Phoenix steal point in Brisbane

Updated November 13, 2011 21:00:01

Brisbane Roar's record unbeaten streak remains intact but the A-League champions rued some dreadful finishing after being held to a surprise 1-1 draw with Wellington at Lang Park.

The classy Roar once again dominated their opponents right across the park on Sunday but could not deliver the killer blow in a tense second half.

Brisbane had a total of 19 shots at goal, including 10 on target, to just three by the Phoenix but had to share the spoils for the second week running after being held to 2-2 by a nine-man Melbourne Victory.

It still meant the home side, now unbeaten for 34 straight matches, moved to within one match of the Australian club record streak (35) set by rugby league's Eastern Suburbs in the 1930s.

Striker Besart Berisha's early goal, his seventh for the season, had promised a cakewalk but Brisbane was left disappointed by the lack of precision in converting its chances over the last 80 minutes.

"The chances came but we just couldn't put them in the back of the net," disappointed midfielder Erik Paartalu said.

Not only did Brisbane dominate possession and territory as it has all season but the Phoenix could not cope with the defensive harassment on the rare occasions they had the ball.

But for all that, Wellington turned at 1-1 to the shock of the 16,428-strong crowd after All White Tim Brown celebrated his 100th A-League match by finishing a superb team goal in the 36th minute.

Brisbane coach Ange Postecoglou denied he was frustrated by his side's inability to convert its chances or worried future opponents would copy the defensive tactics and sit back, because they would pay the price if they did.

"We certainly created enough opportunities tonight to win the game of football so I don't think that's of any relevance to us," he said.

"There were times tonight that we played our best football of the year.

"Credit to (Wellington), they defended well and the keeper (Anthony Warner) pulled off a couple of good saves but even aside from that we still had a couple of very good opportunities.

"I'd say we were good and if teams want to do that against us then that's what we'll do against them."

Proud Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert labelled it a "top-drawer performance" of great character by his side and felt it could trigger a turnaround after three-match losing run.

In its first scoring opportunity, Leo Bertos drilled a brilliant cross to Nick Ward who produced two deft touches to find the unmarked Brown in front of the goal and he clinically netted.

In contrast, Brisbane could not find or deliver the vital last pass after Berisha opened the scoring in the 11th minute.

The Albanian international took a free header in the box from a pin-point Thomas Broich chip off a free kick just outside the box.

With playmaker Mitch Nicholls on Socceroos duty, Canadian international Issey Nakajima-Farran was promoted and had his moments.

But he was the most culpable for butchering goal-scoring opportunities, including a booming first-half strike in the box that his the post and an easier second-half one from close range which he blazed into the crowd.

Added to the Roar's second-half torment, Broich was cleared off the line by Manny Muscat, Luke Brattan was denied by a diving keeper Anthony Warner and fellow substitute Kofi Danning put a Berisha cross to the left.

Brisbane Roar: 1 (B Berisha 12')

Wellington Phoenix: 1 (T Brown 36')

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, brisbane-4000, qld, australia, new-zealand

First posted November 13, 2011 19:03:53

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Jets cruise past lacklustre Glory

Updated November 05, 2011 21:08:50

Newcastle made it three wins from three at home with a 2-0 triumph over a laboured-looking Perth Glory outfit on Saturday afternoon.

A double inside the opening 11 minutes from Jets striker Jeremie Brockie gave the hosts a match-winning early lead which they defended with ease after the much-vaunted Glory attack failed to fire.

The three points lift Newcastle level with second-placed Perth on nine points.

"Before the game started the atmosphere in the dressing room was the same as of teams of before they come out and perform," Jets coach Gary van Egmond said.

"And right from the first whistle ... they were on."

Perth, coming off a defeat to Central Coast last week, was punished for a lazy start when Brockie produced two brilliant goals in the 10th and 11th minutes.

The first came courtesy of a long ball from skipper Jobe Wheelhouse which Brockie dispatched into the far top corner past a hesitant effort by Glory 'keeper Danny Vukovic.

But it was Brockie's second which had the locals on their feet.

After being played into the box by Kasey Wehrman, Brockie chipped over chasing defender Bas van den Brink before drilling home a first-time volley.

The more high-profile of the New Zealand strikers on the pitch, Shane Smeltz, was having a torrid time of it at the other end of the pitch as the Glory adopted a languid long-ball game.

Things picked up for the visitors in the second half with the introduction of Brazilian livewire Andrezinho but Perth was still limited to speculative shots from outside the box.

One such effort by Smeltz just past the hour mark almost pulled one back only for the desperate fingertips of Jets custodian Ben Kennedy forcing the ball onto the crossbar.

Minutes later Smeltz's frustration boiled over when he and young Jets full-back Taylor Regan butted heads with referee Strebre Delovski opting to caution both players with yellow cards.

Newcastle had the better of the chances in the second 45 minutes with Wheelhouse and Ryan Griffiths both unable to take advantage after being played clear through to goal.

"First half in particular it was very bad the way we started," Perth coach Ian Ferguson said.

"To give Newcastle two goals head start was unthinkable, that's what we did and were behind the eight ball after that."

Jets: 2 (J Brockie 10', 11')

Perth: 0

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, newcastle-2300, nsw, australia, perth-6000, wa

First posted November 05, 2011 19:48:55

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United, Gunners win as City marches on

Updated November 20, 2011 15:07:22

Manchester City ended Newcastle's unbeaten start to the season with a 3-1 victory to maintain its five-point lead at the top of the English Premier League.

Goals from Mario Balotelli, Micah Richards and Sergio Aguero secured all three points for City, which has now won 11 and drawn one of its 12 games this season - the best start to a Premier League campaign in history.

Balotelli opened the scoring from the penalty spot on 41 minutes before Richards struck just before half-time to leave Newcastle in trouble.

Argentinian striker Aguero made it 3-0 on 72 minutes with another penalty before Dan Gosling netted a consolation strike for Newcastle on 89 minutes.

"As players, as a team, we are very strong now but the season is long and there will be difficult moments ahead," satisfied City manager Roberto Mancini said.

"For this reason, it's important we know we can score goals and win games in a row."

Manchester United kept the pressure on its cross-town rival in the late kick-off with a Javier Hernandez goal giving the Red Devils a 1-0 win at Swansea.

Mexican international Hernandez struck on 11 minutes to settle a drab encounter at the Liberty Stadium as Sir Alex Ferguson's team recorded its fifth consecutive clean sheet since its 6-1 thrashing against City last month.

In other matches, inspirational skipper Robin van Persie scored twice as Arsenal came from behind to defeat Norwich 2-1 at Carrow Road to move up one spot to sixth.

Van Persie took his goal tally for 2011 to a remarkable 31 in 29 games as Arsenal recorded its fifth consecutive league victory.

Norwich took the lead when Steve Morison pounced on a blunder by Per Mertesacker on 16 minutes before Dutch striker van Persie equalised in the 26th minute, netting the winner on the hour mark.

"It was a very positive win and the team is growing from game to game," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said before praising van Persie's contribution.

"He is exceptional, but we all know within the club that he's an exceptional player.

"Sometimes, what was in the way was the fact he was injured.

"Since he plays, Robin shows just how good he is."

A pulsating game at the Britannia Stadium saw QPR down Stoke 3-2.

Jon Walters put Stoke 1-0 up after eight minutes, latching on to Peter Crouch's through-ball before rifling past Paddy Kenny in the QPR goal.

But QPR levelled through Heidar Helguson on 22 minutes before goals from Luke Young and Helguson's second gave the visitors a 3-1 lead.

Stoke pulled a goal back through Ryan Shawcross midway through the second half but Rangers held on.

A stormy match at Goodison Park saw Everton come from behind to down Wolves 2-1.

Wolves took the lead in controversial circumstances when Marouane Fellaini was adjudged to have brought down midfielder David Edwards inside the area to concede a penalty.

Everton protested to no avail before Stephen Hunt stepped up to blast his spot-kick down the middle.

But the Toffees levelled on 44 minutes when defender Phil Jagielka headed in England team-mate Leighton Baines' cross.

Baines then struck the winner from the penalty spot seven minutes from time.

In the battle of the bottom two, Blackburn's Yakubu struck a dramatic injury time penalty - won by Rovers goalkeeper Paul Robinson - to give his side a 3-3 draw against Wigan.

But the game was overshadowed by controversy surrounding Blackburn's second goal, scored by David Hoilett, when Morten Gamst Pedersen appeared to dribble straight from a corner before crossing for the goal.

Referee Andre Marriner had failed to spot that Yakubu had not touched the ball before Pedersen took the corner.

"It was a scandalous decision," Wigan manager Roberto Martinez said.

"For me, Yakubu didn't touch the ball and it's a very easy decision to make.

"It's ridiculous."

