Alen Stajcic : Matildas targeting Olympic success

Westfield Matildas boss Alen Stajcic says his young squad will use their FIFA World Cup heartache to fuel their desire for an Olympic medal in Rio next year.

The Matildas’ incredible run at the tournament in Canada came to a disappointing end as they lost 1-0 to Japan in Sunday’s (AEST) quarter-final.

While the pain of defeat will take a while to subside, Stajcic is taking plenty of positives from his side’s history-making performances.

Buoyed by their progression on the world stage and with the majority of the squad still in their early 20’s or younger, the future looks incredibly bright for the Matildas.

And the coach has already set his sights on making an even bigger impact at the 2016 Olympic Games.

“Most of them are young players, so it’s a heartbreaking experience for all of us,” Stajcic told reporters after the defeat to Japan.

“I’m proud of how we performed in a World Cup and I know there’s so much growth.

“We don’t want to compete with the best. We want to beat the best.

“We can grow tremendously, I’m obviously disappointed by the result but, if you look at the big scheme of things, we lost 1-0…against the current world champions.

“By the time the Olympics come around, we want to take some more steps forward.”

The Matildas will aim to book their spot at the Olympics at the final round of qualifying in February next year.

The top two teams in the final round of qualifying will be the AFC’s representatives in Rio.

With no age restrictions for the women’s event at the games – unlike the men’s which is under-23 – Stajcic is able to keep the majority of his squad together for their tilt at a medal.

And he plans to take a leaf out of Japan’s book to help take this brave Australian side to the next level.

“The Japanese girls have been together for five, six, 10 years — they’ve already won a World Cup, Asian Cup, silver medal at the Olympics,” Stajcic said.

“Their chemistry’s fantastic; their technique is superb. Our players, the bulk of our starting line-up are 20, 21, 22. We’ll get there.

“As a country like Australia, we have to get our programs right and our coaches right. It’s not a difficult formula.

“You find the right players, have a good training environment and have the best coaches.”

The Matildas squad is set to begin leaving Canada today, with some to return to Australia while a few others will go on holidays.

Watch the video above to hear what Alen Stajcic had to say at the post-match press conference

Football Federation Australia

Hyundai A-League draw: club-by-club guide

The fixtures for the 2015/16 Hyundai A-League season have been announced with some blockbuster clashes scheduled to kick off the new season. But how did your club fare? We examine the draw for all ten clubs…

 

Adelaide United

It’s an exciting start to the season for the Reds as champions and fierce rivals Melbourne Victory come to Adelaide Oval in the opening round.

It’s the first of six games the Reds have in the City of Churches over the first 10 weeks, making it imperative they get off to a strong start.

Josep Gombau’s men host big-drawing Sydney FC twice and there’s a Boxing Day treat for home fans as Wellington Phoenix come to Coopers Stadium.

They round out the festive period on New Year’s Day away in Sydney against the Wanderers.

While they spend most of the early part of the campaign at home it means three of the last four are away, including a final round trip to AAMI Park against Melbourne City.

 

Brisbane Roar

John Aloisi’s reign at Roar gets underway against good mate Tony Popovic as Brisbane travel to Pirtek to take on the Wanderers in the first match of the season.

In fact Brisbane opens the campaign against two of last year’s real strugglers.

The new boss’ first home match is a week later against his former club Central Coast Mariners.

It’s the first of 14 home games Roar will play in the upcoming campaign.

Roar is taking one of their home games to Cairns, a December 12 clash against Wellington Phoenix at Cazaly’s Stadium.

There will be plenty of football for Brisbane fans to watch around Christmas and the New Year as Roar host Melbourne City (Dec 27) and Perth Glory (Jan 2) over the holiday period.

It’s looming as a Jumbo January for the club as they play Victory, Adelaide and Sydney FC in a three week period.

They also take on champions Victory twice in the final five rounds, including away on the final weekend of the regular season.

 

Central Coast Mariners

The Mariners kick-off their season at home to Perth, the first of three big home games over the first five rounds.

