Graham Arnold will go up against Jurgen Klopp when Sydney FC takes on Liverpool at ANZ Stadium in May

The charismatic Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is on his way to Sydney when his English Premier League entertainers Liverpool face Hyundai A-League powerhouse Sydney FC next month.

In huge news, Liverpool will play in Sydney for the first time when they face the Sky Blues on May 24 at ANZ Stadium in a friendly.

 

Though it’s not the first time Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold has faced EPL opposition coaches.

In recent seasons, Arnie has coached against Jose Mourinho (then at Chelsea) and Mauricio Pochettino of Spurs.

And in both games, Sydney FC made a good account of themselves. Can Arnie pull off the biggest win of his career?

The good news is Sydney FC is likely to play in the Hyundai A-League Grand Final on May 7.

This will keep them in good physical shape for the game 17 days later to face a Liverpool team that will have flown around the world immediately after their final game of the EPL season on Sunday May 21 at home to Middlesbrough.

The Reds will dash off straight after the game with perhaps a spot in next season’s Champions League wrapped up.

But with an expected 80,000 crowd waiting for them, any jet lag and fatigue may be forgotten on what should be a fabulous night in Sydney.

And with Klopp’s press conference in Sydney likely to dominate the media, expect Sydney to turn red for a few days as Liverpool fever well and truly hits the Harbour City.

Wherever you are, do not miss this as the first part of an EPL extravaganza in Sydney as Arsenal prepare to face the Sky Blues and Wanderers at the same venue in July.

General public tickets will go on sale at 11am Wednesday (AEST) at www.ticketek.com.au

Members of the Football Family will receive an exclusive code tomorrow [Tuesday] morning ahead of the Football Family pre-sale from 2.00pm on Tuesday 11 April to 9.00am Wednesday 12 April.

Sign up to the Football Family today to receive your code: bit.ly/FootballFamily

Source : Football Federation Australia

 

Bruce Djite on target in K-League

Bruce Djite has found the net in the latest round of K-League Challenge action in South Korea.

Sunday, 9 April 2017 –

Jason Pine @pineyzb

Bruce Djite has found the net in the latest round of K-League Challenge action in South Korea.

The 30-year-old former Adelaide United front-man played 90 minutes and scored Suwon City’s second in a 3-3 draw at Ansan Greeners.

 

It was the former Socceroo’s second goal of the season.

Former Melbourne Victory defender Adrian Leijer also played the full game for Suwon, who are fourth on the table after six games.

Meantime Tomislav Mrcela has suffered a fifth-straight defeat in South Korea’s K-League Classic.

The Australian defender played 90 minutes as Jeonnam went down 2-1 at Daegu.

Source : Football Federation Australia

Jeju United 1-3 Adelaide United- AFC Champions League 2017

Dylan McGowan celebrates his goal in Adelaide United’s stunning win over Jeju United in the ACL on Tuesday night.

Tuesday, 11 April 2017 –

John Greco @Grecs7

Adelaide United have boosted their hopes of progressing out of Group H in the AFC Champions League after a stunning 3-1 win over Jeju United in Korea on Tuesday night.

In one of the club’s most memorable away performances in the competition, the Reds stunned the home side with two second half goals to claim their first win of ACL 2017.

The result sees Gui Amor’s side jump up to second spot in the group with two matches to play.

It was a crazy start to the match in Korea with both sides scoring inside the first eight minutes.

Adelaide went in front via a spectacular long-distance strike from ex-Jeju midfielder Kim Jae-Sung, only for the home side to equaliser just a minute later from a header from the exotically-named Magno Cruz.

With scores locked at 1-1 at the break, the Reds re-took the lead within four minutes of the resumption thanks to a towering header from defender Dylan McGowan.

Things got even better for Adelaide midway through the second half as teenager Riley McGree scored his first ACL goal to double the lead.

Jeju put the Reds under plenty of pressure in the closing stages but the Hyundai A-League champions held firm to take all three points and give themselves and excellent chance of making the knockout stages.