At the Hawthorns, Irish international Shane Long made a match-winning return from injury as West Brom downed struggling Bolton 2-1.

The Baggies went ahead on 16 minutes when Jerome Thomas sprang Bolton's offside trap and rounded the keeper to score.

But Thomas was the villain five minutes later when he conceded a penalty duly converted by Ivan Klasnic.

Long eventually wrapped up the win for Roy Hodgson's side, striking his fourth goal of the season on 59 minutes.

Sunderland and Fulham battled to a goalless draw at the Stadium of Light with Socceroos custodian Mark Schwarzer pulling off an outstanding save to keep the Cottagers in the game.

AFP

Tags: english-premier, soccer, sport, england, united-kingdom

First posted November 20, 2011 08:10:36

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Victory need time to gel: Durakovic

Updated October 15, 2011 15:13:22

Melbourne Victory coach Mehmet Durakovic says he needs time to mould his star-studded A-League outfit into a formidable unit.

The highly-fancied Victory slumped to a 1-0 loss to bitter rivals Adelaide United on Friday night, leaving Durakovic without a win from two starts.

Compounding the Victory's sluggish start to the season is the enforced absence of captain Adrian Leijer for next Saturday's derby against Melbourne Heart.

Leijer was sent off in the away loss to Adelaide for two bookable offences, including one which left coach Durakovic bewildered.

Leijer was yellow carded in the opening half for apparently back-chatting referee Ben Williams, then marched for a second-half tackle on Reds playmaker Dario Vidosic.

"Honestly, I really don't know ... how he got the yellow card, the first one," Durakovic said.

"He (Leijer) hasn't made it easier on us but we have got enough depth.

"Obviously, it's a big game for us next week and we're going to try and get the three points because we definitely need it."

Durakovic warned against hasty judgments on his club, touted as championship favourites.

"I do need time with this team," he said.

"They're all professional footballers and really good players and it just takes time to gel the way we want to play.

"At least we're creating chances and, sooner or later, those chances will go in and, after that, we won't look back."

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, melbourne-3000, adelaide-5000, vic, sa, australia

First posted October 15, 2011 15:07:03

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McKay makes impact in first Rangers start

Updated November 06, 2011 15:05:49

Socceroo Matt McKay has made an impact in his maiden starting appearance for Scottish giants Rangers, setting up the opener in a 3-1 home win over Dundee United.

The former Brisbane Roar captain delivered a cross in the 19th minute with Nikica Jelavic drilling a powerful header into the back of the net at Ibrox.

The reigning Australian footballer of the year signed on for Rangers in August but a knee injury and his league-leading team's form forced him to bide his time before Saturday's run-on appearance.

It is hoped his efforts will encourage manager Ally McCoist to provide the 28-year-old with more game time in the coming months.

The result stretched Rangers' lead on the ladder to 15 points, the club enjoying an undefeated start to the season with 12 wins from 14 matches.

McKay will fly out in the coming days to join his national team-mates for Australia's World Cup qualifiers in Oman this Friday and in Thailand on November 15.

Scott McDonald, who missed selection for the national squad, snapped his 10-match goal drought in the English Championship with a controversial 41st minute goal in Middlesbrough's 1-0 win over Watford.

The Australian, goal-less from 25 internationals, enjoyed a slice of luck at the Riverside on Saturday afternoon with the diminutive striker appearing offside from a pass from Barry Robson.

McDonald's initial shot was blocked by the goalkeeper but he slotted home the follow-up.

Meanwhile Socceroos midfielder Neil Kilkenny set up the final goal in Bristol City's 3-1 win over Burnley.

The former Leeds player put Albert Adomah through a hole in the Burnley backline, the Ghana international running from halfway to score the sealer in the 73rd minute.

Tim Cahill came off the bench for Everton but was unable to score the equaliser as Newcastle maintained their unbeaten start to the English Premier League season with a 2-1 win at St James' Park.

Chris Herd prepared for national duties by playing in Aston Villa's 3-2 home win over Norwich.

AAP

Tags: scotland, english-lower, english-premier, soccer, sport, scotland, england, united-kingdom, australia

First posted November 06, 2011 09:51:21

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Van Persie double rescues Arsenal

Updated October 17, 2011 07:20:39

Captain Robin van Persie struck twice to inspire Arsenal to a much-needed 2-1 victory over Sunderland and Newcastle United scored late to maintain its unbeaten Premier League record in a 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

Van Persie insisted in the club's matchday program that he has no intention of following Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri out of the club and then underlined his commitment with a man-of-the-match display capped by a brilliant winner with just eight minutes left.

Arsene Wenger's side kicked-off just two points above the relegation zone after their worst start to a season for 58 years.

But Arsenal will always be a threat while it has van Persie and the Gunners captain showed his class with a cool finish after only 29 seconds.

Sunderland gave the ball away from the kick-off and when Gervinho crossed low into the penalty area, van Persie dummied Wes Brown before firing past Simon Mignolet to score the club's fastest ever Premier League goal and the quickest in the top-flight this season.

Former Arsenal winger Sebastian Larsson equalised in sublime fashion as the Swede curled a brilliant shot beyond Wojciech Szczesny from 25 yards in the 31st minute

Szczesny then had to make a fine stop from Lee Cattermole's close-range header to deny Sunderland a second goal.

But van Persie saved his best until last as he stepped up to bend a superb free-kick over the Sunderland wall and into the top corner in the 82nd minute.

That was enough to give Arsenal only its third win in eight league games and lift Wenger's men into 10th place, while struggling Sunderland is above the relegation zone on goal difference.

"We had a good start for 25 minutes but as soon as Sunderland equalised the confidence started to wobble a bit," Wenger said.

"The second half was all us but we needed something special from Robin van Persie to make the difference."

Newcastle stays unbeaten

At St James' Park, Dutch midfielder Rafael van der Vaart put Tottenham ahead in the 40th minute when he slotted home a penalty after Steven Taylor tripped Emmanuel Adebayor.

Senegal striker Demba Ba equalised with his fifth goal in three games when he stabbed a Jonas Gutierrez cross goalwards in the 48th minute and goalkeeper Brad Friedel could not prevent it crossing the line.

Jermain Defoe restored Tottenham's lead with a brilliant turn and shot that flashed past goalkeeper Tim Krul from the edge of the area in the 68th minute.

But Alan Pardew's fourth placed team have developed a resilient streak this term and substitute Ameobi equalised with a thunderous left-footed drive across Friedel in the 86th minute.

"We created enough pressure to warrant a draw, maybe win it," Pardew said.

"We're not going to settle for a draw at home and Tottenham wanted to win as well. It made for a great game."

Earlier on Sunday, West Bromwich Albion climbed out of the relegation zone after defeating bitter rivals Wolves 2-0 in the Black Country derby at the Hawthorns.

Roy Hodgson's side started the day third bottom of the table with just one win in their seven league games, but goals from Chris Brunt and Peter Odemwingie ended that dismal run and earned the bragging rights over their hated neighbours.

AFP

Tags: english-premier, soccer, sport, england, united-kingdom

First posted October 17, 2011 06:58:13

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Roar draw the boost we need: Archie

Updated November 06, 2011 17:43:02

Star striker Archie Thompson believes nine-man Melbourne Victory's draw with A-League leaders Brisbane Roar has sparked their season.

Thompson hit the back of the net twice in Saturday night's dramatic clash, which featured two goals to both sides inside 28 minutes and stayed that way, despite Victory being two players down by the 37th.

"It was basically like a win for us," he said.

"To go down to nine men, it's tough enough playing Brisbane when you've got 11.

"When you go to nine so early in the game, to show the heart that the guys did was amazing."

The Roar increased their buffer at the top of the table - now four points clear of Newcastle and Perth - and extended their unbeaten run to 33 matches, despite missing out on full points for the first time this season.

But the draw was worth far more than a point to Victory, with Thompson saying that only a fortnight earlier they were at "probably the lowest point" in their history, win-less and goal-less from three rounds.

Even the breakthrough 2-1 win over Wellington was unconvincing, but Thompson said the effort against the Roar was extraordinary.

"I keep harping on about it, but going down to nine men against a Brisbane Roar team and still getting a result is amazing," he said.

"This is going to kick-start our season."

Victory are strongly considering appealing the game's second dismissal, the red card for Matthew Foschini.

Victory coaching staff and players were fuming at the decision and their anger had not subsided by Sunday, with assistant coach Kevin Muscat saying their stance was widely supported.

"The Matt Foschini decision baffled everyone and I've not seen one message or spoken to anyone who said it was a deserved red card," Muscat told Fox Sports on Sunday.

The former Victory skipper indicated he will push for an appeal when club officials meet on Monday.

"I still feel it wasn't the right decision, so we'll give our opinion to the football club and see what decision we make come Monday morning," Muscat said.

