Friday, September 29, 2006
Insipid Jets crash
The Perth Glory moved into third place on the A-League ladder with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over an insipid Newcastle Jets outfit at Energy Australia Stadium.
Perth Deserved their win, they worked hard and got their just rewards while the Jets were simply incompetent.
Jets Captain Nick Carle led the way for Newcastle and his teammates, unfortunately, followed suit.
Noted as a player of skill, Carle couldn't make five yard passes to teammates time and again in a performance that was simply beyond belief.
Perth outworked the Jets all night and took a deserved lead on the stroke of halftime when Stuart Young crashed home a sweet volley which had deflected into his path.
The Glory boys doubled their advantage when captain Jamie Harnwell headed home a corner kick seven minutes from time before Young grabbed his second during injury time.
Hard to see where the Jets will go from here now that they are firmly entrenched at the bottom of the ladder.
posted by Footballer at Insipid Jets crash
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NRL Grand Final
The NRL Grand Final will be played on Sunday night with the harbour city witnessing its first "all interstate" Grand Final.
The Storm has been the standout team in 2006 and gets their chance to finish on a high after dropping just the four games all season.
Yet to taste defeat at Telstra Stadium, the Storm has won its last two against Brisbane and has won four of their last five.
Brisbane head into this clash knowing they have won five Grand Finals from five appearances.
The Storm found their best form last week after a lacklustre opening to their finals campaign against the Eels.
Last week, Melbourne ran out comprehensive winners over the Dragons while the Broncos stormed home to beat the Bulldogs having trailed 20-6.
Tip - Storm 1-12
posted by Footballer at NRL Grand Final
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AFL Grand Final
The AFL season comes to a close on Saturday with an exciting Grand Final looming when the West Coast Eagles and the Sydney Swans meet in the last day in September for the second consecutive year.
Not a great deal separates these two sides with the Swans and the Eagles sharing the spoils in their last 10 clashes 5-5 with the last four all finishing with less than a kick between them at siren time.
The forward line advantage is clearly with the Swans who boast Barry Hall and Michael O'Loughlin while the star studded midfield of the West Coasters will be their driving force.
Last week, the West Coasters had to come back from a 22 point halftime deficit to down the Crows in Adelaide while the Swans led all night to comfortably beat the Dockers.
These two teams have met four times in the last two years with both sides posting two wins apiece, but it was the Swans who won the one that counts, last year's Grand Final.
Tip - Eagles 1-39
posted by Footballer at AFL Grand Final
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A-League Round 6
The Australian A-League continued last night with the Gold Coast Mariners FC notching a 1-0 win over the New Zealand Knights FC at North Harbour Stadium. An 85th minute Adam Kwasnik penalty gave Central Coast its first success of the Hyundai A-League season at the sixth attempt.
The Newcastle Jets FC host the Perth Glory FC at EnergyAustralia Stadium as round six continues tonight. Neither team has made any impact on the A-League this season with the Jets looking the more likely to become a championship contender since the arrival of Colombian striker Milton Rodriguez. Perth has lost their last two, their only win this season was away to the New Zealand Knights. The Jets are due a change of luck with two draws in their last two contests, if they can keep 11 on the park for the full 90 minutes they should have too much class for the Glory boys here.
The Hyundai A-League continues on Sudnay when the Melbourne Victory FC takes on the Queensland Roar FC at the Telstra Dome. The Victory return to The Dome after attracting 39,000 to their clash against defending A-League champions Sydney FC earlier this month. Five games played and five wins on the board for the Victory will ensure another monster crowd will be in attendance. This will not however be an easy task for the Victory who take on a Queensland Roar outfit yet to taste defeat this season.
Round 6 of the A-League ends with Adelaide United and Sydney FC doingbattle at Hindmarsh Stadium on Monday. Sydney holds sway in the head to head battle thus far but Adelaide has won both home matches comprehensively this season. Sydney is yet to produce their best under new coach Terry Butcher who saw his side post only their second win of the campaign last week against the Glory. Home ground advantage to see Adelaide post another win here.
Round 6 tipsNewcastle Jets
Melbourne Victory
Adelaide United
posted by Footballer at A-League Round 6
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Major League Soccer Shirt Sponsorships
Major League Soccer (MLS USA) will become the first major team sports league in the USA to permit shirt-sponsorships from next season.
Aside from US motor racing series Nascar, no other major American sports league permits prominent advertising on shirts. The MLS deal will allow clubs to sell their own shirt-sponsorship rights and keep a majority of the revenue.
It would mark a significant change for the league, which in the past has conducted most of its business through a pool of sponsorship dollars.
posted by Footballer at Major League Soccer Shirt Sponsorships
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Thursday, September 28, 2006
Randy Lerner takes over Aston Villa
American billionaire Randy Lerner has completed his takeover of Aston Villa after increasing his shareholding of the club to over 90 per cent.
Lerner, who was installed as chairman of Aston Villa on 19 September after Doug Ellis vacated the role, is set to exercise his right to compulsorily acquire the remaining shares as soon as possible.
Ellis, who was chairman from 1968 to 1975 and then again from 1982 until last week, will be given an honorary presidency role.
posted by Footballer at Randy Lerner takes over Aston Villa
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Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Qu gets two match ban
Adelaide United's Chinese import Shengquing Qu was handed an additional one-match suspension today for head-butting Queensland captain Chad Gibson in their round five clash that ended 0-0 at Suncorp Stadium last week.
Qu was automatically suspended for one game for receiving a red card but must now serve a second match after a disciplinary hearing in Sydney today saw an additional one-match ban imposed on the 31-year-old forward.
Qu, who was fined an undisclosed amount by his club, will now be missing from the Adelaide side when they host both Sydney FC and Central Coast Mariners FC at Hindmarsh Stadium.
posted by Footballer at Qu gets two match ban
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Mori returns to A-League
The all-time leading goal scorer in the Australian domestic competition, Damian Mori, has agreed terms on a four week deal for the goal shy Central Coast Mariners.
