Category Archives: SPORTS

Στην επιστροφή του Ερνέστο Βαλβέρδε στο Καραϊσκάκη Ολυμπιακός και Μπιλμπάο έμειναν στο 0-0 σ’ ένα φιλικό παιχνίδι χωρίς πολλές ευκαιρίες. Αποθεώθηκε ο Ισπανός προπονητής από τον κόσμο.

Ήταν αναμφίβολα το πιο δυνατό φιλικό του Ολυμπιακού δεδομένου του βαθμού ετοιμότητας της Αθλέτικ, η οποία την ερχόμενη Τρίτη αντιμετωπίζει τη Νάπολι για τα πλέι οφ του Champions League.

Απέναντι στην ομάδα του Ερνέστο Βαλβέρδε, ο οποίος τιμήθηκε πριν από τη σέντρα και συγκινήθηκε, οι “ερυθρόλευκοι” επιχείρησαν να “χαλάσουν” την αντίπαλη κυκλοφορία με πίεση ψηλά στην μπάλα. Οι Βάσκοι ωστόσο απέφυγαν τα λάθη και με εύστοχες μεταβιβάσεις, κυρίως μακρινές, έφταναν μέχρι την περιοχή του Ρομπέρτο. Είχαν τελικές, αλλά αυτές ήταν με μακρινά σουτ που είτε δεν βρήκαν εστία είτε βρήκαν σ’ ετοιμότητα τον Ισπανό γκολκίπερ.

Ο Ολυμπιακός εφάρμοσε κυρίως την τακτική των αντεπιθέσεων, επιχειρώντας να εκμεταλλευτεί την ταχύτητα των πλάγιων και την κίνηση στο χώρο του Διαμαντάκου. Υπήρξαν κάποιες στιγμές απειλής, όπως η κεφαλιά του προωθημένου Μανιάτη στο 22′ ή επικίνδυνη σέντρα του Μαζουακού στο 44′, συνολικά όμως οι φιλοξενούμενοι ήλεγχαν την κατάσταση και δεν δέχονταν πίεση.

Από τους πρωταθλητές Ελλάδας έλειψαν οι συνεργασίες κοντά στην περιοχή του Ιραϊθόθ, με αποτέλεσμα η Μπιλμπάο να λειτουργεί καλύτερα στο γήπεδο. Ο Μίτσελ άλλαξε όλους παίκτες από την ανάπαυλα μέχρι το 69′, αλλά η εικόνα δεν άλλαξε. Μόνο ένα σουτ του Κολοβού του 62′ κι άλλο ένα από τον Γκαζαριάν δέκα λεπτά μετά (72′) ανησύχησαν κάπως τον Ιραϊθόθ.

Στην απέναντι πλευρά ο Μέγερι παρουσίασε αστάθεια στις επεμβάσεις τέτοια που λίγο έλειψε σε δύο περιπτώσεις να κοστίσει ένα γκολ. Τουλάχιστον ο ίδιος διόρθωσε κάθε λάθος του, ενώ ήταν στη σωστή θέση για ν’ αποτρέψει το 1-0 της Μπιλμπάο στο 85′, όταν ο Βιγκέρα βρέθηκε σε θέση βολής.

Σχόλιο

Ο Ολυμπιακός βρέθηκε απέναντι σε μια καλά οργανωμένη ομάδα που αντιμετώπισε το φιλικό ως πρόβα τζενεράλε ενόψει των μονομαχιών με τη Νάπολι. Ήταν ένα δυνατό τεστ με καλές και κακές στιγμές για τους “ερυθρόλευκους”. Απόντος του γρήγορου Μανωλά, οι Βάσκοι έπαιξαν στην πλάτη της άμυνας του Ολυμπιακού και βρήκαν χώρους, ταυτόχρονα όμως οι παίκτες του Μίτσελ έφτιαξαν προϋποθέσεις για να σκοράρουν. Ο τραυματισμός του Μαζουακού ήταν από τα μελανά σημεία.