"But I'm optimistic that we will take some grounds. Whether that be an appeal we'll have to wait and see."

The Victory have until midday (AEDT) Monday to lodge an application to have the decision overturned.

Foschini was penalised for a late tackle on Brisbane's Thomas Broich, which Melbourne coach Mehmet Durakovic was adamant warranted a yellow card at most.

An independent panel would have to determine that referee Ben Williams made an "obvious error" to revoke the decision and save Foschini from a mandatory one-match ban.

Otherwise, the Victory will be forced to make at least four changes against the Mariners.

Attacking stars Harry Kewell and Costa Rican Carlos Hernandez will both be absent due to international commitments, while goalkeeper Ante Covic is facing suspension, as the other player shown a red card.

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted November 06, 2011 16:24:17

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Victory lose Vargas for two weeks

Updated November 29, 2011 06:57:39

Melbourne Victory defender Rodrigo Vargas has been suspended for two A-League matches following a crude challenge against Gold Coast United on Sunday.

Vargas was given a direct red card for his 33rd-minute tackle on Golgol Mebrahtu in Melbourne's 3-2 win at AAMI Park, with the match review panel deeming the offence as "serious foul play" in imposing the sanction.

Vargas has until midday on Tuesday to either accept the punishment or refer the matter to a hearing by the FFA disciplinary committee.

In the round's only other incident to be analysed, Melbourne Heart's Wayne Srhoj has been asked to explain himself over a fifth-minute challenge involving Central Coast Mariners rival Rostyn Griffiths on Saturday.

The panel will consider any submissions lodged by Srhoj on Tuesday.

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted November 29, 2011 06:57:39

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Victory still tooling with combinations

Updated October 18, 2011 17:37:40

Melbourne Victory striker Archie Thompson admits the club's wealth of attacking talent has forced him and other stars out of their best positions.

The Victory have this season assembled what looks on paper to be the richest array of attacking talent in A-League history, headlined by Socceroos star Harry Kewell.

But they are yet to score in two matches.

New Zealand international Marco Rojas and ex-Brisbane Roar championship striker Jean Carlos Solorzano are others to have joined the likes of established players Thompson, Danny Allsopp and Carlos Hernandez in the Victory's attack.

But rookie coach Mehmet Durakovic's efforts to squeeze them all into a productive combination have so far failed.

Thompson, the top scorer in A-League history, has been playing wide on a flank rather than in a central striker's role, which he admits is not his preference.

"I'd like to be closer to goal. The last five or six years I've been playing up front and having success with that," he said.

"But Mem's got his position for me and I can't say, 'I want to play here' because there are other players that are in our team.

"I just want to play anywhere because if I say, 'I don't want to play there', there's someone that will."

Thompson says with enough attacking options to cater for two A-League teams, every player has to make compromises.

"We're just as players happy to be playing anywhere we can," he said.

"Because there's someone always waiting in the wings. I'm sure it will all start jelling soon."

But Thompson says he may be moved to a more central attacking role against Melbourne Heart at Docklands on Saturday night, although he expects the exact formation has not been finalised.

"We want to score goals and we want players in positions that can score goals. I'm not having much luck getting close to goals, being out wide," he said.

"But at the end of the day, it's up to Mem."

AAP

Tags: soccer, a-league, melbourne-3000

First posted October 18, 2011 17:37:40

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Rooney gets three-match international ban

Updated October 14, 2011 09:31:01

England striker Wayne Rooney has been given a three-match international ban by UEFA for his sending-off against Montenegro last Friday, ruling him out of the group stage of Euro 2012.

"The striker will now be suspended from playing in his country's next three UEFA national competition matches for which he would be eligible," European soccer's governing body said in a statement.

UEFA said Rooney had been sent off for "assault" in the 74th minute of the match which ended 2-2 in Podgorica, the final match of England's qualifying campaign.

England was leading 2-1 at the time and Rooney had helped set up both England goals before being sent off for a wild kick at Miodrag Dzudovic.

The match ended 2-2, giving England the point it needed to qualify.

England has three days to appeal the verdict. The English FA said they would wait to learn the full reasons before deciding on a response.

"Further to UEFA's decision to impose a three match suspension on Wayne Rooney following his sending off against Montenegro, The FA await the full reasons from the disciplinary committee, and will give full consideration to the decision internally, before deciding on any response to UEFA or making any further public comment," read an FA statement.

Rooney, who was also sent off in the 2006 World Cup, was playing one day after his father and uncle were arrested and bailed by police over an alleged betting scam.

England has no other player like the 25-year-old Rooney, who can be deadly as a striker and act as a playmaker.

Manager Fabio Capello, who defended his decision to pick Rooney for the game, has already said that Rooney would not start in any of the warm-up friendlies before the tournament.

Reuters

Tags: euro, soccer, sport, england, montenegro, australia

First posted October 14, 2011 07:39:17

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Reds lose Socceroo Vidosic

Updated November 28, 2011 14:13:29

Adelaide United's testing season has worsened with Socceroo Dario Vidosic set to miss several weeks with a back injury.

United confirmed Vidosic has fractured two vertebrae, with scans on Monday revealing the injury.

But the club is still awaiting word as to how many matches he will miss.

Vidosic also confirmed his injury via Twitter, saying it happened a fortnight ago against Wellington Phoenix.

"When I landed on my back I fractured my L2 and L3. Not the best news but I'll work hard to be back ASAP," he said.

Despite the injury Vidosic played for the Reds last Friday night in the 0-0 draw with Newcastle but was substituted within an hour.

The injury could not come at a worse time for depleted Adelaide United, who have struggled this season.

Dutch winger Andy Slory retired amid controversy last week, while important defender Cassio is sidelined for at least two months with a serious foot injury.

AAP

Tags: soccer, sport, adelaide-5000

First posted November 28, 2011 14:13:29

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Glory roll on as Smeltz sinks Phoenix

Updated October 23, 2011 23:29:32

Marquee man Shane Smeltz scored his third goal of the A-League season to inspire the Glory to a 1-0 victory over Wellington Phoenix in Perth on Sunday.

Smeltz latched on to the end of a beautiful set-piece play to notch the winner in the 33rd minute, lifting the unbeaten Glory to equal top of the table with fellow pacesetter Brisbane.

The 30-year-old Kiwi international, who spent two seasons at the Phoenix, had a chance to bag a double against his former club but sprayed his 70th-minute effort way over the crossbar after making a tiring 30m run into the box.

Wellington was reduced to 10 men in the 93rd minute when defender Manny Muscat was shown a second yellow card for elbowing Billy Mehmet as he contested a header.

The Phoenix almost scored an equaliser in the 54th minute, but a fingertip from Glory goalkeeper Danny Vukovic was enough to send Ben Sigmund's goal-bound header into the crossbar and safely away.

Perth will be aiming to make it a club record fourth A-League win on the trot when they take on Central Coast in Gosford next Saturday.

Glory coach Ian Ferguson conceded his team were lucky to come away with all three points.

"It wasn't a great performance but I've seen us play better and come away with nothing, so you've got to be happy with that," Ferguson said.

"It's funny, I've just come out of that dressing room and we're bitterly disappointed but we're grateful and delighted with the three points. We know we've got to do better."

Ferguson said midfielder Liam Miller, who limped off late in the match, had just suffered cramp.

In a physical first half, Phoenix players Ben Sigmund, Muscat and Daniel all received yellow cards while Miller also went into the book for diving.

Glory defender Chris Coyne was left bloodied after a clash of heads with Dani Sanchez, but it was the Phoenix midfielder that came off second best, spending several minutes on the turf regaining his senses before being cleared to return to the fray.

Wellington created the better chances early on but it was Perth who struck first after Bas van den Brink headed Jacob Burns' pinpoint free-kick straight into the path of a surging Smeltz.

Smeltz, who scored a double against Melbourne Heart last week, tucked away his volley with ease much to the delight of the 8,299 fans on hand.

"In five years we've been coming here I'm not sure we've ever played as well," Wellington coach Ricki Herbert said.

"I thought we were totally dominant tonight. I'm kind of lost for words.

"I thought we were very good, second half especially.

"We had some good goalscoring opportunities in the first half as well. But one set play and you get punished for it."

Perth: 1 (S Smeltz 33')

Wellington: 0

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, perth-6000, wa, australia, new-zealand

First posted October 23, 2011 21:59:41

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Bolton, Colosimo fit for Heart

Updated October 20, 2011 14:00:16

Melbourne Heart goalkeeper Clint Bolton and defender Simon Colosimo have proved their fitness and will play in Saturday night's derby against Melbourne Victory.

Neither has played for the Heart in their winless start to the season.

But both trained well on Thursday to back up promising sessions on Wednesday, and will be named in the Heart squad to take on the Victory.

Bolton, who has been battling a groin injury that needs ongoing management, said a lighter training regimen had really helped him in his efforts to play his first game of the season.