The 36 year old Mori spent last season playing for Hyundai A-League club Perth Glory where he scored seven goals in 17 appearances before returning to Adelaide state league club Adelaide City.
Mori will make his Mariners debut against New Zealand Knights in Auckland tomorrow night.
posted by Footballer at Mori returns to A-League
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Sydney Chairman steps down
Sydney FC chairman Walter Bugno has stepped down from his position as chairman of Hyundai A-League club Sydney FC.
Sydney FC board member Edmund Capon, was appointed Bugno's replacement today.
Capon, AM, OBE has been director of the Art Gallery of New South Wales since 1978 and is a founding board member of Sydney FC.
posted by Footballer at Sydney Chairman steps down
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Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Qu facing extended ban
Adelaide United FC Chinese import Shengqing Qu's is facing an extended spell on the sidelines for headbutting Chad Gibson. Qu faces a misconduct charge before an A-League disciplinary hearing in Sydney on Wednesday night.
Unfortunately for Adelaide, Qu’s case has been referred directly to a disciplinary hearing following United's 0-0 draw with the Queensland Roar at Suncorp Stadium in round five of the A-League last weekend.
The A-League disciplinary panel has already banned Melbourne Victory Brazilian midfielder Fred for three matches for violent conduct.
posted by Footballer at Qu facing extended ban
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Sydney agree terms with Carbone
Benito Carbone will make his Australian A-League debut for Sydney FC against Adelaide United FC at Hindmarsh Stadium next Monday after both parties agreed terms for a four-match guest stint yesterday.
The 35 year old Carbone will make his home debut against the Queensland Roar FC in Sydney the following Sunday.
He will also face Central Coast Mariners on October 13 before finishing his guest stint on October 21 against the league leading Melbourne Victory FC at Aussie Stadium.
Carbone will be hoping the four game stint will see him offered a fulltime contract as Sydney’s Marquee player, replacing Dwight Yorke who returned back to England to line up for Sunderland.
posted by Footballer at Sydney agree terms with Carbone
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English Premier League on Hong Kong Television
The English Premier League is set for competition for its TV rights in Hong Kong when the auction process begins in December this year.
Now TV, the second-largest provider of pay TV in Hong Kong, will reportedly bid for the rights to screen English Premier League football matches in Hong Kong for the three seasons from 2007-08. According to reports Now TV is likely to bid in partnership with ESPN Star Sports.
It will be competing against Hong Kong-listed Television Broadcasts Ltd and the incumbent rights holder i-Cable Communications Ltd. i-Cable Communications' has held the local rights to the screening of the EPL since 2001. Its present contract is for three years and expires in May next year.
posted by Footballer at English Premier League on Hong Kong Television
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Cahill Saves Everton
Socceroo Tim Cahill earned the praise of Everton manager David Moyes after the midfield player scored his fourth Premiership goal of the season to earn Everton a 1-1 draw away to Newcastle United.
Cahill headed home Mikel Arteta cross to stun the St James' Park crowd who were in full voice when everyone bar the linesman and referee saw Shola Ameobi offside before slotting home in the 14th minute.
Having had a sizeable wager on Everton to win this game, I can only presume the linesman is…I can’t finish that line I’ll get in trouble.
Everton boss Moyes was equally bemused afterwards as he said, "I've not seen an offside like it. I really am trying not to mention referees and linesmen this season because I make mistakes and so do my players.”
"We push up for offside, Ameobi's the last man, the ball goes directly to him and he scores so you can't even say there was a mix-up. What do I do? Do I just stand back and say that's fine? I'm passionate about winning for Everton and we got a bad decision.”
"I don't want my players to mob officials. The referee had a good game but I didn't think both the assistants did."
In an entertaining game, which saw end to end play during the second half, both sides were reduced to 10 men as referee Steve Bennett handed out yellow cards as though they were Xmas cards.
Newcastle defender Titus Bramble was first to go after he brought down Leon Osman on the edge of the box before Everton full-back Tony Hibbert earned a second caution on former Manchester City midfielder Antoine Sibierski.
posted by Footballer at Cahill Saves Everton
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A-League Weekend Wrap
Round 5 of the Hyundai A-League kicked off on Thursday night with Sydney FC posting a 1-0 win over the New Zealand Knights FC thanks to a stunning strike by skipper Mark Rudan. The big defender crashed home a 58th minute winner when he lashed at a loose ball in the Knights box.
The action continued on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium where a 10 man Adelaide United outfit managed to hold out the Queensland Roar to return to the city of churches with a well earned point.
Hyundai A-League preseason cup winner Adelaide was reduced to 10 men after Chinese import Shengqing Qu had a brain explosion and head-butted Roar skipper Chad Gibson forcing him out of next weekend's clash against last season's A-League winner Sydney FC at Hindmarsh Stadium.
More red mist at Central Coast Stadium where former Socceroos skipper Paul Okon was marched in the 75th minute before Joel Griffiths picked up his second booking in injury time to see the Newcastle Jets finish with nine men against the Gold Coast Mariners in an entertaining 1-1 draw.
Melbourne Victory FC remains unbeaten after scoring a comfortable 2-1 win over the Perth Glory FC at members Equity Stadium.
Former Glory midfielder Adrian Caceres gave Melbourne the lead when he found himself in acres of space on the right hand side of the box as he swept home a first time shot in the 55th minute.
Skipper Paul Muscat gave the visitors a two-goal cushion after he converted from the spot before Perth defender David Tarka headed home a consolation goal in the final minute.
The Victory are now four points clear of the Queensland Roar with the defending champions Sydney FC a further three points adrift in third spot.
posted by Footballer at A-League Weekend Wrap
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Monday, September 25, 2006
FIFA vs G14
FIFA, world football governing body, could be set to reach a compromise deal with the G14 (group of leading football clubs) over the issue of compensation for clubs whose stars are on international duty.
FIFA has been in dispute with the G14 over who should pay to insure players on national duty, and pay their wages should the players return from international duty injured. At present FIFA rules say that clubs are responsible for insurance cover and all players must be released for international football. But FIFA says it is ready to alter the rules and to look at establishing an insurance fund and compensation fund for international players.