Ολυμπιακός: Ρομπέρτο (46′ Μέγερι), Σαλίνο (46′ Ελαμπντελαουί), Παπαδόπουλος (46′ Μποτία), Αμπιντάλ (69′ Αυλωνίτης), Μαζουακού (67′ Βούρος), Μανιάτης (69′ Μπουχαλάκης), Σάμαρης (59′ Εντινγκά), Ντοσεβί (59′ Γκαζαριάν), Φουστέρ (59′ Σαβιόλα), Ντομίνγκες (46′ Κασάμι), Διαμαντάκος (58′ Κολοβός)

Μπιλμπάο: Ιραϊθόθ, Ιραόλα, Γουρπέγκι (79′ Ετσέιτα), Λαπόρτ (46′ Ντε Μάρκος), Μπαλενθιάγα (46′ Σαν Χοσέ), Ιτουράσπε (63′ Βιγκέρα), Μικέλ Ρίκο (46′ Μπενιάτ), Ουνάι Λόπεθ (46′ Ακέτσε), Ιμπάι (63′ Μοράν), Αντούριθ (46′ Γκιγέρμο), Μουνιαΐν (46′ Σουσαέτα).

Πηγή: contra.gr

In pre-season training for Udinese.

Panos Armenakas has done more at 16 than many greats can say they achieved in a career. Already in pre-season training for Serie A Club Udinese, the
Greek Australian is dominating headlines.

Greek Australian footballer Panos Armenakas turned 16 yesterday, and he will celebrate it with knowledge that he has already signed his first professional football contract for Serie A club Udinese in Italy.

Do you remember what you were doing for your 16th birthday? Armenakas will be in pre-season training where he will be doing training drills in the company of Italian international Antonio Di Natale, Colombian international striker Luis Muiriel and Ghanaian international Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu. Being able to train with such esteemed company is a big achievement for any player, let alone someone who is still only a teenager.

Armenakas has been playing against boys much older than him since he was in primary school. Local media knew of his prowess from the age of 11. You can find many examples of his skills on YouTube.

Armenakas, like most young footballers, had a dream to play football at the highest level possible. At 11 he was involved with the AC Milan Academy and then he spent some time in Watford in England before he was signed by Udinese.

When asked if it was his goal to play in Italy, Armenakas stated that was it was a dream from an early age.

“It was a goal I had set myself some years ago, and achieving that goal means a lot to me and the people closest to me who have believed and supported me from a very young age,” said Armenakas.

The news of Armenakas’ signing went global, yet Armenakas still remains as humble as ever.

“It’s important to keep it all in perspective and stay focused on the really important stuff like improving every day as a person and as a player. Any attention I receive in the press, on web sites etcetera, is just a bonus.”

In his time in Europe – he was signed to English club Watford in 2012 – Armenakas has already experienced a vast difference between Australian football and European football.

“Here in Europe, players like myself are constantly surrounded by great coaches, professional set ups, other young players fighting fiercely to make the same dream come true. This is what sets Europe apart from Australia and other countries.”

Born in America but raised in Sydney, Armenakas spent his formative years with Sydney Olympic. He looks back on that time fondly for giving him the basics to becoming an important part of his development.

“Sydney Olympic gave me an opportunity to play at a high Australian youth level in their Under-13s when I was only 11 and so; challenging myself with and against older players helped my development,” said Armenakas.

Like most Aussie footballers, Armenakas has dual nationality. His father is Greek Australian and his mother is American. His grandparents on his father’s side were born in Greece.

Having dual nationality meant the Sydney Olympic junior had the opportunity to play for Greece’s national youth teams. Asking Armenakas what it was like representing Greece, he was full of pride.

“Of course, it is an honour anytime you have any opportunity to play international football and the experience for sure was something I will cherish. I am also very close to my grandparents and so that was another factor that made the experience a positive one. Plus of course beating the Italians, in Italy, helped the experience,” said an elated Armenakas.

A strong support network is key to many footballers’ success and for Armenakas, his family is a rock while he’s overseas.

