Canberra grabs draw with Victory

Updated December 31, 2011 08:56:46

A late Michelle Heyman goal saw Canberra United snatch a 1-1 draw with Melbourne Victory in their W-League encounter at the Veneto Club.

Heyman found the back of the net in the 81st minute to ensure Canberra maintained its unbeaten record this season, although it had looked like the Victory might upset the league ladders.

The hosts had led 1-0 when Jodie Taylor slotted a penalty in the 20th minute, but it proved not enough to hold off Canberra.

Tags: soccer, sport, melbourne-3000, canberra-2600

First posted December 30, 2011 23:39:47

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Sky Blues embarrassed by stunning defeat

Updated December 30, 2011 19:20:39

Sydney FC were left baffled after suffering their worst home defeat at the hands of a rampant Melbourne Heart.

Sydney slumped to a humiliating 4-0 defeat on Thursday night in front of an Sydney Football Stadium crowd of 16,007, the club's biggest home crowd since their major semi-final against Melbourne Victory in March 2010.

The Sky Blues looked the stronger team in the opening stanza but quickly crumbled as a sluggish and weak defence was far too easily exploited by the Heart, who enhanced their credentials as title contenders.

They took advantage of a Sydney side who looked bereft of any inspiration and sorely missing the guidance of suspended skipper Terry McFlynn and flair of injured playmaker Nicky Carle.

The Heart ran riot to post their biggest win so far this season - and sixth victory on the trot - to climb to within just two points of top-placed Central Coast.

"I can't find the words," Sydney FC coach Vitezslav Lavicka said.

"We really started the game well ... we just didn't score the goals.

"We made soft mistakes in our defence ... and a good quality team like Melbourne Heart killed us through this."

After finishing a lowly ninth last season - Sydney's worst-ever ladder placing - the already under-fire coach insists the club is not about the panic.

"We don't give up the season, we don't give up the season," Lavicka said.

"I think we have enough strong players.

"We know the game against Wellington will be a tough game but I am expecting a strong, clear response from the team."

Stand-in skipper Brett Emerton had the chance to shine in his first match as captain but instead had one of his worst matches since being signed as Sydney's marquee man.

The former Blackburn Rovers skipper says the defeat was a tough pill to swallow and admits they will be relying on good fortune to turn things around.

"I don't know how we're sitting here losing that football match 4-0," Emerton said.

"It's difficult to take. This is just another test and we need to bounce back next week in Wellington.

"Hopefully our luck changes a little bit. Who knows; we may play terribly and win a game."

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, sydney-2000, australia

First posted December 30, 2011 19:04:46

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Super sub Gerrard inspires Liverpool

Updated December 31, 2011 10:47:34

Steven Gerrard's huge influence on Liverpool was clearly apparent again as he took just 31 minutes to inspire a 3-1 Premier League win over Newcastle United in his team's final fixture of the year.

Gerrard, who said he was looking forward to seeing the back of 2011 after missing several months with a groin injury and an ankle infection, was introduced as a 59th-minute substitute with the score 1-1 and Newcastle looking strong at Anfield.

By the final whistle the England international had scored the third goal, provided three clear-cut chances for Andy Carroll and lifted the quality and confidence of a team that had previously won only three times at home in the league this season.

Welsh striker Craig Bellamy netted twice against his former club but so convincing was Gerrard's cameo display that the fit-again midfielder was named man of the match.

"To get on the scoresheet and get three points was a perfect return," the 31-year-old Gerrard told Sky Sports.

"I have had a terrible year with a lot of injuries but I just want to look forward."

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish said: "Steven has a wee bit of mileage left in him yet. Today was a great reward for him and everybody who has helped him get back to fitness."

With 12 minutes remaining Gerrard made a well-timed run into the penalty area and after being found by a neat Jordan Henderson pass, he slipped the ball underneath Newcastle keeper Tim Krul from a narrow angle.

It was enough to move Liverpool (34 points from 19 games) up into fifth place before Saturday's main program of fixtures.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew said the second goal had decided the match but was full of praise for his players and their campaign so far.

"We've done brilliant, we've got some very good players and we've had a really really good calendar year," he said.

"We need to take that now into next year, and if we do anything like this last year, we may.surprise ourselves and the opposition in the league.

"We're still in a good position even though we were beaten tonight."

Newcastle (30) is seventh.

France midfielder Yohan Cabaye headed Newcastle in front after 25 minutes but Bellamy equalised four minutes later with a precise low finish from the edge of the box that went through a ruck of players.

Eight minutes after Gerrard left the bench, Daniel Agger was fouled and Bellamy bent a free kick past Krul from 25 metres.

Newcastle went close in the 70th minute when Demba Ba's improvised flick was heading for goal until Martin Skrtel raced towards his own line to pull off a dramatic clearance.

England striker Carroll, bought from Newcastle in January for a fee of 35 million pounds ($54.39 million), had another frustrating night, fluffing one clear chance and sending a header from a Gerrard cross against the bar.

Manchester United (45) can go three points clear at top if it beats Blackburn Rovers tonight (AEDT).

Leader Manchester City, on the same points as United but with a superior goal difference, travels to Sunderland on Sunday.

Reuters

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

First posted December 31, 2011 09:52:50

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Reds claim Phoenix scalp

Updated December 30, 2011 23:15:24

Adelaide United's Australia international Dario Vidosic set up both goals in his side's 2-0 victory over Wellington Phoenix at Hindmarsh Stadium.

The classy Vidosic was at his sublime best as the Reds snapped a six-game winless streak, with goals to Bruce Djite and Antony Golec downing the New Zealand side.

Vidosic featured in both scores, setting up Djite with a superb dinked through-ball before his curving second-half free kick gifted Golec a tap-in.

Adelaide's triumph, which hoisted the Reds from last place to seventh, came in John Kosmina's second match as coach since replacing the sacked Rini Coolen.

Kosmina was relieved to deliver a victory that lifted the Reds from last place.

"Emotionally, it's great - how can you complain," Kosmina said.

"We got a clean sheet, a good crowd, and the football was good.

"And more than that, the resolve of the players was good as well."

Goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic finished a winner in his initial match as captain following the mid-week demotion of defender Jon McKain.

Vidosic helped justify the recent upheaval with a match-breaking performance, his skill and poise evidenced by his role in Djite's 16th-minute goal.

The Adelaide number 10 lobbed a visionary pass over the Phoenix defence and into the path of Djite, whose thunderous first-time left-footer gave goalkeeper Tony Warner no chance.

Vidosic was central in another Adelaide attacking foray some 19 minutes later, a one-two with Spase Dilevski which nearly created a second goal, but Dilevski was a half-metre wide with his left-footed attempt.

Adelaide led 1-0 at half-time and Vidosic again figured prominently after the break - initially having a shot blocked superbly by Warner before being involved in Golec's goal in the 62nd minute.

Vidosic curved a 30-metre free kick around a Wellington wall, forcing Warner to dive full-stretch to his left to parry.

But the Phoenix goalkeeper watched helplessly from the ground as an unattended Golec pounced on the rebound to score from metres out.

Phoenix coach Rikki Herbert says his troops were hampered by an inability to snatch several scoring chances.

"We hit the post and had a few really good chances," Herbert said.

"Probably last week we were pretty clinical in that area and tonight we weren't.

"When we travel, we struggle with the chances that we need to put in the back of the net."

Adelaide United: 2 (Djite 17', Golec 62')

Wellington Phoenix: 0

AAP

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First posted December 30, 2011 21:50:36

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Henry deal almost done: Wenger

Updated December 30, 2011 23:06:57

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says Thierry Henry will sign a two-month loan deal with the club if insurance agreements can be arranged with his Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls.

The 34-year-old Frenchman has been training with the Londoners since the close of the Major League season in November and recently had a statue of him unveiled at the Emirates Stadium to underline his legendary status at the club.

Henry will not be required back in the United States until March and Wenger will lose Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh for up to a month at the end of January due to the Africa Cup of Nations, leaving him short of strikers.

"For two months it certainly will happen. I don't take care of the agreement and the insurance and that is not completed," Wenger said.

"At the moment we cannot announce anything because all the paperwork is not done.

"To cover for two months is ideal. He has the experience and the quality. He knows the club and can help the players on and off the pitch.

"He has exceptional talent and is a very intelligent man, it can only be positive."

Henry could feature in seven Premier League matches, including key encounters against Manchester United and Tottenham, as well as FA Cup ties and the first leg of Arsenal's Champions League last-16 clash against AC Milan.

If agreement is reached with Red Bulls he could start his second Arsenal spell in the FA Cup third-round tie against Leeds on January 9 after impressing Wenger with his sharpness during training.

Henry, meanwhile, has clearly felt at home back in London and was moved to tears when a statue of him was unveiled at the Emirates Stadium this month, along with those of fellow Gunners legends Tony Adams and Herbert Chapman.