The club is desperate to turn their home ground into a fortress again and have some big clashes for home fans to look forward to, including two home games against both the Jets and Sydney FC.

Overall the Mariners have 14 home matches, although they are taking one of those – against Victory – to Simonds Stadium in Geelong in January.

It’s going to be a cracking festive period for the club, which includes a bumper Boxing Day clash against the Sky Blues in Sydney.

And the club has won back their coveted New Year’s Eve fixture in Gosford, taking on Wellington Phoenix to bring down the curtain on 2015.

 

Melbourne City FC

For the second season in a row, City opens their season at Allianz Stadium against Sydney FC.

It’s the start of a blockbuster opening fortnight for the club, which includes the derby the following weekend at Etihad Stadium.

After the two Melbourne rivals met in the finals last season, the derby’s take even greater significance this year and City have two at ‘home’ at AAMI Park this season.

They don’t come up against former boss John Aloisi until round 7 when they head north to take on Brisbane Roar.

The festive schedule sees them travel to Roar again on December 27 before returning home to take on the Sky Blues on January 2.

John van ‘t Schip’s side have a good end to the season with four of six matches on their home turf, including a final round clash with Adelaide United.

 

Melbourne Victory

What an exciting start for all Victory players, coaches and supporters to look forward to.

A tough trip to Adelaide opens the season for the defending champions before the derby the following week, not to mention a Grand Final replay against Sydney FC in round 6.

The lead-in to Christmas sees the second derby take centre-stage less than a week before Santa arrives.

A home match against Perth Glory just after Christmas is something for the fans to look forward to, while Kevin Muscat takes his side to Newcastle early in the New Year.

It promises to be a fantastic February for the club as well with four blockbuster matches against Wanderers, City, Adelaide and Sydney FC.

They finish the regular season at home to Roar.

 

Newcastle Jets

The Scott Miller revolution at the Jets will be given a stern examination as the Hunter club faces a tricky – but exciting – start to the season.

They head across the ditch to play Wellington Phoenix on the opening weekend before back-to-back home games against two big guns – bogey-side Sydney FC and champions Melbourne Victory.

The first F3 derby of the season soon follows in round 6 at Hunter Stadium.

A Christmas Eve clash is also a feature of the Jets draw as they take on the Wanderers at Pirtek Stadium, while they host Victory in their first home match of 2016.

They play four of their last six games on the road, including a final round derby which could have the potential of being a season-defining clash for one or both clubs.

 

Perth Glory

Glory will be hoping to quickly move on from the disappointment of last season and their new era starts on the Central Coast before a home clash against Phoenix in round 2.

They host Victory in round 5 which is always a big game for the club and the supporters.

Back-to-back home clashes against the Mariners and Wanderers in mid-December will be important before they travel to tackle the Victory again on December 27.

Kenny Lowe’s troops have tough long trips to Wellington this season, both coming in the space of six weeks in rounds 18 and 24.

Glory host Melbourne City FC in the penultimate round before heading to Allianz Stadium to tackle the Sky Blues in round 27.

Sydney FC

The Sky Blues start with games against Melbourne City and the Jets but all eyes will be on round 3 and the derby at Allianz Stadium.

It’s the first of two derby’s in front of their home fans for the season, with the one clash at ‘Wanderland’ coming on January 16.

Sydney FC has the luxury of not having too much travel in the first part of the season, only leaving NSW once in the first nine rounds.

A grand final replay against Victory at Allianz in round 6 will be a beauty while the club is also taking a home match to ANZ Stadium.

That clash will be against the Jets on January 9, the second time the Sky Blues have hosted a clash at the venue after the 2-1 win over Glory in 2012.

Graham Arnold’s side finishes the regular season with back-to-back home games against Adelaide United and Perth.

 

Wellington Phoenix

The Phoenix will be out to build on a superb 2014-15 season and kick off the new campaign at home to Newcastle Jets.

The club is spreading the love again this season, taking two of their home matches to other parts of New Zealand.

The first of those is at QBE Stadium in Auckland against Melbourne Victory on December 5, before taking on the Mariners at AMI Stadium in Christchurch on January 30.