“I guess every footballer is different, but in my case, there is no doubt that having a strong support network (my family, close friends and key mentors) has been the key to my success so far. Not only being there during the good times, but also being there during adversity and helping me to get to that next level,” he said.

Armenakas has had some quality guidance along the way, citing his family as well as former Socceroos and AEK Athens legend Jim Patikas as his biggest career influences.

“For sure my immediate family and my coach of 10 years in Australia, Jim Patikas, have been my biggest influences in my career so far – and they both continue to play a big role in my progress.”

Every footballer started off emulating their heroes, and the Sydney born teenager is no different. It’s no surprise that being a playmaker or a traditional number 10 he has a list of past football greats that have inspired him.

“As for my game, I haven’t really modelled it on any one player, but rather, I’d like to think I have aspects in my game that have come from many different players. Ronaldinho was and still is my standout hero in football, although I have some much admiration for the likes of Rivaldo, Kaka, Zico (ex Udinese great), Antonio Di Natale (current Udinese great), Zidane, Messi, Pirlo, Ronaldo (the original) and Cristiano Ronaldo,” he says.

I asked the youngster what he does with his spare time when he’s not training or playing football, “which is never for very long” quips the youngster, and while most 16-year-olds are not signing professional contracts in Italy, Armenakas claims he’s just a normal teenager.

“Away from football I am an easygoing person. I like to be with friends, watch movies, listen to music, and play FIFA on the PlayStation. I’m just a regular 16-year-old I guess.”

Finishing, I ask Armenakas what his main motivating factor to succeed is. It’s not surprising the teenager claims the will to win as his main driving force.

“Ever since I can remember, I have always been self motivated to succeed at everything I do. Whether it be at school, in games or just any sports, I always want to win. Maybe I hate losing more than I like winning? I don’t know. All that I know is that the feeling of winning is much better than the bitter taste of losing.”

source: Neos Kosmos

Περισσότεροι από 55.000 θεατές παρακολούθησαν το μοναδικό παιχνίδι της Γιουβέντους με την ομάδα Επίλεκτων του εθνικού μας λιγκ.

Περισσότεροι από 55.000 θεατές παρακολούθησαν το μοναδικό παιχνίδι της Γιουβέντους με την ομάδα Επίλεκτων του εθνικού μας λιγκ, που έγινε την περασμένη Κυριακή στο Σίδνεϊ και θα πρέπει να έμειναν ικανοποιημένοι στο ακέραιο, με το θέαμα, τη διακύμανση του σκορ με το τελικό 3-2 υπέρ της Ιταλικής ομάδας, αλλά και με την εκπληκτική ατμόσφαιρα που δημιούργησαν οι χιλιάδες των παθιασμένων φίλων της «ασπρόμαυρης» ομάδας.
Σε ένα ξεχωριστό παιχνίδι, η Γιουβέντους κατά τη διάρκεια του τουρ της στην Αυστραλία βρέθηκε αντίπαλη με τον Αλεσάντρο Ντελ Πιέρο.
Η «Βέκια σινιόρα» αντιμετώπισε τους επίλεκτους της A-League, ανάμεσα στους οποίος ήταν και ο επί χρόνια επιβλητικός αρχηγός της Γιουβέντους, Ντελ Πιέρο. Το παιχνίδι έγινε στο «ANZ Stadium» του Σίδνεϊ, παρουσία 55.000 και πλέον θεατών που αποθέωσαν τον «Μεγαλέξανδρο», αλλά και την ιταλική ομάδα.
Αυτή ήταν η πρώτη φορά που ο 39χρονος Ντελ Πιέρο έπαιξε ως αντίπαλος της αγαπημένης του ομάδας, στην οποία αγωνίστηκε 19 χρόνια και κατέκτησε 16 τίτλους. Η στιγμή του αγώνα ήταν στο 63′, όταν έγινε αλλαγή και ολόκληρο το γήπεδο τον χειροκρότησε, αναγνωρίζοντας το μεγαλείο του.
Στα του αγώνα, η Γιουβέντους επικράτησε 3-2 των Επίλεκτων μας, με αρκετή δυσκολία. Η αντιπροσωπευτική ομάδα του εθνικού μας λιγκ, με τεχνικό στον πάγκο τον Καταλανό, Τζόσεπ Γκομπάου, της Αδελαΐδας, προηγήθηκε στο 9′ με τον Καρούσκα, ενώ οι Ιταλοί είχαν δοκάρι στο 42′ με τον Τέβες. Οι «μπιανκονέρι» μπήκαν πιο επιθετικά στο δεύτερο μέρος και ισοφάρισαν στο 58′ με τον Γιορέντε. Οι Αυστραλοί προηγήθηκαν εκ νέου στο 78′ με σουτ του Τζούριτς. Στο φινάλε όμως η Γιουβέντους έδειξε την αξία της και στο 88′ ο Γάλλος διεθνής Πολ Πογκμπά ισοφάρισε 2-2 με δυνατό σουτ εκτός περιοχής. Το νικητήριο γκολ πέτυχε ο Πέπε στο τελευταίο λεπτό των καθυστερήσεων για το 2-3.