Adelaide’s next match is also away when they travel to Japan to play Gamba Osaka on Tuesday, April 25.

GOALS

0-1 Adelaide United: Kim Jae-Sung 7’

A defensive error allowed Sergio Cirio to get through on goal with his shot smashing into the post. The rebound made its way back outside the box to Kim who unleashed a wonder strike from 25 metres out which scorched into the roof of the net.

1-1 Jeju United: Magno Cruz

Lee Chang-Min wasn’t closed down on the left and he dinked a cross to the far post, with Cruz out-muscling Ben Garuccio to nod in from close range.

1-2 Adelaide United: Dylan McGowan 49’

Garuccio’s in-swinging corner hit the perfect area just six yards from goal, with McGowan timing his run perfectly to plant his header into the back of the net.

1-3 Adelaide United: Riley McGree 65’

After Diawara played in Kim on the right, the Korean crossed for the on-rushing McGree whose initial shot was blocked by the keeper. But the loose ball came back to the 18-year-old, who managed to hack the ball over the line despite being sprawled on the pitch.

Re-live the action on Twitter

@AdelaideUnited ,  @TheAFCCL ,   #JEJvADE

 

Source : Football Federation Australia

Western Sydney Wanderers 2 -3 FC Seoul – AFC Champions League 2017

A classy Dejan Damjanovic double has helped FC Seoul to a thrilling 3-2 win over Western Sydney Wanderers in ACL Group F action on Tuesday night in Sydney’s west.

On a rollercoaster Tuesday night for the 2014 ACL winners, the visitors were in front by three goals to nil and cruising before a Terry Antonis goal with 13 minutes remaining gave the hosts hope.

Youngster Lachlan Scott then popped up in time added on to head Wanderers’ second goal to ensure a frantic finish as the hosts pressed.

But there was to be no miracle comeback.

It was the Wanderers’ third loss in the group.
The night got off to a disastrous start for the hosts with a sensational early goal inside the first five minutes giving the K-League outfit the advantage.

Buoyed by the sensational strike, the lead was doubled just before the break from the penalty spot.

Wanderers brought on playmaker Nico Martinez and midfielder Dimas for the final stages of the second half as they desperately searched for a way back.

But almost instantly their hopes were dashed with a third goal to the visitors courtesy of the red-hot Dejan Damjanovic.

Wanderers pegged one back late on and Scott’s header gave them hope of an incredible comeback in time added on.

Wanderers are now on three points from four games ahead of a trip to Saitama to face the Urawa Red Diamonds on April 26.

GOALS

Seok-Hyun, FC Seoul 4’

An absolutely smashing strike that gave Vedran Janjetovic no chance as the visitors got a toehold on the contest with the early advantage.

Damjanovic, FC Seoul 42’

After Scott Neville gave away the foul in the box, the penalty was converted to double the lead just before the break by Dejan Damjanovic.

Damjanovic, FC Seoul 71’

Damjanovic again to give the Koreans the three goal buffer.

Antonis, Wanderers, 77’

The attacking midfielder getting on the end of Jumpei’s cutback to slot home the hosts’ first of the night.

Scott, Wanderers, 90+2’

Sub Martinez with a perfect cross headed home by the blond striker to ensure an exciting finish.

Re-live the action on Twitter

@wswanderersfc , @TheAFCCL ,  #WSWvFCS

 

Source : Football Federation Australia

What fuels a Hyundai A-League star?

Wellington Phoenix midfield general Vince Lia takes us through a typical week of nutrition, and reveals his guilty pleasure when he gets “hangry”!

BREAKFAST

I always eat breakfast.

It’s the most important meal of the day.

I eat Weet-Bix and banana with milk and a bit of cinnamon

Then before training I have a coffee with the boys.

AFTER MORNING TRAINING

I have a protein shake straight away which gets me through that initial hunger.

What I eat after that depends on what we’ve got on for the rest of the day.

