Amini replaces injured Antonis

Updated January 27, 2012 15:14:13

Central Coast Mariners midfielder Mustafa Amini will replace Sydney FC's Terry Antonis in the Olyroos squad for the upcoming London 2012 Olympic qualifiers against Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates.

Initially placed on standby, Amini enters the squad after teen midfielder Antonis failed to convince the Australian coaching staff on Friday he was fully fit to participate in the crucial third-round qualification matches to be held in February.

"I'm disappointed that I won't be able to represent Australia in these games," Antonis said.

"I love playing for my country and was really looking forward to playing in these two important matches.

"I'm sure the boys will be able to get the job done and I wish Aurelio and the team good luck."

Amini joins fellow Mariners young guns Oliver Bozanic and Mathew Ryan, who were named on Wednesday in coach Aurelio Vidmar's 20-man squad.

Amini's selection means fellow standby player, Mariner Bernie Ibini, will remain with the Central Coast.

Squad: Mustafa Amini (Central Coast Mariners), Aziz Behich (Melbourne Heart), Mark Birighitti (Gk - Adelaide United), Oliver Bozanic (Central Coast Mariners), Kerem Bulut (Fkmlada Boleslav, Czech Republic), Isaka Cernak (Melbourne Victory), Mate Dugandzic (Melbourne Heart), Diogo Ferreira (Melbourne Victory), Matthew Foschini (Melbourne Victory), Antony Golec (Adelaide United), Jason Hoffman (Melbourne Heart), Matthew Jurman (Brisbane Roar), Ben Kantarovski (Newcastle Jets), Daniel Mullen (Adelaide United), Mitch Nichols (Brisbane Roar), Dimitrios Petratos (Sydney FC), Sebastian Ryall, (Sydney FC), Mathew Ryan (Gk - Central Coast Mariners), Adam Taggart (Perth Glory), Rocky Visconte (Brisbane Roar).

AAP

Tags: sport, soccer, a-league, gosford-2250, nsw, australia, sydney-2000

First posted January 27, 2012 15:14:13

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QPR's Ferdinand receives bullet in post: reports

Updated January 28, 2012 09:05:19

Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand has been sent a bullet in the post, British media has reported, less than 24 hours before an FA Cup tie in which he could come face to face with Chelsea's John Terry, the player charged with racially abusing him.

England and Chelsea captain Terry, who denies any wrongdoing, is due to appear in court next week over the alleged racist abuse which has added extra tension to the build-up to the fourth-round match at Loftus Road.

"We are investigating an allegation of malicious communication received today at QPR football club," a Scotland Yard spokesman said.

"Officers from Hammersmith and Fulham are investigating."

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas earlier urged Ferdinand to shake hands with Terry.

Villas-Boas said he was not considering leaving out Terry, who was charged in December following an incident in Chelsea's 1-0 Premier League defeat by its west London rival in October.

Reuters

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

First posted January 28, 2012 09:05:19

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Sydney comeback denies Victory

Updated January 26, 2012 20:38:04

Sydney FC substitute Sebastian Ryall snatched a last-gasp equaliser to reignite his club's season and further frustrate Melbourne Victory with a 2-2 draw at AAMI Park.

Not for the first time this season, Victory coughed up a 2-0 lead, deservedly as they inexplicably sat back and let the much more enterprising Sydney to dominate the second half.

Goals to Bruno Cazarine in the 56th minute and Ryall's equaliser from a goalmouth scramble in the 90th minute kept Sydney FC in the top six and left the Victory sitting four points outside.

The Victory conjured two goals out of nowhere in two minutes before half-time to stun the Sky Blues and looked set for a much-needed win.

"We haven't won a second half all season, and that's a pretty damning statistic," Victory coach Jim Magilton said.

"The hour mark, and we seem to lose our legs. We need to win ugly, win a game, then confidence, then momentum."

After Sydney had looked the better side, Victory midfielder Isaka Cernak gave himself enough space for a low, long-range speculator, which went in to give his side an unlikely lead.

Then in first-half stoppage time, Sydney FC's defence went to sleep and it paid the price.

Full-back Fabio rounded Michael Beauchamp on the left, shot from a tight angle to find goalkeeper Liam Reddy moving the wrong way to give his side a 2-0 lead at the break.

It should have been all over for the Victory when Archie Thompson was left one-on-one with Reddy, but the goalkeeper made amends with a good stop to keep his side in the match.

Instead a mistake by Victory goalkeeper Ante Covic let Sydney back in the match on 56 minutes, spilling an innocuous cross as Sydney striker Cazarine swooped to score.

Fabio then forced Reddy into another good save in the 66th minute, launching a free-kick on target for the goalkeeper to bat away.

But the Sky Blues, with Nicky Carle outstanding in midfield, kept attacking the Victory and their resolve was repaid when ex-Victory defender Ryall bobbed up late to level the scores and devastate most of the 20,000-strong crowd.

Sydney FC coach Vitezslav Lavicka praised his players' character amid another match of high drama.

"Every point is important and a draw means we keep the same gap between us and seventh place," Lavicka said.

"Every game for us is like a grand final."

The only downside for Sydney was Brett Emerton coming off with a hamstring injury on the hour mark. Scans over the next 48 hours will ascertain how serious the ailment is.

Melbourne Victory: 2 (I Cernak 45', Fabio 45')

Sydney FC: 2 (B Cazarine 56', S Ryall 90')

AAP

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

First posted January 26, 2012 18:14:04

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Sports Marketing And The Evolution Of The Sponsorship Format

John Rooney joins Orlando City

Updated January 27, 2012 11:56:50

John Rooney, the 21-year-old midfielder and younger brother of Manchester United star Wayne Rooney, has signed a contract with Orlando City in the lowest level of US professional soccer.

The deal, pending US Soccer Federation approval, would put Rooney in the third-division of the United Soccer League, two steps below Major League Soccer.

Orlando City won the US Pro title last year, going 15-3 with six drawn.

"I've known John for a long time, from the early days in England," Orlando City coach Adrian Heath said.

"We're delighted to have him. He will be a really good piece for us."

After opening in the Everton youth system in England, Rooney made his pro debut with English League Two side Macclesfield Town at age 17, spending three seasons with the Silkmen and scoring three goals in 45 matches.

The Liverpool native joined the New York Red Bulls of MLS in 2011 and played in five MLS and two US Open Cup matches, netting his lone goal in a Cup match.

AFP

Tags: sport, soccer, united-states

First posted January 27, 2012 11:40:53

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Redknapp returns as Spurs, Everton march on

Updated January 28, 2012 10:50:38

Harry Redknapp took his place on the Tottenham bench as his Premier League side squeezed past Watford 1-0 to advance to the last 16 of the FA Cup.

Spurs midfielder Rafael van der Vaart scored the only goal at Vicarage Road as Redknapp was given cause to smile after a demanding week which has seen him in the dock of a London court on trial for tax evasion.

Spurs, beaten 3-2 by Manchester City in their last Premier League outing, indicated they plan to make a serious bid for the FA Cup after naming a strong side for the fourth-round tie.

But Redknapp admitted Spurs had been fortunate to progress after a lacklustre performance which saw his side outplayed for long periods.

"They say it's better to be lucky than good. And tonight we were lucky. We weren't good," Redknapp said.

"We didn't play well tonight, we were poor. Unbelievable. But credit to Watford though - they were fantastic, top class. We rode our luck but we got away with it."

Goalscorer van der Vaart admited Tottenham had been fortunate to advance after an unconvincing display.

"We played a bad game today and Watford deserved more, maybe a win," van der Vaart said.

"They were the better team. Sometimes you have these kind of days. The pitch was heavy and Watford played great."

In the other fourth-round game, Everton came from behind to defeat Fulham 2-1 in a hard-fought battle at Goodison Park.

A goal 17 minutes from time from Everton's Belgian international midfielder Marouane Fellaini clinched victory for the Toffees, who had equalised through Denis Stracqualursi after Danny Murphy put Fulham ahead from the penalty spot.

Tottenham took the lead against Watford three minutes before half-time after a blunder by Watford goalkeeper Scott Loach.

Kyle Walker launched a counter-attack and fed van der Vaart, whose long-range effort bamboozled Loach, the Watford keeper misjudging the bounce horribly as the Dutchman's shot flew past him into the net.

The goal was hard on Watford, which had matched the Premier League side well throughout the opening period and will be ruing its failure to convert any one of half a dozen chances.

The Hornets also began the second half in positive fashion, hitting the woodwork when Sean Murray's curling effort was helped onto the post by Spurs keeper Carlo Cudicini.

Tottenham nearly doubled its lead midway through the half, van der Vaart's effort hitting the crossbar after a swift counter-attack involving Jermain Defoe and Aaron Lennon.

Watford hit the woodwork again through a John Eustace header but Spurs held on to enter the fifth-round draw.

AFP

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

First posted January 28, 2012 10:16:26

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Sport as War - The Racial Politics of Football

Roar aim for grand final upset

Updated January 27, 2012 17:54:27

Brisbane Roar coach Jeff Hopkins believes last week's tempestuous semi-final win leaves the reigning W-League champions in good stead to face Canberra United in Saturday's grand final.

If they are to retain their crown, the Roar will need to end the season-long unbeaten run of minor premiers Canberra, who has the added advantage of playing on its home turf.

The Roar's Matildas-laden side have the edge in terms of experience, having featured in all three previous W-League grand finals, winning two titles in the process.

Their reign appeared to be over last weekend as arch-rivals Sydney FC led with seconds remaining, only for the Roar to controversially equalise after a disputed injury delay.

Sydney's frustration resulted in the dismissal of star striker Kyah Simon and coach Alen Stajcic, with the Roar eventually prevailing in a penalty shoot-out.