Home fans won’t get the opportunity to see their side though between Christmas and the New Year though as Ernie Merrick’s outfit is away to Adelaide (Boxing Day) and the Mariners (New Year’s Eve).

Phoenix does have the bonus of just the one long trip to Perth this season and they get that out of the way in round 2.

There are also five of the last seven matches at Westpac Stadium to help build momentum towards the finals, with the Wanderers heading to town on the last weekend.

 

Western Sydney Wanderers FC

The Wanderers are part of the season’s opening fixture for a second straight season, with John Aloisi’s Roar heading to ‘Wanderland’ on a Thursday night.

Unlike last year though there should be a lot less travel for the club with no Asian Champions League football to contend with.

It doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of big games though.

The first of those is the Sydney derby in round 3, while back-to-back home games against Roar and Victory (round 9 and 10) will be huge drawcards for Wanderers fans.

A Christmas Eve fixture against the Jets at Pirtek is an exciting clash, while the club is also at home on New Year’s Day against Adelaide United.

Football Federation Australia

Joint statement from Football Federation Australia and Hyundai A-League clubs

Football Federation Australia (FFA) and the 10 member clubs of Hyundai A-League today convened via teleconference to discuss the new Hyundai A-League Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The current CBA expires tomorrow, Tuesday 30 June 2015.

FFA and the A-League clubs today reaffirmed that the new CBA offer remains on the table and is ready for immediate acceptance by Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), on behalf of A-League players.

The key features of the new CBA for the A-League;

·         A six-year commitment offering sustainability, stability and increased player payments

·         Immediate introduction of new Salary Cap exemptions and flexibilities that amount to a forecast increase of 12% in player payments for next season

·         A 30% share for players of any uplift in the next domestic broadcast rights deal

·         An increase in the Salary Floor to 90% of the Salary Cap

·         An increase in the Minimum A-League Salary to $55,000

·         Further investment in the PFA Player Development Program

Speaking on behalf of the A-League clubs, Adelaide United chairman Greg Griffin said the new CBA was the best package of salary, benefits and certainty ever put to A-League players.

“The CBA proposal improves the career of A-League players in terms of salaries, longer-term contracting and contract security,” said Griffin. “That’s what players have been asking for and that’s why we believe it’s a compelling offer.

“At the same time, the clubs remain disappointed that the PFA executive continues to push totally unrealistic demands after six months of transparent and detailed negotiations.

“In an environment in which the majority of clubs are making ongoing investments while running operating deficits, the CBA proposal is a common sense outcome for all parties.”

Head of Hyundai A-League Damien de Bohun said that the CBA proposal continues the trend of rewarding A-League players for their commitment.

“Over the life of the A-League, the Salary Cap has increased by an average of more than 7% each year, and there is scope for a further 12% uplift next season,” said de Bohun.

“It’s not just about the salaries, as the CBA proposal provides greater flexibility for clubs in retaining players and invests in players’ well-being.

“Any suggestion that there has been, or will be, a salary freeze is simply not accurate.  Over the past three years Hyundai A-League players have received a 13% increase in total payments, while at the same time most clubs have continued to run operating deficits and also invest heavily in upgraded facilities, youth development programs, and improving conditions for players.”

The A-League clubs have today reaffirmed their support for FFA to progress implementation of the improvements contained in the CBA proposal by regulation if a formal agreement with the PFA can’t be reached.

“We are determined to make sure that the players will not be left worse off by the stance the PFA is taking,” said Head of Hyundai A-League Damien de Bohun.

“A new CBA would provide certainty for all, but we could put these initiatives in place by other means if necessary.”

Football Federation Austraia

Mitch Langerak completes Stuttgart move

Socceroo goalkeeper Mitch Langerak has completed a move to German outfit VfB Stuttgart, signing a three-year-deal with the Bundesliga club.

The 26-year-old’s transfer from Borussia Dortmund was confirmed on Stuttgart’s website, with the shot-stopper set to remain with the club until the end of the 2018 campaign.