Belgian club Charleroi, which has the backing of the G14, is suing FIFA over an injury suffered on international duty by Morocco's Abdelmajid Oulmers. The Oulmers case has been sent to the European Court of Justice, where it is waiting to be heard.
The G14 Clubs:
England Liverpool (England)
England Manchester United (England)
England Arsenal (England)
France Olympique de Marseille (France)
France Paris Saint-Germain (France)
France Olympique Lyonnais (France)
Germany Bayern Munich (Germany)
Germany Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
Germany Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)
Italy A.C. Milan (Italy)
Italy Internazionale (Italy)
Italy Juventus (Italy)
Netherlands Ajax (Netherlands)
Netherlands PSV (Netherlands)
Portugal Porto (Portugal)
Spain Barcelona (Spain)
Spain Real Madrid (Spain)
Spain Valencia (Spain)
posted by Footballer at FIFA vs G14
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Thursday, September 21, 2006
Australian A-League Round 5
The Australian A-League continues this weekend with round 5 action having already kicked off on Thursday night with Sydney FC posting a much needed 1-0 win over the New Zealand Knights FC.
The A-League continues tonight with Adelaide United FC heading north to take on the Queensland Roar FC at Suncorp Stadium. A good test for both sides with Adelaide winning their last two comprehensively while Miron Bleiberg's Roar has are yet to taste defeat this season thumping the Knights 5-0 last weekend.
The Hyundai A-League continues on Saturday night with the Gold Coast Mariners FC hosting the Newcastle Jets FC in this bottom of the table clash.
The Mariners battled hard last week but again failed to find the back of the net while the Jets fired up after a slow start against Sydney FC that saw them fall two goals behind. The arrival of Colombian striker Milton Rodriguez who marked his A-League debut with a double, saw the Jets finish strongly to post a 2-2 draw. That cutting edge is sorely missed at the Mariners.
Round 5 of the A-League ends with the Perth Glory FC hosting the unbeaten Melbourne Victory FC. A tough ask for the Glory who have failed to impress this season while the Victory has won its opening four matches to storm to the top of the A-League ladder. Terrific value with the Victory in black figures.
A-League Round 5 Tips:
Adelaide United FC
Newcastle Jets FC
Melbourne Victory FC
(Got here a bit late to tip Sydney FC last night, but then there's a fair chance you could have worked that one out on your own.)
posted by Footballer at Australian A-League Round 5
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NRL Finals
Grand Final places are up for grabs in the NRL competition with the Brisbane Broncos and the Canterbury Bulldogs meeting at Aussie Stadium on Friday night. The Broncos will be confident of making their way through to the Grand Final after winning their last four against the Dogs including both encounters thiis season by an aggregate score of 55-6. The Bulldogs can take solace in the fact they will be slightly fresher after having the week off.
The action continues on Saturday night when the Storm head to Telstra Stadium to take on the Dragons. The Storm have had the wood on the Dragons winning six of their last seven encounters including the last four on the trot. The Storm won the minor premiership four games clear of the Bulldogs, after leading the Eels 12-0 at halftime in their opening finals game, they cruised through the second half to win 12-6. Now they are fourth elect in betting markets to win the Premiership.
posted by Footballer at NRL Finals
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AFL Preliminary Finals
Week 3 of the AFL Finals series gets underway on Friday night with the Sydney Swans hosting the Fremantle Dockers at Telstra Stadium in the first of this weekend’s two Preliminary Finals.
The Swans have won eight of their last 10 at Telstra Stadium while the Dockers will be playing there for the first time.
Home ground advantage is clearly with the Swans but their chances rest with the goal kicking exploits of Barry Hall and Michael O'Loughlin.
The Dockers lost their last meeting against the Swans back in round 13 and subsequently went on a nine game winning streak that ended with a loss to the Adelaide Crows at AAMI stadium during the first week of the finals.
That game against the Swans when the Dockers led by 1 point at the last change before the Swans kicked six goals to one in the final term is credited with being the turning point for Fremantle’s season.
Terrific value for the Dockers considering they smashed the West Coasters and the Saints by 10 goals in the lead up to the finals.
Make no mistake, the Swans will jump a deserved favourite having won seven of their last eight, including a thrilling one point win over the West Coast Eagles in week one of the finals.
The weeks break should prove pivotal for the Swans as they chase back to back flags but the odds on offer for the Dockers dictate they are the value bet here.
Sydney has won their last six against the Dockers at the SCG. Fremantle has won their last three encounters against the Swans at Subiaco
Can the Dockers overcome home state advantage?
Sydney 1.30
Fremantle 3.65The second of the Prelim Finals will be played on Saturday afternoon when the West Coast Eagles fly to Adelaide to tackle the Crows at AAMI Stadium.
The West Coasters head into this one full of confidence having beaten Adelaide in five of their last six encounters.
While home ground advantage will give Adelaide a fighting chance, the running power of the Eagles’ star studded midfield tilts this one in their favour.
Adelaide could welcome back Andrew McLeod and Brett Burton from injury but they would be severely underdone in a game where their running power will be tested.
It’s all systems go for the Eagles who only have David Wirrpanda in doubt with a hamstring injury.
The West Coasters found their best form smashing the Tigers in round 22 before losing by a point to the Swans in the first of the Qualifying Finals.
They bounced back last week belting the Bulldogs by 74 points.
Adelaide won their round 22 clash against the Demons by 10 goals before notching a first up Qualifying Final win over the Fremantle Dockers to get their season back on track after a host of injuries threatened to derail their premiership quest.
As is the case with the Dockers, the odds on offer for an Adelaide win are tempting, but that midfield brigade of Cox, Cousins, Judd, Kerr, Embley and Fletcher has no peers.
Can the Crows snap a three game losing streak to the West Coasters to book a Grand Final birth?
West Coast 1-70
Adelaide 2-20
posted by Footballer at AFL Preliminary Finals
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Wednesday, September 20, 2006
FIFA 2006 World Fair Play Day
FIFA is holding the tenth World Fair Play Day over the week of 18 to 24 September. These dates have been chosen to link this year's events to another special celebration: the United Nations International Day of Peace (21 September), an invitation to all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities around the world.