If we have a gym session in the afternoon, I’ll get some protein on board.

I usually have eggs, salmon and avocado or I’ll make a wrap with some cottage cheese

LATE AFTERNOON

Once I get home, I normally have another shake around 4.30-5pm.

If I don’t have that, I get “hangry” and eat horrible food!

EVENING MEAL

It’s always healthy stuff.

I usually have a mix of vegetables, protein and carbs.

SWEET TREATS

I try not to have anything sweet.

If I do, I’ll have natural yoghurt with honey and some fruit which gets that sweet craving out of the way.

The trick is not to buy it.

If it’s not in your house, you don’t feel like it – that’s the key.

GAME DAY

I get up as late as I can to make the day as short as possible.

I’ll have my normal breakfast and then I go to the gym.

For lunch, it’s something light, like eggs or a wrap or sandwich around 1pm.

At 4.30pm, I’ll load up on carbs by eating pasta – either spaghetti or penne.

If I’m on my game, I would have made a proper sauce during the week and it’ll be ready in my freezer.

Otherwise I throw in some tuna, oil, fresh tomatoes and cheese with it.

BEFORE KICK-OFF

It’s more sugar around game-time.

I’ll eat a few lollies when I get to the ground and a fruit-bar or a gel before we go out.

I get some more sugar on board at half-time, which means I crash after the game!

POST-MATCH

We have a post-match meal provided.

We normally get wraps and meat and healthy fatty foods, like home-made pizza or home-made burgers.

I must admit I eat pretty unhealthy stuff after the game.

It’s probably not the best thing to do, because you’re supposed to get your fuel and your sugars and carbs back in.

But because we eat so well during the week, I think we need to let it out.

If you don’t do it after a game, it creeps in as the next game gets closer.

The night after the game and the next day is where I relax a little bit.

GUILTY PLEASURE?

For me, it’s lollies.

If I buy them, they’re gone, so I just don’t buy them.

Sometimes for my birthday or for a treat, my girlfriend will buy lollies and within an hour they’re gone.

Even when I buy them, I have to hide them, because every time I walk past the cupboard I know they’re there.

I just open the packet and have one or two on the way past and then the same on the way back!

 

Source : Football Federation Australia

Westfield Matildas star signs for Japanese club

Westfield Matildas star Katrina Gorry has signed with Japanese club Vegalta Sendai.

Monday, 10 April 2017 –

Jason Pine @pineyzb

The Australian influence has doubled at Vegalta Sendai with Katrina Gorry signing for the Japanese club.

The Westfield Matildas midfielder joins international team-mate Caitlin Foord at the Japanese League outfit.

Gorry – the 2014 AFC Women’s Player of the Year – joins Vegalta Sendai from Brisbane Roar’s Westfield W-League side.

豪代表　カトリーナ ゴリー加入（河北）https://t.co/Al5KQFcQVH　マイナビベガルタ仙台レディースにブリスベンロアーからＭＦカトリーナ ゴリーが加入。豪代表で１４年のＡＦＣ女子年間最優秀選手。会見でチーム初のタイトル獲得へ全力を尽くすことを約束した。背番号は６。 pic.twitter.com/PuRmZS8i9v

— ベガルタ仙台実況アカウント (@vegalta_jikkyo) April 10, 2017

“Women’s football in Japan [is at a] very high level technically,” Gorry told reporters as she was unveiled at a media conference.

“I want to pour my energy into the team. I want to help [us score] a lot of goals.

“I think that we can be number one,” she said.

Excited to announce my signing with vegalta_sendai_ladies 🇯🇵 Following in my fellow Aussies 👣… https://t.co/LS1eFxa7rc

— Katrina Gorry (@KatrinaGorry) April 9, 2017

“Many friends have already played in the Nadeshiko League and I’ve heard a lot about the league.

Of course, Caitlin is here. [I’m excited that] we are going to play together,” she added.

 

Source : Football Federation Australia

Hyundai A-League 2016/2017 Round 27 guide: top six

There’s still plenty to play for heading into the final round of the Hyundai A-League 2016/17 Season.