Πηγή: Νέος Κόσμος

Υπέταξαν το Μπλάκταουν με 1-0, στο εκτός έδρας παιχνίδι του Σίδνεϊ

Μετά τη μεγάλη επιτυχία του Άρη Σπρίνγκβεϊλ, άλλη μία ομάδα της Βικτώριας πανηγυρίζει την πρόκρισή της στην φάση των “16” του Κυπέλλου Αυστραλίας.
Είναι οι “πράσινοι” του Μπέντλεϊ, που με τον Γιάννη Αναστασιάδη στον πάγκο, υπέταξαν  χθες Τρίτη το Μπλάκταουν με 1-0, στο εκτός έδρας παιχνίδι του Σίδνεϊ.
Η ομάδα του Πολιτειακού Πρωταθλήματος της Βικτώριας, δεν φοβήθηκε την γηπεδούχο, που είναι από τις κορυφαίες της Νέας Νότιας Ουαλάις, με συμμετοχή και στο παλαιό εθνικό πρωτάθλημα, και με γκολ του Ντάβιντ Στίρτον, πρώην παίκτη της ομάδας Νέων της Βίκτορι, λίγο πριν το τέλος του πρώτου μέρους, πήρε την μεγάλη πρόκριση.
Από τους κορυφαίους των “πράσινων” ήταν ο πορτιέρο Άλιστερ Μπράι, με σωτήριες αποκρούσεις.

*Η ομάδα του Δυτικού Σίδνεϊ, έχασε στην Αδελαΐδα από την τοπική Σίτι και αποκλείστηκε από τη συνέχεια του Κυπέλλου.
Το “χρυσό” τέρμα των γηπεδούχων που πρωταγωνιστούν στο Πολιτειακό Πρωτάθλημα Νότιας Αυστραλίας, πέτυχε στο 75′ ο Τόμας Λαβ.
*Οι “ουρανί” της Σίδνεϊ Φ.Κ., ήταν οι νικητές της αναμέτρησης με την Μέλμπουρν Σίτι (πρώην Χαρτ).

Στον αγώνα που έγινε στο Μπάλαρατ, η ομάδα της Ν.Ν.Ουαλίας, πήρε την νίκη και την πρόκριση στη φάση των “16”, με σκορ 3-1.
Η ομάδα του Γκρέϊαμ Άρνολντ, προηγήθηκε με τον Κόρι Γκαμέιρο. Ο Νικ Κάλμαρ έκανε στο 1-1, για να ακολουθήσουν δύο τέρματα από επιτυχείς εκτελέσεις πέναλτι του Αλί Αμπάς, στην παράταση, για το τελικό 3-1.