"He (Henry) is very happy and very modest about it. It was my idea and he was happy with the idea," Wenger said.

Henry, the club's record all-time scorer with 226 goals in 370 appearances, left Arsenal in 2007 for Barcelona before moving to the US where he currently plays for the New York Bulls.

He is regarded as one of the greatest players to have ever pulled on an Arsenal shirt, winning two league titles and three FA Cups during his hugely successful eight-year spell at the club.

AFP

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

First posted December 30, 2011 22:20:25

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Victory concerned about inconsistency

Updated December 30, 2011 16:29:58

Returning midfielder Billy Celeski admits Melbourne Victory is becoming apprehensive about its patchy recent record.

The sixth-placed Victory has won just two of its past eight matches and is smarting from the recent derby loss to crosstown rivals Melbourne Heart.

They tackle floundering premiers Brisbane Roar, which has lost its last five matches, at Lang Park on Saturday night.

The Victory will also be without captain and defender Adrian Leijer, who is battling a groin strain.

Coach Mehmet Durakovic said Leijer would travel with the team to Queensland and would receive intensive treatment in a bid to be fit for the match against Central Coast on January 4.

Celeski, back in action after serving a suspension for a red card picked up against Wellington, says there is nervous optimism among the players.

"We're now a little bit anxious as to when it's going to happen because we've been playing some decent football these last few weeks," Celeski said.

"Training's been really good so the players are just a little bit on edge wanting it to happen now and for us to go on a little bit of a run and score some goals."

Celeski says the Victory need to be ruthless to ensure the once nigh-unstoppable Roar did not rediscover its magic touch.

"Everyone's going to be disappointed up there and their confidence is going to be down but it's a matter of us capitalising on that and pressuring them," Celeski said.

Brisbane, meanwhile, insist they are upbeat about their chances, even in the continued absence of key attacking duo Thomas Broich and Henrique.

In a welcome boost, in-doubt trio Matt Smith, Mitch Nichols and Issey Nakajima-Farran all trained strongly on Friday.

Captain Smith and attacking midfielder Nichols had both been been battling groin problems, while winger Nakajima-Farran has been carrying a calf knock.

Brisbane defender Shane Stefanutto says there is nothing for the Roar players to worry about despite their recent run of outs.

"The great thing is we've got games coming thick and fast so there's no use dwelling on the other day," said Stefanutto of the last-start 1-0 loss to struggling Gold Coast on Boxing Day.

"We've got huge belief in this system and we will never waver on support of that. We won't change the way we want to play.

"We want to play the ball, move, have quick passing and in a way entertain. We want to play an attractive brand of football."

AAP

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First posted December 30, 2011 16:20:33

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Kossie praying Adelaide has turned the corner

Updated December 31, 2011 11:26:54

Coach John Kosmina hopes Adelaide United has taken its first step towards an A-League revival after getting off the bottom of the ladder with a 2-0 victory over Wellington Phoenix.

The triumph at Hindmarsh Stadium lifted the Reds from last to seventh - at least until the rest of the round is completed.

This afternoon, Newcastle hosts Perth, leaders Central Coast Mariners welcome Gold Coast United and Brisbane Roar play Melbourne Victory at Lang Park.

Remarkably for a club which sacked its coach and captain in the past fortnight, Adelaide sits just one point behind the sixth-placed Victory.

Kosmina also hoped the triumph against Wellington, whose travel troubles continued, will restore self-belief for the Reds.

"The teams are all a game or two apart (on the ladder)," Kosmina said.

"If you can show some consistency in terms or your application and how you go about your business, you're starting to get some results.

"Look at Melbourne Heart, who we play on Wednesday - they struggled early on but stuck to their guns and now the ball has started to fall for them.

"We have got to do the same thing."

Kosmina was heartened by the response of defender Jon McKain, who he removed as captain mid-week.

McKain was a solid substitute against the Phoenix just days after being deposed as skipper by goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic.

"He was pretty focused on trying to prove a point to me, which is a good thing - and he did well," Kosmina said of McKain.

Meanwhile striker Sergio van Dijk copped one of the more unusual yellow cards but at least saved himself from other coloured embarrassment.

The Dutch striker suddenly sprinted from the ground - without telling the referee, his coach or team-mates - with about 10 minutes to go.

Van Dijk bolted for the player's race and disappeared from sight at Hindmarsh Stadium - stunning his bench.

"He just took off," a bemused Kosmina said.

Van Dijk was mysteriously absent for a couple of minutes, before running back onto the ground - and being yellow-carded by referee Chris Beath for the unexplained absence.

Van Dijk, it was later revealed, was desperately suffering a stomach bug.

"He said he couldn't wait any longer," Kosmina said.

"It could have been a horrible sight on the television."

The Reds lost Spase Dilevski to a groin strain, with the midfielder in doubt for Wednesday's away match against the Heart.

AAP

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

First posted December 31, 2011 11:26:54

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Heart humiliate Sky Blues

Updated December 30, 2011 09:05:18

An unstoppable Melbourne Heart posted their sixth consecutive win with a 4-0 demolition of Sydney FC at Sydney Football Stadium.

The Heart ran riot with goals from Eli Bablj, Mate Dugandzic, Jason Hoffman and Alex Terra giving them their biggest victory so far this season and bringing them to within just two points of the top-placed Central Coast Mariners.

Simon Colosimo got the action started when he forced Sydney gloveman Liam Reddy into action early with a close-range shot only six minutes into the contest.

Halfway through the opening stanza, referee Peter Green had the 16,007-strong Sydney faithful crying foul when Heart gloveman Clint Bolton came off his line and took down Bruno Cazarine in the box, but no penalty was awarded.

But it was the visitors who broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute when Fred got the better of Sydney defender Pascal Bosschaart then played the ball back to the perfectly placed Bablj, who slotted the ball home for a 1-0 lead.

The Sly Blues were quick on the counter-attack with marquee man Brett Emerton, standing in as skipper in place of the suspended Terry McFlynn, crossed the ball right across the face of goal but no-one was there to receive it.

The Heart doubled their lead right before the half-time whistle when a beautifully played ball from Aziz Behich found Dutch import Rutger Worm, who crossed the ball to Dugandzic for a simple finish.

Sky Blues coach Vitezslav Lavicka brought returning striker Mark Bridge on for Shannon Cole after the interval in an effort to inject a bit of firepower up front.

But the Heart did not look like slowing down despite losing Fred - replaced by Jason Hoffman - early in the second stanza.

They added to their tally in the 76th minute, again displaying beautiful interplay when a Duganzic ball found Hoffman, who made no mistake in front of goal to give the visitors a 3-0 advantage.

Late substitute Terra put the final nail in the coffin in the 84th minute when a Behich shot forced a save by Reddy, who clumsily spilled the ball at Terra's feet and the Brazilian tapped in to cap a comprehensive victory.

Emerton was left baffled by the loss, in light of the team's strong showing in the opening half.

"If anyone should have been 2-0 up it should have been us at half-time," Emerton said.

"I don't know how we're sitting here losing that football match 4-0 because for me it was certainly the best first 45 minutes we've played this season.

"It's difficult to take. We're all very disappointed and it's going to be a test of character now for us."

Heart coach John van 't Schip says many key moments were created by his team's speed on the counter-attack.

"We talk about it a lot if you want to have variation in your way of playing you have to keep possession but you also have to have depth in your game," he said.

"Especially in the transition, there are moments that we can hurt the opponents and that happened today.

"After we struggled the first part we made a few changes in the formation ... and we got more control over the game."

Melbourne Heart: 4 (Babalj 32', Dugandzic 45', Hoffman 77', Terra 84')

Sydney FC: 0

AAP

Tags: soccer, sport, sydney-2000, melbourne-3000

First posted December 29, 2011 21:29:51

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Talk of Henry return galvanises Arsenal

Updated December 30, 2011 14:26:21

Arsenal fans are hoping talk of Thierry Henry rejoining the club will inspire the current side to victory over London rivals Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

The 34-year-old France international scored a record 226 goals for the Gunners from 1999 to 2007 and has been training with Arsenal as his current club, New York Red Bulls, is in its close season.

Henry watched from the stands as Arsenal was held to a 1-1 draw at home to Wolves and it is thought Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has now sanctioned negotiations over a two-month loan deal.

With Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh scheduled to take part in the African Cup of Nations next month, Arsenal will be in need of extra fire-power and Henry does not have to be back in the United States until March.

Certainly there appeared to be little dissent on the training ground itself about the prospect of Arsenal great Henry returning to the first team squad.

"I am very happy training with Thierry," said Per Mertesacker, the Germany defender.

"He shows his class and to have him with us is great because he shows his attitude, his experience.

"He still has the same attitude he showed in a lot of games at Arsenal."

Midfielder Alex Song added: "When I see him training, I am teasing him, 'You could still play with us you know'.

"But he has never replied and just smiles.