With one round left in the 2016/17 Hyundai A-League season, there are still some matters to be decided – in particular, the positions of teams below Victory and Sydney FC.

With one and two locked up courtesy of Premier’s Plate winners the Sky Blues and Victory in second, what will be the finishing order of the teams placed third to sixth?

With teams in third and fourth hosting the Elimination Finals in week one of the Finals Series, it makes for an absolutely thrilling final round – here’s all you need to know ahead of a the Easter Round 27.

SYDNEY FC

Current position: First

Points: 63

Goal difference: +41

Highest possible finish: First

Lowest possible finish: First

Remaining fixture: Newcastle Jets (H)

With top spot confirmed some time ago, Sydney FC have been chasing milestones to stay motivated during the back end of the Hyundai A-League season.

 

A win in their 27^th and final game will see them surpass Brisbane’s regular season points tally record of 65 in 2010/11, which was achieved during a 30-game season.

Victory over the Jets at home would appear to be a mere formality, but Saturday night’s 1-1 draw in Wellington has given Graham Arnold the ammunition he needs to push any complacency from the minds of his players.

Following Saturday night’s game, the Sky Blues will celebrate their Premiers Plate triumph with their home fans, before re-focusing on the Finals Series.

MELBOURNE VICTORY

Current position: Second

Points: 46

Goal difference: +17

Highest possible finish: Second

Lowest possible finish: Second

Remaining fixture: Central Coast Mariners (H)

Victory clinched second spot and a week off in the Finals Series with Saturday night’s stalemate against Western Sydney.

 

But of all the teams in the top six, Victory are the most out-of-form, having not won – or even scored – in their last three games.

Kevin Muscat will accept nothing less than a return to winning ways against the Mariners this weekend; going into the Finals Series on a four game winless run will not do at all.

The Mariners won’t lie down though as they look to springboard from their eye-catching win in the F3 derby to gain a result which would see them avoid a second straight wooden spoon.

MELBOURNE CITY

Current position: Third

Points: 39

Goal difference: +6

Highest possible finish: Third

Lowest possible finish: Fifth

Remaining fixture: Perth Glory (A)

City’s 1-0 win over Adelaide United has put them in pole position for third spot (and a crucial home Elimination Final).

They should secure that with victory in Perth on Sunday evening.

 

The only caveat is if Brisbane beat Wellington by two goals more than what City achieve in Perth.

City will also finish third if they draw with Perth while Brisbane lose or draw with Wellington.

Even a loss by three goals or less to Glory would be enough for City to finish third provided Brisbane lose by the same (or greater) margin to Phoenix.

The worst case scenario for City would be a loss in Perth by four goals or more which would see them drop out of the top four for the first time this season at the worst possible time – unless Roar also lose heavily to Wellington.

BRISBANE ROAR

Current position: Fourth

Points: 39

Goal difference: +5

Highest possible finish: Third

Lowest possible finish: Fifth

Remaining fixture: Wellington Phoenix (H)

Brisbane Roar look relatively safe in the top four.

 

A win over Phoenix would secure that and Roar can even grab third place if they beat Wellington while Melbourne City lose or draw, or they draw with Phoenix and City lose.

One other possible scenario would be Brisbane and Melbourne City both winning or both losing and Brisbane somehow turning a -1 goal difference into an advantage.

If Roar lose to Wellington, Perth can only go past them if they beat Melbourne City by a sizeable margin.

However, a result of that type would drop City below Roar on goal difference.

Put simply, if Roar can avoid a heavy defeat to Wellington, they’ll be a top four finisher.

PERTH GLORY

Current position: Fifth

Points: 36

Goal difference: -1

Highest possible finish: Third

Lowest possible finish: Sixth

Remaining fixture: Melbourne City (H)

Perth are the side with the most different possible outcomes.

 

They can still finish anywhere from third or sixth.