"I feel good - had a good hit-out today and I'm pencilled in for the game on Saturday," Bolton said.

"Barring any unforeseen circumstances, I'll be there. These big games are what I enjoy the most, so I'm looking forward to it."

Colosimo has trained well all week, and two runs with the Heart's youth team have put him on track for an immediate call-up to central defence.

The Victory are equally desperate to take maximum points from the clash with the Heart.

The Harry Kewell-led Victory have just one point from their two matches, and have not scored a goal this season.

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted October 20, 2011 14:00:16

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Tainted meat behind World Cup dope tests

Updated October 18, 2011 11:21:01

Contaminated meat was the cause for over half the players at this year's under-17 World Cup in Mexico testing positive for the banned anabolic agent clenbuterol, FIFA has announced.

"It was a problem of public health, not doping", world football governing body's medical officer Jiri Dvorak said.

The Mexican authorities concluded that the outbreak had been triggered by "food contamination" when they decided not to punish five senior Mexico players who had tested positive for the substance at the Gold Cup in June and July.

As a result, the Mexican under-17 side, which went on to win the tournament in their home country, were switched to a fish and vegetable diet during the World Cup and as a result returned no positive tests.

FIFA and WADA declined to prosecute any of the 109 cases.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has advised athletes competing at the ongoing PanAmerican Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, to be especially careful as to what they ate during the event.

The case could influence the ongoing prosecution of other athletes who have tested positive for clenbuterol - notably three-time Tour de France winner Alberto Contador.

The Spanish rider, who go before the Court of Arbitration for Sport next month, claims traces of the substance were found in his blood after he ate contaminated beef during the 2010 edition of the Tour.

ABC/AFP

Tags: doping-in-sports, soccer, sport, mexico

First posted October 18, 2011 09:12:48

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Spurs lead English contingent in Europe

Updated October 21, 2011 10:40:14

Roman Pavlyuchenko's thunderous free-kick goal sent Tottenham Hotspur to the top of Group A on a promising night for British sides in the Europa League.

The Russian helped a largely second-string Spurs side edge Rubin Kazan 1-0 at White Hart Lane while Stoke City also took command of its group with a 3-0 home triumph over Maccabi Tel Aviv.

English Championship side Birmingham City were indebted to a last-minute effort by Kiwi forward Chris Wood which secured a 2-1 win at Belgium's Bruges to also bolster its hopes of winning its group.

Wood, a summer loan signing from West Bromwich Albion, struck with seconds left on the clock to make it two wins out of three for Chris Hughton's side as they went level on top of Group H with their beaten rivals.

Wood, who represented New Zealand at last year's World Cup finals, scored in the 10th minute of injury time to complete a comeback after Joseph Akpala had put the hosts ahead just three minutes.

David Murphy levelled with a neatly-taken goal on 26 minutes to cheer more than 5,000 travelling fans, who were dismayed to see their team drop out of the Premier League last May having only just lifted the League Cup under Hughton's predecessor Alex McLeish.

The added time followed treatment for Blues' defender Pablo Ibanez, who was earlier knocked unconscious in a collision with Akpala.

Group rivals Sporting Braga and Maribor parted 1-1 to leave Birmingham and Bruges both two points clear of the third-placed Slovenians.

The top three in each group qualify for last 32, where they will be joined by eight teams who finish third in Champions League group stages.

At the Britannia Stadium, early headers from Kenwyne Jones and Cameron Jerome, who was later sent off, and then a clincher from Ryan Shotton made it seven points from three games for the Potters.

Maccabi's Yoav Ziv was also sent off in strange circumstances after kicking his loose boot at the assisant referee.

Mark Schwarzer's Fulham was unable to emulate Birmingham's away-day success as the Cottagers crashed 1-0 on its Group K travels at Wisla Krakow of Poland with Israeli Dudu Biton netting the only goal.

Dutch outfit Twente won 4-1 at Denmark's Odense to establish a three-point lead at the top of the group but Fulham hang onto second spot after Odense's loss which gave Krakow its first points.

Scottish giants Celtic, European Cup winners in 1967, were held 1-1 at French side Rennes, who took the lead through Cha Du-ri's own-goal after half an hour.

Jo Ledley equalised midway through the second half to ensure Celtic still entertain albeit faint hopes of getting through from Group I, where they have two points from their three games to date, as do Rennes.

Udinese scored twice late on in Italy to see off Spaniards Atletico Madrid to go top of the group and leave its rivals just two points clear of the stragglers.

In Group J, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar netted twice as leaders Schalke swamped Cypriot side AEK Larnaca 5-0 away while Maccabi Haifa inflicted the same scoreline on former European champions Steaua Bucharest.

AFP

Tags: uefa-cup, soccer, sport, england, united-kingdom

First posted October 21, 2011 09:07:00

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Wales boss Speed dead at 42

Updated November 28, 2011 09:31:05

Wales football manager Gary Speed died on Sunday at the age of 42, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) announced.

Speed - capped 85 times by Wales and a winner of the English league title with Leeds United - took over coaching the national side last year and was credited with reviving its fortunes and recently leading it to three successive wins for the first time since 2008.

He was also made a Member of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth last year.

"The Football Association of Wales are sad to announce the death of the national team manager Gary Speed," an FAW statement said.

"We extend our sympathies and condolences to the family.

"We ask that everyone respects the family's privacy at this very sad time."

Cheshire police also issued a statement after being called to an address in Huntington, Chester.

"Officers went to the scene where a 42-year-old man was found dead. The next of kin have been informed and have confirmed the identity of the man as Gary Speed," it said.

"There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. The family have requested that they are left in peace to grieve at this difficult time.

"A family tribute will be released at a later date but not today."

Howard Wilkinson, Speed's manager at Leeds when they won the English title in 1992, told the BBC: "The players I worked with represented all colours of the rainbow in terms of character, but in Gary's case he was a star in the true sense.

"I've known Gary since 1988 when I joined Leeds and I've rarely come across a better balanced, lovely, genuine person.

"He was a terrific player - not as gifted as some but he made the most of everything he had."

Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs, who for 13 years played alongside Speed with Wales, said: "I am totally devastated. Gary Speed was one of the nicest men in football and someone I am honoured to call a team-mate and friend.

"Words cannot begin to describe how sad I feel at hearing this awful news."

Away from football, a Downing Street spokesman said: "The Prime Minister (David Cameron) was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Gary Speed, who was greatly respected by football fans across the country both as a player and manager."

A minute's silence was observed in Speed's memory at several grounds on Sunday, including the Liberty Stadium, where Welsh club Swansea was hosting Aston Villa in a Premier League match, and at Anfield.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given, a friend of Speed's when they both played for Newcastle, made a sign of the cross and was in tears before the kick-off.

Elswhere Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish took it upon himself to rest Wales striker Craig Bellamy, also a close friend of Speed, from the match against Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.

"I felt that Bellas - who was really close to Gary - would not be in the frame of mind to play," said Dalglish, who signed Speed when he was the manager of Newcastle.

Dalglish, reflecting on Speed, said: "He was a very respected man in and around football, not only for his ability but for the guy as a person.

"I signed Gary for five million [pounds] from Everton and he did a fantastic job for us at Newcastle, during the time I was there and after I'd left as well."

Robbie Savage, who played alongside the versatile Speed for Wales, told the BBC: "I just can't believe it. He was my mate and he's gone.

"I've got very close to Gary in the last few years - the guy is a trouper, he's left two gorgeous kids behind and a beautiful wife. He had everything, he had everything."

AFP

Tags: soccer, sport, wales, united-kingdom

First posted November 28, 2011 06:59:46

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J-League pays off for Kennedy, Brosque

Updated October 08, 2011 13:07:39

Socceroos coach Holger Osieck says the national team is seeing the benefits of Josh Kennedy and Alex Brosque's time spent playing in Japan, declaring the league is helping the pair make noticeable strides forward in their game.

The duo starred in Australia's 5-0 win over Malaysia in Canberra on Friday night, both scoring doubles as the Socceroos tuned up for Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Oman in Sydney.

Nagoya striker Kennedy and Shimzu S-Pulse front man Brosque have carried over their fine form in the J-League with the national team in recent matches, with Kennedy netting seven goals in four games for Australia and Brosque three in three.

Osieck, who knows the J-League well having coach powerhouse Uwara Reds on two separate occasions, said he had noticed significant improvements in the players since switching to the league.

"Josh Kennedy, in particular the last season he has become a different player," Osieck said.

"He's no longer the guy who stands up front waiting for some balls, he's getting involved, his play on the ground has improved tremendously, he can hold the ball, he can pass the ball.

"I think he has made tremendous progress over the last few months.

"The games in the J-League definitely help him, same goes for Alex and he played 100 per cent different to what he did here in Australia (with Sydney FC).