"What he's achieved during his career is just amazing. He has nothing more to prove in football.

"Today, he has the opportunity to give us a boost. A player with such stature would bring us a lot."

Victory over QPR is the most pressing concern of course and Wenger is keen to avoid a repeat of the Wolves setback, which saw Arsenal fire 23 shots against a relegation-threatened side that played almost a quarter of the match a man down.

Indeed, Arsenal will kick off out of the European places in sixth if Liverpool win at home to Newcastle United on Friday, although a victory will see them rise to at least fifth and to fourth if Chelsea fails to beat Aston Villa.

Wenger is hopeful winger Theo Walcott will be available again following illness but defenders Bacary Sagna, Kieran Gibbs, Andre Santos and Carl Jenkinson are still injured.

AFP

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First posted December 30, 2011 14:17:58

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Mariners to lose striker Simon

Updated December 30, 2011 13:22:43

Central Coast Mariners striker Matt Simon will leave the A-League leaders next week for South Korea.

The 25-year-old local, who gave up his job as a plasterer to train full-time and landed an A-League contract in 2006, has signed a three-year deal with K-League club Chunnam Dragons.

"It has always been a goal of mine to play overseas and this is an opportunity for me to take the next step in my career," Simon said.

"I've had a lot of great memories at the Mariners. I've loved playing for the club and I've loved playing for the fans."

Simon will play against Gold Coast United on Saturday and Melbourne Victory on Wednesday before leaving for Gwangyang on Thursday.

Mariners coach Graham Arnold admitted Simon's presence would be missed both on and off the pitch, but believes the club has the depth to carry on up front in Simon's absence.

"I think it's a great reward for a great bloke, a great clubman and a fantastic footballer for the Mariners," Arnold said.

"Matty was coming off contract and he's received a great offer from Korea. It's a wonderful opportunity for him.

"It's the A-League, these things happen where players leave mid-term.

"But it won't be too much of a distraction because we've got a lot of depth and it opens up a great opportunity for other players to step up to the mark," he said.

ABC/AAP

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First posted December 30, 2011 12:20:49

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Celtic top after Old Firm win

Updated December 29, 2011 11:17:06

Celtic leapfrogged Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premier League with a 1-0 Old Firm derby victory which moves it two points clear of its rivals.

Joe Ledley's 52nd minute header from Charlie Mulgrew's corner was enough for the Hoops to claim a narrow victory over their Glasgow rivals in a match where they enjoyed the lion's share of chances.

However, Rangers will feel aggrieved at not claiming a point from the match after Lee Wallace's seventh minute header appeared to cross the line before keeper Fraser Forster scrambled the ball away.

The win was Celtic's ninth in a row and means it will top the SPL heading into 2012 after trailing Rangers by as many as 15 points at one stage in November.

Neil Lennon was delighted with the win.

"I think the first goal in these games is always important and I thought we were in the ascendancy at the time," the Celtic manager said.

"It was another good performance and that's real consistent form we're showing now. I can't ask any more of the players at the moment as they've been brilliant."

His Rangers counterpart felt a lapse in concentration in defence cost his side dearly.

"I didn't think there was an awful lot in the game to be honest," Ally McCoist said.

"But in a game like that you cannot afford to drop any level of concentration and I think we did that and that's what cost us the game."

AFP

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First posted December 29, 2011 10:51:30

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Suarez hit with new ban

Updated December 29, 2011 09:33:40

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been banned by the Football Association (FA) for one match and fined 20,000 pounds for a gesture made towards Fulham fans in the 1-0 defeat at Craven Cottage earlier this month.

Suarez had admitted the latest charge of improper conduct, and Liverpool has also been fined 20,000 pounds for failing to control its players in the same match - a charge related to the dismissal of midfielder Jay Spearing.

The ruling comes little over a week after Suarez was hit with an eight-game suspension for racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra during a match in October.

Suarez had denied the racism allegations and the decision angered Liverpool, which promised to stick by the player and issued a statement in support of the Uruguayan.

Suarez's new ban means he will miss Friday's home game against Newcastle United in the Premier League.

His eight-game suspension is currently on hold, however, as Liverpool has 14 days to appeal once it has received the written judgement from the independent commission that heard the case.

AFP

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First posted December 29, 2011 09:33:40

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Sacking McKain 'was in club's interests'

Updated December 29, 2011 17:05:45

Adelaide United coach John Kosmina admits former captain Jon McKain was upset about being ousted from the role.

The defender was stripped of the captaincy on Wednesday, ten days after Rini Coolen was sacked by the club in an attempt to reverse its flagging fortunes.

Kosmina says it was his decision to demote McKain.

"I thought long and hard about it, I slept on it a fair bit and it was a tough call to make.

"But I think it's in the best interests of the team and the club and in the best interests of Jonny to be honest because his form hasn't been sparkling and now all he has to worry about it is not representing the players, not having meetings, not even having to talk to the media.

"It's about Jonny being able to focus on his game knowing the footballer I know he can be."

Kosmina says McKain remains committed to the Reds despite losing the captaincy.

But he says McKain will again start on the bench in Friday night's game against Wellington at Hindmarsh Stadium because he was impressed with the performance of the back four in last week's draw with Sydney FC.

The club's new captain, goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic, says his relationship with McKain remains healthy.

"He's a professional, he understands and we just got to move on," he said.

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First posted December 29, 2011 14:58:52

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Galekovic named new Reds skipper

Updated December 28, 2011 20:06:34

Goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic has replaced Jon McKain as captain of last-placed Adelaide United.

New coach John Kosmina orchestrated the change, with McKain battling for form in his initial season as Reds skipper.

Galekovic has been appointed captain "effective immediately", Adelaide said in a statement on Wednesday.

"The move recognises both Galekovic's ability to perform under pressure and his presence within the playing group itself," the club statement said.

"At the same time the club respects and supports McKain as a player and person in accepting the decision in the best interests of the club."

AAP

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First posted December 28, 2011 20:06:34

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Kossie tells dumped captain to get on with it

Updated December 29, 2011 17:05:45

Adelaide United's upset ex-captain Jon McKain has been bluntly told to deal with his demotion and find some form by coach John Kosmina.

McKain wanted to keep the captaincy and protested Kosmina's decision to replace him with goalkeeping stalwart Eugene Galekovic.

"Jonny was upset," Kosmina told reporters.

"And understandably.
"But I thought in the circumstances, and I thought long and hard about it ... it was a tough call to make but I think it's in the best interests of the team and the club."

Defender McKain has struggled in his first season at Adelaide, which has slipped to last on the ladder entering Friday night's home encounter with Wellington Phoenix.

"He's an adult, you have got to deal with these things," Kosmina said.

Kosmina, himself only appointed coach 11 days ago following Rini Coolen's sacking, conceded McKain's nervous form was a factor in the change.

"It's in the best interest of Jonny, to be honest, because his form hasn't been sparkling," Kosmina said.

The new Reds coach said he alone ordered the captaincy change.

"I bounced it off a couple of people but I had already made my mind up," Kosmina said.

Galekovic, a top-end club stalwart, was described as a natural born leader by Kosmina.

"This guy has been the backbone of this club, sometimes on his own, for five years," he said.

"He's had (Asian) Champions League success - the guy has been recognised everywhere.

"Purely, on that alone, he's a natural."

Galekovic said he counselled McKain soon after replacing him as captain.

"He's a professional, he understands we have just got to move on," Galekovic told reporters.

"When you have a new coach, he wants to put a stamp on it - and that is one of the stamps he has put on it."

The highly-rated Galekovic said the leadership wouldn't change his style.

"I'm not going to change as a person," he said.

"Obviously Kossie saw something in me, that I have got leadership qualities, but my role on the pitch won't change."

AAP

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First posted December 29, 2011 16:40:08

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Injury woes mount for Roar

Updated December 29, 2011 16:35:15

Brisbane Roar coach Ange Postecoglou's avowed love of a challenge will be thoroughly tested as his struggling A-League champions deal with a deepening attacking injury crisis.

Not only has Brisbane slumped to third on the back of a club record five-match losing streak, it must now wait at least another four matches to have key duo Thomas Broich and Henrique back on deck.

On top of that, Mitch Nichols sat out training with a groin problem on Thursday and is in serious doubt for Saturday's home clash with the Melbourne Victory.

While Broich (heel), Henrique (knee) and super-sub James Meyer were ruled out of next week's road double against Perth and Adelaide, Postecoglou rated Nichols only a 50 per cent chance of playing against the Victory.

That would thrust little-used Rocky Visconte into the playmaking hot seat at a time when they need all the attacking thrust they can find.

Postecoglou has attributed the bulk of their recent woes to an inability to convert the fewer chances they've created since ending their national record 36-match unbeaten streak a month ago.

That was when the classy Broich played his last match, with his tricky heel problem failing to heal completely.