The football family therefore wishes to commemorate the International Day of Peace by using the beautiful game and - most notably - its annual fair play celebration.
FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter recognises the fundamental role of fair play in sport and the need to apply it to all sporting activities, including children's activities.
"Children need strong values to grow up with, and football, being a team sport, makes them realise how essential discipline, respect, team spirit and fair play are for the game and for life," he commented.
"FIFA's Fair Play campaign involves much more than simply promoting fair play on the pitch during a competition. FIFA is committed to encouraging fair play in society too, beginning with our future - with children," he said.
"The most common way of commemorating the International Day of Peace is by observing a moment of silence or holding a special ceremony," the FIFA President added.
"FIFA has encouraged its member associations to do this by gathering around a football pitch, highlighting the values of fair play, and reminding the football family of the meaning of peace and the need for commitment to its realisation."
This is the tenth FIFA Fair Play Day to be celebrated since its introduction in 1997 and the third time that it will be linked to the International Day of Peace. In previous years, activities have been held in dozens of countries around the world, from grassroots to top-flight football and in many community-based projects.
This year, in addition to the various activities to highlight fair play in all 207 FIFA member associations, a unique and exemplary effort has been made by the worldwide football family by way of an exceptional publication entitled Football and Peace in the World.
The book is a tribute to world peace and the fruit of the relentless commitment of CADENA CIN (Cadena Iberoamericana de Noticias) to collect over 200 dedications to peace from the presidents of each of FIFA's member associations.
The presentation of this exclusive publication to the press is due to take place in Zurich on the International Day of Peace, in Lugano on 25, September, and in Geneva on 26 September.
Football Federation Australia and the Hyundai A-League clubs will show their support for the 2006 FIFA Fair Play Day during Round Five of the Hyundai A-League in the following manner:
- The FIFA Fair Play Flag will accompany the Hyundai A-League teams onto the field of play
- The captains of each team will read a declaration of support for Fair Play prior to team handshakes
- After the pre-match handshake the teams will be pose for a combined photo
- At the conclusion of the match the teams will participate in the FIFA post-match handshake procedure
posted by Footballer at FIFA 2006 World Fair Play Day
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Melbourne Victory FC head to Docklands
Melbourne Victory will today announce it will play the majority of it’s remaining Hyundai A-League matches at the Telstra Dome.
The Victory are keen to move six of their eight remaining home games from Olympic Park to the Dome after a monster crowd in excess of 39,000 turned out for their clash against Sydney FC earlier this month.
After an unbeaten start to the season that has the Victory on top of the A-League ladder, the Victory had to turn fans away from their last home clash at Olympic Park against the Central Coast Mariners last week after the 17,000 capacity had been reached.
posted by Footballer at Melbourne Victory FC head to Docklands
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Romario set for Adelaide guest stint
The Australian A-League is about to be leading the Sports News and be splashed across every newspaper in the country, at AFL and NRL Finals time after news broke that Brazilian striker Romario would be heading down under to play for Adelaide United.
Romario could be in Adelaide as early as Saturday with a guest stint starting on October 2 against Sydney FC at Hindmarsh Stadium.
Whilst well past his best, the arrival of FIFA 1994 world player of the year would do more good for the game publicity wise, than any deeds his ageing legs can do on the field.
posted by Footballer at Romario set for Adelaide guest stint
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Carbone not fit
Sydney FC and Italian striker Benito Carbone appear to be at loggerheads after the club officials questioned his level of fitness.
The former English Premier League and Serie A player was expected to be signed up after arriving last week to begin a four match guest stint for the reigning Hyundai A-League champions.
Carbone is still expected to be signed as Sydney’s ‘Marquee Player’ replacing Dwight Yorke who returned to England to continue his career alongside former Manchester United skipper Roy Keane who has taken over at the Black Cats.
posted by Footballer at Carbone not fit
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Corica cops extra two game ban
Sydney FC midfielder Steve Corica has been given an additional two game ban after he was dismissed in Sydney’s Hyundai A-League clash against the Newcastle Jets for abusing referee Matthew Breeze.
The Football Federation of Australia handed Corica an extra one game suspension to go with the mandatory one-match suspension for being issued a red card for foul and abusive language towards a match official.
FFA officials suspended the second of the two extra games leaving Corica to walk a tightrope until the finals series.
Corica will now not be available for the reigning A-League champions until they take on the Queensland Roar FC in round seven.
Meanwhile, Sydney FC boss Terry Butcher is expecting his team to get their title defence back on track when they take on the New Zealand Knights at North Harbour Stadium on Thursday night.
posted by Footballer at Corica cops extra two game ban
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IAS Free Bet
Make a deposit (minimum $50) between 15 September and 28 September and IASbet will credit your account with a 20% Deposit Bonus up to $200!
Click here.
What you get is $50 Free Bet plus a $50 free bet on the AFL or NRL grand Final!
No deposit required!
Please note that free bets need to be place before 4pm on Thursday, 21 September 2006.
Click here now.
posted by Footballer at IAS Free Bet
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Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Jets chase Collymore
Struggling A-League club the Newcastle Jets have made an audacious bid to land former Former Liverpool and England striker Stan Collymore as a guest player.
The 35 year old Collymore retired in 2001 after a failed bid, that lasted five weeks, to revive his career at Spanish club Oviedo.
Collymore's Agent Simon Kennedy said Collymore was lukewarm to the idea of an A-League appearance saying his client preferred a return to the English top flight.
Kennedy said, "Stan is a busy boy but what he would really be interested in is Premiership football,"
"He believes he can still ply his trade at the highest level."
posted by Footballer at Jets chase Collymore
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Queensland Roar FC Vs Adelaide United FC
Adelaide United FC has the Queensland Roar FC in their sights after posting two big home wins in the past fortnight.
John Kosmina’s side was too good for Perth Glory FC, the one time power of Australian soccer 3-0 at Hindmarsh stadium last week, that win followed on the back of a 5-0 demolition job on the Newcastle Jets.