"I guess what we tried to take out of the game last weekend is the strength of character that we have within the squad," Hopkins said.

"When it comes down to the wire in the last few minutes of games, sometimes with extra-time and penalty shoot-outs, and when you come through something like that, it binds the team together.

"It gives them an inner strength and a belief. Emotionally it is tough to go through but when you come through it with a positive outcome, there is nothing like it for the group. So the girls are buzzing and ready to go."

The Roar will be at full strength despite lingering concerns over goalkeeper Casey Dumont, who missed their match two weeks ago with a persistent groin injury.

The home side are likely to spring a surprise by finding a starting place for Matildas veteran Caitlin Munoz as they hunt a maiden championship.

The talismanic midfielder made a swift return from a knee operation with a brief appearance off the bench in the semi-final win over Melbourne Victory.

However, Canberra's dual international Ellyse Perry is expected to remain on the sidelines despite her availability following commitments with the national cricket side over the past week.

A full house is expected at the compact McKellar Park in Belconnen and United skipper Ellie Brush hopes home advantage will help reverse the 2-0 loss in the season decider against the same opponents three years ago.

"We are all excited about the home grand final, and I think Canberra as a whole is pretty excited," Brush said.

"Canberra teams all stick together and the Caps (Canberra Capitals basketball) players and Brumbies and Raiders have been out there supporting us week-in, week-out, which has been great.

"We have certainly been feeling the love in Canberra so we can't wait to get out there and perform for them, and for us, and bring home the trophy."

The grand final will be broadcast live on ABC1 from 2:50pm (AEDT).

AAP

Tags: soccer, sport, canberra-2600, act, australia

First posted January 27, 2012 17:54:27

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United and Mariners match postponed

Updated January 27, 2012 20:36:38

Fan safety ultimately forced Football Federation Australia's (FFA) late decision to call off Friday night's A-League clash between Gold Coast and Central Coast at Skilled Park.

While the pitch was playable and had been marked out, Gold Coast held concerns about localised flooding and the risk to supporters travelling through flooded areas to get to the match.

It is understood the club sought advice from both the Bureau of Meteorology and the State Emergency Service during five hours of discussions with the FFA.

"One life is too many to lose in Queensland's current environment with all the flooding at the moment," Gold Coast's chief executive Clive Mensink said.

Mensink says the Skilled Park pitch was in magnificent order despite all the rain this week but the decision to postponed the match had been based largely on public and fan safety.

"The game could have gone ahead but we chose to err on the side of caution at these times," he said.

"We don't want to risk people driving through flooded roads, that's the big message at the moment in Queensland."

Conditions around Skilled Park would have made it difficult for fans to get to the ground and possibly even harder returning home if the weather deteriorated further during the game.

The nearby park-and-ride facility was flooded, the stadium's makeshift low-level car park was under water and the rail bridge access to Robina Station alongside Skilled Park was under threat.

The last time Central Coast travelled to Skilled Park in December a severe thunderstorm hit the ground and the match was called off after 30 minutes.

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, robina-4226, qld, australia

First posted January 27, 2012 18:34:08

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Liverpool end Wembley drought at City's expense

Updated January 26, 2012 09:28:12

Craig Bellamy came back to haunt his former club Manchester City as Liverpool booked their first Wembley appearance for 16 years after a dramatic 2-2 draw with the Premier League leaders in the semi-final second leg of the League Cup.

Leading 1-0 from the first leg, Liverpool were undone by Nigel De Jong's spectacular 31st minute long-range finish before skipper Steven Gerrard restored their aggregate lead with a controversial 41st minute penalty.

But City striker Edin Dzeko made it 2-2 on aggregate after scoring from close range midway through the second half before Bellamy's well executed 74th minute finish sealed a breathtaking tie in Liverpool's favour, the Mereyside club advancing 3-2 on aggregate.

Bellamy scored 12 goals in 40 top-flight games for City before joining Liverpool for a second spell five months ago on a free transfer after spending the whole of last season on loan at Cardiff.

Ironically, it is Cardiff who stand between Liverpool and their first trophy for six years.

Kenny Dalglish's side will now meet the Championship club in the League Cup final on February 26 - Liverpool's first final at the famous stadium since losing 1-0 to Manchester United in the 1996 FA Cup final.

A dramatic evening had started with City opting not to appeal against Mario Balotelli's four-match suspension for violent conduct in last Sunday's 3-2 victory over Tottenham.

Mancini surprised everyone by starting without Sergio Aguero and James Milner in a game City had to win if last season's FA Cup winners were to secure a second cup final appearance at Wembley in nine months.

It was Liverpool who made the better start with Joe Hart forced to save with his foot to deny Jose Enrique in the fifth minute following a poor clearance by Aleksander Kolarov.

Boasting a slender first leg advantage thanks to Gerrard's 13th minute penalty, the lively hosts looked in the mood to kill the tie off early.

Charlie Adam forced England keeper Hart into a full-length stop after letting fly from 25-yards before Bellamy was denied after turning City defender Stefan Savic and darting into the area.

Daniel Agger produced a fine clearance while under pressure from Dzeko after Kolarov's 16th minute cross before the visitors took the lead against the run of play through De Jong.

The former Ajax player has struggled to cement a regular starting place this season. But de Jong had his manager celebrating on the touchline after finding the net with a swerving shot from 30-yards after Liverpool had failed to close him down.

But City's lead lasted just nine minutes as Liverpool levelled before half-time in controversial circumstances, Gerrard burying the ball beyond Hart after Micah Richards was harshly adjudged to have handled Agger's shot.

Although television replays showed the defender did touch the ball after it bounced from his shin, it was not intentional and City's players argued long and hard but to no avail.

Leading 2-1 on aggregate, Liverpool went in search of the goal that would kill the tie off and confirm their place at Wembley.

Dirk Kuyt fired straight at Hart from a good position in the 48th minute before the City keeper produced another fine save to deny Martin Skrtel from close range five minutes later.

Stewart Downing was the next to be frustrated by City's stopper after Kuyt had whipped in a cross while Bellamy mis-kicked in front of goal in the 62nd minute.

And the squandered opportunities were to prove costly as Dzeko hauled City back on the level terms on aggregate and into a 2-1 lead on the night.

Mancini, who had sent on Aguero at the start of the second half, showed little emotion as Dzeko side-footed home from three-yards after Kolarov's fine cross.

But once again City failed to defend their lead as Bellamy exchanged a one-two with Johnson inside the City box before placing a low curling shot beyond the outstretched hands of Hart.

AFP

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

First posted January 26, 2012 09:11:55

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Finals still in our reach: Jets skipper

Updated January 26, 2012 11:57:59

An inconsistent season has left Newcastle languishing in ninth spot on the A-League ladder but skipper Jobe Wheelhouse is adamant their finals hope are still alive.

Desperate for a win to lift them up the ladder Newcastle could only manage a 1-1 draw against Adelaide in Bathurst on Wednesday.

Dutch import Sergio van Dijk put the Reds in front with Wheelhouse levelling the scores, but the goal was little consolation.

"It wasn't the result we were after, we obviously wanted to get the three points but things just aren't going our way at the moment," Wheelhouse said.

"It's always nice to score a goal, but you'd give that back if you could get the three points, any day of the week.

"We're having more draws than wins, so we have to just go back to the drawing board on Friday.

"We've got a game against Brisbane up there so it's going to be a tough one."

So far this season the Jets have managed just five wins in 18 matches, their away clash to reigning premiers the Roar on Sunday an even tougher prospect as Newcastle have yet to taste victory on the road.

Coach Gary van Egmond's uncompromising attitude to match tactics has polarised opinions in the football world and has also led to a public spat with Jets veteran Kasey Wehrman, who has since been dropped.

"Obviously he wants us to play his way and it's just going to take time, it's not something that's going to happen overnight," Wheelhouse said.

"In patches we're playing well and the way he wants us to play, but at times we're not and that's why we're a bit of a bogey team at the moment."

But when asked if the Jets could still make the top six Wheelhouse's response was simple and conclusive: "definitely."

Jets gloveman Ben Kennedy, who along with Adelaide keeper Eugene Galekovic has conceded the most goals so far this season with 30, also feels a finals berth is well within reach with only four points separating them from the sixth-placed Sydney on what is a congested ladder.

"It's just little mistakes that are costing us," Kennedy said.

"But we can still make the finals, we're only four points out, so that's what we're focusing on at the moment.

"We showed a lot of character to come back from 1-0 down and we just have to build on that against Brisbane on Sunday."

AAP

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

First posted January 26, 2012 11:57:59

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Barca send Real out of King's Cup

Updated January 26, 2012 10:57:05

Barcelona dealt Real Madrid another body blow when they held off their arch rivals to draw 2-2 in a dramatic King's Cup quarter-final second leg on Wednesday and send the holders out 4-3 on aggregate.

After Barca won last week's first leg in Madrid 2-1, Real came out swinging and probably had the better of the opening exchanges before Lionel Messi released substitute Pedro to open the scoring in the 43rd minute in front of almost 100,000 spectators at a raucous Nou Camp stadium.

Daniel Alves netted a spectacular second in first-half added time when he ran on to a loose ball and sent a thunderous drive arrowing past Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas into the top corner.

Barca appeared to be in total control but Real mounted a rousing late fightback.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored the extra-time winner when Real beat Barca 1-0 in last year's Cup final, sped on to Mesut Ozil's pass and finished past Jose Manuel Pinto just over 20 minutes from time and Barca were reeling when substitute Karim Benzema levelled four minutes later.

Both sides had chances in the frenetic final stages before Real centre back Sergio Ramos was shown a second yellow card and was sent off as Barca ran down the clock to set up a semi-final against Valencia or Levante.