Postecoglou admitted confidence had slipped but he insisted there was no need to panic or even modify his vibrant, possession-at-all-costs passing game until his attacking stars return.

"I've certainly been around long enough to have seen worse than this," Postecoglou said.

"You know in the journey as a coach ... there is some pretty fine lines between what is successful and what isn't.

"From my point of view nothing's really changed and, if anything, that's kind of what I like about it - it's challenging and it would be boring if it wasn't.

"It's great, it tests me."

But the injuries continue to make the examination tougher as there's no magic fix for the depleted and out-of-form forward line.

"That's the area where we're struggling," Postecoglou said.

"We're still keeping good shape and good possession and the opposition is rarely threatening us still.

"Every now and then they will hit us on the break.

"But because we're not scoring we're not putting pressure on the opposition.

"It's one area of the game we did really well (during the streak) and it's the one area of the game we need to change if we're going to turn the results around."

In some welcome good news for the Roar, captain Matt Smith re-signed for a further two seasons before rating himself a likely starter against the Victory despite being troubled by a groin injury.

"I wouldn't call it a slump if you look at the performances," Smith said.

"I just think we're missing that final third at the moment and also we've been conceding goals that we haven't been in the past."

Smith, 29, who spent most of his career in the English lower leagues before returning to the Queensland state league in 2008, has risen through the ranks rapidly at Brisbane after leaving the defunct North Queensland Fury last year.

"There's nowhere else I'd rather be and I've seen a lot of growth in the club," Smith said.

"What we've done over the last 18 months is just a small glimpse at what Ange's plans are here so I want to be a big part of that.

"Obviously I was very, very fortunate to get the opportunity with the Fury and obviously just as fortunate that Ange chose us to come to Brisbane.

"It's been a whirlwind 18 months really."

AAP

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

First posted December 29, 2011 11:42:18

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Emerton to stay on the right for Sydney FC

Updated December 28, 2011 12:38:35

Sydney FC coach Vitezslav Lavicka has ruled out the possibility of stand-in captain Brett Emerton moving into the centre of midfield for Thursday night's crucial A-League clash with Melbourne Heart.

Right midfielder Emerton will wear the captain's armband in the absence of regular skipper and central midfielder Terry McFlynn, who is serving a one-match suspension.

"Brett will play as captain but not in Terry McFlynn's position," Lavicka said.

"The team already knows who will play in Terry McFlynn's position but I don't want to make that official."

Options for the central midfield role include Dimitri Petratos and Slovak import Karol Kisel for a game where second spot on the ladder is up for grabs for both teams.

Teenage midfielder Terry Antonis and striker Mark Bridge, who were both fit to play in last week's 2-2 draw with Adelaide, have trained strongly this week and will be hopeful of getting plenty of game time against the Heart.

Meanwhile, Dutch defender Pascaal Bosschaart had signed a two-year extension that will keep him at the Sky Blues until the end of the 2013-14 season.

"I am very pleased to be staying at Sydney FC for another two years," Bosschaart said.

"Since I have arrived in Sydney everyone at the club has been tremendous for me and my family.

"We have been made to feel welcome, I love playing for the club, I love living in Sydney and I am very happy to stay at Sydney FC."

AAP

Tags: sport, soccer, a-league, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted December 28, 2011 10:58:00

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Growth of Action Sports and News

Galekovic named Reds captain

Updated December 28, 2011 17:04:49

Reds goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic will replace defender Jon McKain as Adelaide United captain.

The club says the decision recognises Galekovic's ability to perform under pressure.

McKain was captain under coach Rini Coolen.

Coolen was sacked more than a week ago and was replaced by former coach John Kosmina.

The club says it will continue to support McKain as a player.

Galekovic was acting captain in Adelaide's two-all draw with Sydney last week.

The Reds are now preparing for Friday's game against Wellington Phoenix at Hindmarsh Stadium.

Tags: a-league, soccer, adelaide-5000, sa

First posted December 28, 2011 16:23:17

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Spurs stay in touch, Gunners held

Updated December 28, 2011 19:39:50

Gareth Bale's superb double fired Tottenham Hotspur to a convincing 2-0 win at Norwich City on Wednesday morning (AEDT) and narrowed the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City and Manchester United to seven points.

The pacy Welsh international took his league tally this season to seven goals, lifting third-placed Spurs, who have a game in hand on the two Manchester clubs, up to 38 points from 17 matches.

Bale drilled home the opener on 55 minutes after fine trickery in the box by Emmanuel Adebayor who bamboozled three Norwich defenders with neat footwork before laying off for the winger to take a touch and pick his spot past keeper John Ruddy.

Bale's blistering run from halfway and neat chip over Ruddy doubled the lead 12 minutes later and sealed a sixth away league win of the season for the London side.

"Gareth's an amazing player isn't he?," Spurs manager Harry Redknapp told Sky Sports.

"I told him and Rafa (Rafael van der Vaart) to play where they wanted... I gave them a licence to play. When he (Bale) picks it up and runs at you he is unplayable."

Spurs dominated throughout against a hard-working but limited Norwich side at Carrow Road.

"It was a good performance," added Redknapp.

"When you are up there you have to keep picking up results."

Earlier, Arsenal missed the chance to go fourth after a fine performance from Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey helped secure a 1-1 draw at the Emirates where the visitors finished with 10 men.

"It is very frustrating. You won't play many draws like that in a season but sometimes it can happen," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told reporters.

"We still lack a bit of maturity. The way I have seen the game today it will be one draw out of 50 but it was that one today."

Arsenal, which remained fifth on 33 points, looked set for a comfortable afternoon when Ivorian striker Gervinho ran on to a Yossi Benayoun pass to round Hennessey and break the deadlock after eight minutes.

Wolves, one place above the relegation zone, levelled against the run of play seven minutes before half-time, their leading scorer Steven Fletcher reacting quickly to head in Stephen Hunt's scuffed shot from the edge of the area for his seventh league goal of the season.

Arsenal piled on the pressure after the break but found Hennessey in outstanding form.

The Wales keeper made a string of fine saves, tipping over a Robin van Persie free kick midway through the second half before foiling defender Per Mertesacker from point-blank range.

The hosts failed to capitalise when Wolves went down to 10 men with 15 minutes left after Serbia midfielder Nenad Milijas's straight red card for a late challenge on Mikel Arteta.

Hennessey again came to the rescue for Mick McCarthy's side late on when Thomas Vermaelen got through on goal.

"Wayne Hennessey was fantastic. I think he is one of the best goalkeepers in the league and he proved that today," said McCarthy.

In Tuesday's other game, Swansea City drew 1-1 at home to Queens Park Rangers. Danny Graham fired Swansea into a 14th minute lead but Jamie Mackie equalised just before the hour.

Reuters

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

First posted December 28, 2011 09:35:41

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Sports Cards and Memorabilia - Why People Collect

Berbatov treble puts United level with City

Updated December 27, 2011 11:07:12

Dimitar Berbatov fired Manchester United level on points with Manchester City as his hat-trick inspired a 5-0 win over 10-man Wigan, while the Premier League leaders were held to a 0-0 draw at West Bromwich Albion.

Berbatov has been a bit-part player for long periods this season but the Bulgarian striker seized a chance to replace the rested Wayne Rooney with a clinical treble and futher goals from Park Ji-Sung and Antonio Valencia destroyed third bottom Wigan.

United's five-goal spree - their second in six days after a 5-0 win over Fulham - means City are now top only on goal difference after Roberto Mancini's side suffered a rare setback at the Hawthorns.

City, who were five points clear of United earlier this month, enjoyed most of the possession, but couldn't find a way past Albion goalkeeper Ben Foster with Mario Balotelli hitting the woodwork and also having a goal disallowed.

"Today was difficult," Mancini said. "When you a play a team with all players behind the ball, if you don't score in the first half it's not easy, you don't have any space. Maybe we were too slow in the first half."

At Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson played midfielders Valencia and Michael Carrick in defence, but Park put the hosts ahead in the eighth minute when the South Korea midfielder converted Patrice Evra's cross.

United got another boost when Wigan striker Conor Sammon was harshly dismissed for an elbow on Carrick just before half-time.

"I thought it was a softish one in that I don't think the boy acted intentionally. It was a bit harsh, I have to say that," he said.

"Today's result pleases me considering the injuries we have had. We had 10 players missing and (defender) Jonny Evans was taken off at half-time," Ferguson added.

At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea's title hopes suffered another major blow as Clint Dempsey's equaliser gave Fulham a 1-1 draw against its west London neighbours.

A third successive draw means even a place in the top four can not be taken for granted as Chelsea will slip to fifth if Arsenal beats Wolves on Wednesday morning (AEDT).

Andre Villas-Boas's spluttering side took the lead two minutes into the second period through Juan Mata but Dempsey levelled in the 56th minute.

"The title will be pretty difficult now," Villas-Boas admitted.