Adelaide snapped a two game losing streak to start the season after winning the preseason cup competition.
Expected to be one of the main players again after winning the minor premiership last season, Adelaide failed to cope with a busy early season schedule and now after two games at home, Kosmina is confident his side can bridge the gap on league leader Melbourne Victory FC.
No easy task for Adelaide United FC who take on Miron Bleiberg’s Queensland Roar who have won three from four and are yet to taste defeat this season.
The Roar thumped the New Zealand Knights FC 5-0 last week, after a disappointing first half the Queenslander’s hit their straps after the break with goals coming thick and fast.
Both teams have the potential to challenge the competition powerhouse club Sydney who have yet to hit their straps after the opening month of the season.
Friday night’s match at Suncorp Stadium will tell us more about the championship credentials of both clubs.
Can Adelaide snap a two match losing streak on the road this week or will Miron and his men Roar with a third straight win at home.
Interestingly, both teams beat Perth Glory FC 3-0 at home and both teams have scored 5-0 wins in a season that is just four weeks old.
posted by Footballer at Queensland Roar FC Vs Adelaide United FC
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Monday, September 18, 2006
FIFA Ethics Commission
Lord Coe, chairman of the London 2012 Olympics, will head FIFA's new ethics commission that will judge all cases alleging conflicts of interest and breaches of FIFA rules.
The ethics commission will only rule on new cases, meaning Coe will not have to deal with the Jack Warner case. Warner, a FIFA vice-president from Trinidad and Tobago, has been identified by FIFA's auditors as being involved in the sale of World Cup tickets for several times their face value - a clear breach of FIFA rules. Warner's case will be investigated by FIFA's disciplinary committee.
posted by Footballer at FIFA Ethics Commission
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CBC Wins 2010 AND 2014 World Cup rights
CBC Wins 2010 and 2014 World Cup rights with a deal with FIFA, football's world governing body. This deal also includes the 2007 World Under-20 Championships to be held in Canada for which CBC will act as host broadcaster.
CBC beat a rival bid from a CTV-Rogers consortium. A multicultural station with national distribution, will act as its broadcast partner.
posted by Footballer at CBC Wins 2010 AND 2014 World Cup rights
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Sunday, September 17, 2006
Rodriguez shines for Jets
Colombian import Milton Rodriguez made a big impact for the Newcastle Jets after coming off the bench to replace the injured Vaughn Coveney.
The 30-year-old who was picked up from Korean side Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors announced his arrival with a first half injury time goal.
The fleet footed striker bagged his second in the 62nd minute when he beat a disappointing effort by Clint Bolton at the near post.
While the Jets deserve credit for their revival, the performance of referee Matthew Breeze was once again the low light for what was an entertaining game.
Breeze sent off Sydney’s Steve Corica in the 67th minute for dissent, fair dinkum is this under 12’s?
Corica received a straight for allegedly calling Breeze an “effing cheat”, The referee only needs to blow his whistle and say, “Yellow card for dissent, open your mouth one more time and your off.”
posted by Footballer at Rodriguez shines for Jets
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Gumprecht to miss six
Central Coast Mariners midfielder Andre Gumprecht will be sidelined for six weeks after he suffered a grade two tear of his medial ligament in the Mariners' 1-0 defeat to Melbourne Victory last night.
The former Perth Glory midfielder will be sorely missed by Lawrie McKinna’s side who has just the one point after four games.
McKinna acknowledged the pressure was on to pick up some points with games against New Zealand and Newcastle in the next fortnight.
No small feat for the mariners who are yet to score a goal this season.
posted by Footballer at Gumprecht to miss six
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A-League Weekend Wrap
The Australian A-League continued this weekend with round 4 action kicking off on Friday night. There was plenty to cheer about for Queensland Roar fans after watching their team go to the top of the A-League ladder with a thumping 5-0 win over the hapless New Zealand Knights.
Queensland Roar 5 (McKay 7 / 86, Reinaldo 55, Lynch 72, Milicic 80)
New Zealand 0
Crowd: 15,517 Plenty of goals again on Saturday night when Adelaide United hosted Perth Glory at Hindmarsh Stadium. The home team continued on their good work scoring three goals in the first half to coast to a 3-0 win over the Perth outift who continue to struggle since the formation of the A-League.
Adelaide United 3 (Fernando 15, Dodd 34, Coyne 51og)
Perth Glory 0
Crowd: 11474Sydney FC saw a 2-0 lead go down the toilet as the Newcastle Jets fought back to take a share of the spoils at Aussie Stadium. New recruit, Colombian Milton Rodriguez, announced his arrival to the A-League with a brace that would have brought a smile to coach Newcastle boss Nick Theodorakopoulos.
Sydney FC 2 (Corica 33pen, Zdrilic 38)
Newcastle Jets 2 Rodriguez 46+, 62
Crowd: 15,488 Round four of the A-League ended with the Melbourne Victory getting back to the top of the ladder with a hard fought win over the Central Coast Mariners at Olympic Park. The Victory can thank Archie Thompson for maintaining their perfect record posting their fourth win from as many starts.
Melbourne Victory 1 (Thompson 52)
Central Coast Mariners 0
Crowd: 17,617
posted by Footballer at A-League Weekend Wrap
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Friday, September 15, 2006
Germany's World Cup Profit
Following a technical review of the World Cup 2006 conducted on September 11-13, FIFA and Germany's World Cup organising committee reported a revenue surplus of $340 million for the event.
The figures have still to be checked by KPMG, FIFA's auditors before they can be finalised but after this and other work, they could easily exceed the current sum.
This financial success is in light of FIFA's actions over the years to assign more World Cup rights to the host nations organising committee and through subsidies. The German organising committee budgeted for $1 billion, made up of ticket sales, rights sales to the official suppliers and a subsidy from FIFA of $420 million.