Langerak spent the majority of his time in Dortmund deputising for Roman Weidenfeller, making just 19 league appearances for the German giants since his arriving in 2010 from Melbourne Victory.

Langerak will battle Polish international Przemysław Tyton for the No.1 jersey at Mercedes-Benz Arena next season.

The six capped Socceroo is the second Aussie to leave BVB this month after midfielder Mustafa Amini completed a deal with Danish club Randers FC a fortnight ago.

Football Federation Australia

United States 2 – 0 Germany

A Carli Lloyd-inspired USA are into their second successive FIFA Women’s World Cup Final™ following an intensely fought semi-final in Montreal against Germany as the Americans ran out 2-0 winners.

The contest was marked by a costly spot-kick failure from Celia Sasic, while Lloyd tucked away her penalty a few minutes later before then setting up Kelley O’Hara for a late sealer. The match was played at high tempo and with a level of physicality that you would expect of a match of this importance between the two highest ranked teams in the world.

USA had the better of the opening half as the Germans pressed hard when not in possession, while the Stars and Stripe looked typically steadfast in defence. Meanwhile at the other end of the pitch striker Alex Morgan had the best sights of goal. She firstly was denied by Nadine Angerer in a one-on-one opportunity after making a perfectly timed run behind the backline. Morgan then struck another effort wide from an acute angle from close range.

After the break Germany had a rare sight of goal as Anja Mittag pushed a header just wide, before drama on the hour mark. USA central defender Julie Johnston failed to deal with a bouncing through ball and fouled Alexandra Popp as the midfielder slipped in on the blindside. However, Canada 2015 top-scorer Sasic pushed her spot-kick wide amid US celebrations and tears of relief from Johnston.

Nine minutes later it was USA’s turn to earn a penalty as Morgan’s charging run ended with a foul by Annike Krahn and the ever-reliable Lloyd tucked away the opportunity.

Germany pushed for an equaliser but USA sealed the contest with six minutes remaining as Lloyd dribbled into the penalty area and coolly pulled the ball back for O’Hara to gleefully fire home from close range.

USA will now face the winner of Wednesday’s second semi-final between Japan and England for the right to be crowned 2015 Women’s World Cup champions on Sunday in Vancouver.

Live Your Goals Player of the Match: Carli Lloyd (USA)

 

FIFA.COM

Argentina golea 6-1 a Paraguay y juega con Chile la final de la Copa América

La Argentina de Lionel Messi no tropezó dos veces con la misma piedra y aplastó el martes 6-1 a Paraguay para avanzar a la final de la Copa América de Chile-2015, donde buscará su primer título en 22 años contra el anfitrión.

Marcos Rojo a los 15 minutos, Javier Pastore (27), Ángel di María en dos ocasiones (47 y 53), Sergio Agüero (80) y Gonzalo Higuaín (83) marcaron para la albiceleste, mientras  que Lucas Barrios (43) descontó en el encuentro en el estadio Ester Roa de Concepción (sur).

Tras tanta espera, el equipo de Gerardo Martino brilló con buen juego y goles y enfrentará en la finalísima del sábado en Santiago al local Chile, que venció a Perú 2-1 en la primera semifinal el lunes.

Esta vez no hubo milagro paraguayo, como había ocurrido en el debut del certamen, cuando los guaraníes levantaron una desventaja de dos goles en el segundo tiempo y rescataron un empate.

Argentina quedó a un paso de su misión en Chile: poner fin a la sequía de 22 años sin títulos internacionales desde la Copa América Ecuador-1993, y borrar la amargura de la final del Mundial de Brasil-2014 perdida contra Alemania.

Texto y foto. AFP

Conmebol.com

 

James Akel compara a seleção brasileira à TV Globo

DIRETOR DA TV GLOBO TEM CARA DE TÉCNICO DA SELEÇÃO DEPOIS DA COPA

Quem viu as fotos do diretor da TV Globo, Carlos Schroeder, tentando justificar o fracasso da novela Babilônia, viu ali um sujeito desanimado e mal postado no palco, parecendo até que ele que era o técnico da seleção depois da derrota da Copa.