"It would have been a good December for us if we'd finished with six points from two home games, but taking this draw into account it makes it difficult now. You have to be realistic."

Liverpool's challenge for a Champions League place was dented as struggling Blackburn earned a 1-1 draw an Anfield.

Rovers, beaten in their previous three matches, took the lead in first half stoppage time when Reds midfielder Charlie Adam deflected Morten Gamst Pedersen's corner into his own net.

Maxi Rodriguez equalised with a header from Martin Skrtel's flick in the 53rd minute and Reds boss Kenny Dalglish sent on England midfielder Steven Gerrard, finally back from an ankle injury, for the final 20 minutes.

"The chances we create are good, but we can't keep saying we have come up against an inspired goalkeeper," Dalglish said.

Newcastle surged back into the race for a top four place with a 2-0 win at struggling Bolton.

Alan Pardew's side had failed to win any of their previous six matches but they got back on track to move within four points of fourth placed Chelsea thanks to second half goals from Hatem Ben Arfa and Demba Ba.

Bolton remain second bottom after its sixth defeat in seven matches.

Sunderland's revival under new boss Martin O'Neill was hit by a controversial 1-1 draw against Everton at the Stadium of Light.

O'Neill's side, who had won two of their three matches since the former Aston Villa boss took charge, went ahead through Jack Colback's deflected shot in the 26th minute.

However, Everton earned a controversial equaliser in the 51st minute when referee Howard Webb awarded a penalty after Leon Osman stumbled while shooting under no challenge and Leighton Baines blasted in the spot-kick.

Stoke City and Aston Villa played out a dour, goalless stalemate at the Britannia Stadium.

AFP

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

First posted December 27, 2011 08:24:11

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Roar slump to fifth-straight loss

Updated December 27, 2011 09:42:02

A controversial late penalty saw Gold Coast United win its first M1 Derby in two years to continue Brisbane Roar's stunning fall from grace in Robina on Monday night.

The Coast leapt off the bottom of the A-League table with the 1-0 Boxing Day victory at Skilled Park as their arch-rivals slumped to a club record fifth-straight loss.

It is an amazing turnaround for the competition's defending premiers who celebrated an Australian record undefeated streak of 36 matches just a month ago.

After four losses in the past three weeks it looked as though Brisbane was set to end its losing run with the match deadlocked until the 88th minute.

But more heartbreak struck when United were awarded a contentious penalty.

Roar replacement Rocky Visconte fouled dangerman Ben Halloran on the edge of the 18-yard box and Daniel Severino stepped up to slot home the winner.

Roar players remonstrated wildly with referee Kris Griffiths-Jones as Visconte was outside the box when he fouled man-of-the-match Halloran, who was on the line marking.

It was not the only controversy of the night as crowd dramas once again reared their ugly head at Robina.

Despite drawing its best crowd of the A-League season of 6927, more than 1,000 fans missed the start of the game and many were still forced to wait until half-time to make it in.

The huge walk-up crowd, with lines meandering back 100 metres, caught out officials with only a limited number of ticket booths open to the general public as per the club's usual cost-cutting practice.

It tarnished the Gold Coast's best attendance since January when a club record 14,783 responded kindly to United owner Clive Palmer throwing the gates open following an outcry over his controversial crowd cap of 5,000.

And there was trouble inside the stands as well with four orange flares set off among the Roar's packed section of travelling supporters.

Two were thrown on to the pitch, including one in the second half that rested next to the Coast's goals, but it was only when the third was let off after half an hour of play that police took any action and evicted the culprit.

At that point the action off the field had been more captivating than that on it as neither side looked threatening.

It seemed to be the cue for the encounter to heat up as both sides created clear chances before the Roar went into half-time with all the running.

Brisbane striker Kofi Danning continued the momentum just after the break when a powerful strike forced a fumble from young keeper Jerrad Tyson but it then swung wildly back the Coast's way.

The home side hit the Roar's woodwork twice in five minutes with Ben Halloran striking the cross-bar before Dutch striker Maceo Righters' angled shot collected the upright.

A total of 11 bookings highlighted the feeling in the M1 Derby, the first won by the Coast since Boxing Day 2009.

Roar coach Ange Postecoglou felt Visconte was unlucky to fall victim to the game-breaking call but was diplomatic about Griffiths-Jones' decision.

"It looked outside (the box) but the referee made the call. You would like to think he was 100 per cent certain. It was a big decision," he said.

"But I can't really tell from where I was."

A defiant Postecoglou rated the Roar's performance as decent and was bemused when one radio reporter asked whether they were now the A-League's easybeats.

"We were OK. We're just lacking a cutting edge in the front third and at the moment we can't score goals. If you can't score goals you can't win games," he said.

The main downside for Gold Coast, who leapfrogs Adelaide into ninth place, was the early loss of Dylan Macallister with a strained hamstring that will sideline him for at least a fortnight.

But they will also lose Paul Beekmans with an automatic one-game suspension for his fifth yellow card of the season.

Gold Coast United: 1 (D Severino 87' pen)

Brisbane Roar: 0

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, robina-4226, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted December 26, 2011 21:31:44

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Sydney confident despite skipper loss

Updated December 27, 2011 12:39:56

Sydney FC coach Vitezslav Lavicka is confident he can fill the void left by suspended skipper Terry McFlynn when his charges take on high-flying Melbourne Heart in the A-League on Thursday.

The Sky Blues can climb to outright second spot on the ladder with a win against the Heart, who claimed second place after beating Melbourne Victory last week.

But Lavicka's side will have to do it without the central midfielder who has to sit out the match after receiving his second yellow card in three matches.

While marquee man Brett Emerton appears an obvious choice, Lavicka said he was yet to decide who would wear the captain's armband for the SFS clash.

"It's a loss for us because Terry McFlynn is our captain," Lavicka said.

"But we have other players who are available to play and who are ready.

"There is a lot of competition in the squad which is always good for the team and the coaching staff."

Sydney FC will also be without playmaker Nick Carle who has not recovered from a hamstring injury.

Thursday's match will kick off a hectic period of three games in 11 days for Sydney. A trip to Wellington comes next before a home clash with table-toppers Central Coast.

AAP

Tags: sport, soccer, a-league, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted December 27, 2011 12:37:23

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Wakefield, MA Sports News Online

No Broich boost for Roar

Updated December 27, 2011 15:56:18

The attacking cavalry will not return in time to help the once all-conquering Brisbane Roar arrest its record losing streak in Saturday night's crunch A-League clash with Melbourne Victory.

The competition's two under-pressure heavyweights meet at Lang Park on New Year's Eve with both desperate to arrest unexpected form issues.

But the Roar will again have to attempt it without classy German playmaker Thomas Broich, slippery Brazilian striker Henrique and super-sub James Meyer due to lingering injuries which are proving more costly every week.

Less than a month after celebrating a national record 36-match unbeaten streak, the defending champion slumped to third in the table with a club record fifth straight loss on Boxing Day against the plucky Gold Coast.

A contentious 88th-minute penalty condemned Brisbane to a 1-0 defeat and lifted United off the bottom of the table.

Roar coach Ange Postecoglou remained defiant believing his side put in a solid performance, but rued an inability to carve out and put away chances.

"We were obviously lacking a bit of cutting edge in the front third. Unfortunately at the moment we can't score goals and if you can't score goals you can't win games," he said.

"Overall it was a decent enough performance but we obviously struggled a bit in the front third and that's the area we need to address."

With Postecoglou admitting Broich (heel), Henrique (knee) and Meyer (groin) were unlikely to return until the following week's road double against Perth and Adelaide, the coach has a battle to fix the problem against the sixth-placed Victory.

The competition's leading scorer, Albanian Besart Berisha, has not looked anywhere near as dangerous in combination with Mitch Nichols, Issey Nakajima-Farran and Kofi Danning.

Broich's unusual heel problem is the cause for most concern as he was originally expected to miss just one or two matches and is only now, four weeks later, back to running in straight lines.

The influence of the former Bundesliga midfielder is such that Postecoglou will not rush him back early and will wait until he is fully fit to ensure he is playing at the business end of the season when the Roar is also involved in the Asian Champions League.

In another concern, captain Matt Smith lasted 70 minutes in his return on Boxing Day before being replaced as a precaution when his groin tightened up in a spicy second half when eight yellow cards were handed out.

The Coast's second straight win lifts them to 12 points and leaves Adelaide United (11) in last place.

AAP

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

First posted December 27, 2011 15:29:13

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Types of Sports Equipment

FFA hits back at Culina insurance claims

Updated December 26, 2011 08:05:20

Football Federation Australia has fired back at claims the governing body is responsible for ensuring injured Socceroo star Jason Culina was insured by his A-League club.

The Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) on Thursday served the FFA with legal papers on behalf of Culina - reportedly suing them for $1.7 million - after it was revealed that the midfielder had not been insured since his return to the the A-League in 2009 with Gold Coast.