"Sometimes you benefit from different environment."

Osieck said the pace of the Japanese game forced players to learn to think quickly on their feet, while technical ability was also high.

"It's a combination between pace and technique," he said.

"At times, Japanese are a little bit naive tactically but the other two elements that definitely help you to improve your game as well."

While Malaysia put up little fight in Friday night's match, Osieck was satisfied with it as a hit-out for Tuesday's match.

Australia could all but seal its spot in the next stage of qualification with a win and Osieck said his side would head into the match with morale levels high.

Socceroos captain Lucas Neill agreed the match was a worthwhile hit-out, but knew an entirely different challenge awaited in the Omanis.

"They'll obviously come and try and park the bus a little bit but they'll be quick on the counter and have some athletic players on the wings and up front and we'll have to be focused and ready," Neill said.

"It's important we do that because not only is it a good habit but we need the win and the win will give us one foot into the next round."

AAP

Tags: socceroos, soccer, sport, australia

First posted October 08, 2011 13:07:39

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Roar won't overdose on Kewell

Updated October 31, 2011 22:55:10

Brisbane captain Matt Smith says his A-League side will not go overboard containing Melbourne star Harry Kewell given the Victory are stacked with attacking punch.

Confident his players had come down from a massive high after Friday's night's stunning 7-1 victory over Adelaide, Smith said prolific scorer Archie Thompson, Brisbane's former Costa Rican import Jean Carlo Solorzano and Hernandez were every bit, if not more dangerous than, superstar signing Kewell.

Smith could find himself defending Kewell or at least involved in closing him down depending on where he plays - a task he said he was looking forward to on Saturday night.

"As players you always want to play against the best players and there's no doubt Harry's had a great career," he said.

"But they've got some top talent and Archie Thompson is one player who can probably do more damage than Harry.

"They've got Solorzano, they've got Hernandez, they're a very dangerous attacking side."

Smith said Brisbane, which lost the corresponding game to Melbourne 3-0 last season, would not focus too much on keeping Kewell quiet.

"(Roar coach Ange Postecoglou) is very good at focusing on what they do as a team and we'll try and highlight their weaknesses," said Smith.

Melbourne's quick transition from defence to attack with so many slick players can test Brisbane's defence.

"We have to make sure we're switched on defensively. Melbourne are one of the stronger attacking teams in the league," said Smith, who enjoyed watching Albanian import Besart Berisha score four goals in their thrashing of Adelaide.

Smith said there were no hard feelings for former team-mate Solorzano, and some players still kept in touch with the Puerto Rican.

"That's football. Opportunities arrive from time to time and it was his decision to leave," he said.

"Nico (Solorzano) is a very good box player, he's very, very quick. If he gets half a chance, as he proved with us last year, he'll take it.

"He can score a goal from 25 yards or set someone up in his own half whereas Harry's strengths lay more in creating opportunities for others around him," he said.

Brisbane can expect a torrid time from Victory fans, who have not forgotten the last clash at Docklands.

With the Victory leading 3-2 near the end of the clash, Brisbane goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos picked up a ball Melbourne fans claim was outside the box and sent it downfield where the Roar scored for a 3-3 draw.

"The Melbourne games last season were always good games and big affairs and we don't expect it to be any different," Smith said.

What will be different is a powerhouse striker named Berisha.

"There's no doubt the quality of the runs Besart makes we haven't seen in this country before," Smith said.

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted October 31, 2011 23:15:22

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Jets lose Jeffers to visa delays

Updated October 27, 2011 16:51:00

Newcastle Jets coach Gary van Egmond says English striker Francis Jeffers will not be available to play for the club this weekend because his visa is yet to be processed.

Jeffers signed a one-year deal with the club this week after playing a short stint with the Jets last season.

Newcastle takes on the Gold Coast at Robina on Sunday, looking to back up last week's 1-0 win over rivals Central Coast.

Van Egmond says he hopes Jeffers will get the clearance to play as soon as possible.

"He's still got obviously some issues as far as his visa is concerned and the International Transfer Certificate," he said.

"So at this moment, no he won't be available unfortunately."

Tags: a-league, newcastle-2300

First posted October 27, 2011 09:20:54

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Pantelidis signs with Glory

Updated October 14, 2011 20:20:09

Former Gold Coast and Melbourne Victory midfielder Steve Pantelidis has vowed not to do anything "silly" after signing with Perth Glory for the remainder of the A-League season.

Renowned for his aggressive playing style, Pantelidis has racked up numerous yellow and red cards during his six years in the league.

The 28-year-old has been training with Perth in recent weeks and is now keen to repay the faith after signing on as the club's 23rd and final player.

"As the gaffa (Ian Ferguson) said, he's not going to tolerate stupid yellow and red cards, so I'm in the same boat as everyone else," Pantelidis said.

"I like to get in and get the ball but I'm not going to do anything silly.

"I have a bit of experience, I've been in the A-League since its inception, so I've been here for seven years now and I have a lot of experience and hopefully can bring that to the team."

Ferguson said a player of Pantelidis' flexibility would prove crucial to the side, which opened its season with a 1-0 victory over Adelaide.

"Pantelidis is a great signing because he can do three different positions, he can hold midfield, he can play centre-half and he can also play right full-back, so were lucky to have him," Ferguson said.

"Pantelidis wears his heart on his sleeve, he's an honest player.

"That's what you want, you want competitiveness in there and that's what he gives you. He's done that throughout his career.

"I think people have unfairly judged him because of his bookings but he's a far better player than people give him credit for."

Pantelidis, who became the 12th new player to join Perth this season, said he was excited to secure a deal with the Glory.

The Glory take on Melbourne Heart at AAMI Park on Sunday.

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, perth-6000, wa, australia

First posted October 14, 2011 20:20:09

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Heart sweat on Fred scans

Updated October 17, 2011 22:25:34

Melbourne Heart skipper Fred is in grave doubt to line up in Saturday night's season-defining A-League derby against his old club Melbourne Victory.

The Heart sent Fred for scans on Monday on the hamstring he injured during his side's 2-1 loss to Perth Glory at the weekend - the club's second defeat in their first two games of the season.

Early indications were the Brazilian midfielder would need at least a fortnight on the sidelines and miss the derby after his withdrawal just 30 minutes into the Glory match.

But the Heart - who were saying little on Monday night - will know for sure on Tuesday.

They are also considering rushing experienced Simon Colosimo into the side as he attempts to overcome a calf injury which has sidelined him this season.

"We have all week to judge that (his fitness) and Simon has to feel fit himself," Heart coach John van 't Schip said.

"After a week of training, he didn't feel fit enough to play and preferred to have a little bit more playing time in the youth team first.

"We have to see day by day with him. Hopefully, he will remain strong and good this week and then we can make a decision about him playing."

Colosimo would strengthen a defence which has leaked five goals in two games, and his experience in front of an expected 40,000-strong crowd at Docklands would be a huge boost.

Attacker Jason Hoffman, a late withdrawal last weekend because of illness, is expected to be available.

The Heart looked bereft of ideas against the Glory, and striker David Williams has called for his team to be more aggressive in their approach.

"We give away free-kicks, they (the opponents) get up (straight away). We get free-kicks against us, our players are down," Williams said.

"We have to be more willing to win the ball ... we do that sometimes. But sometimes isn't good enough."

Both Melbourne clubs are struggling, with the Victory picking up just one point and no goals from their two matches.

The Victory will be without skipper Adrian Leijer, who picked up an automatic one-match ban for his send-off in the 1-0 loss to Adelaide last weekend.

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted October 17, 2011 22:25:34

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Roar saved by new Indonesian owners

Updated October 07, 2011 17:16:31

The Bakrie Group of Indonesia has been announced as the new owner of A-League champions Brisbane Roar.

Football Federation Australia chief executive Ben Buckley said the announcement was a great result for the club, its supporters and the game in Australia.

"We have been working extremely hard to find the right investors for last year's premiers and we believe we have found fantastic new owners in the Bakrie Group," Buckley said.

"They have a strong background in football through ownership of several other clubs and their interests are in line with our outlook for the Roar.

"Our main priorities were to find investors that would not only provide the club with long term security, but also give the club the best opportunity for continued success."

The Bakrie Group, through its sporting arm Pelita Jaya Cronus, will take a 70 per cent interest in the club under a 10-year licence.

Brisbane's new owners made it clear there was no chance of a repeat of the sensational scenes at Newcastle Jets after throwing their weight behind Roar coach Ange Postecoglou on Friday.

Postecoglou would have been forgiven for feeling anxious in the days following Jets boss Nathan Tinkler's brutal dumping of coach Branko Culina.

But new Brisbane boss Aga Bakrie moved quickly to clarify who would be calling the shots in the Roar football department.