Schroeder estava na verdade dizendo que estava tudo uma merda, se referindo à TV Globo, enquanto o técnico Dunga dava entrevista dizendo que estava tudo ótimo.

Vamos colocar o Dunga pra dirigir a TV Globo porque ao menos vai saber chutar mais que Schroeder.

Nos tempos de agora a TV Globo e a Seleção vivem de chutes.

 

Escrito por James Akel às 09h31 no dia 30 de junho de 2015

James Akel compara Dunga com Dilma Rousseff

DIFÍCIL SABER SE DUNGA É PIOR QUE DILMA

Esta coluna desde antes da Copa América já escrevia que é uma vergonha uma seleção que vai pra Copa e o presidente da seleção não viajou com medo de ser preso e o chefe da delegação pouco apareceu porque tinha negócios no Brasil.

Marco Polo Del Nero, que até hoje não mostrou de onde vem o dinheiro que pagou o seu iate, deveria ter um pouco de pudor e ir embora da CBF.

O gerente de futebol  Gilmar Rinaldi, indicação pessoal do Del Nero, quer que a gente acredite que ele deixou de ser empresário na meia noite anterior ao dia que ele assumiu a CBF e também deveria ir embora logo antes que o FBI descubra quem ficou com os jogadores que eram representados por ele.

O supervisor da CBF, Walter Feldmann, aquele que fugiu da sede da CBF quando soube que a polícia estava indo pra lá, já deveria ter ido embora antes que a polícia descubra mais coisas.

Afinal se ele não ficou na CBF pra mostrar à polícia tudo que precisava ser mostrado, faltou a ele postura de líder e única autoridade da CBF naquele dia.

E Dunga, que quando fala pra imprensa mais parece transmitir cinismo, consegue ter um discurso de derrota parecido com o da Dilma.

E também tem que explicar porque ele só escala gente que joga fora do Brasil, depois do FBI denunciar que a escalação é feita com base em patrocinadores e empresários de futebol que tem interesse nos jogadores.

Este é o futebol de hoje e esta é a vergonha brasileira parecida com a vergonha de Dilma e do PT.

E ninguém tira Dilma e ninguém tira Marco Polo Del Nero.

A gente tem a chance de uma delação premiada de Marin que acabe com Marco Polo Del Nero e a turma.

É mais fácil porque o FBI pode mandar prender Del Nero e outros.

Já no caso de Dilma só vai embora se o FBI correr atrás.

Se depender da vergonhosa oposição brasileira, Dilma continua.

 

Escrito por James Akel às 11h55 no dia 30 de junho de 2015

James Akel comenta o fato dos estadunidenses e suíços copiarem método de Sérgio Moro

AMERICANOS COPIAM O BRASIL

Sem entrar no mérito da questão se é errado ou certo, vejam que a Suiça e os Estados Unidos estão usando o mesmo método do Juiz Sérgio Moro.

Lá na Suiça deixaram pra último dia, 40 dias, o recurso de pedido de extradição de José Maria Marin para os Estados Unidos.

Preso tanto tempo, com 83 anos, Marin começa a pensar em delação premiada contra Marco Polo Del Nero.

Assim que Marin foi preso, mandou chamar Del Nero que sumiu e só apareceu depois que a polícia levou Marin embora.

 

 

Escrito por James Akel às 11h56 no dia 30 de junho de 2015

James Akel comenta o fato do lucro da TV Globo em 2014 ter sido menor que em 2013

TV GLOBO REDUZIU LUCRO

Em 2013 a TV Globo teve lucro líquido de 2.503 bilhões de reais.
Em 2014 o lucro foi de 2.357 bilhões mesmo com Copa.

E dizer que a FIFA (FOFA) teve sozinha 12.500 bilhões de reais apenas com Copa.

Apenas um detalhe é que a FIFA não pagou um tostão de imposto além de obrigar a construção dos novos campos de futebol que pra nada servem.

 

 

Escrito por James Akel às 12h59 no dia 30 de junho de 2015