The PFA claims in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement, the FFA has to ensure that insurance is in place to cover wages for at least two years in the event a player is injured.

The FFA hands this responsibility to the clubs in their licence agreements, but the players' union is arguing the FFA still has the responsibility to make sure the premiums are paid by the club.

"The PFA is trying to make out that this situation involving Jason Culina can be boiled down to a dispute between FFA and Jason over insurance," said FFA head of corporate affairs and communications, Kyle Patterson.

"This assertion is a red herring, a quite mischievous distraction from what's happening. You have to question the PFA's motives in running this line through the media.

"Our advice is that the Newcastle Jets have been meeting their obligations under Jason's contract, as they should.

"We also understand that Jason is working hard on his rehabilitation in order to get back into action."

And while the FFA would not discuss Culina's case specifically it made a point of clarifying the terms regarding insurance for marquee players in the A-League.

"Any club that decides to contract a marquee player does so knowing they are responsible for all costs, including insurance, and any liabilities arising from that engagement," the FFA said in a statement.

"The cost of marquee players, as with the benefits, rest with the individual club, not the FFA or the A-League or other clubs."

Culina suffered a serious knee injury representing the Socceroos in January, while he was contracted to Gold Coast.

After surgery, he signed a three-year $2.65 million deal with Newcastle but was ruled out indefinitely before even playing a game for his new club after suffering an injury in the preseason.

Just four days out from the start of the A-League season in October, the Jets announced they had sacked his coach and father Branko Culina and would seek to have Jason's multi-million dollar contract "set aside" amid fears he would never play again.

The World Game reported on Saturday that Culina was set to return to training in the next week after receiving a clean bill of health after surgery.

AAP

Tags: socceroos, soccer, sport, a-league, newcastle-2300, nsw, australia

First posted December 26, 2011 08:05:20

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United confident of continuing Roar woes

Updated December 26, 2011 11:07:39

Dead-last on the A-League ladder - it is not a scenario that usually inspires comparisons with English heavyweight Arsenal.

But Gold Coast United coach Miron Bleiberg reckons he can see a bit of the Gunners' English Premier League revival in a side that has the wounded Brisbane Roar squarely in their sights.

"People don't realise we have a new team," said Bleiberg, whose side face the defending champions on Boxing Day.

"I don't want to compare myself to Arsenal but it happened to them too (this season in the EPL).

"It took them about eight or nine games to find the right formula, and I suspect that is what has happened here.

"We have now had two games which we haven't lost and that includes a win away.

"Now I know my players I think I come in with confidence that I have found the right combination."

Indeed, United can claim something ahead of their Monday clash many cynics thought they wouldn't all season against the Roar - favouritism.

After the 3-0 thrashing of Adelaide United away, Gold Coast is confident of breaking its two-year hoodoo against the Roar.

In contrast, the Roar went from holders of top-level Australian sport's greatest unbeaten streak to being the A-League's number two side with four straight losses in 13 days.

Plus the Roar again looks set to be without key playmakers Thomas Broich, James Meyer and Henrique.

United has not beaten Brisbane since their 5-1 drubbing in the corresponding match in 2009 - now affectionately known by Bleiberg as "The Boxing Day Massacre".

But Bleiberg did not think Brisbane should read too much into the two wins over United since - a 4-0 mauling late last season and a 3-0 defeat on October 21.

The Roar sealed the minor premiership by thrashing United 4-0 in the 2010-11 regular season finale.

But Bleiberg claimed his team were distracted before that game by speculation billionaire owner Clive Palmer was considering handing back the Gold Coast licence.

"It was a disaster for us," he said.

"On one side we had an unbeaten team about to be crowned (minor premiers) and the other a bunch of boys who did not know what the future held.

"Even if Alex Ferguson had sat in my spot nothing would have changed."

And Bleiberg said he actually took confidence from the 3-0 defeat in October, saying it was a game "everything went right" for the Roar.

"That's when I thought we were not that far away," he said.

"Plus Smith, Broich and Henrique were playing and we had a few kids - I would like to think that we are closing the gap."

AAP

Tags: sport, soccer, a-league, robina-4226, qld, australia, brisbane-4000

First posted December 26, 2011 10:50:05

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Title IX - Sports

Extreme Sports - How Much is Too Much?

Two Sports Are Better Than One - Why Young Athletes Should Try New Sports

Sports and Men's Gifts - Are They One in the Same?

Phoenix hammer hapless Jets

By Mike Tuckerman

Updated December 23, 2011 22:13:23

Wellington Phoenix inspired plenty of festive cheer among its fans with a 5-2 drubbing of the Newcastle Jets in Wellington on Friday night.

The Jets got in the mood by gifting Wellington all three points courtesy of a dreadful defensive display, as Dani Sanchez and substitute Mirjan Pavlovic scored braces in a one-sided match.

Newcastle's central defender Nikolai Topor-Stanley endured a torrid return from injury, as he was substituted by unimpressed Jets coach Gary van Egmond with 14 minutes remaining.

Van Egmond rung in the changes after last weekend's defeat to Sydney FC, but the addition of several new faces failed to inspire his charges as Wellington turned on the style.

The Phoenix opened the scoring in eye-catching fashion when Manny Muscat volleyed a long ball forward to team-mate Daniel and his similar first-time pass was brought down by Sanchez, who was left with the simple task of slotting the ball home from close range.

After being left on the bench for much of the campaign Sanchez clearly had a point to prove, and he scored again with another neat finish through the legs of Newcastle goalkeeper Ben Kennedy.

Sanchez nearly chipped the Jets' custodian from the halfway line and Wellington wrapped up a dominant first half with a goal to Chris Greenacre, who celebrated his 34th birthday by heading home a right-wing cross from Leo Bertos.

The half-time interval appeared to break Wellington's concentration and its march towards Kennedy's goal was momentarily halted when Newcastle's South Korean defender Byun Sung-Hwan curled home an impressive free-kick shortly after the restart.

But normal service was resumed when ex-Newcastle striker Pavlovic was introduced to torment his former club, as he scored twice inside three minutes and narrowly missed out on a hat-trick in a rampant display off the bench.

Ryan Griffiths scored a late header for the Jets but it was scant consolation for a Newcastle side which was thoroughly outplayed on the night.

The win saw Wellington consolidate its place in the top six ahead of its away clash with Adelaide United next week.

Wellington Phoenix: 5 (D Sanchez 16', 34', C Greenacre 39', M Pavlovic 74', 77')

Newcastle Jets: 2 (H-S Byun 51,' R Griffiths 89')

Tags: sport, soccer, a-league, new-zealand

First posted December 23, 2011 20:01:40

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The Top Ten Mistakes That Sports Gamblers Make

Culina reportedly set to sue FFA

Updated December 23, 2011 17:58:47

Football Federation Australia (FFA) is reportedly facing a claim of about $1.7 million from injured Socceroo Jason Culina after it allegedly failed to ensure he was covered by insurance.

News Limited said the players union had served a grievance notice on the FFA on Thursday after it emerged that Culina had not been insured since returning to Australia to play in the domestic A-League in 2009.

The players union and FFA could not be reached for comment Friday, but a spokesman for the governing body told News Limited that a grievance notice, the process for complaints within the sport, had been lodged.

"But we will not make any public comment on the merits of the claim," he said.

Newcastle Jets made moves in October to cancel the contract of their injured player but the players union, the Professional Footballers Australia, said at the time it expected the club to honour the deal.

Negotiations with the Jets are understood to be ongoing.

The union is expected to argue that even if the FFA can pass on the duty of insurance cover to individual clubs, it is still bound to make sure premiums are paid.

Culina returned to Australia after a decade overseas playing with Dutch side Ajax, FC Twente and PSV Eindhoven, signing with Gold Coast United.

But Gold Coast failed to insure Culina and after he sustained an injury at the Asian Cup in January, Newcastle was unable to insure the player due to his existing injury, the report said.

Culina signed for Newcastle in February after he had knee surgery.

He later needed a further operation and was ruled out for the entire season.

AFP

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

First posted December 23, 2011 14:32:19

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Sports Bras Are Necessary For Sports Activities

Kosmina impressed with Reds' effort

Updated December 23, 2011 19:38:00

They were not able to break their winless streak in Thursday night's A-League clash against Sydney, but new Adelaide coach John Kosmina saw enough from his charges to be impressed.

Kosmina was sensationally reappointed for his second spell in charge of the Reds after Rini Coolen's dismissal last weekend following a horror start to the season that has last year's high-flyers sitting in lowly ninth place on the ladder.

And the drama continued on the field in Kosmina's first match at the helm - an action-packed 2-2 draw with another of his former clubs Sydney FC.

The physical encounter had everything - four goals, two penalties, eight yellow cards and a sending off - and despite taking the lead twice, the Reds remained winless for their sixth match on the trot.