*Στο τελευταίο χθεσινό παιχνίδι της τρίτης αγωνιστικής της φάσης των “32” του Κυπέλλου, η Σίδνεϊ Γιουνάιτεντ συνέτριψε με το εμφατικό 4-1 την ομάδα Heat F.C. από την Βόρεια Κουηνσλάνδη.
Η προκριματική φάση θα ολοκληρωθεί με τέσσερα παιχνίδια που θα γίνουν την προσεχή Τρίτη και Τετάρτη 19/20 Αυγούστου.
Θα ακολουθήσει η κλήρωση της φάση των “16”.
Ποδοσφαιριστές της Σίδνεϊ Φ.Κ., πανηγυρίζουν την πρόκριση μετά το 3-1 επί της Μέλμπουρν Σίτι.

Πηγή: Νέος Κόσμος

South Melbourne future secure at Lakeside Stadium. PHOTO: Kostas Deves.

The club has secured a 40 year lease at Lakeside Stadium, after years of uncertainty with funding for redevelopments.

Behind the scenes, South Melbourne hasn’t been having the best time at Lakeside Stadium.

Relinquishing their exclusive rights to the then Bob Jane Stadium in 2010, a deal was signed for the club to share its premises with Athletics Australia. For relinquishing their rights, the club secured for a pretty impressive sum of $950,000 to “build a social club within its exclusive space at the redeveloped Lakeside Oval”.

The Memorandum of Understanding which they signed with the State government (which is now being administered by the States Sports Centre Trust) was to have the club paid in instalments, but after one payment of $200,000, the money stopped, leaving the club scratching their heads over how to pay their builders.

From the start of 2013, the club has had to cease all renovations, leaving both members and fans without a solid time frame on when they’ll be able to make use of the proposed Futsal centre, social club and football museum.

Now, after a year of legal battles, the club has secured the next instalment of funding after it cemented its name at Lakeside Stadium with a 40 year lease.

“It’s been a long time coming,” president Leo Athanasakis tells Neos Kosmos.

“The trust was waiting for a signed lease to give us the rest of the funds, so now we can start building again.”

Mr Athanasakis says the club will now have the ability to talk long term on plans at the stadium, and look to extending their presence even more.

Right now the club has committed to building its initial plans from 2010, but Mr Athanaskis calls it the “first phase”.

The second phase is still only in development, but will certainly look to make fans more comfortable and give more options to the club in the future.

Mr Athanasakis says the club is assessing their finances before committing to anything.

Spearheading negotiations was lawyer and president of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria, Bill Papstergiadis.

“We have been working tirelessly in pursuing a transformation of the club,” he said.

“Negotiating a resolution with the government on the stadium lease was one of the last remaining pieces in the puzzle. The legal issues involved were very complicated, however the Napthine government demonstrated a sincere approach to dealing with and resolving these issues with us.”

With the first $200,000 spent on getting plans drawn up and the demolition, the club will be happy to see builders entering the site again.

Mr Athanasakis estimates the project will be completed at the start of next season.

Sitting on top of the NPL ladder with a considerable lead, the club might have brand new silverware to place in the museum very soon.

source: Neos Kosmos

An ecstatic Bentleigh Greens after the match. Photo: Alen Delic twitter

Bentleigh Greens are the fourth and final Greek sponsored team to make it through to the FFA Cup round of 16 after a 1-0 win over Blacktown City.

They’ve done it. Bentleigh Greens defied the odds and progressed to the round of 16 in the FFA Cup, the fourth Greek sponsored team to do so.

The Greens join Olympic FC, Sydney Olympic and fellow local team South Springvale (Aris) to contest the national football cup.

All four teams might be pitted against an A-League Club when the round is decided later this month.

Amazingly, one of the first A-League upsets saw Western Sydney Wanderers, the A-League grand finalists get knocked out by NPL club Adelaide City last night, falling 0-1.

Bentleigh Greens also caused an upset for Sydney side Blacktown City on their own home turf, heading the winning goal 40 minutes into the game from Melbourne Victory NYL player David Stirton.

The home side upped the pressure in the second half but just couldn’t find an equaliser.

A mixture of wasteful finishing and some superb saves from Greens goal-keeper Alistair Bray ensured the Victorian NPL club would spring the upset on the road and progress to the last 16.

In the other match of the night, newly re-branded Melbourne City got its début, but sadly couldn’t do enough to secure their first major win, succumbing to Sydney FC under new coach Graham Arnold.