Reuters

Tags: soccer, sport, spain

First posted January 26, 2012 10:38:52

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Balotelli accepts four-match ban

Updated January 26, 2012 12:58:33

Volatile Italian striker Mario Balotelli has begun a four-match suspension after accepting an FA charge of violent conduct in relation to his stamping on Spurs midfielder Scott Parker's head last Sunday.

The 21-year-old Manchester City striker risked a heavier suspension had he contested the charge at a hearing later this week and thus misses today's League Cup semi-final second leg clash with Liverpool and three Premier League games.

While he had not even been booked for the incident in Sunday's Premier League clash, referee Howard Webb had stated later that had he seen his stamp he would have sent him off.

Webb's remarks infuriated the Balotelli camp and his agent accused the 2010 World Cup final referee of having lied about not seeing the incident, though, the FA earlier on Wednesday issued a statement defending the referee.

As well as the League Cup match Balotelli - who went on after the Parker incident to score the winning goal from the penalty spot in the final minute of the match - will also miss the Premier League games between the leaders and Everton, Fulham and Aston Villa.

AFP

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

First posted January 26, 2012 07:57:58

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Victory coach slams 'foolish' Kewell

Updated January 25, 2012 13:30:50

Melbourne Victory coach Jim Magilton has described Harry Kewell's admission of diving as "very foolish" and promised to punish Danny Allsopp as he attempts to rein in the A-League club's disciplinary issues.

Kewell admitted on Tuesday he may have dived to win a penalty - albeit not deliberately - during his side's woeful 4-1 hammering by Perth Glory.

Magilton said Kewell, roundly condemned for diving at points during the game, may now have seeded doubt in the minds of referees and could cost himself a legitimate penalty as a result.

"Very foolish, because if an opportunity comes up tomorrow night and he goes over in the box, the referee may just think 'hang on'," Magilton said.

"Very naive from an experienced player."

As questions continue about the Victory's disciplinary problems after Allsopp became the sixth player sent off this season, Magilton made it clear poor discipline would not be tolerated on his watch.

He said Allsopp could expect an internal fine or other sanction, and any other Victory players needlessly sent off could expect to feel his wrath.

"He will be punished accordingly. The less said about that the better," Magilton said of Allsopp's rash tackle and send-off.

"It was a poor tackle, he understands that. He understands he let his team-mates down as well.

"If there is (a) discipline issue, it will be dealt with internally, dealt with within the four walls of the dressing-room."

Both the Victory and fellow under-performers Sydney FC face a critical juncture of their season when they clash on Thursday at AAMI Park.

Magilton, still seething at how uncompetitive his side was in just his second match in charge, looks certain to bring new loan signing Mark Milligan straight into the starting line-up.

And clearly earmarking defence as a major problem for the Victory, Spaniard Ubay Luzardo has arrived on trial at the club.

Luzardo, 28, is a centre-back who last played in Hong Kong for Kitchee SC.

He played against English Premier League side Chelsea in a preseason exhibition match last year - Magilton is keen to see if he measures up to A-League standard.

Milligan is expected to be one of several changes, with midfielder Carlos Hernandez also fit again after missing the Perth match.

AAP

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

First posted January 25, 2012 13:04:08

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Jets, Reds share the spoils in Bathurst

Updated January 25, 2012 22:46:55

Two teams desperate for a win in the end had to share the spoils as Adelaide drew 1-1 with Newcastle in an action-packed clash in Bathurst.

Striker Sergio van Dijk put the Reds ahead in the second half with Jobe Wheelhouse squaring things up for the Jets in the first A-League match at Bathurst's Carrington Park as part of the community round fixtures.

The point sees Adelaide go to seventh on the ladder, while the Jets remain in ninth.

It was a fired up Jets outfit that took to the field, striker Jeremy Brockie sounding a early warning with two shots within the first four minutes.

Labinot Haliti got in on the action minutes later, forcing a save from Adelaide gloveman Eugene Galekovic as did Ryan Griffiths, who has had more shots on goal than anyone else in the A-League this season.

But with a win crucial for both teams who languish near the bottom of the table, the Reds were not about to let Newcastle have it all their own way, Dutch import van Dijk, Iain Ramsay and Fabian Barbiero all attempting to score.

Prolific striker van Dijk had the Reds' best chance of the half, his header 29 minutes in forcing Jets goalkeeper Ben Kennedy into action.

The Reds sprung to life in the second half looking to create chances right away and it did not take long for them to break through with van Dijk putting them 1-0 ahead in the 57th minute.

It was Ramsay who did all the lead-up work, his perfectly placed cross finding van Dijk in the box to set him up for his sixth goal in five matches.

Jets coach Gary van Egmond brought ex-Arsenal and Everton striker Francis Jeffers on for Haliti with half an hour to go in an effort to add some fire power up front.

But it was fellow second-half substitute Wheelhouse who provided the Jets a life-line after getting on the end of a Ruben Zadkovich cross to level in the 72nd minute.

Jets striker Michael Bridges had the chance to put the game in his side's keeping with a free-kick just outside the box in extra time, his strike getting past the wall but not Galekovic.

"Yeah, I'm disappointed," Adelaide coach John Kosmina said.

"I thought we did enough to win that game to be honest.

"The first half in particular we got into some great areas, we just didn't make enough of the either the territory or possession.

"Newcastle just got on top of us a bit at the end there."

Jets coach van Egmond was left ruing his team's lost chances.

"We had a couple of opportunities there at the end and we just didn't take them," he said.

"But it was great character the boys showed to come back form 1-0 down and get something out of the game.

"It was great to see Jobe get on the scoreboard and hopefully he can continue that."

Adelaide United: 1 (S van Dijk 57')

Newcastle Jets: 1 (J Wheelhouse 72')

AAP

Tags: sport, soccer, a-league, bathurst-2795, nsw, australia

First posted January 25, 2012 22:06:04

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Cardiff stun Palace to reach Cup final

Updated January 25, 2012 10:20:54

Cardiff battled through to the League Cup final on Tuesday, overcoming a first leg deficit to defeat Championship rivals Crystal Palace on penalties.

Palace, who had captain Patrick McCarthy sent off late in the game, had withstood wave after wave of Cardiff pressure to take the match to a penalty shoot-out after the tie finished 1-1 on aggregate.

But the Eagles' nerves failed them in the shoot-out, with Jermaine Easter, Sean Scannell and Jonathan Parr all missing from the spot as Cardiff booked a place in the final against either Liverpool or Manchester City.

Cardiff clinched victory when Parr's penalty flew high and wide to spark wild celebrations among the Bluebirds fans.

The game had gone to spot-kicks after Anthony Gardner - the goal hero for Palace in the first leg - scored an own goal after only seven minutes to give Cardiff the initiative in a frenetic opening spell.

Gardner could only watch in horror after he got on the end of a Craig Conway cross to head past stranded keeper Julian Speroni into his own net.

Cardiff dominated for much of the match, carving out a string of opportunities to take the lead but was unable to find the killer touch in front of goal as Palace held on.

Full-back Andrew Taylor bludgeoned a volley over the bar and veteran Scottish striker Kenny Miller should have done better when gifted an opportunity after a poor headed clearance by Parr fell to Aron Gunnarsson.

Gunnarsson sprang the offside trap to put Miller in but the Scotland striker's effort trickled just wide.

Miller also had the home crowd out of their seats near half-time when his volley crashed off the woodwork.

A similar pattern unfolded in the second half but again Cardiff's finishing let them down.

Palace were reduced to 10 men 13 minutes from time, McCarthy receiving his marching orders from referee Howard Webb after picking up his second yellow card of the night for flattening Miller.

Cardiff were unable to make the extra man count however, and the game duly went to extra-time.

The Bluebirds were on top throughout the additional 30 minutes, with Filip Kiss and Gunnarsson hitting the woodwork before the penalty drama.

AFP

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

First posted January 25, 2012 09:53:23

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Vidmar names Olyroos squad

Updated January 25, 2012 14:09:46

Australian under-23 soccer coach Aurelio Vidmar has named a 20-man squad for the upcoming London Olympics qualifiers.

The Olyroos will face Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates in their third round Asian qualifying matches.

Adelaide's Antony Golec, Melbourne Victory midfielder Isaka Cernak and Brisbane's Rocky Visconte have been called into the squad, alongside overseas-based striker Kerem Bulut.

Football Federation Australia is talking to European-based players including Tommy Oar and Mathew Leckie.

The Australians play Uzbekistan on February 5 in Tashkent and then face the United Arab Emirates on February 22 in Abu Dhabi.

Squad: Terry Antonis, Aziz Behich, Mark Birighitti, Oliver Bozanic, Kerem Bulutfk, Isaka Cernak, Mate Dugandzic,Diogo Ferreira, Matthew Foschini, Antony Golec, Jason Hoffman, Matthew Jurman, Ben Kantarovski, Daniel Mullen, Mitch Nichols, Dimitrios Petratos, Sebastian Ryall, Mathew Ryan, Adam Taggart, Rocco Visconte

Tags: soccer, sport, australia

First posted January 25, 2012 14:09:46

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Portsmouth handed winding-up order

Updated January 25, 2012 07:58:15

Portsmouth have been hit with a winding up order by British authorities over failure to pay a $1.9 million tax bill, it was confirmed on Tuesday.

The Championship club, whose financial problems have left them teetering on the brink of extinction in recent years, now face a new fight for survival following the petition by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

"Ensuring tax is paid on time should be at the centre of a football club's business strategy just like any other business," said an HMRC spokesman.

"Anyone that regards paying tax as an optional extra, or that uses tax collected from employees or customers as working capital, is potentially heading for trouble."