If the provisional figures are correct, the agreement reached before the competition to share the revenue would see the German organising committee receive $234 million. The other $102 million would go to FIFA as a refund for the $420 million payment that it made to the host nation.
posted by Footballer at Germany's World Cup Profit
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Thursday, September 14, 2006
A-League Round Four
The Australian A-League continues this weekend with round 4 action kicking off tonight when the second placed Queensland Roar host the New Zealand Knights at Suncorp Stadium.
The Roar has already secured a 1-1 draw and a 2-1 win over the Knights in the Hyundai A-League Pre-Season Cup and get the chance to consolidate their good start to the new season. With tough trips to Melbourne, Sydney and Perth ahead, this is a must win game for Miron Bleiberg's men.
Adelaide United hosts Perth Glory at Hindmarsh Stadium Stadium on Saturday night with the local side expected to make it back to back wins after breaking their duck last week with a 5-1 win over the misfiring Jets.
Perth was lucky to hold on for a 1-1 draw at home to a depleted Sydney outfit last week after the linesman ruled Steve Corica was offside when he put the visitors back into the lead.
Sydney FC tackle the Newcastle Jets at Aussie Stadium in the first of two Sunday games. Newcastle boss Nick Theodorakopoulos is already under pressure after the Jets have started the new season with a draw and two losses.
New recruit, Colombian Milton Rodriguez, has been selected to play as the Jets look to bounce back. Sydney has already beaten the Jets twice in the preseason cup competition and will be keen to bounce back to the winners list against the last placed Jets.
Round four of the A-League ends with the league leading Melbourne Victory out to maintain their 100% record when they host the Central Coast Mariners at Olympic Park. While the Victory has been scoring goals for fun in entertaining matches, the Mariners are yet to open their account after three games.
The Mariners beat the Victory 3-1 in the preseason competiton at olympic Park, Can they do it again and snare their first three pointer of the season?
Round 4 Tips: Queensland-Adelaide-Sydney-Melbourne
posted by Footballer at A-League Round Four
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AFL Finals Week 2
The AFL Finals series continues on Friday night with the first of two semi finals. The Fremantle Dockers play hosts to the Melbourne Demons in the 2nd Semi Final at Subiaco Oval with the Dockers a red-hot favourite to win their first ever finals match.
The Dockers saw their nine match winning streak come to an end last week but they have won their last six at Fortress Subi and nine of their last 10.
Melbourne has lost on its last four visits to Perth including a 29 point loss to the Dockers in Round 16.
Home ground advantage to see the Dockers book their tickets for Sydney and a Prelim final against the Swans.
The action continues at Subi on Saturday night with the West Coast Eagles taking on the Western Bulldogs in the 1st Semi Final. The Bulldogs go into this clash with a surprisingly high level of confidence after proving too strong for Collingwood last week.
The Dogs have won their last two against the West Coasters including their round 13 clash at Subi by nine points. Can they upset the one time premiership favourites a third time?
posted by Footballer at AFL Finals Week 2
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NRL Semi Finals Week 2
Semi Final time in the NRL with St George Illawarra Dragons and the Manly Sea Eagles going head to head at Aussie Stadium on Friday night.
The Dragons have won their last four against the Sea Eagles and go into this clash a short priced favourite.
Last week the Sea Eagles had the Knights beaten leading 18-6 they simply ran out of legs while the Dragons coasted in posting their fourth straight win over the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.
If Manly can play the full 80 minutes then they will win their first finals match since 1997. But can they?
The Brisbane Broncos will be out to snap a seven game losing streak in the finals when they take on the Newcastle Knights at Aussie Stadium on Sunday night.
Brisbane put in a poor performance last week against the Dragons and get their chance to break through against a Knights side who really should have been beaten last week by the Sea Eagles.
Fortunately the Broncos don’t have to play this one at Suncorp where their record has been poor since returning to the upgraded stadium.
Brisbane has won two of their last three against the Knights but did lose their last clash in a thriller, 32-30 at EnergyAustralia Stadium.
posted by Footballer at NRL Semi Finals Week 2
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No joy for Victory
Melbourne Victory FC striker Fred will be out of action for the next three matches after his appeal against a three-week ban for violent conduct was upheld.
The Victory claimed the punishment handed down to Fred was severe but a Football Federation Australia appeals tribunal upheld the finding of the original decision.
Fred clashed with Sydney FC player Mark Milligan in their round 2 A-League at the Telstra Dome on September 2 with cameras showing Fred appearing to elbow Milligan in the throat.
Fred will be back in round six when the Victory hosts Queensland Roar at Olympic Park on October 1.
posted by Footballer at No joy for Victory
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Carbone to replace Dwight
35-year-old Italian striker Benito Carbone is keen to make his mark on Sydney FC and become the long term successor to Dwight Yorke.
Carbone has already begun training under Sydney coach Terry Butcher and hopes to secure a long term contract having agreed to a four game guest stint for the reigning A-League champions.
Carbone who has played for a host of English Premier league teams including, Sheffield Wednesday, Bradford City, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough said that he was fit and keen to prove that he still has a lot to offer.
"This is my first time in Australia, the A-League interests me. If I can help make it more exciting then I will be happy," he added.
Carbone could make his A-League debut as early as Sunday when Sydney FC hosts the Newcastle Jets at Aussie Stadium.
posted by Footballer at Carbone to replace Dwight
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Monday, September 11, 2006
Rudan back for Sydney
Sydney FC captain Mark Rudan will be back in the starting lineup for Sunday's Hyundai A-League clash with the Newcastle Jets at Aussie Stadium.
The skipper returns having served a one-match suspension incurred in the opening round loss to Melbourne Victory.
Rudan will be joined by Socceroos midfielder Alex Brosque and winger Ruben Zadkovich who have both recovered from injury for Terry Butcher’s defending A-League champions.
Sydney FC was held to an unlucky 1-1 draw by Perth Glory last weekend.
posted by Footballer at Rudan back for Sydney
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Victory to play at Olympic Park
Melbourne Victory CEO Geoff Miles has confirmed the Melbourne Victory will meet the Central Coast Mariners at Olympic Park in their round four clash this weekend.
Despite drawing 39,000 to their last home game at the Telstra Dome, Miles said the Victory would be back on their home patch when they look to continue their impressive start to the new campaign.