A pair of penalties in extra time from Ali Abbas was the clincher for Sydney FC, who in the end defeat Melbourne City 3-1.

Source: FFA Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to ensure a successful Wales homecoming for his team-mate Gareth Bale as Real Madrid comfortably won the UEFA Super Cup in Cardiff.

The former Manchester United star struck in each half to secure a 2-0 win and underline Madrid’s dominance of a game they controlled throughout.

The Spanish giants thrilled a capacity 33,500 crowd at Cardiff City Stadium with their all-singing, all-dancing game, and Sevilla’s players were often reduced to a spectating role.

Bale, who joined Real from Tottenham in a world record £86million deal last summer, also stamped his class on proceedings, delivering a precision cross from which Ronaldo scored his opener.

And when he pounced again early in the second period, there was no way back for Europa League title holders Sevilla as the 2014 Champions League winners showcased their enviable quality.

Real boss Carlo Ancelotti paraded his awe-inspiring wealth of playing talent, with major summer signings James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos joining Bale and Ronaldo in a team captained by goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

James and Kroos both had their moments, with the electric speed of Colombia international James’ pass a regular highlight, while Bale’s former Spurs colleague Luka Modric worked tirelessly in midfield.

Although the Spanish domestic season does not start for almost another fortnight, Real already look in ominous form, suggesting they will not only challenge for another European crown but also seriously threaten Atletico Madrid’s reign as La Liga champions.

Pre-match talk about the Sevilla side revolved around a player not involved – left-back Alberto Moreno – who is thought to be on the verge of joining Liverpool, with Sevilla manager Unai Emery seemingly resigned to that outcome.

Real predictably monopolised possession in the early stages, but Bale’s first involvement almost saw him put through by Ronaldo. He appeared to be brought down on the edge of Sevilla’s penalty area, yet referee Mark Clattenburg waved play on.

Bale then saw a shot deflected narrowly wide as pressure began to mount, and when Ronaldo was sent crashing to the turf, Clattenburg this time gave a free-kick that Ronaldo dipped just over the bar.

Casillas was not called into action until the 20th minute, and he had to be alert at his near post to block a Vitolo shot as Sevilla displayed a counter-attacking hunger after being penned deep inside their own half.

Ronaldo should have put Real ahead following Karim Benzema’s excellent approach work, yet having eased past two Sevilla defenders he shot straight at advancing Sevilla goalkeeper Beto.

It was a let-off for the underdogs, but Ronaldo was not to be denied 15 minutes before the break, finishing from close range for his 17th goal in 10 appearances against Sevilla after Bale’s inch-perfect cross created a gilt-edged opening.

Sevilla could have few complaints, having played second fiddle for long periods as Real’s masterful exhibition of passing meant they enjoyed prolonged periods of control.

Casillas was pressed into his second save of the game as half-time approached, deflecting a Daniel Carrico effort high and wide, but Real had no further scares in securing a 1-0 interval advantage.

And Ronaldo stamped a defnitive mark on proceedings just four minutes after the break when he rifled a powerful left-footed shot into the corner of Beto’s net to double Real’s lead.

Despite having effectively wrapped the game up, Real showed no intent to take their foot off the accelerator and Ancelotti will have been thrilled with their desire during the closing stages of a one-sided encounter.

James went desperately close to making it 3-0, but his powerful drive was superbly turned around the post by Beto, then Modric was narrowly off-target with a shot from outside the box.

Emery sent on former Arsenal player Jose Antonio Reyes among his late substitutions, but Real were already in cruise control and they comfortably closed the game out as they added more silverware to a bulging Bernabeu trophy cabinet.

Source: itv.com

BENTLEIGH GREENS

Cue the headlines! “Wanderers stung by Love”, ‘Love hurts as Wanderers exit Cup’. Week three witnessed the first genuine giant-killing result of the Westfield FFA Cup round of 32.

Here’s what happened from grounds in country Victoria to western Sydney and the South Australian capital when a chilly night warmed the hearts of Cup fans yet again.