The order had been anticipated by Portsmouth's owners, who last weekend warned the club was in an "extremely serious" position.

"The club effectively ran out of cash at the end of December. The situation is extremely serious, we're under extreme pressure to find a buyer," Andrew Andronikou, the administrator of the club's parent company Convers Sports Initiatives (CSI) told The Observer.

"Time is against us. The issuing of the petition effectively means the club loses its ability to use its bank accounts.

"But we've made other provisions. We're not fazed or worried by it. The club's debts are not significant, we haven't got millions and millions of liabilities.

"We pretty much have two months' PAYE outstanding. We have about -u800,000 a month and we never paid December and the club certainly is not in a position to pay this month so it's a total of -u1.6m."

Portsmouth are currently languishing in 17th place in the Championship.

AFP

Tags: champions-league, soccer, sport, england, united-kingdom

First posted January 25, 2012 07:58:15

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Mariners re-sign young defender Sainsbury

Updated January 24, 2012 20:53:59

Central Coast Mariners have reached agreement with Young Socceroos defender Trent Sainsbury to extend his deal with the club for a further two A-League seasons.

The 20-year-old is rated as one of the competition's best young defenders, with the Mariners fending off approaches from several rival clubs.

Sainsbury on Tuesday revealed some of the key reasons behind his decision to stay with the league leaders until at least the end of the 2013/14 campaign.

"It's a good family-orientated club, which suits me, and I like that it's a very chilled out lifestyle here on the Coast," Sainsbury said.

"Arnie (coach Graham Arnold) was a big part of me staying here.

"He's a very professional coach, and I guess you don't know what you've got until it's gone so it was important for me not to go to another club and basically have to start from scratch."

The Mariners have also announced the promotion of three National Young League (NYL) squad members to the club's 2012/13 A-League roster.

Attacker Mitchell Duke, utility James Oates and midfielder Anthony Caceres have been rewarded for their stellar form in the 2011/12 NYL.

Duke has secured a two-year deal, while Oates and Caceres have been signed to initial one-season contracts.

The trio have also been added to the Mariners' 2012 Asian Champions League (ACL) squad.

Mariners' mastermind Arnold praised the club's promotion of Duke, Oates and Caceres, and the retention of Sainsbury.

"This shows that we want to give our youth a go," Arnold said.

"The ones who come into our system early will get a chance - to find other players they have to be a very special talent otherwise we will promote our youth."

Central Coast begin their ACL group stage on Wednesday March 7 away to Tianjin Teda in China.

They then play two Group G games at home against Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (Korea Republic) and Nagoya Grampus (Japan).

AAP

Tags: sport, soccer, a-league, gosford-2250, nsw, australia

First posted January 24, 2012 20:53:59

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How can your Children avoid Knee Sports Injuries in India? Advice for Indian parents

Allsopp handed one-match ban

Updated January 23, 2012 22:37:38

Melbourne Victory striker Danny Allsopp has been handed a one-match A-League ban for his tackle on Perth Glory's Steve Pantelidis.

Allsopp, who was given a straight red card for the challenge on Sunday, has until midday on Tuesday to appeal the decision by the independent match review panel (MRP).

The MRP ruled on Monday that Allsopp committed serious foul play for a studs-up tackle late in the 4-1 loss to Perth.

The tackle was ruled to be worthy of the minimum sanction for such an offence.

The matter can only be appealed to the FFA disciplinary committee if the player believes there were exceptional circumstances.

AAP

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

First posted January 23, 2012 22:37:38

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Roar drop Berisha appeal

Updated January 24, 2012 17:23:09

The unwanted distraction of an appeal trumped star Brisbane import Besart Berisha's desire to challenge a one A-League match code of conduct ban.

The competition's leading goal scorer will now miss Saturday night's clash with Newcastle at Lang Park following the club's decision to "move on".

Football Federation Australia hit the fiery Albanian striker with a one-game suspension after he challenged Sydney FC defender Pascal Bosschaart to a fight in the tunnel, the incident sparking an ugly melee involving players from both teams.

It is believed an angry Berisha, still upset over alleged offensive comments made by Bosschaart, was keen to challenge the ban but after lengthy talks accepted the club's decision to reluctantly let the issue rest.

Roar boss Michael Bowers said while the club had opted not to appeal they fully supported Berisha.

"Besart has been nothing short of outstanding for this club since his arrival, both on and off the field," Bowers said in a prepared statement.

"He has impressed everyone who has come in contact with him with his good natured demeanour and positive outlook.

"This past week has undoubtedly been a difficult one for Besart and as a club we have made the decision to (reluctantly) accept the ban, put the events behind us and move forward."

Bowers said the club and coach Ange Postecoglou had to weigh up the chances of winning an appeal against the disruption to preparations for the game against the Jets.

Postecoglou said during the week his players needed to rediscover the form they were in before last year's final series.

"We're not far off but we're not playing the same style of football yet," he said.

AAP

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

First posted January 24, 2012 16:43:12

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Kewell admits to 'technically' diving

Updated January 24, 2012 18:31:26

Melbourne Victory star recruit Harry Kewell has admitted he may have dived to win a penalty in Sunday's 4-1 drubbing by Perth, but insists his actions were not deliberate.

And the Victory have responded swiftly to their worst performance of the season, signing former Socceroos defender Mark Milligan on loan from Japanese club JEF United until the end of the season.

Kewell, who copped plenty of criticism for his performance on Sunday, was already on a yellow card for his studs-up challenge on Glory defender Steve Pantelidis and escaped a second for his apparent theatrical attempt to win the penalty.

But the former Leeds and Liverpool star explained the move was more about instinct than drama.

"Technically maybe the second one was a dive," Kewell said.

"But sometimes people don't understand when you are in full motion and a defender sticks his leg out but he brings it in, you've already seen that.

"You are always trying to adjust to get past him, but then that off-puts your balance.

"People may say 'they didn't touch you' but the intent was there and that's the difference between if you do get a penalty and you don't get a penalty.

"It's not that we intend to dive but we see a lot quicker than everyone else sees."

Pantelidis however went as far as to say Kewell is "protected" by the A-League referees because of his star status.

"Wow, me?" a surprised Kewell reacted.

"Did you not see their first penalty?" he said in reference to the challenge between Adrian Leijer and Todd Howarth which resulted in a penalty for Perth.

"If (I'm a protected species) than why do I have bruises and scrapes down my shins all the time.

"It's part and parcel of football, and you take the good with the bad."

The Victory were humbled in arguably their worst showing this season on Sunday, the loss leaving then a worrying four points adrift of sixth-placed Sydney ahead of Thursday's crucial clash with the Sky Blues at AAMI Park.

But Kewell says they will use the humiliation to fuel them against Sydney.

"We know we played terrible, we know we got battered," he said.

"We can't think about it too much, but we have to at least know from that experience that we don't want to go through that again.

"It's been our team all season, one minute we're hot, the next we're cold.

"But the good thing about this team is that we are enthusiastic and we want to correct it and there's no better time to correct it than against one of our biggest rivals Sydney."

New Victory coach Jim Magilton was forthright with his disappointment on Sunday, revealing the performance was enough to make him want to bring in some new faces.

He achieved that by luring former Sydney FC and Newcastle player Milligan on Tuesday.

The Victory also confirmed they will part ways with Brazilian Ricardinho, freeing up a marquee spot on the club's list.

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, perth-6000, wa, australia

First posted January 24, 2012 18:23:37

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Redknapp's tax evasion trial begins

Updated January 24, 2012 12:00:38

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has appeared in a London court accused of cheating the tax authorities by channelling payments to a secret Monaco account while in charge at Portsmouth.

Redknapp, favourite to become the next England manager, denied two counts of cheating the public revenue in relation to alleged payments from former Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric into his Monaco bank account totalling $278,000.

Serb Mandaric, now Sheffield Wednesday chairman, also denied the charges before a packed courtroom at London's Southwark Crown Court.

Prosecution lawyer John Black told jurors "both parties must have known" they were avoiding taxes.

"These payments were a bung or offshore bonus that the parties had absolutely no intention of paying taxes for," he said, according to Britain's Press Association.

Redknapp named the account "Rosie 47", apparently a reference to his dog's name and his year of birth.

Earlier, as the charges were read out, Redknapp and Mandaric stood together behind bullet-proof glass at a hearing watched by several relatives and more than 30 journalists.

Redknapp's son and former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp looked on from the viewing gallery.

The first charge against the duo alleges Mandaric paid $137,000 into Redknapp's Monaco-based bank account between April 1, 2002 and November 28, 2007 to avoid paying income tax and national insurance.

The second charge states Mandaric paid an additional $142,000 into the same account between May 1, 2004 and November 28, 2007.

If convicted in a trial expected to last two weeks, the two men could be jailed, fined or both, with the punishment to be decided by the trial judge.

Jury warned

Casting light on the way clubs are run, Mr Black told the court Redknapp initially received 10 per cent of net profit made on player transfers as part of a clause in his Portsmouth contract.

His contract later changed and it was reduced to 5 per cent, the lawyer said.

He was paid about 100,000 pounds ($156,000) when England striker Peter Crouch left for Aston Villa in 2002, the court heard.

Redknapp managed Portsmouth from 2002 to 2004 and then 2005 to 2008 before moving to north London club Tottenham.

Trial judge Anthony Leonard asked jurors to speak out if they had allegiances strong enough to prejudice the case, saying "football can be to some people of such importance that it almost overwhelms every other aspect of life".

Redknapp won the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008 and has enjoyed success with Tottenham, including taking them to the Champions League quarter-finals last season.

"This case will attract publicity," the judge told the eight men and four women jurors.

"My advice is that you must not read or listen to these reports."