But Kosmina claimed it was a "moral victory" for the club and praised his team's courageous effort holding a strong-looking Sky Blues outfit to a draw and preventing them from climbing to second spot.

"They were (warriors)," he said.

"You can't ask for more because that's the base that you play your football from.

"Sydney are third and we're second-bottom. They're a lot more experienced than we are and our blokes did well, really well. They all got stuck in.

"Everyone got a niggle, everyone got bitten at some stage in the game but they all got up and got on with the game."

Reds defender Nigel Boogaard admitted the players were desperate to make up for their horror start to the season and the demoralising 3-0 loss to bottom-placed Gold Coast last week.

"We were embarrassed with what happened last week at home," Boogaard said.

"No one wants to play like that in front of their home crowd.

"Regardless of if we were playing Kossie's old club or not, he's come in and asked us to be warriors and stand up individually and as a team and I think we made a step towards that tonight."

Kosmina, who endured an almost three-year exile after being sacked by Sydney in February 2009, admitted "I thought my days were over, well and truly".

"But I'm glad to be back - it's fun, it's exciting.

"But we had a good result this time.

"Give me a few more weeks and a few more questionable decisions and I might be a bit more cranky."

AAP

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

First posted December 23, 2011 19:31:36

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Fergie relieved after Jones fears allayed

Updated December 24, 2011 01:15:23

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has received a welcome boost after it was confirmed Phil Jones did not suffer a fractured cheekbone against Fulham.

England international Jones was forced to leave the field after 20 minutes of the 5-0 rout of the Cottagers following a heavy aerial collision.

Jones underwent a scan on Thursday and it had been feared the defender had suffered a broken cheekbone in the clash.

However after no serious damage was revealed, Jones could now be fit to face Wigan at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.

"Phil Jones should be OK for Monday," Ferguson said.

"We feared the worst but there is no break."

However Ferguson revealed Ashley Young faced "a few weeks" on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury against Fulham.

Defender Rio Ferdinand is also likely to miss Monday's game after injuring a foot in training.

"It's not so good about Ashley Young because he's going to be out for a few weeks. We're still waiting for some of the bleeding to go away, which is quite extensive at the moment," Ferguson said.

Ferguson praised his players for taking the club's injury problems in their stride.

"The squad at the moment has handled the situation quite well and their form has been really good so I'm pleased with that and we're looking like scoring goals again which is terrific," Ferguson said.

Ferguson meanwhile declined to comment on the aftermath of the Luis Suarez affair following the Liverpool player's eight-match ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra.

"I have nothing to say about that at all," Ferguson said.

The United manager has also criticised Blackburn supporters' treatment of their manager Steve Kean.

The Rovers manager has faced constant protests from fans as his team slumped to the bottom of the Premier League table under unpopular owners Venky's.

The abuse was so bad that Everton manager David Moyes walked out of Rovers' 2-1 defeat to Bolton in disgust.

United hosts Blackburn in the game after Wigan and Ferguson has attempted to contact Kean to offer his support.

"I haven't seen anything as bad as that and I fear for the lad. But he's held his dignity fantastically well," Ferguson said.

"I've seen his press conferences and he seems to be in complete control of himself and the events and it's remarkable under that kind of pressure that he can maintain his dignity the way he has done.

"I tried to phone him the other day but he was probably right keeping his phone off! But it's terrible to watch that.

"It doesn't say a lot for society these days when you see that kind of behaviour from fans.

"We're all emotional and we all like to see our team win but for goodness' sake, give the lad a break."

AFP

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

First posted December 24, 2011 01:15:23

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Heart take down Victory in derby

By Mike Tuckerman

Updated December 23, 2011 23:21:57

The Heart moved to second on the A-League ladder and claimed bragging rights in the fifth Melbourne derby as they beat city rivals Victory 3-2 in a pulsating encounter at AAMI Park on Friday night.

Played in front of a bumper crowd of 26,579, the red-and-white half of the stadium was left buzzing as the Heart came from behind to win thanks to a double from Matt Thompson and a sensational volley from substitute Alex Terra.

Heart coach John van't Schip praised his team for bouncing back from a horror start to the game which saw Victory take an early lead.

"Looking at the first 30 minutes this evening we were really having problems and could have gone down maybe two-nil," van't Schip said.

Counterpart Mehmet Durakovic agreed and said Victory should have gone on to win the game.

"We should have (won), definitely," he said.

"We created enough chances in the first 25 minutes to be at least two-up.
"You've got to take your chances and we didn't."
Harry Kewell was quiet for the Victory but the same could not be said of his team-mates, with Carlos Hernandez and Archie Thompson running the show in an explosive start to the match.

Thompson was brought down inside the penalty box by Heart goalkeeper Clint Bolton after six minutes, but Bolton redeemed himself in his 450th domestic game by saving Hernandez's spot-kick.

All the early momentum was with the Victory and the visitors scored a deserved opener through veteran striker Thompson, who collected a long punt forward from goalkeeper Ante Covic before showing real poise to lob an accurate volley over a stranded Bolton.

The complexion of the game changed thanks to two goals from Matt Thompson before half-time.

The inspirational midfielder produced a neat finish from an acute angle to level the scores, before he ran on to a chipped pass over the top from captain Fred to lob Covic for his second goal.

The second half started in the same fashion as the first but this time the Heart defence held firm in the face of the Victory's concerted pressure.

The Heart added to its lead as the acrobatic Terra produced a trademark volley from Matt Thompson's header into the box, with the Victory players appealing in vain for a handball decision.

Durakovic said his team paid the price for pushing up in search for an equaliser.

"We got punished on the counter-attack," he said.

Costa Rican midfielder Hernandez crashed home a spectacular free-kick in stoppage-time to ensure a nervy finale for the Heart, but the home team held firm to leapfrog Brisbane Roar in the table with an impressive derby win.

"We are here, we are competitive," Van't Schip said.

"It's a long road still to the championship."

Melbourne Heart: 3 (Matt Thompson 37', 39', Alex Terra 62')

Melbourne Victory: 2 (Archie Thompson 21', Carlos Hernandez 90+2')

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

First posted December 23, 2011 22:22:29

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Victorious Heart signal true arrival

Updated December 24, 2011 11:30:45

Melbourne Heart's two-goal hero Matt Thompson says it was a special feeling to reward his club's loyal fans with a 3-2 win over derby rivals the Victory.

Second-year club the Heart took second spot on the table on Friday night with their sixth victory in seven matches.

The win was sweet for Thompson, who scored two classy goals within three minutes late in the first half to give his side a 2-1 advantage at half-time.

"To be on the road in the last five or six weeks and get results, we knew we wanted to come here and not spoil it," Matt Thompson said.

"We wanted to show we could do it in front of them (home fans).

"It's the best feeling to have everyone there cheering for you. It doesn't get much better than that."

Thompson said the Victory would have felt unlucky to be trailing 2-1 at halftime.

Carlos Hernandez had missed a penalty in the fifth minute after the Heart's goalkeeper Clint Bolton was yellow-carded for bringing down Archie Thompson, who scored a crafty opening lob goal of his own in the 21st minute.

A controversial goal from Heart's second-half substitute Alex Terra in the 62nd minute sent the record AAMI Park A-League crowd of 26,579 into another round of celebrations.

Hernandez scored a consolation with a free kick in the 92nd minute.

"Luck was on our side with the penalty miss. In the second half, everything worked," he said.

"We backed ourselves and our confidence is growing."

The Heart's coach John van 't Schip said nerves may have also played a part in his side's slow start, given there was a big build-up to this week's derby clash.

"We are here. We are competitive," the coach said.

"We started this season with two losses and three draws. We really had to fight hard."

The Heart have won two of their five derby clashes with former two-time A-league champions the Victory, with two drawn.

Victory coach Mehmet Durakovic said the sixth-placed Victory had enough chances to be ahead 2-0 inside the first half an hour.

"You've got to take your chances. We didn't," he said.

Durakovic claimed Alex Terra's second-half goal was a handball.

The Victory coach defended Harry Kewell's non-scoring game, saying the club's star recruit played well.

The Heart are away to Sydney FC on Thursday and third-placed Brisbane host the Victory two days later.

Brisbane can re-claim second spot on Monday night when they play Gold Coast.

AAP

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

First posted December 24, 2011 11:28:01

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Mariners extend Glory's misery

By Mike Tuckerman

Updated December 24, 2011 00:58:18

A miserable run of form continued for the beleaguered Glory as they lost 3-1 to the Central Mariners in a low-key affair in Perth on Friday night.

A difficult week for Perth owner Tony Sage was capped by another poor performance from his team, as defender Josh Mitchell earned a straight red card for a studs-up challenge on Oliver Bozanic in the first half.

Sage threatened to walk away from the Glory following a 2-1 defeat to Melbourne Heart last week but later retracted his statement.

He may have questioned the wisdom of that decision after the Mariners made their numerical advantage count in the second half, recording their fifth successive road win.