Adelaide City 1 (Love 75′)

Western Sydney Wanderers FC 0

Adelaide City produced the first major shock of the Westfield FFA Cup, dumping out Hyundai A-League heavyweights Western Sydney Wanderers FC 1-0 at a packed Marden Sports Complex.

In a classic Cup tie which flowed from end-to-end, it was a stunning solo goal from Thomas Love which pulled off the huge upset.

Love cut a swathe through the normally resolute Wanderers defence, speeding past five defenders before coolly slotting past an advancing Ante Covic with just 15 minutes left.

Despite some nervy moments towards the end, the former NSL champions held on to record a stunning win in front of more than 2700 fans.

Love’s sublime individual effort came after it appeared the visitors were starting to gain the ascendancy.

Striker Tomi Juric, who scored for the Foxtel A-League All Stars against Juventus just 48 hours earlier, had an off night and wasted three good chances in the second half.

The Zebras had their moments as well, appearing to take the lead midway through the second half only for it to be ruled out offside.

But it mattered little as just a few minutes later Love made himself an instant hero, sending the home side into raptures and ensuring the first major casualty of the Cup.

Oh, the magic of the Cup!

Sydney United 4  (Tomelic 14′, Mileski 60′, Pavlovic 71′, 78′)

FNQ FC Heat 1 (Smith 90′)

A brace from former Wellington Phoenix striker Mirjan Pavlovic inspired Sydney United 58 to a convincing 4-1 victory over FNQ Heat at a rain-sodden Edensor Park in Sydney’s west.

The match got underway in treacherous conditions with heavy rain falling on the artificial surface at Edensor Park and both teams struggled to maintain possession in the early stages.

The home-side’s pressure eventually told in the 14^th minute with an unmarked Anthony Tomelic on hand after a corner to volley the ball home from close range following a poor clearance from FNQ Heat.

FNQ struggled in the opening half hour playing on the counter attack with former Wellington Phoenix winger Alex Smith cutting a frustrated figure up front for the visitors.

Pavlovic should have doubled the hosts’ advantage in the 36^th minute but the striker miscued his shot from six yards with only Heat keeper Daniel Valcicak to beat.

United continued to dominate after the break and extended their advantage in the 60^th minute with Robert Mileski pouncing on a poor clearance to make it 2-0.

The procession continued with a double to Pavlovic securing the victory before Alex Smith netted in stoppage time to give FNQ a late consolation.

Blacktown City 0

Bentleigh Greens 1 (Stirton 40′)

For the second week in a row, a Victorian team has come to Sydney’s west and won. And after St Albans Saints last week it was Bentleigh Greens who left Sydney celebrating a famous win.

After being forced to do the majority of the defensive work in the first half, the visitors took a surprise lead just five minutes before the break.

On a wet and windy night, it was former Melbourne Victory NYL player David Stirton that struck the decisive blow.

A deep cross to the far post was headed back across the face of goal where Stirton was on hand to head home from just six yards out.

The home side upped the pressure in the second half but just couldn’t find an equalizer.

A mixture of wasteful finishing and some superb saves from Greens goal-keeper Alistair Bray ensured the Victorian NPL club would spring the upset on the road and progress to the last 16.

Melbourne City FC 1 (Kalmar 64′)

Sydney FC 3 (Gameiro 23′, Abbas pen 111′, pen 115′)

A pair of penalties in extra time from Ali Abbas saw Sydney FC defeat Melbourne City FC 3-1 in the round of 32 of the FFA Cup. Corey Gameiro had given Sydney a first-half lead after a terrible decision from City goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne, while Nick Kalmar equalised after the break, but the visitors eventually advanced, after Abbas converted twice from the spot in the second period of extra time. City defender Jason Hoffman was sent off in the 109th minute for bringing down Gameiro from behind for the first of the two penalties, adding to the Melbourne-based club’s woes in their first competitive fixture as Melbourne City FC.  Sydney struggled early but hit the front after 22 minutes, launching a counter-attack that saw Matthew Jurman release Gameiro down the left to slide the ball under Redmayne, who was well outside his box. City continued to have the better of possession up until half-time and deservedly equalised in the 64th minute when Aaron Mooy’s free-kick picked out Kalmar, who sent a powerful header past Ivan Necevski, sparking a frantic final half hour. In extra time, City hit the bar through Mooy but Sydney won after Gameiro and Terry Antonis were judged to have been fouled in the area within four minutes of each other and Abbas kept his cool on both occasions.

source: theffacup.com.au

Jason Davidson with his new club jumper. Source: Twitter – @jasondavidson29

Jason Davidson signs two-year deal with English Premier League outfit.