Reuters

Tags: courts-and-trials, law-crime-and-justice, english-premier, soccer, sport, england, united-kingdom

First posted January 24, 2012 12:00:38

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Balotelli charged over stamping incident

Updated January 24, 2012 08:04:17

Manchester City's controversial Italian striker Mario Balotelli could be suspended for four matches after he was charged on Monday with violent conduct by the Football Association (FA).

The 21-year-old Italian international has been charged over images appearing to show that he deliberately stamped on England midfielder Scott Parker's head during Sunday's 3-2 Premier League win over the London side.

The incident infuriated Spurs manager Harry Redknapp, even more so as referee Howard Webb waved play on without sanctioning Balotelli and the striker was to add insult to injury when he converted a penalty in time added-on to secure the points and deal a serious blow to Spurs own title hopes.

Webb, though, has subsequently told the FA that had he seen the incident he would have sent him off.

Balotelli - who has rarely been out of the headlines on both the front and back pages since joining City from Inter Milan in the summer of 2010 - has until 1800GMT on Wednesday to reply to it.

Should he accept it he will begin his four-match ban immediately and miss Wednesday's League Cup second leg semi-final clash away at Liverpool, who hold a 1-0 advantage after the first leg.

If he appeals he will be able to play in the game and argue his case at the hearing which will be held later this week.

"The FA has today charged Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli with violent conduct following an incident in his side's home game against Tottenham Hotspur," read the FA statement.

"Balotelli was involved in an incident with Tottenham's Scott Parker during Manchester City's 3-2 victory at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday 22 January 2012.

"Balotelli has until 6pm (also GMT) on Wednesday 25 January 2012 to respond to the charge."

Other matches he would miss should he accept the charge would be the league leaders Premier League trips to Everton and Aston Villa, plus the home match with Fulham on February 4.

AFP

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

First posted January 24, 2012 08:00:23

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Ange predicts tightest ever finals

Updated January 23, 2012 18:12:27

Brisbane coach Ange Postecoglou senses his players are close to recapturing their deadly championship-winning form heading towards possibly the tightest finals series in A-League history.

"I've got a sneaking suspicion this will be the tightest finals race and the most competitive finals series since the A-League started," declared Postecoglou as the club continued to weigh up appealing a one-game ban hanging over star Albanian import Besart Berisha.

Reeling in Central Coast (40 points), which is 11 points ahead on the ladder, might not be possible given the Mariners are playing with a similar belief to the Roar at the same time last season.

"They've got some real momentum and belief like we had last year and that's an enormous thing," said Postecoglou.

"We were in the same position last year where we had a bit of a stretch where people were asking 'can they catch you?'."

Postecoglou said the top six were all getting decent results with Melbourne Victory and Adelaide still not out of it.

"I don't think anything's done and dusted except for the Mariners finishing in first place," he said.

"I think there's going to be some real fun to be had with quite a few teams going hard at it right till the end."

Postecoglou has no doubt one of those teams will be the Roar, even though results have been hard to come by since their record 36-game unbeaten streak ended.

"We're not in the fantastic form we need to be in so that's our focus," he said.

"You don't want to limp into the finals.

"If you want to pick up the big trophy, that's the key."

Brisbane was a mile in front on the ladder playing the final game last season but Postecoglou refused to ease up or rest key players.

The Roar smashed the Gold Coast 4-0 because he wanted them entering the finals in red hot form.

The injury returns of German ace Thomas Broich and striker Henrique, sidelined during the club's recent record losing streak, will take a few weeks to kick in but will make a big difference to Brisbane's attack.

"They missed a lot of football, not just games, but training," noted Postecoglou.

"I don't think we're far off.

"Even during our mad three weeks, we didn't fall to bits when we lost five games. We were competitive in all of them.

"We're the type of team that will always try to win a game of football so you're always rolling the dice."

AAP

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

First posted January 23, 2012 18:08:53

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A Career in Sports Medicine

Langerak steps in as Dortmund hammers Hamburg

Updated January 23, 2012 13:19:00

Australian goalkeeper Mitchell Langerak was between the posts as Borussia Dortmund smashed Hamburg 5-1 on Monday morning as the defending champions joined Bayern Munich and Schalke at the top of the German league.

The 23-year-old former Melbourne Victory shot-stopper stepped in for veteran Roman Weidenfeller, who failed to recover from back pains, and made only his second league appearance as Dortmund swept aside Hamburg.

Langerak signed for Dortmund in July 2010, but made his Bundesliga debut against Bayern in the 3-1 victory last February and was called up to the Socceroos squad as Borussia went on to win last season's title.

The win in Hamburg sees Borussia join leaders Bayern and Schalke on 37 points.

Dortmund took the lead when Japan winger Shinji Kagawa slipped his pass through the Hamburg defence to allow Germany's Kevin Grosskreutz to fire home on 16 minutes.

Poland striker Robert Lewandowski scored his 13th goal in 18 league games when he held off Germany defender Dennis Aogo to fire home on 37 minutes.

Dortmund midfielder and Poland captain Jakub Blaszczykowski - known as Kuba - made it 3-0 on 58 minutes before netting a 76th-minute penalty and Lewandowski danced through the defence for the fifth goal on 83 minutes.

Hamburg grabbed a consolation when Langerak managed to deny Zhi-Gin Lam, but Peru striker Jose Guerrero pouned on the loose ball to net on 86 minutes.

AFP

Tags: germany, soccer, sport, germany

First posted January 23, 2012 13:11:38

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Super Mario sinks Spurs, United downs Arsenal

Updated January 23, 2012 07:54:02

Mario Balotelli struck a dramatic injury-time penalty as Manchester City overcame a brave Tottenham fight-back to win 3-2 and maintain its lead at the top of the Premier League on Monday morning.

Substitute Balotelli blasted in his spot-kick deep into injury time after the Italian striker had been bundled over by Ledley King for a clear-cut penalty.

But the City forward's winner was tinged with controversy after television replays suggested he was lucky not to be sent off in an earlier tangle with Scott Parker where he appeared to kick out at the Spurs midfielder's head.

The finale capped a remarkable game which had seen Spurs recover from 2-0 down to level at 2-2 with goals from Jermain Defoe and Gareth Bale after City had taken the lead through Samir Nasri and Joleon Lescott.

The victory helped preserve City's three-point lead at the top of the table after second-placed Manchester United kept up the pressure with a hard-fought 2-1 win at Arsenal.

United striker Danny Welbeck struck the winner nine minutes from time after Arsenal captain Robin van Persie had cancelled out Antonio Valencia's first-half opener for the champions.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was subjected to angry chants from the home fans towards the end of the game for his controversial substitution of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain shortly after the young winger set up van Persie's equaliser.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted at his team's attacking display.

"We've had to play well today and for most of the game we did play well," Ferguson said.

"Winning after City had won their game, that was the important thing. But I think we've done it in the right way -- we were adventurous, positive and had belief in ourselves."

Wenger admitted his decision to replace Oxlade-Chamberlain with Andrey Arshavin was costly, especially as the Russian allowed Valencia to set up the United winner.

"When it was 1-1 it looked like we would win but in the end one tactical mistake lost us the game," he said.

"I do not want to dwell too much on that now but one second of inattention can cost you."

But the story from a pulsating day of Premier League action remained at Eastlands, where Spurs boss Harry Redknapp was fuming at the failure of referee Howard Webb to send off City match-winner Balotelli.

"Yes, I do think that," said Redknapp when asked if Balotelli should have been sent off.

"It's not the first time he's done that is it? I'm sure it won't be the last.

"I'm the last person to talk about getting people sent off, but it's blatantly obvious if you see that, he reacts like that at times to challenges.

"I'm surprised the linesman hasn't seen it. The first (stamp) could be an accident, but the second one? He's back-heeled him straight in the head."

Assistant City manager David Platt hailed Balotelli's composure in striking the winning penalty but declined to comment on the player's earlier flashpoint involving Parker.

"Mario has got that ability to put a penalty like that away," Platt said.

"With penalties he's got full confidence in himself, he looks at the keeper and tries to make the keeper make a mistake.

"I haven't seen the incident with Balotelli so I can't comment on it until I see it. If we continue to amass points and carry on winning we'll be tough to beat, but it doesn't change anything in terms of the title race."

After a scrappy first half where neither side managed to get a grip on the game, the contest exploded into life shortly after the restart with four goals inside nine minutes.

City drew first blood with a wonderfully worked opener on 56 minutes, David Silva releasing Nasri with a perfectly weighted through ball which took the French international beyond the Spurs defence.

The former Arsenal star ghosted away from Kyle Walker and Younes Kaboul and unleashed an unstoppable first-time shot that flew past Brad Friedel.

City looked to have taken a stranglehold on the match within three minutes when Lescott made it 2-0.

Edin Dzeko rose to flick on from a corner and Lescott was on hand to bundle the ball home after outmuscling Parker near the goal-line.

But City's goal celebrations had barely subsided before Tottenham was handed a way back into the game after a mistake by Stefan Savic.

A hopeful clearance forward from Kaboul was headed back towards the City goal by the Montenegrin defender but fell only as far as Defoe, who coolly rounded Joe Hart before stroking home to make it 2-1.

Five minutes later and Spurs were level. Aaron Lennon glided in off the left flank and laid off to Bale on the edge of the area, who unleashed a curling shot into the top corner beyond Hart.

AFP

Tags: english-premier, soccer, sport, england

First posted January 23, 2012 06:49:03

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Mariners beat Adelaide in thriller

Updated January 21, 2012 21:43:07

A below-par Central Coast enhanced its A-League championship credentials with a thrilling come-from-behind 3-2 win over Adelaide at Bluetongue Stadium.