Glory coach Ian Ferguson was left fuming after the red card left his side to battle with 10 men for more than an hour.

"I think it was disgraceful. That's my opinion," Ferguson said.

"I thought it was a good tackle. There was no malice.

"The ball was there for two players to go and win, and he's won it. Simple as that."

He found an ally in Mariners coach Graham Arnold, who sympathised with Ferguson's plight.

"I must say I thought it was a harsh red card," Arnold said.

"I feel sorry for Fergie with that. It's not nice to be a coach in that position.

"But that's football and these things happen."

Teenage striker Bernie Ibini lead the charge with a typically industrious display for the Mariners, scoring one goal and setting up another for strike partner Matt Simon.

The only highlight of a tepid first half saw Mitchell dismissed for his reckless challenge on Bozanic, which resulted in referee Matthew Gillett producing a red card in just the 26th minute.

Central Coast opening the scoring four minutes after the half-time break when Ibini ran on to a through-ball from Simon before lashing a rising left-foot strike past stunned Glory goalkeeper Danny Vukovic.

The Mariners got lucky with their second goal when an attempted cross from defender Pedj Bojic bounced in off the post, and when Simon tapped home from Ibini's cross midway through the half, he ended the game as a contest.

Glory pulled a goal back six minutes from time when substitute Steven McGarry surprised Mariners goalkeeper Matt Ryan with a skidding strike from distance, but it will have proved scant consolation for Sage, who watched forlornly from the stands as his team slumped to its seventh defeat of the campaign.

Central Coast Mariners: 3 (B Ibini 49', P Bojic 60', M Simon 64')

Perth Glory: 1 (S McGarry 84')

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

First posted December 24, 2011 00:16:44

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Why Brisbane has lost its Roar

Ciaran Baynes

Updated December 19, 2011 12:54:55

After having strung together an Australian sporting record 36 games without a loss, Brisbane has lost top spot on the A-League ladder after suffering four straight defeats.

The Roar's latest failure - a 2-1 loss to Central Coast at Lang Park on Saturday night - highlighted a handful of key reasons why the side is struggling.

There are players who are made by the system and players who make the system work. The latter definitely applies to Thomas Broich and Matt Smith.

Ange Postecoglou deservedly received plaudits for setting the 36-game unbeaten record in such style despite losing key players along the way such as Kosta Barbarouses and Matt McKay.

The two key constants in this run were the rock at the back and the playmaker.

Football can be a simple science: when you can't stop goals and can't create chances, you lose.

Replicating Broich's vision is undoubtedly difficult but there is no reason there should have been such a chasm between his set piece delivery and those who stepped into the breach on Saturday who too often afforded opposition keeper Matthew Ryan gentle catching practise.

The return of these two to the side will ensure Brisbane makes the playoffs but if either is injured or loses form the Roar will not retain their title.

"I don't think we were vulnerable," Postecoglou told ABC Grandstand after the game.

Brisbane fans, like Arsenal's, don't mind their manager sticking to his principles. Supporters revel in any opportunity to feel superior to rivals.

What they will mind is their manager being blind to obvious defensive frailties and refusing to address them.

Postecoglou's defence of his players is stout. His defence's offside trap over the last two games has been anything but.

The key to centre back pairings is communication.

Against Central Coast, Matthew Jurman and Sayed Mohamed Adnan must have been communicating through smoke signals - quite possibly those emanating from the former's backside as he chased Bernie Ibini around Lang Park.

The Mariners' lack of ambition in the second half, something Graham Arnold bemoaned at full time, was the chief reason Brisbane's defence was more comfortable after the break.

Smith returning will address these issues, but whoever his centre back partner is needs to up his game enormously.

In the absence of German talisman Broich, Brisbane needed Issey Nakajima-Farran to step up. He showed in the closing stages when he fired against the bar and just wide that he has the ability to do this.

In the first half he was hardly seen. This is a reflection on him, the tactics employed and his team-mates.

He needed to create space and others needed to drown him with the ball. Instead in the first half the team seemed to be over-compensating, attempting too many low percentage balls. This was epitomised by Massimo Murdocca in Broich's spot on the left making 'no look' passes which, in fairness, were little more wayward than the rest of the midfield's distribution.

In the second half, the trademark ball retention was back but with no killer instinct until Kofi Danning's introduction. Which brings us to...

Danning is popular with Brisbane fans partly for the same reason he must exasperate Postecoglou - his unpredictability.

He does not easily fit into the Roar system of ball retention. Danning is ordinary when static in possession as was seen in Wellington mid-week.

On Saturday though he lifted the whole stadium with his electric pace and attacking threat and has the ability to provide the goalscoring threat from the flanks that the likes of Andrei Kanchelskis and Freddie Ljungberg used to specialise in.

In consecutive home games he has almost resurrected points from lost causes. Though far from the finished article in the business end of the season, with his options limited, Postecoglou may have to live his flaws and find a place for him in the first XI.

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

First posted December 19, 2011 08:49:55

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Wounded Roar in Bleiberg's sights

Updated December 22, 2011 22:38:32

Not so long ago, Gold Coast coach Miron Bleiberg admits he would have found a way to call off an A-League derby with defending champions Brisbane Roar.

But Bleiberg's cellar dwellers suddenly fancy their chances of breaking a two-year drought against their once-dominant rivals at Skilled Park on Boxing Day.

Bleiberg even went as far as saying he would back his side against any Roar team without Thomas Broich, Matt Smith and Henrique - the key trio who form part of the champions' long injury list.

Indeed, Bleiberg could be forgiven for not being his characteristic upbeat self given his side has not tasted victory against the Roar since the corresponding clash two years ago - a 5-1 drubbing of Brisbane now known as the Boxing Day Massacre.

Four straight losses have dropped the once mighty Roar to second spot on the ladder while United are on a two-match unbeaten run, including last round's 3-0 thumping of Adelaide United that sealed Reds coach Rini Coolen's fate.

"If we had to play them after they beat Adelaide 7-1 (on October 29) I would have probably called it off for some excuse," Bleiberg said of Brisbane.

"I am happy with the timing.

"(And) football is about timing. Three weeks ago we were deep at the bottom and they were the all-conquering Roar.

"But momentum has changed. They have come back to earth a bit.

"I wouldn't say (Roar should be) scared but a bit more worried - I feel more confident."

Roar coach Ange Postecoglou said skipper Smith was a chance of returning and ex-Socceroo Shane Stefanutto (concussion) would be back but again ruled a line through Broich, Henrique and James Meyer.

It was music to Bleiberg's ears.

"I will tell Ange straight if he has Broich, Henrique and Matt Smith I give myself 49 per cent to win the game - and without those three I give myself 51 per cent. That's a big difference," he said.

Postecoglou again reiterated that he would not change his tactics despite coming under fire for a horror 13-day run in which Brisbane went from holders of top-level Australian sport's greatest unbeaten streak to being the A-League's number two side.

"I know there is a bit of hysteria about what is going on with us at the moment - that's external," he said.

"As long as I am in charge we will keep doing what we are doing."

AAP

Tags: sport, soccer, a-league, australia, brisbane-4000, robina-4226

First posted December 22, 2011 22:23:07

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Heart extends young stars' contracts

Updated December 21, 2011 17:25:30

Melbourne Heart have signed four of their young players to extended deals ahead of the A-League derby against Melbourne Victory on Friday night.

Attackers Elie Babalj and Jason Hoffman and defenders Aziz Behich and Brendan Hamill have signed new contracts incorporating either one or two-year extensions.

Chairman Peter Sidwell says the Heart's signing of young Australian talent, all of whom have represented their country at under-20 or under-23 level, shows the club wants to develop players and win trophies with home-grown, young players.

"It's worth noting that all these boys are representatives of Australia already, and we see them as being not only young Socceroos or Olyroos but also future Socceroos," Sidwell said.

"We're delighted we're extending the brand further and further, not only for Melbourne Heart obviously, but for the game."

Tickets still remain available for the derby at the 28,000-capacity AAMI Park between the third-placed Heart and fifth-placed Victory.

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

First posted December 21, 2011 12:37:43

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Spain ends year on top

Updated December 22, 2011 18:59:12

World and European champion Spain will end the year as the world's number-one ranked football team for the fourth consecutive year.

FIFA announced its latest rankings with an unchanged top 15, with Spain ahead of Netherlands and Germany.

The Socceroos have dropped a place to 23rd after Bosnia-Herzegovina rose three spots to 20th, despite a 6-2 aggregate European Championship play-off defeat to Portugal.

Spain lost its number one status to the Netherlands for a one-month spell in August following a defeat to Italy, but quickly regained it.

Although Vicente del Bosque's side lost to England in November, Holland's recent defeats to Sweden and third-place Germany ensured the tiki-taka masters go into the new year on top.

Tags: soccer, social-sciences, sport, spain

First posted December 22, 2011 09:08:06

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