Football Federation Australia (FFA) announced on Thursday that the Socceroos will take on reigning champions Japan on November 18 in what will be Ange Postecoglou’s final chance to test his squad ahead of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in January.
In a rematch of the 2011 Asian Cup final, Japan will host Australia in Osaka, with Postecoglou claiming it will be an ideal test ahead of the tournament proper. The Socceroos took on Saudi Arabia on Tuesday morning (AEST) and have friendlies lined up against fellow AFC nations United Arab Emirates and Qatar next month, as Postecoglou aims to lead his side to victory on home soil next year. In 2011, Japan triumphed 1-0 in extra time to lift the Asian Cup.
“Our aim is to become the best football nation in Asia and Japan is one of nations we will have to overcome to achieve that goal,” the coach said in a statement.
“Over the last 12 months we have tested ourselves against some of the world’s best national teams and this game will allow us to challenge ourselves against a quality side, while also taking on another Asian opponent.
“We have taken steps forward throughout the journey over the last 12 months and this game is a significant step in that process.”
FFA to trial extra refs in the Cup
An extra assistant referee will be employed behind each goal for the rest of the FFA Cup as the FFA investigates ways to improve A-League officiating. In a similar system to that used in the UEFA Champions League, the extra assistants will help adjudicate penalty and goal-line decisions.
While it appears unlikely the system – no matter how successful – will be utilised in the A-League for the 2014-15 season, it is another step from the FFA as they seek to help referees make the right decisions more often. It also calls into question the prospect of goal-line technology being used in Australia.
“We had some positive feedback when the two additional assistant referees were first assessed at the 2013 State Institute Challenge junior tournament in Canberra and it was thought productive to trial it at senior level,” A-League boss Damien de Bohun said.
Australia trump Japan at AFC U16 titles
The Joeys maintained their 100 percent record at the AFC U-16 Championships on Wednesday night, defeating Japan 4-2 in a thrilling clash in Bangkok.
Two sublime free-kicks from Jake Brimmer, who is on the books of Liverpool, and another brace from Cameron Joice ensured a huge win that sees Tony Vidmar’s side top Group B. Vidmar conceded, however, that Japan were the better side over 90 minutes.
“Credit to the boys as they worked hard but we would like to start to produce good football,” the former international defender said.
“We played a very good team and I think we were outplayed. There is no hiding behind that. We are still a long way off from where we can be and we will work with the players to get the best possible results.”
The Aussie youngsters will head into the quarter-finals, where they will play Malaysia, full of confidence and knowing a victory in that game will see them qualify for next year’s FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Chile.
Sydney FC roll on
Graham Arnold hailed Sydney FC’s passing and attacking movement after the Sky Blues won their seventh straight match as they look towards the 10th season of the A-League. Sydney defeated Canberra FC 5-0 in the nation’s capital on Wednesday night with Corey Gameiro continuing his brilliant scoring form with his 12th goal in nine matches, while Ali Abbas, Bernie Ibini, Alex Brosque and Nick Carle were also on the scoresheet for Arnold’s side.
“It was a very good hit out after ten days without a game,” Arnold said.
“This was by far our best performance with the ball and the progression is getting better.
“Tonight was more about giving minutes to players who needed to catch up and you could tell by their freshness that it was good to get them back out there.”
Newcastle pitch ripped up
Works have begun on the surface at Hunter Stadium as part of the $1.25million upgrade to have the pitch ready in time for January’s AFC Asian Cup.
Following the completion of the NRL season, the excavators have moved in immediately to rip-up the ground’s decade-old surface.The new turf is currently being grown on a farm in western Sydney and will then be trucked in once the ground is prepared.
The venue’s pitch hasn’t had a major upgrade for over a decade, leading to heavy criticism over the surface quality over the last few A-League seasons. Crews have been given an eight-week window to compete the new surface, which is 11,000 square metres.
source: goal.com
STUDIO 3 NEWCASTLE AUSTRALIA 