"All sporting and playing matters, Coach Ange has the full support of us," Bakrie said with Postecoglou sitting nearby.

"The management and the board are completely supporting him.

"And after speaking to all the staff and players, coach Ange has been doing a fantastic job."

That is an understatement - with a limited budget Postecoglou groomed the second-last Roar into 2010-11 A-League champions within a season.

Still, Football Federation Australia (FFA) was forced to take back the Roar licence in March.

Seven months later, it seems the sky is the limit for Brisbane thanks to new ownership which has installed FIFA Ethics Committee member Dali Tahir as Roar chairman.

The Bakrie Group has diverse interests in Indonesia and its sporting arm controls an Indonesian Super League club and Belgian second-division side.

FFA retains 30 per cent of the Roar but is hopeful local investors will get on board.

"We are making a long-term commitment to Brisbane Roar," Bakrie said.

"Our vision is to make the Roar Australia's most successful football club."

It was all music to Postecoglou's ears.

"At the end of last season I said 'if I had the money I would buy it' - I don't, by the way, nowhere near it - but the club has built a great foundation over the last 12 months," he said.

"However it needed investment.

"It needed people to take it to the next level.

"My vision when I came to the club was to make it the biggest in Australia, in Asia - I see this as a tremendous opportunity to grow quickly and make something really special."

And he knew exactly where to inject Bakrie's cash first.

Postecoglou said creating a new training, administrative and supporter base was paramount to the future of the Roar, who are currently stationed at Ballymore.

"We need a home. We have worked really hard with this group of players and staff to make it feel like a club but you can't be a club without a home," he said.

"It's not going to happen overnight but for me that would be a number one priority for the near future, somewhere our players and supporters can go and feel like it is theirs."

The Roar kick off their season in an A-League grand final re-match with Central Coast at Lang Park on Saturday night.

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted October 07, 2011 14:03:29

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City forced to half Tevez fine

Updated October 28, 2011 11:15:16

Manchester City has reluctantly agreed to halve Carlos Tevez's fine after the Professional Footballers Association said it would not support the original four-week wages sanction in another twist to the bitter saga.

Tevez was disciplined after coach Roberto Mancini accused the 27-year-old Argentine international striker of refusing to appear as a substitute during City's 2-0 Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich last month.

The player has denied Mancini's claims, saying the incident was a misunderstanding and that he had only refused to warm-up because he felt it was unnecessary.

His four-week fine, imposed at a Tuesday disciplinary hearing at the club where he was found guilty of five breaches of contract, was believed to total around 1 million pounds.

"The club acknowledges that the Players' Union is the sole organisation empowered with granting the ability for clubs to levy fines greater than the two weeks provided for in player contracts," the City statement said.

"However, Manchester City is disappointed by the apparent PFA conflict of interest evident in this process.

"Carlos Tevez has been personally represented throughout by the PFA chief executive, on whose considerations the club has been informed that the PFA has made its decision.

"Manchester City has been in constant dialogue with the PFA since September 28. Today's PFA decision is a departure from the club's understanding of that dialogue.

"Without recourse to the PFA decision available, the maximum two-week fine provided for in standard player contracts will now be applied in relation to the misconduct of Carlos Tevez."

Earlier Thursday, PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said the four-week penalty was wrong as the evidence suggested that Tevez had never refused to play and that the fine imposed exceeded agreed limits.

"The PFA's opinion, based on all the evidence presented, is that Carlos Tevez never refused to play for the club," said a statement.

"This is accepted by the club in that the charge against Carlos made at the hearing was not one of refusing to play."

Mancini would not answer questions on Tevez after his side's League Cup fourth-round win at Wolves.

Tevez, who can appeal his punishment by the club, is eligible for selection but he is likely to remain an isolated figure.

The former West Ham and Manchester United player has been training alone since returning from suspension.

AFP

Tags: english-premier, soccer, sport, england, united-kingdom

First posted October 28, 2011 11:15:16

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Brown stunner pegs Phoenix's rise

Updated October 09, 2011 20:44:22

Gold Coast midfielder James Brown saved United from an embarrassing opening round A-League loss to Wellington Phoenix with a stunning late goal in Robina on Sunday.

Brown weaved his way past two defenders and, from 25 metres and directly in front, launched a shot into the right hand corner past overworked Phoenix goalkeeper Mark Paston in the 88th minute.

The goal meant United could settle for a 1-1 draw after looking as though it would go down 1-0 to the visitors largely due to the sure hands and sharp reflexes of keeper Paston.

United generated some high quality scoring shots only to see them caught, deflected or swatted away by Paston who had to compensate for Wellington's leaky defence.

The most intense time was between 44th and 50th minutes when United trio Adam Traore, Ben Halloran and Peter Jungschlager all found a way through the Phoenix defence.

Their shots were all saved by Paston.

Paston could not remember which of his saves was his best, but he certainly remembered Brown's moment of glory.

"It was a decent one that dipped under the bar unfortunately for us," he said.

The Phoenix custodian sustained strained stomach muscles in the second half but soldiered on, saying he is unsure if he would be available for their home clash with Newcastle in Wellington.

Wellington had few quality shots but the one that found the back of the net in the 17th minute was like a perfectly executed training drill.

Daniel Sanchez stormed to the top of the penalty box, flicked the ball wide and right to Manny Muscat, who immediately pumped it to the front of goal where Chris Greenacre knocked it in from a couple of metres.

It stunned United and was against the complete run of play but that well executed play and Paston's brilliance was going to be the difference until Brown stepped up.

Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert said his side did enough in the first half that it could have built up a bigger lead.

"I thought we did enough at half time to win the game," he said.

"We didn't start that well in the first five to ten minutes but I thought the last 35 was very comprehensive away from home.

"We could probably had a slightly different scoreline going in at half time."

United coach Miron Bleiberg said his would be "a force to be reckoned with" this season and lamented two correct off-side rulings which denied Dylan Macallister two goals in the first 20 minutes.

"The (Macallister's shots) were quality finishes, so nothing wrong with those finishes," he said.

"The goalkeeper deserves the credit. He's a top goalkeeper, he played in the World Cup."

"I am happy with the way we played and our team structure. We have all the ingredients to be a good team."

The Phoenix were forced to use their bench before expected when Paul Ifill departed with a groin injury in the 52nd minute and Sanchez was subbed out in the 68th minute with a strained calf.

Gold Coast: 1 (J Brown 88')

Wellington: 1 (C Greenacre 17')

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, robina-4226, qld, australia, new-zealand

First posted October 09, 2011 19:26:41

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Socceroos bury Oman in WC qualifier

Updated October 12, 2011 08:57:28

The Socceroos maintained their flawless start to qualifying for the 2014 Brazil World Cup with a comfortable 3-0 win over Oman at Sydney's Olympic stadium.

Goals to Brett Holman, Josh Kennedy and Mile Jedinak ensured Australia claimed maximum points from its first three qualifiers after earlier wins over Thailand and Saudi Arabia.

The Socceroos are now virtually assured progression to the crucial final phase of qualifying, starting in June next year, and likely need only a point from their remaining three games in the group to ensure it.

While Oman had proven stiff opposition in three previous meetings, Australia always looked in control in front of 24,372 fans, despite lacking a cutting edge in front of goal for parts of the game.

Just as they did in Friday night's 5-0 friendly win over Malaysia, Australia's young guns stood up in the absence of the likes of Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell with Rhys Williams, Michael Zullo and Matthew Spiranovic all contributing in a solid team performance.

Coach Holger Osieck was delighted and was not at all surprised some of the squad's fresher faces had got the job done.

"I always keep saying the 11 players on the pitch are all key players, if they don't have the quality or the potential they don't have the right to play in the Socceroos," he said.

"If I play somebody in that team, he must be good.

"I'm very pleased by the performance of the team. I knew it would be a tricky game and I think from the very beginning we showed that we were in command."

While it would now take a major meltdown to prevent Australia progressing through the stage, the German coach emphasised the job was not finished ahead of away clashes in Oman and Thailand next month and a home date with Saudi Arabia in February.

"It was important for us to win but it's not a finished situation," Osieck said.

"We still have to win games, gain points ... the boys are all aware of that."

Osieck made three changes from Friday's night's win with Holman and Jedinak returning to the starting line-up and Spiranovic starting in central defence ahead of Sasa Ognenovski.

The Socceroos survived some nervous early moments but - just as they did against Malaysia - were able to break spirits early with Holman's eighth-minute strike.

Holman was on hand to turn home a neat Matt McKay square-ball after Oman had failed to clear a dangerous Williams cross.

Despite a clear dominance in possession, the result was not sealed until the 65th minute when Kennedy continued his stunning scoring run with his eighth goal in his past five international matches.

The Nagoya Grampus hit-man was on hand to smash the ball home after Oman's English-based goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi had denied Wilkshire from close range.