The Mariners looked well off their best and headed for their first loss in 14 games as they trailed 2-1 to an Adelaide team revitalised under new coach John Kosmina.

But from almost nowhere they found something, with late goals in the space of four minutes to Adam Kwasnik and Josh Rose stunning the visitors and inflicting Kosmina's first loss in six games since returning to the helm of his former club.

The win extended Central Coast's lead atop the competition to 12 points, ahead of second placed Brisbane Roar's match away to Melbourne Heart later on Saturday night.

Mariners coach Graham Arnold was delighted by players side winning a game late for the second time in four days, after their victory at Heart on Wednesday, but does not believe they should have had to play two tough games in succession.

"That's three games in seven days and three tough ones and sometimes I wonder if the FFA worry about player welfare," Arnold said.

"I don't think it's very healthy for the players to back up (72 hours) after a Wednesday night and for us to get to Sydney and to get back to the Coast ... we spent all of Thursday travelling.

"I felt the players still had the Melbourne Heart (game) in their legs tonight but to come back the way they did is mind blowing.

"I'm blown away by their character, it's phenomenal."

The Mariners started brightly, with Daniel McBreen's 15th minute header putting them in front but it was mostly one-way traffic after that as Adelaide responded in stunning fashion.

Dutchman Sergio van Dijk had them back on terms within only a minute, capitalising on a rare defensive lapse by Patrick Zwaanswijk and finishing well from Fabian Barbiero's diagonal ball.

The Reds had the lead just three minutes later when Bruce Djite did brilliantly to control a long Cameron Watson throw-in and steer the ball past Mat Ryan.

Adelaide continued to pour on the pressure with Djite a constant menace and threatened to extend its lead further before half-time.

The Mariners looked much-improved after the break but were unable to penetrate Adelaide's well-organised defence until substitute Kwasnik equalised with a stunning finish in the 74th minute.

Fellow substitute Oliver Bozanic floated a ball behind Adelaide's defence and Kwasnik controlled with one touch before unleashing an unstoppable strike from a tight angle.

Adelaide almost hit back immediately, with van Dijk's close range shot cannoning off the left upright and going agonisingly close to crossing the line before being retrieved by Ryan.

But the Mariners landed a killer blow seconds later, when Rose hammered in a fumbled shot from Eugene Galekovic for his first goal of the season and an unlikely victory.

Mariners coach Graham Arnold opted to rest attacking midfielder Mustafa Amini and took the opportunity to hand fellow young gun Tomas Rogic his first A-League start.

The new recruit struggled to get involved but showed glimpses of his promise before being replaced by Troy Hearfield.

Central Coast: 3 (D McBreen 15', A Kwasnik 74', J Rose 78')

Adelaide: 2 (S van Dijk 17', B Djite 19')

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, gosford-2250, nsw, australia, adelaide-5000, sa

First posted January 21, 2012 20:22:01

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Glory batter porous Victory

Updated January 22, 2012 22:56:10

New Melbourne Victory coach Jim Magilton was given a stark reality check after watching his ill-disciplined side slump to a 4-1 A-League defeat to Perth Glory on Sunday.

In arguably the worst display by the Victory this season, Glory striker Shane Smeltz nabbed a first-half double and Mile Sterjovski added another as Perth raced to a 3-0 lead by the break.

Two of those goals came via the penalty spot as Melbourne was made to pay for a series of woeful defensive errors.

Victory star Harry Kewell pulled one back for the visitors with his own penalty in the 68th minute, but the visitors finished the match with 10 men after substitute Danny Allsopp was given a straight red for his 78th-minute studs-up challenge on Steve Pantelidis.

Glory substitute Andrezinho then added the icing on the cake in the 89th minute, outsmarting defender Matthew Foschini before unleashing a powerful left-foot drive to make it a comprehensive win in front of 12,358 adoring fans.

Under the reign of Magilton, Melbourne has snared just one point out of a possible six, with the Victory now a worrying four points adrift of sixth spot ahead of Thursday's crucial clash with Sydney at AAMI Park.

Magilton, who is only under contract until the end of the current season, said there will be changes in personnel in Sydney and expressed his wish to bring other players into the squad.

"I think what's happened here is they've gone into a run and a rut, and I think the sooner we can change personnel, the better," Magilton said.

"You can't hide away from it. You have to be brutally honest and say the better side won.

"But you have to stick together. We have a game on Thursday, so it's a quick turnover. And the wonderful thing about this game is they all get a second chance, or some of them get a second chance.

"We've learnt painful lessons today."

Perth, which extended its unbeaten streak to six games, is now just one point behind fourth-placed Heart and finally look like a legitimate championship contender.

Smeltz opened the scoring in the 13th minute, but it was the way that Victory conceded the next two goals that would have had Magilton pulling his hair out.

Captain Adrian Leijer was the first to offend, wrapping his arms around Todd Howarth and bringing the Glory defender to ground as the pair jostled for position on the goal-line at a set piece.

Leijer had been warned just moments earlier to tone down the jostling, and referee Peter Green had no hesitation in pointing to the spot after witnessing the Victory skipper continue with the tactics.

Smeltz tucked away the 35th-minute spot kick and the Glory were awarded another penalty just seven minutes later when Foschini hacked at the legs of former Victory speedster Evan Berger.

The tackle - just inside the box - was an unnecessary one, with Berger unlikely to have posed much of a threat given he was running away from goal.

Although a hat-trick was in the offering for Smeltz, it was Sterjovski who stepped up this time to tuck away the penalty.

Glory: 4 (S Smeltz 13', 35' pen, M Sterjovski 42' pen, Andrezinho 89')

Victory: 1 (H Kewell 68' pen)

AAP

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

First posted January 22, 2012 22:11:12

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Sydney back to winning ways

Updated January 22, 2012 23:36:51

Sydney FC came from behind to register its first A-League win in seven games with a 2-1 triumph over Gold Coast at the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday.

The Sky Blues' worrying form slump looked in danger of hitting a new low as last-placed United went a goal up midway through the second half through teenage striker Ben Halloran.

But midfielder Karol Kisel struck in the 71st minute and then provided the cross for substitute Bruno Cazarine to net an 89th-minute winner and put Sydney's sputtering campaign back on track.

The result in front of just 8,541 fans ensures the Sky Blues hang on to their place in the top six heading into Thursday's big clash away to Melbourne Victory.

Skipper Terry McFlynn insisted this must be just the start of Sydney's resurgence if the club is to achieve its aims this season.

"Tonight was a small step forward for us and we have to approach every game with that attitude and mentality," McFlynn said.

"We've been playing well in recent weeks and not getting the results and this is great for our confidence.

"We've been renowned this season for coming from behind and keeping on going until the 90th minute and we've got nine or 10 games now to get ourselves in a position for finals and keep it going."

Vitezslav Lavicka's side began brightly when marquee star Brett Emerton, overcoming an ankle problem to play, sent a curling free kick into the left hand upright before Terry Antonis had a follow up effort saved.

Gold Coast, though, began to get on top with several chances going begging including a Jonas Salley header that hit the underside of the cross bar in the 18th minute.

Sydney's best chance of the half fell to Kisel, but his one-on-one effort was thwarted by the legs of United keeper Jerrad Tyson.

Scott Jamieson forced Tyson into action again shortly after the half-time break but it was Gold Coast who made the breakthrough in the 55th minute.

Peter Jungschlager's floated cross found Halloran at the far post and the 19-year-old took the chance well with a neat side-footed volley.

Sydney lifted in search of an equaliser, with Gold Coast defender Ante Rozic clearing off the goal line twice in the space of a minute to deny Mark Bridge and Nick Carle.

But the back of the net was finally found when a long Pascal Bosschaart throw made its way to Kisel and the Slovakian steered the ball past Tyson.

The Sydney fans urged the home side on to find a winner and did not hide their displeasure when Lavicka curiously decided to sub off Carle for Dimi Petratos in the 75th minute.

But there were no complaints when substitute Cazarine outmuscled the defence to head home Kisel's superb floated cross for his fifth goal of the season.

Sydney: 2 (K Kisel 71', B Cazarine 89')

Gold Coast: 1 (B Halloran 55')

AAP

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

First posted January 22, 2012 19:46:03

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Shoot-out sends Roar into W-League final

Updated January 22, 2012 20:34:18

Brisbane will play Canberra in next week's W-League grand final after the Roar beat Sydney on penalties in a dramatic semi-final on Sunday.

Sydney finished the game with 10 players while coach Alen Stajcic was locked and guarded in the dressing room after being dismissed from the sidelines in the second half for a couple of blow-ups.

Trailing 1-0 after 18 minutes, Brisbane super-sub Emily Gielnik equalised with less than a minute remaining in injury time at the Queensland Sport and Athletic Centre

And following an action-packed period of extra-time, the hosts completed the stunning comeback with a 4-3 shootout triumph.

Moments after Brisbane's equaliser, star Sydney forward Kyah Simon - arguably the visitors' best player - slid in with a frustrated tackle on Vedrana Popovic, earning a second yellow card.

Stajcic exploded, entering the field of play to remonstrate with Popovic and voicing his displeasure to officials, who ordered him off the sidelines.

It was his second outburst of the match after he complained to officials following Gielnik's goal.

The drama continued when Stajcic continued to relay messages to his assistants from the stands, and had to be escorted to the dressing rooms and held under guard by ground security officers.

Estelle Johnson and Teresa Polias were the unlucky women to miss from the spot for Sydney, while Tameka Butt, Kim Carroll, Brooke Spence and Aivi Luik all converted for the Roar.

Gielnik, who was introduced at half-time, made an immediate impact on the game, providing her midfield a strong target and capping off a great half with her last-gasp equaliser.