After days of speculation, contract negotiations and contract disputes, West Bromwich Albion and Jason Davidson announced the Australian international had signed with the club on a two year deal, with the option of a third.

The 23-year-old, who featured in all three Socceroos’ games at the World Cup, found himself in a contract dispute with former club, Dutch outfit Heracles Almelo. Davidson was under the belief that he was a free agent, but the club claimed it had taken up the option to extend his contract by a year.

The result of which meant West Brom had to pay an undisclosed amount for him.

Despite the mix-up, Baggies manager Alan Irvine believes Davidson will add a lot of depth to his team, which had already signed six players, including former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott and Belgian international Sébastien Pocognoli.

“Due to contractual issues with his former club, there’s been a delay in Jason coming,” Baggies manager Alan Irvine told the club website.

“This means he hasn’t trained properly since the World Cup, so he’s going to need a little bit of time to catch up before we can expect him to perform at the levels he’s capable of.

“But he is a good defender who has lots of energy, gets forward well, and will give us competition for places at left-back with Sebastien Pocognoli.”

The Baggies opens their season against Sunderland on August 17.

Source: ABC News

ENGLISH giants Arsenal are firming as favourites to follow Manchester United and Juventus to Sydney, with David Gallop confirming Football Federation Australia is well into negotiations with several big-name clubs.

Juventus drew 55,000 fans to ANZ Stadium for their clash against the A-League All Stars on Sunday night, significantly less than the 80,000-strong capacity crowd Manchester United attracted to the same venue last year.

But Gallop was pleased with the turnout for the Italian champions, which resulted in a seven-figure profit to be shared equally among all 10 A-League clubs. While the FFA boss wouldn’t name the clubs earmarked to take on the All Stars in next year’s third edition, it is expected to be an English Premier League side, with Manchester City also in the frame.

“I can guarantee it will be someone big,” Gallop said.

“We are already in negotiations with a number of potential opponents for next year that are inside the top five or 10 clubs in the world and I think Sunday night would have dispelled any of the naysayers about the strategic importance of this game and this event.

“It was a hard game to program around Juventus’ commitments around the rest of Asia and Sunday night is not an easy night, so we were happy with 55,000.”

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is known to be particular about where the club prepare during the preseason, with his team rarely venturing outside of Europe, though last month they played in New York against Tim Cahill’s Red Bulls.

But after receiving positive feedback from Juventus, Gallop is confident the facilities in Sydney — as well as the quality of opposition — would satisfy any major club.

“The Juventus guys were full of praise for the training facility they used at Kogarah and the hotel,” he said.

“Any time you bring visitors to Sydney and they stay on the harbour they are generally going to want to come back. But of course the football was important and there is no doubt they got a highly competitive preseason match under their belt, and for their new coach, so it really did satisfy all the things we wanted it to satisfy.”

The All Stars, coached by Josep Gombau, came within inches of beating Juventus, but lost the entertaining game 3-2. It was an impressive performance for a team assembled just 10 days before and Gallop says it shone a positive spotlight on the A-League.

“Juventus were a bit surprised by how well we played and I think they enjoyed the atmosphere of 55,000 fans,” he said. “I’m sure they came away feeling a bit rattled and a bit lucky that they got that third goal.

“We had players from all 10 clubs, a coach who wasn’t afraid to play an attacking style and the project is one that we think was successful in year one, but on Sunday night really cemented it as a good move for Australian football.”

source: dailyelegraph.com.au