Hard-working Jedinak completed the rout in the 85th minute, cleverly flicking in a curling Wilkshire free kick.

Oman's best chance was thwarted by a stunning save from Australian 'keeper Adam Federici and the defeat left the visitors needing a miracle to progress beyond the group, with only a single point from three matches.

"It will be difficult, I know that but we have fight and keep our chin up," Oman's French coach Paul le Guen said.

Australia: 3 (B Holman 8', J Kennedy 65', M Jedinak 85')

Oman: 0

AAP

Tags: socceroos, soccer, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia, oman

First posted October 11, 2011 21:22:56

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Union set to back Socceroo Culina

Updated October 05, 2011 20:38:18

Australia international Jason Culina is shocked and disappointed by Newcastle Jets' wish to tear up his contract and the players' union is set to fight any case vigorously on his behalf.

Culina was part of a double axing by the Jets on Tuesday.

The club sacked his father - coach Branko Culina - and also served notice they wanted to rip up Jason Culina's $2.65 million three-year deal after he was last week ruled out for the season.

Jason Culina has not played for the club since he moved to the Jets from Gold Coast in the off-season.

He had struggled with a knee injury late last season.

But his latest setback and surgery on the eve of this season has prompted Newcastle, run by billionaire businessman Nathan Tinkler, to take the most drastic of action.

The Jets floated the prospect of 31-year-old Jason Culina taking up to three years before he could play again in a statement released on Tuesday.

Professional Footballers Australia chief executive Brendan Schwab spoke to Jason Culina on Wednesday and says injury is no basis for contract termination.

"He's very disappointed and very upset, not only for himself but his father," Schwab said.

"He is also recovering from a very difficult operation (to fix his knee), so he's going through those things as well."

Football Federation Australia has wiped its hands of any direct involvement in the Jason Culina dispute, confirming on Wednesday it had no authority to set aside a player contract as the Jets had asked it to do.

The matter is now set to go to the National Dispute Resolution Chamber, which makes binding decisions over contract disputes between clubs and players.

Schwab says he has no idea why the Jets had taken such drastic action over Jason Culina's contract, going back on statements they made a fortnight ago that the club would stick by the player.

"I met with the club two weeks ago and they said they were going to support Jason and we don't know what's happened since then to change the club's position," Schwab said.

"We regard such an application as unprecedented.

"Being injured is an inevitable part of being a footballer and the collective bargaining agreement makes contract security on that point sacrosanct.

"We look to Newcastle to honour and uphold its contractual obligations with Jason."

AAP

Tags: soccer, sport, newcastle-2300

First posted October 05, 2011 20:15:36

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Video shows FIFA VP talking cash gifts

Updated October 12, 2011 22:11:04

A video showing former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner telling Caribbean officials how to deal with cash gifts from Mohamed Bin Hammam was published by a British newspaper on Wednesday.

London's The Daily Telegraph posted footage of the May 11 meeting of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) on its website, which shows Warner advising delegates how to handle cash offered by Bin Hammam ahead of his ill-fated FIFA election bid.

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) chief Bin Hammam was later banned for life amid claims Caribbean officials had been paid $40,000 each at the meeting.

In the video, Warner can be heard telling CFU delegates that he had not been in favour of Bin Hammam offering money at the meeting.

"When Mohamed Bin Hammam asked to come to the Caribbean he wanted to bring some silver plaques and wooden trophies and bunting and so on," he says, according to the paper.

"I told him he did not need to bring anything but if he wanted to bring anything, to bring something equivalent to the value of the gift that he brought.

"I said to him if you bring cash, I don't want you to give cash to anybody, but when you do you can give it to the CFU and the CFU will give it to his members.

"Because I don't want (it) to even remotely appear that anyone has any obligation to vote for you because of what gifts you have given them, and he fully accepted that."

In the video, Warner tells officials he would be willing to return any money officials did not wish to keep.

"I know there are some people here who believe they are more pious than thou. If you are pious, go to a church, friends, but the fact is that our business is our business," he said.

"If there is anybody here who has a conscience and wishes to send back the money, I am willing to take the money and give it back to him at any moment."

In another section of the video, Warner launches a tirade at UEFA president Michel Platini, saying a victory for FIFA chief Sepp Blatter at the presidential election would lead to French domination of world football.

"We have to ensure Platini is not some automatic inheritor of FIFA. Because I tell you, if that happens, FIFA will become a French province. Forever," Warner says.

"The fact is that Platini is being groomed to succeed Mr Blatter and we don't know if it is in our best interests to have a French president, a French general secretary ... but in any event, I don't think it's in our best interests to do that."

AFP

Tags: soccer, england, united-kingdom

First posted October 12, 2011 22:11:04

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Roar at ease with A-League expectations

Updated October 06, 2011 19:20:24

The target on Brisbane's head only got bigger after grand final hero Erik Paartalu dubbed the Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC underachievers and claimed the Roar would take the pressure of being A-League defending champions "in their stride".

Roar coach Ange Postecoglou had made it clear ahead of this weekend's A-League season kick-off he wanted his champion team to reclaim the headlines after Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton's stunning return.

And Paartalu did his best to do just that when asked what impact the Socceroos' signings would have on their title defence.

"It's great for the game having those two profile players back," he said on Thursday at the Roar's season launch in Brisbane.

"They (Victory, Sydney FC) have probably been two of the most dominant teams in A-League history and in recent years they have underperformed - it's up to them to lift their profile.

"We will just keep going about our business and hopefully go under the radar - but let's not forget we are the champions.

"A lot of pressure goes with that but we take it in our stride.

"We are very proud of what we did last season but from Saturday it is a clean slate."

Paartalu also tried to get into Central Coast heads ahead of their grand final re-match at Lang Park on Saturday night - a match overshadowed by Kewell's Victory taking on Emerton's Sydney FC on the same evening.

Central Coast squandered a 2-0 lead deep into extra-time before losing last season's championship decider on penalties to the Roar - extending Brisbane's record 28-game unbeaten run.

And Paartalu was a major reason Central Coast's hearts were broken in front of a sold-out Lang Park way back in March.

His towering header sealed a last gasp equaliser to send the decider into a penalty shootout.

Asked if Central Coast would still have "scars" over the result, Paartalu said: "Absolutely - they will want some revenge on us.

"But for us it's about taking the emotion out of the game for the first game of the season.

"(Because) everyone is going to try and knock us off.

"We have a 28-game unbeaten streak, it's hard to do.

"While we don't think about it too much, it is still in the back of our minds and something we want to honour and keep it going for as long as possible."

Paartalu dismissed a back complaint that troubled captain Matt Smith at training on Thursday.

"He has told me he is ready to go," he said.

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted October 06, 2011 19:20:24

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Durakovic defiant amid Victory woes

Updated November 25, 2011 17:23:42

Coach Mehmet Durakovic has pulled the boardroom knives out of his back and moved to stem the bleeding at the Melbourne Victory madhouse.

The flailing A-League club started a key 72 hours in its existence with Durakovic forcefully declaring "I am the boss" at an outfit which has descended from the competition's best-run club to basket case.

With the Victory board divided whether he should continue after an indifferent start to the season, Durakovic has found himself under siege ahead of the club's must-win home clash with Gold Coast United on Sunday.

Football manager Francis Awaritefe was sacked, while the club's hierarchy bizarrely rubber-stamped star Harry Kewell's decision to appoint his own personal coach - ex-Argentine World Cup star Abel Balbo.

That further undermined the already under-fire Durakovic.

But the rookie coach moved on Friday to quell mutterings about his position, suggestions he is a puppet to others, and the clandestine boardroom moves to have him sacked.

Durakovic says he is in charge of football matters and his assistants - club legend Kevin Muscat and Steve Mautone - answer to him.

"At the end of the day, I call the shots here - I'm the boss," a defiant Durakovic said.

"The structure that I've put in place is still there, the players take directions from me.

"I've got the full support of the players, the board, the coaching staff.

"There is pressure, no doubt about that.

"But I'm big enough to cop it on the chin.

"We just have to work really, really hard on the pitch and get the three points we desperately need."

Kewell's decision to split with long-time manager Bernie Mandic has also added to the intrigue as the Victory aim for a much-needed three points after an unconvincing start to the season.

Durakovic said Kewell's move to appoint Balbo - who Mandic had sold heavily to key board members as the man to replace either Awaritefe or Durakovic - was nothing to do with him.

And he said any involvement Balbo would have with Kewell would not happen on the club's turf or time.

"Balbo has absolutely nothing to do with Melbourne Victory. He has nothing to do with the club," Durakovic said.

"Let me make that clear. That's got nothing to do with me. I am the boss of this club and everyone takes directions from me.

"Balbo - that's Harry Kewell's prerogative. But he has nothing to do with the club whatsoever."