"It's indescribable more than anything ... I don't know what I was feeling but in a second everyone came and ran and smothered me," said Gielnik.

"It feels phenomenal; one-nil down and under the pump and then to get a goal in the dying seconds and to know we're in the final.

"There's always been a lot of drama between us and the Sydney girls. They're a great bunch of girls but of all the teams, they're the one that love to give us a fight."

The victory means Brisbane has now made every grand final in the competition's four-year history, while Sydney miss its first decider in three years.

AAP

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

First posted January 22, 2012 20:12:33

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Improve Your Game with Sport Performance Sunglasses

Bolton stuns Liverpool as Chelsea slips up

Updated January 22, 2012 08:34:20

Liverpool's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League suffered a fresh blow on Sunday morning as it crashed to a 3-1 defeat at struggling Bolton.

Goals from Mark Davies, Nigel Reo-Coker and Gretar Steinsson secured a vital three points for Bolton, who moved out of the relegation zone for the first time this season following the win.

But the defeat saw Liverpool squander an opportunity to close the gap on fourth-placed Chelsea, and continued a miserable run of form for the Reds who have taken only six points from a possible 18 in their last six games.

Bolton manager Owen Coyle later challenged his team to stay out of the relegation mire over the second half of the season.

"We know we're capable of having a big second half of the season and that's what we must do, we must kick on," Coyle said.

"There's room for improvement and that's what we must strive for. I thought we were worthy winners.

"Sometimes you ride your luck against the big teams but nothing could have been further from the truth today."

Liverpool, whose lone goal came from Craig Bellamy, is now in seventh place, six points adrift of Chelsea.

Furious Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish accused his players of disrespecting Bolton.

"There is no-one at this club who doesn't have respect for other people," he said.

"If that was what the problem was, if they thought this game was not as important as the next one, then fine - but they won't be here.

"The result is disappointing but the most disappointing thing was I don't think they were ready to play the game."

Earlier, Fernando Torres' three-month goal-drought continued as Chelsea also stumbled in a 0-0 draw at Premier League new boys Norwich.

Chelsea enjoyed the better chances of a scrappy game but was left frustrated as 50-million-pound striker Torres drew a blank yet again.

The draw left Chelsea in fourth place, five points behind third-placed Tottenham, which faces leader Manchester City at Eastlands on Monday morning.

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas later defended Torres, who has not scored for the club since October.

"He couldn't find the back of the net but we are not just looking for that," Villas-Boas said.

"With a little bit more luck he will find the back of the net."

Elsewhere, Clint Dempsey struck a hat-trick as Fulham came from behind to defeat sixth-placed Newcastle 5-2 at Craven Cottage.

Danny Guthrie gave Newcastle the lead with a 25-yard thunderbolt just before half-time before Fulham came roaring back in the second half.

Danny Murphy levelled from the penalty spot after Davide Santon brought down Damien Duff and then two goals in six minutes from Dempsey made it 3-1.

Bobby Zamora then made it 4-1 from the penalty spot on 68 minutes as Newcastle's challenge unravelled.

Hatem Ben Arfa scored a consolation goal for Newcastle before Dempsey completed his hat-trick.

Queens Park Rangers moved out of the relegation zone after goals from Heidar Helguson, Akos Buzsaky and Tommy Smith gave new manager Mark Hughes the first league victory of his reign with a 3-1 win over bottom club Wigan.

Wigan had raised hopes of a fight-back in the second half when Hugo Rodallega pulled one back to make it 2-1, before goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi pulled off a stunning penalty save for the Latics.

But QPR's third, scored by Smith nine minutes from time, killed the game off and means that Roberto Martinez's side is now four points adrift of safety.

Meanwhile, Blackburn battled to a 1-1 draw against Everton at Goodison Park, David Goodwillie equalising for Rovers after SoccerooTim Cahill's first goal for 13 months gave Everton the lead on 24 minutes.

A dramatic finale at the Britannia Stadium saw West Bromwich Albion snatch a 2-1 win over Stoke.

Graham Dorrans' injury-time free-kick clinched the three points for the Baggies after Stoke had looked to have secured a draw with Cameron Jerome's 86th-minute equaliser.

West Brom had taken the lead through James Morrison on 35 minutes after Thomas Sorensen's blunder.

Sunderland's resurgence under Martin O'Neill gathered pace with a 2-0 win over Swansea, Stephane Sessegnon scoring the opener after working a clever one-two with James McClean on 14 minutes.

Substitute Craig Gardner wrapped up the points seven minutes after coming on as the Black Cats' good form continued.

Elsewhere, Robbie Keane made a triumphant return for Aston Villa, scoring twice in a 3-2 win over 10-man Wolves in his first match back since completing a loan move from MLS team Los Angeles Galaxy.

Darren Bent put Villa ahead with a penalty on 11 minutes but Wolves fought back to go 2-1 up through Michael Kightly and David Edwards.

But Keane completed a fairytale return for Villa with a 51st minute equaliser before snatching the winner six minutes from time.

AFP

Tags: english-premier, soccer, sport, england

First posted January 22, 2012 06:49:16

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Berisha saves draw for Roar

Updated January 22, 2012 00:43:30

Controversial Brisbane Roar striker Besart Berisha was the centre of attention once more, missing a penalty and then saving a point for his side against Melbourne Heart.

Berisha, the centre of a wild post-match melee last weekend, was only playing at AAMI Park under a technicality as the Roar consider appealing his one-match ban for challenging a Sydney FC rival to duel in the players' tunnel last weekend.

The Albanian who also scored the match-winner against Sydney netted a close-range header in the 69th minute from a neatly worked move that gave the Roar a deserved point, cancelling out Heart's first-half goal to Jonatan Germano.

Roar coach Ange Postecoglou afterwards bemoaned his side's recent tendency to surrender an early lead.

"Both teams had good attacking intent, both had chances. We thought we probably did enough to win the game, they probably feel the same," Postecoglou said.

"The worst thing is we're continually chasing games - that's probably our biggest downfall.

"Conceding that first goal which we're doing pretty regularly to be honest, is probably hurting us."

Berisha was at the centre of much of the action in a high-quality, end-to-end match in which both teams had stand-out players and excellent periods of dominance.

The Heart scored first with in the 31st minute.

Outstanding full-back Aziz Behich nutmegged an out of position Berisha and crossed for striker Alex Terra to scissor-kick towards goal.

Roar defender Said Mohamed Adnan blocked the ball, only for Germano to head home the rebound and give the home side the lead.

But the Roar dominated the majority of the half, and looked likely to equalise just eight minutes later when Germano turned villain and handballed from the Thomas Broich.

Berisha stepped up and blasted a woeful penalty over the bar.

Heart goalkeeper Clint Bolton made two important saves prior to half-time from Broich and Adnan to keep his side in front.

Broich was again at the centre of the early second half action for Brisbane, and started the move which led to Berisha's deserved equaliser on 69 minutes.

The ball traversed Broich, James Meyer, Ivan Franjic and was then touched on by Mitch Nichols before Berisha got the last touch via his head to square things up.

The Heart then livened up late in the half and had several chances, but could not find a way past Bahraini international Adnan, who was wall-like in defence, despite some hairy moments when failing to clear.

Heart: 1 (J Germano 31')

Roar: 1 (B Berisha 69')

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer

First posted January 21, 2012 23:01:29

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Berisha affected by drama: Postecoglou

Updated January 22, 2012 12:19:30

Brisbane Roar striker Besart Berisha's hellish week has taken its emotional toll on the Albanian international.

So says Roar coach Ange Postecoglou, who has lamented the public outcry and penalty over Berisha sparking a post-match melee last week which earned him the ire of A-League officials.

Berisha hit back in style after his difficult week, saving his side with a second half equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Melbourne Heart at AAMI Park on Saturday night.

But he played the match with a one-game ban hanging over his head after challenging Sydney FC defender Pascal Bosschaart to a post-match fight in the tunnel the previous weekend.

Postecoglou admitted the ban threat and the publicity over the melee had affected Berisha, who missed a penalty during the Heart game before grabbing the equaliser.

"These guys are human beings. We just love hanging people. You can't make a mistake in today's society, people want their flesh and he's had a tough week," he said.

"He was pretty desperate to score and I think the way he took the penalty, he was taking out his frustrations.

"But that's the kind of guy he is. That's why we love him at our club, that's why the fans love him and he'll get through this period."

Heart coach John van 't Schip said the technicality in the rules which allowed Berisha to play on a seven-day stay of proceedings as Brisbane considered whether to appeal his ban was "part of the rules" and he and his club had to accept it.

"I don't think there is any use to comment on that, because those are the rules," he said.

"If the FFA says that he can play ... it's a rule, then we shouldn't complain."

Unusually subdued after the Roar's draw, Postecoglou was disappointed at his side having to again chase the game when it went a goal behind in the first half despite dominating.

But he does believe the Roar are showing signs of returning to their best, and expects better once those on the comeback trail from injury like midfielder Thomas Broich get more match fitness miles in their legs.

AAP

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

First posted January 22, 2012 12:19:30

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Canberra to host W-League final

Updated January 21, 2012 18:23:47

Canberra United remain on track for its maiden W-League crown after seeing off a resilient Melbourne Victory with a hard-fought 1-0 win to advance through to next Saturday's grand final.

Canberra was undefeated throughout the league season but was made to work overtime against the Victory, triumphing thanks only to a deflected goal credited to the league's leading scorer Michelle Heyman seven minutes from full-time.

The win means the nation's capital will host the W-League decider for the first time, with the opponent to be the victor of Sunday's second semi-final between league heavyweights Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC.

"It was a good and really open game," said Canberra coach Jitka Klimkova.

"Melbourne created many chances and we created so many chances.