The league leading Melbourne Victory has won three from three to kick off the 2006-07 Hyundai A-League season in fine style.
posted by Footballer at Victory to play at Olympic Park
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Sunday, September 10, 2006
Sydney held by Perth
Round three ended on Sunday afternoon in Perth where defending A-League Champions Sydney FC was held to a 1-1 draw by Perth Glory at Members Equity Stadium.
Not a good result for my punting having taken Sydney as a banker on a few multi bets.
Sasho Petrovski gave me hope of collecting after he gave the visitors a 1-0 lead in the 37th minute when he headed into an empty net.
Jamie Coyne headed home in the 70th minute to draw the glory level and put my betting slips in the bin.
Steve Corica should have scored the winner when he turned the ball into an empty net from two yards out only for the linesman to show everyone he doesn’t understand or know the rules by raising his flag for a non existent offside.
As you can imagine, I was far from happy.
Perth looked like they will again struggle to make an impact on this competition having been unable to test a depleted Sydney outfit that was missing captain Mark Rudan, Alex Brosque, Robbie Middleby, David Carney and Jacob Timpano.
Perth Glory 1 (Coyne 70)
Sydney FC 1 (Petrovski 37)
Crowd: 8052
posted by Footballer at Sydney held by Perth
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Victory march to third straight win
Melbourne Victory FC continued their good start to the new Hyundai A-League season with a third straight win when they defeated the New Zealand Knights FC 3-0 at North Harbour Stadium on Sunday.
The Victory scored all three goals inside the opening 36 minutes with Daniel Allsop netting his third of the season in the 9th minute when he met Fellow striker Archie Thompson’s pass.
Allsop returned the favour when Thompson doubled the advantage for the Victory in the 22nd minute.
Victory skipper Kevin Muscat then made it three when he headed home a Kristian Sarkies free kick.
Wasn’t a good weekend for crowd figures with only 2071 stepping venturing to North Harbour Stadium for this clash.
Melbourne Victory 3 (Daniel Allsopp 9, Archie Thompson 22, Kevin Muscat 36)
New Zealand Knights 0Crowd: 2071
posted by Footballer at Victory march to third straight win
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Saturday, September 09, 2006
Yet Another Draw
The Central Coast Mariners FC and the Queensland Roar FC played out a rare draw on Saturday night at the Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium.
This was the fourth draw in as many matches in the A-League for these two clubs who had the misfortune to play this game in atrocious conditions.
Cold, wet and windy conditions saw just under 5,000 fans make the trek to Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium for a game that never reached any great heights.
Tommy Pondeljak put in a man of the match performance in his first team recall. He was denied twice by the crossbar in the second half.
Central Coast 0
Queensland 0
Crowd: 4644
posted by Footballer at Yet Another Draw
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NRL Finals - Week 1
The NRL Finals kick off on Friday night with the Newcastle Knights hosting the Manly Sea Eagles at EnergyAustralia Stadium. The Knights welcome back skipper Andrew Johns from suspension while the Sea Eagles skipper Ben Kennedy has declared himself fit after missing the final two rounds. Both teams head into the finals series in good form. The Knights have won 4 of their last 5 against the Eels in Newcastle but did lose their round 23 clash. We expect home ground advantage will see them sneak home.
Live Betting on all NRL Finals
NRL - HEAD TO HEAD*
Knights 1.60
Sea Eagles 2.40
Bulldogs 1.37
Raiders 3.20
Broncos 1.58
Dragons 2.42
Storm 1.28
Eels 3.80
Click to bet on the NRL Finals!
posted by Footballer at NRL Finals - Week 1
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AFL Finals Week 1
The AFL Finals have finally arrived with four big games this weekend. The action gets underway at the MCG on Friday night with the St Kilda Saints and the Melbourne Demons meeting in the first of the knockout elimination finals. The Dees have won 8 of their last 10 against the Saints but have won just 2 of their last 7 heading into the finals while the Saints have won 8 of their last 10. Home ground advantage should ensure a tight contest with the forward line of the Saints to see them sneak home.
AFL - HEAD TO HEAD ODDS
St Kilda 1.73
Melbourne 2.15
West Coast 1.48
Sydney 2.72
Adelaide 2.00
Fremantle 1.84
Collingwood 1.53
Western Bulldogs 2.58
Click here to bet on the AFL Finals.
posted by Footballer at AFL Finals Week 1
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Friday, September 08, 2006
Adelaide on Song
Round 3 of the A-League season got underway in Adelaide on Friday night with Adelaide United FC breaking through for their first win of the season as they smashed the Newcastle Jets FC 5-1 at Hindmarsh Stadium.
Adelaide scored three goals inside the opening 30 minutes to have this match wrapped up nice and early for coach John Kosmina who would have been feeling the pressure with a third straight defeat.
Fernando Rech opened the scoring when he steered home Jason Spanuolo’s free kick from six yards.
Robert Cornthwaite doubled the advantage when he headed into an empty net after Ross Aloisi hit a free kick against the bar from 30 yards.
Shengqing Qu then curled home the third from the edge of the box in the 27th minute to give Adelaide an unassailable lead.
Mark Bridge pulled one back for the visitors in the 52nd minute but Andrew Durante somehow managed to put the ball past his own keeper to restore Adelaide’s three goal cushion before Rech grabbed his second of the night in the 73rd minute.
Adelaide United 5 (Rech 8, Cornthwaite 19, Qu 27, Durante OG 65, Rech 73)
Newcastle Jets 1 (Bridge 52)
Crowd: 8785
posted by Footballer at Adelaide on Song
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Thursday, September 07, 2006
Guus starts with a draw
Former Socceroos boss Guus Hiddink, now in charge of the Russian national team, saw his side kick off their Euro 2008 campaign with a first up 0-0 draw against Croatia.
This Group E clash was played at Moscow's Lokomotiv stadium in front of a near capacity 30,000 crowd.
The match began with both teams displaying a cautious approach in the first half before Russia began to press for a home win.
