure no team has an advantage or knows their ultimate fate before they play, adding a unique sense of drama.
Instead, the last five regular season A-League matches will be spaced out, and while some want that changed, Aloisi believes it’s not a problem.
“I think that it adds to it that everyone can watch the games,” Aloisi said.
“It puts us in a good position when on the night before, we can watch Melbourne City against Adelaide and sort of know what’s going on there.
“I don’t mind it like it is. Whoever’s up there at the end of the season deserves to win it.”
Brisbane face Melbourne Victory on Saturday night at AAMI Park, and a win will be enough for them to seal top spot and a home semi-final.
By the time they kick off, they will already know if Melbourne City and Adelaide United, who play off at the same venue on Friday night, are in or out of title contention.
The other team still in with a shot, Western Sydney, don’t start their away clash with Wellington Phoenix until Sunday afternoon.
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Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
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