"We said (at half-time) we needed to be more aggressive and more direct and I think it worked well in the second half.

"But I said 25 minutes before the end of the game that we would win the game in the 90 minutes.

"I am so proud to see so many people here for such a great contest. This game was a celebration of women's football."

Melbourne settled into its groove early on and showed no signs of its scratchy finals debut last season, when it crashed 5-1 to Sydney FC.

The Victory had several early attempts on goal forcing Canberra goalkeeper Lydia Williams into action while striker Jodie Taylor was guilty of missing a number of gilt-edged chances for the visitors.

However Canberra slowly gained control before completely dominating the second half with parity maintained thanks only to a combination of poor finishing and some fine saves from Victory shotstopper Brianna Davey.

Heyman had a header narrowly ruled out for offside just after the break while teenager Hayley Raso then powered a header just over the bar.

Finally the breakthrough came as the prolific Heyman scored her 13th goal of the campaign and the most important of her season to date with an ambitious drive from 25 metres deflecting off defender Rebekah Stott and looping over the unfortunate Davey.

There was still time for Heyman to hit the crossbar with the last kick of the game as United finished with a wet sail.

Canberra United: 1 (M Heyman 83')

Melbourne Victory: 0

AAP

Tags: soccer, sport, canberra-2600, act, australia

First posted January 21, 2012 18:20:15

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Victory without Hernandez for Perth clash

Updated January 20, 2012 18:33:42

Melbourne Victory has suffered a massive blow in its quest to stop Perth's unbeaten run, losing gun midfielder Carlos Hernandez for Sunday's A-League clash.

Hernandez will miss the match after failing to recover from a groin injury suffered in Melbourne's last game against Adelaide.

New Victory coach Jim Magilton said he expected Hernandez to only miss one game.

"(He injured it) in the game, and to be fair to him, he probably played a little bit longer than probably he should have but he wanted to win the game for us," Magilton said.

"It's progressing well so we'll see how he goes this week."

Magilton said he wanted to give more players in his squad opportunities which could mean striker Danny Allsopp started from the bench despite impressing against Adelaide.

Allsopp wore a different colour bib at training on Friday in Melbourne than those in the usual starting line-up.

He was coy when asked whether Allsopp would be left out.

"He may well be," Magilton said of Allsopp.

"It's important to give everyone an opportunity and this week has been about assessing the playing group."

Full-back Matthew Kemp will come back into the side.

Victory, who sit a point adrift of sixth spot on the A-League ladder, are coming off a nine-day break while the Glory have snared seven points from their recent three-game road trip, as part of a five-match unbeaten run.

Magilton hoped his players could take advantage of some tired Glory players.

He said his squad had shown plenty of energy at training.

"I think that's what we're going to need," he said.

"Perth, this is their third game in eight days, a tough schedule, so we've got to go in and use that as an advantage to us."

But the Northern Irishman, who has never been to Perth before, knew it wouldn't be easy.

"They're well organised, very disciplined, they have good players, a real attacking threat," Magilton said.

"What's impressed me most about them was their work ethic in the team's great and that's probably why they're on this unbeaten run."

AAP

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

First posted January 20, 2012 18:20:10

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Wellington edges Jets in Newcastle

Updated January 20, 2012 22:45:13

Wellington has posted only its second win on the road this season with a 1-0 victory over Newcastle to propel the club into third spot on the A-League ladder.

Winless on the road until their 1-0 win over Gold Coast last week, the Phoenix continued their resurgence away, inflicting a rare home loss on the Jets who had only gone down twice in Newcastle in their previous eight matches.

Defender Manny Muscat scored the lone goal as the Phoenix leapfrog Melbourne Heart to climb to third and only a point behind reigning premier Brisbane.

The Jets, who had the chance to break into the top six with a win, remain second last.

The Jets came out looking to create chances early and it did not take them long as Sung-Hwan Byun forced an early save from Phoenix glovesman Mark Paston after three minutes.

The visitors were not letting the Jets have it all their own way with Chris Greenacre getting in on the action, goalkeeper Ben Kennedy charging off his line to save his strike only minutes later.

Jets skipper Ryan Griffiths had the perfect opportunity to put the hosts in front early, getting on the end of a perfectly placed Byun cross, but his shot sailed way over the woodwork.

Tarek Elrich had perhaps the best chance of the half but Paston was equal to his powerful strike.

But it was Wellington right-back Muscat who finally broke the deadlock in the 58th minute with his first goal of the season following good lead-up work from Ifill.

Kantarovski tried to level with a long-range effort minutes later, but Paston was again able to keep the home side out.

Sanchez had the chance to put the game beyond doubt in the 82nd minute when he got on the end of an Ifill cross but he missed an absolute sitter.

AAP

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

First posted January 20, 2012 22:20:32

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Inter cruise past Genoa second string

Updated January 20, 2012 09:22:40

Inter Milan rung the changes but still proved too strong for a virtual Genoa reserve team as the holders won 2-1 in the Italian Cup on Thursday.

Maicon scored a stunning opener and Andrea Poli finished off a clever move to give the nerazzurri a date away to Napoli in the quarter-finals.

Valter Birsa netted in injury time for Genoa but it was too little, too late for a side that never really got going.

Coach Claudio Ranieri gave the night off to the likes of goalkeeper Julio Cesar, centre-backs Lucio and Walter Samuel and strikers Diego Milito and Giampaolo Pazzini but Genoa went even further by dropping almost their entire first team.

It meant there was never much doubt who would prevail at the San Siro and the suspense was practically ended after just nine minutes.

Brazilian full-back Maicon set his sights from 25 yards and with no back-lift managed to somehow fire a rocket into the top corner, giving Cristiano Lupatelli no chance.

That was the only dangerous situation in a first half Inter strolled through and five minutes after the break they put the game to bed.

Maicon crossed from the right and Poli played a one-two with Nigerian midfielder Joel Obi before volleying home his first goal for the club.

Things were at times so comfortable for Inter that they lost concentration and gave away balls that led to chances.

A wayward pass backwards from Luca Castaignos allowed Lucas Pratto a shot on goal but Luca Castellazzi was down well to save.

And he made an even better stop to deny Cristobal Jorquera when Esteban Cambiasso lost the ball in midfield.

Genoa caused some injury time havoc from a Giuseppe Sculli back-heel that set up Pratto to shoot against the bar with Birsa the most alert to latch onto the rebound and shoot home.

But there was less than two minutes left and Genoa could not even get the ball forwards to pressure Inter.

AFP

Tags: soccer, sport, italy

First posted January 20, 2012 09:22:40

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Berisha banned for one A-League match

Updated January 19, 2012 20:56:55

Brisbane Roar striker Besart Berisha may be pained by his last-match brain snap but he will have to wait another week to redeem himself after receiving a one-match suspension by Football Federation Australia on Thursday night.

The A-League's leading marksman sparked an ugly post-match melee against Sydney FC after a running battle with the Sky Blues' Pascal Bosschaart, Berisha ending the match with his shirt off and encouraging his opponent to join him to settle their disagreement outside the playing field.

Players from both sides then began a shoving match on the sidelines as officials attempted to separate the squads.

The FFA deemed Berisha's actions a breach of the national code of conduct and suspended him for one game with a one-match suspended sentence on top.

He was found to be in breach of three provisions of the code, the key ones relating to offensive behaviour/provocative gestures and provocation or incitement of hatred or violence.

The club has seven days in which to appeal.

Before the FFA denouement, Roar skipper Matt Smith said Berisha was feeling low and remorseful about his actions.

"He feels really down about what happened last week and that's certainly not his character," the captain said.

"He's the big friendly giant and the family man, that's probably he best way I can describe Bess."

Berisha, who scored nine goals in the first eight rounds before an eight-match drought, is keen to put his name back in lights but will not get the chance to do that against the Melbourne Heart on Saturday.

While Berisha, Ivan Franjic and Erik Paartalu refused to shake hands with Bosschaart before the match, Smith said he would want to see better sportsmanship in future.

Judging by the Roar's training formation on Thursday, classy German Thomas Broich looks set to start against the Heart who shot themselves in the foot with a 1-0 loss to Central Coast on Wednesday night.

Smith expected an extremely tough contest with the third-placed Heart wasting a perfect chance to draw level with the Roar on 28 points.

"They were certainly unlucky, they had their chances last night," he said.

Smith still believed there was enough time for the defending champions, with 10 matches left, to catch the red-hot Mariners (37 points).

AAP

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

First posted January 19, 2012 20:30:27

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Schwarzer to stay at Fulham until 2013

Updated January 19, 2012 07:49:40

Australia international Mark Schwarzer has signed a one-year extension to his Fulham contract which will keep him at the club until 2013, it was confirmed Thursday morning.

The 39-year-old goalkeeper, widely regarded as one of the most reliable shot stoppers in the Premier League, joined the Cottagers on a free transfer in 2008 following a long stint with Middlesbrough.

Schwarzer said he hoped to prolong his club career at least until the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

"I love playing and want to continue for as long as possible as long as the performances are there," he said.

"I like to set myself targets and the 2014 World Cup is my goal without a doubt.

"I'm enjoying my football as much as ever and I try to maximise every opportunity I get. The saying I use is 'I'll be a long time retired', so I want to do the best job I can.

"There's plenty of time to feel tired when you're retired - now is the time to enjoy it."

Schwarzer, who is currently injured, said he had taken inspiration from Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel, the 40-year-old US international earning plaudits for his performances at Spurs.

"I look at Brad Friedel and he's older than me so I'll keep going as long as he's going!" he told Fulham's official website.

"He said to me he's going to play for at least another two seasons so I've got at least that."

AFP

Tags: english-premier, soccer, sport, england

First posted January 19, 2012 07:49:40

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