Andrei Arshavin went close with a volley from the edge of the area before substitute Pavel Pogrebnyak just missed with a low drive that went wide of Croatia keeper Stipe Pletikosa’s post.
Croatia were kept to speculative long range efforts throughout the encounter but did come closest to scoring when midfielder Milan Rapaic struck the crossbar with a 50th minute freekick.
posted by Footballer at Guus starts with a draw
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Monday, September 04, 2006
Victory Appeal Fred ban
Melbourne Victory FC has lodged an appeal with Football Federation Australia (FFA) after Brazilian recruit Fred was handed a three-match ban last week.
Fred was originally found guilty of violent conduct for making contact with Sydney FC player Mark Milligan in their round two clash at the Telstra Dome on September 2.
Melbourne Victory chief executive Geoff Miles referred to the incident as "slight contact".
Despite the incident being "slight contact" the FFA banned Fred for three games for appearing to put his elbow into the throat of Milligan whilst running past.
If nothing else, it has certainly ensured their round 9 clash at Aussie Stadium shouldn't be missed.
posted by Footballer at Victory Appeal Fred ban
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Sunday, September 03, 2006
Glory Open Account
3rd September
Perth Glory notched their first win of the new Hyundai A-League season with a 2-0 success over the visiting Central Coast Mariners FC at Members Equity Stadium.
Midfielder Simon Colosimo opened the scoring when he beat Central Coast keeper Danny Vukovic with a 52nd minute free kick.
Stuart Young ensured all three points for the Glory and new boss Ron Smith’s first home game with a late strike.
As with all A-League games this season thus far, the pace was a cracker in the early stages with the Mariners unlucky not to be awarded an early penalty after Colosimo brought down Jamie McMaster.
Former West Ham/Birmigham City star Stan Lazaridis was beginning to have an impact as the match unfolded and he almost scored his first Hyundai A-League in the 28th minute.
The Glory took the lead when a fast thinking Colosimo took a quick free-kick while the Mariners keeper was still setting up his wall.
The Glory pressed for a second and their attacking play was rewarded in the 80th minute through Young’s strike.
Perth 2 (Colosimo 52, Young 80)
Central Coast 0
Crowd: 7,229
posted by Footballer at Glory Open Account
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Saturday, September 02, 2006
Record crowd watch Victory beat Sydney
2nd September
A Hyundai A-League record crowd of 39,730 witnessed Melbourne Victory FC defeat Sydney FC at the Telstra Dome on Saturday night.
The game matched the atmosphere with three goals and a send off inside the first 20 minutes.
Danny Allsopp led the way for the Victory bagging a brace, his first in the eighth minute when he smacked home a loose ball in the box.
Captain Kevin Muscat doubled the advantage for the hosts from the spot after Sydney keeper Clint Bolton was harshly judged to have brought down Alessandro.
Muscat made no mistake from the resulting penalty kick before the game took another twist.
Sydney skipper Mark Rudan was then booked and given his marching orders after he and Brazilian Alessandro scuffled.
The reigning champs pulled a goal back just four minutes later when Iain Fyfe rose to head home Ufuk Talay's corner.
Muscat then played a long ball forward with Allsop putting the ball over a stranded Clinton Bolton and into the empty net.
David Carney then made it 3-2 when his deflected shot found the back of the net to set up a tense final six minutes for the Victory.
Melbourne 3 (Allsopp 8, 51, Muscat 11pen)
Sydney FC 2 (Fyfe 18, Carney 84)
Crowd: 39,730
posted by Footballer at Record crowd watch Victory beat Sydney
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Knights stun Adelaide
2nd September
It was a long time coming but the New Zealand Knights FC finally cracked it for a home win when they defeated Adelaide United FC 1-0 at North Harbour Stadium.
A stunning strike by Malik Buari flew into the top right hand corner leaving Adelaide keeper Robert Bajic clutching at fresh air.
It was the first win at North Harbour Stadium in 11 attempts for the Knights who dominated for much of the match played in wet and slippery conditions.
New Zealand Knights 1 (Malik Buari 88)
Adelaide United 0
Crowd: 4,100
posted by Footballer at Knights stun Adelaide
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Friday, September 01, 2006
Socceroos Crash to Kuwait
Australia suffered a shock 2-0 loss to part timers Kuwait in an Asian Cup qualifier in Kuwait City this morning.
Khalaf Al Mutairi and Bader Al Mutwa struck twice in the space of five second half minutes to give Kuwait their first victory in 13 internationals.
An understrengthed Australian team lost midfielder Jason Culina two days before this game kicked off and suffered physically in the oppressive conditions.
Australia has already qualified for next year's Asian Cup courtesy of a 2-0 win over Kuwait in Sydney last month.
However, the Socceroos could lose top spot should they fail to defeat Bahrain in their final qualifier in Sydney on October 11.
posted by Footballer at Socceroos Crash to Kuwait
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Roar make it back to back wins
1st September
Round 2 of the Hyundai A-League got underway on Friday night with the Queensland Roar FC beating the Newcastle Jets FC 3-2 at EnergyAustralia Stadium before a crowd of 7276.
The Roar made it two wins from two games when Scottish striker Simon Lynch crashed home a loose ball to break the deadlock just two minutes from time.
In what is likely to be a world first, opposing captains Chad Gibson (Queensland Roar) and Paul Okon (Newcastle Jets FC) both scored own-goals.
Brazilian import Reinaldo da Costa gave the visitors the lead through a 5th minute goal before the Jets were back on level terms after Gibson headed the ball past his keeper.
Unbelievably, former Socceroos skipper Paul Okon then netted an own goal of his own to give the Queenslander’s back the lead making a hash of an attempted clearance.
Mark Bridge then brought the Jets right back into the contest making it 2-2 with five minutes remaining in the first half.
Newcastle United Jets 2 (Gibson OG 26, Bridge 40)
Queensland Roar 3 (Reinaldo 5, Okon OG 38, Lynch 88)
Crowd: 7276
posted by Footballer at Roar make it back to back wins
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A-League Football, A-Leaque Soccer, Australia : Aussie Football, A-League Australia