But their major issue is a vastly inferior goal difference to the two sides above them, Melbourne City and Brisbane Roar.

However, they play City on Sunday and can go past them if they win by 4+.

But to finish above Brisbane, Perth would also need Roar to lose to Wellington with a combined winning margin in the two games of six goals or more.

For example, results of Perth 4 Melbourne City 0 and Brisbane 0 Phoenix 2 would see Perth sneak third.

But even a four-goal Glory win won’t be enough for third if Brisbane win, draw or lose by just one goal to Wellington

If Perth beat Melbourne City by less than four goals, their most likely finishing position is fifth.

Glory will also be fifth if they draw with City and Western Sydney draw or lose against Adelaide, or if they lose to City and Western Sydney lose to Adelaide.

And they’ll drop to sixth if they draw with City and Western Sydney beats Adelaide or if they lose to City and Western Sydney win or draw at Adelaide.

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS

Current position: Sixth

Points: 35

Goal difference: 0

Highest possible finish: Fifth

Lowest possible finish: Sixth

Remaining fixture: Adelaide United (A)

Western Sydney’s equation is far simpler.

 

They can finish fifth or sixth.

They will climb to fifth if they beat Adelaide and Perth fail to beat Melbourne City.

They will also claim fifth if they draw with Adelaide and Glory lose to City.

Any other combination of results will see Western Sydney finish sixth.

 

Source : Football Federation Australia

 

Cavalo se solta e causa pânico durante gravação de “O Rico e Lázaro”

 

A última sexta-feira (7) foi de susto para parte do elenco da novela “O Rico e Lázaro”, da Record. Susto grande, aliás. Durante os trabalhos em uma locação externa, um cavalo se soltou e causou desespero no pessoal.

A situação foi preocupante porque o animal quase feriu um figurante. Sem condições para seguir com os trabalhos, as gravações dessa sequência foram canceladas imediatamente e retomadas somente no dia de ontem.

 

Flávio Ricco com colaboração de José Carlos Nery

Conheça o personagem de Thiago Rodrigues na novela Rock Story

 

Thiago Rodrigues inicia nesta terça-feira (11) participação em “Rock Story”, novela das 19h da Globo. Tiago é o seu personagem, um ex-namorado de Júlia (Nathalia Dill) que vive em Fernando de Noronha e chega ao Rio para depor a favor da ex. Ainda apaixonado, ele vai tentar convencê-la a esquecer Gui (Vladimir Brichta) e a viajar para o Nordeste com ele. A última novela de Thiago na casa foi “Sete Vidas”, exibida em 2015 .

 

Flávio Ricco com colaboração de José Carlos Nery

Jakson Follmann, ex-goleiro da Chapecoense, será comentarista no Fox Sports

Jakson Follmann, ex-goleiro da Chapecoense, 24 anos, acidentado no voo da LaMia, em 28 de novembro do ano passado, vai assinar contratado com o Fox Sports nesta terça-feira (11). Já está tudo ajustado entre as partes. Folmann passará a reforçar a equipe de comentaristas nas coberturas da Sul-Americana, Libertadores e Copa do Mundo de 2018, mas detendo-se ao específico desempenho dos goleiros. Antes irá receber todo um trabalho de preparação para isso. Follmann, após a tragédia, submeteu-se a um longo trabalho de recuperação.

Três meses depois do acidente, o jogador, no começo de março, voltou a estar de pé, sozinho, com uma prótese substituindo a perna perdida no acidente. É uma nova vida, com outros diferentes desafios pela frente, entre eles o trabalho como comentarista de goleiro. Procurado pela coluna, Follmann informou que ainda não pode se manifestar sobre o caso, porque o contrato só será assinado amanhã.    O canal Fox Sports também já acertou com Nadine Bastos, juíza de linha de Santa Catarina, que acaba de se aposentar das funções. Ela passará, a partir de agora, dividir as funções com o também ex-árbitro Carlos Eugênio Simon.

 

Flávio Ricco com colaboração de José Carlos Nery