But Durakovic ultimately knows his fate rests on whether his players buy what he is selling on Sunday, and play to their potential for the first time this season.

The team have looked rudderless all season - their poor 2-2 draw with 10-man Perth Glory last weekend sparking widespread fan outrage.

"I know it's all about results. I've got pressure like everybody else and we'll work hard on the pitch and get this thing going," Durakovic added.

"We've only lost one game and we've got four of our next five games at home.

"But we need to be successful, we need results."

Kewell is expected to play on Sunday after training strongly on Friday to prove he is over a hamstring injury.

AAP

Tags: soccer, a-league, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted November 25, 2011 13:43:10

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Heated scuffle interrupts Roar training

Updated November 25, 2011 18:26:43

Brisbane Roar goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos and defender Ivan Franjic had to be separated by team-mates as tempers boiled over ahead of the A-League champions' tilt at sporting history on Saturday night.

The pair engaged in a heated argument and scuffle during Friday morning's training session at Perry Park as they prepared to meet Perth Glory at Lang Park.

Unbeaten over 35 matches, the Roar last week equalled rugby league's Eastern Suburbs' 74-year-old record streak and can claim sole ownership this weekend.

An incensed Theoklitos appeared to spark the altercation by spraying team-mates with an abusive rant during a five-a-side game.

Soon after Franjic and the keeper had to be separated by Besart Berisha, Erik Paartalu and James Meyer but the pair continued to trade insults.

Skipper Matt Smith denied the shot at the record provoked tempers to fray but said the heated incident showed how much Brisbane's players had grown to hate losing.

"I think it just shows that we're so competitive that even in training now, we don't want to lose," said Smith, who with Theoklitos and Paartalu has started in all 35 matches.

"It was a heat of the moment thing and the boys were fine afterwards so that's not a problem at all.

"From time to time, these things happen and I'd be amazed to hear that these things don't happen at any other club. But that's the first time I've ever seen something like that."

Smith said the pair apologised to team-mates immediately after training.

"Culturally within the group, we've got some great harmony and that's been proven over 18 months and that's still the case now," he said.

"We'll see it in a positive light and hopefully use it tomorrow night."

Coach Ange Postecoglou denied punches were thrown and played down any concerns about team disharmony within his camp.

"It makes for some excitement," he said.

"Players are in this sort of mode when they hate losing, even in training, and frustration creeps in when things aren't going right for them.

"So it's better they get it out of them today rather than tomorrow in the game.

"I don't really understand it but if they get heated up and want to expand it in that way, good luck to them.

"It's nothing I encourage but young people these days - they find ways of testing us older people."

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted November 25, 2011 17:09:00

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Coast shoots down Jets

Updated October 30, 2011 20:32:40

Gold Coast United marksman Maceo Rigters proved he is a budding superstar with the clinching goal in his side's 3-1 win over Newcastle at Skilled Park.

The Dutch import turned heads as United finally broke its season drought to move from last to fourth on the A-League ladder.

Red tape did something ahead of the A-League season that few rivals look set to pull off on the paddock this season - it stopped Rigters.

His visa clearance was finally given the green light last weekend, but he still walked off the paddock a frustrated man on A-League debut after United was knocked off 3-0 by the all-conquering Brisbane Roar despite plenty of Rigters pressure.

But there were no complaints on Sunday after he launched a stunning 12th minute strike that paved the way for United's season-opening victory at Skilled Park - and served notice to the rest of the competition.

Indeed Rigters was an ever-present threat for United which led 1-0 at half-time before Kristian Rees (58th minute) and the equally dangerous James Brown (83rd) sealed the result after Newcastle captain Jobe Wheelhouse (68th) kept the hosts honest in the second half.

It was a morale boosting victory for United, which had just two points to show for its opening three games before lining up against a rejuvenated Jets outfit.

Indeed Newcastle looked set to rack up yet another high-profile scalp on the glitter strip on Sunday after 2008 premiership-winning coach Gary van Egmond officially took over the Jets reins this weekend.

But the Jets were no match for a United side inspired by Rigters in the first half.

United coach Miron Bleiberg could not hide his joy after early wooden spoon favourites Gold Coast jumped from the bottom of the ladder with their convincing win.

"We have had better moments in the previous three games that we have played but that is football," he said.

"Sometimes you play good and don't get the accolades and vice versa.

"But I told everyone we are starting the game at the bottom of the ladder and this is a home desperation game.

"Luckily we were ahead 1-0 due to the magician Maceo and then we had a much better second half."

And Bleiberg boasted that the likes of Dutch imports Rigters and the impressive Paul Beekmans would only get better.

"After such a long pre-season we have started like lions out of a cage but the European players are sometimes shellshocked (when starting A-League," he said.

"They will get better as the year goes along.

"And Maceo Rigters - if you ask anyone in Holland everyone knows him.

"So he is a big name and can only improve."

Van Egmond tried to take the result on the chin after officially taking up the reins following Newcastle's chaotic season start in which its head coach Branko Culina and his son - marquee player Jason - were sacked days before the season kick-off.

"It is still a work in progress. But credit to the Gold Coast, they impressed us," van Egmond said.

Gold Coast: 3 (M Ritgers 11', K Rees 58', J Brown 84')

Newcastle: 1 (J Wheelhouse 67')

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, robina-4226, qld, newcastle-2300, nsw, australia

First posted October 30, 2011 19:00:57

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Victory see red but deny Roar

Raman Goraya

Updated November 05, 2011 23:51:59

A dogged Melbourne Victory had two players controversially sent off in the first half but escaped with a 2-2 draw against champions Brisbane in a drama-filled clash at Docklands on Saturday night.

Billed as the biggest match of the A-League season, the two sides delivered with some quality football in the first half which included a terrific brace from Victory veteran Archie Thompson and goals to Brisbane's Henrique and Thomas Broich.

But it was the influence of referee Ben Williams that seemingly stole the limelight.

Williams showed Victory goalkeeper Ante Covic a straight red card in just the second minute before young full-back Matthew Foschini suffered a similar fate 10 minutes before half-time for a late tackle.

Despite being down to nine men and surrendering possession to the all-conquering Roar in the second half, the Victory admirably held firm in the final third to eke out a brave point and end Brisbane's perfect start to its championship defence.

Victory coach Mehmet Durakovic said he understood the decision to march Covic, after the shot-stopper brought down Roar hitman Besart Berisha on his way to goal, but did not agree with the harsh treatment of Foschini.

"I thought that was absolutely unacceptable," Durakovic told Fox Sports on the decision to red card Foschini for his rash challenge on Broich.

"We're 25,000 people here tonight and to have something like that happen, what do you do?

"I honestly thought it was unacceptable for all of us."

Nevertheless Durakovic labelled his charges' display, reminiscent of nine-man Melbourne's 3-3 draw with Central Coast in 2006, one of the best team performances he had ever seen.

"It was a magnificent effort from all the boys and I'm thoroughly excited by the way they played," he said of his fifth-placed side.

"Their encouragement was unbelievable, their determination was unbelievable and their spirit was absolutely a different class."

The Roar still extended their unbeaten streak to 33 matches and remain top of the A-League, but were left frustrated by an inability to break down the Victory, who sat back in the final third.

"It was a bit chaotic in the first half, we lost our structures a little bit and we got caught up in the emotion of what was happening," Postecoglou said.

"It was a matter of settling down and playing our way.

"You have to give credit to them. They worked really hard and we weren't clever enough to open them up."

Mistakes punished

Berisha won the penalty after catching Victory captain and central defender Adrian Leijer asleep on the ball to setup the one-on-one with Covic.

Penalty guru Henrique converted from the spot not once but twice after his first successful attempt was called back for encroachment of the area by his team-mates.

A man down, the Victory were spurred into action and struck back just four minutes later thanks to a tough challenge by Diogo Ferreira and a tremendous finish by Thompson over the head of Michael Theoklitos in the Brisbane goal.

Unbelievably Thompson was on hand to give the Victory a 2-1 lead in the 21st minute.

Strike partner Harry Kewell dispossessed Henrique near halfway and played to Thompson whose fleet feet put both Matthew Jurman and Theoklitos on their backsides before hitting the back of the net.

Predictably the Roar found a way back and it came when midfield maestro Broich was held back by Leijer on 28 minutes.

The German stepped up to slot a premeditated free-kick under the jumping Victory wall and past substitute keeper Lawrence Thomas.

Broich hit the post minutes later with a thumping first-time drive and had another long-range effort whistle past the post in the dying stages.

An injury-time header by Jurman was denied by the 19-year-old Thomas as Brisbane struggled to manufacture clear chances on goal despite its numerical advantage.

Victory: 2 (A Thompson 10', 21')

Roar: 2 (Henrique 6' pen, T Broich 28')

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia, brisbane-4000, qld

First posted November 05, 2011 22:08:05

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