Uruguay victory comes back to life in ‘November 16’

Former Socceroos striker John Aloisi celebrates converting the decisive penalty against Uruguay.

Australia’s greatest sporting night is celebrated in a new film, ‘November 16’, an hour-long feature on the famous Socceroo victory over Uruguay a decade ago.

‘November 16′ is a film by Ben Coonan, FFA’s videographer since 2012, in collaboration with Fox Sports presenter Richard Bayliss and has been produced with the support of Football Federation Australia (FFA) and broadcast partners Fox Sports and SBS.

The film will have its premiere at the Football Film Festival in Melbourne on 8 November, and will be broadcast on Fox Sports (16 November) and SBS (18 November).

The Socceroos’ penalty shoot out triumph over Uruguay at ANZ Stadium has become sporting folklore in Australia and ‘November 16’ tells the stories behind the events that have been immortalised since.

FFA CEO David Gallop said he’s delighted to see a growing archive of historical works on Australian football.

“Over the past few years we’ve seen a number of books published on the history of the game and these historical works are hugely important,” said Gallop.

“FFA has backed this film by Ben Coonan and Richard Bayliss because the game’s rich history is worth preserving and celebrating. I commend them on the film and I’m sure it will garner a big audience.”

The film features many of the players that played a key role on the night, alongside coach Guus Hiddink and his then assistant Graham Arnold.

Other football royalty to appear throughout the film include Socceroo greats Adrian Alston, Ray Baartz, Alan Davidson, John Kosmina, Alex Tobin, Paul Wade and Charlie Yankos, as well as exclusive interviews with 2005 Uruguayan protagonists Alvaro Recoba and Fabian Carini.

The film features seldom, or, never-before seen content from the night in question, as well as rare archive footage dating back to Australia’s first successful FIFA World Cup qualification in 1973.

‘November 16’ will premiere on the closing day of the inaugural Football Film Festival at Melbourne’s Kino Cinemas this Sunday, 8 November at 4pm. Click here for details.

Thereafter, ‘November 16’ will be broadcast on Fox Sports on the anniversary evening at 9pm, followed by broadcast on SBS on November 18 at 11pm.

November 16 Cast (alphabetical order)

John Aloisi, Adrian Alston, Graham Arnold, Ray Baartz, Mark Bresciano, Tim Cahill, Fabian Carini, Scott Chipperfield, Mike Cockerill, Jason Culina, Alan Davidson, Brett Emerton, Vince Grella, Andy Harper, Guus Hiddink, Simon Hill, Zeljko Kalac, John Kosmina, Paul Okon, Tony Popovic, Alvaro Recoba, Mark Schwarzer, Josip Skoko, Alen Stajcic, Alex Tobin, Tony Vidmar, Paul Wade and Charlie Yankos.

Broadcast Details

Football Film Festival

8 November – 4pm

Kino Cinemas, Melbourne

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Fox Sports

16 November – 9pm

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SBS

18 November – 11pm

Football Federation Australia

Hyundai spoke to Socceroos legend Mark Bresciano about football, representing Australia and driving the all-new Genesis

Former Socceroo Mark Bresciano is considering a farewell stint in the Hyundai A-League as the midfielder ponders shelving retirement plans for another season.

The 35-year-old is set to become a free agent following three seasons with Qatari club Al-Gharafa and has revealed he’s currently weighing up his playing options.

“At the moment, I am finishing now with Al-Gharafa,” Bresciano told beIN Sports.

“My contract is going to come to an end with Al-Gharafa.

“At the moment I’m just going to take my time in the holiday period and reflect just to see what’s going to be my next step, if I’m going to continue to play football or just to quit and see what can be my life after football.”

Bresciano, who moved to the Middle East after spending the majority of his senior career in Italy, would be a coveted signing at home with numerous clubs currently having their Australian marquee spot vacant for the 2015/16 campaign.

Both clubs in Bresciano’s hometown of Melbourne would seemingly be strong contenders with Victory’s Mark Milligan and City’s Josh Kennedy both departing during the off-season.

However the 84-capped Socceroo, who brought the curtains down on his international career after January’s Asian Cup triumph, was clear motivation would be the decisive factor in his final decision.

“I’d consider the A-League as well,” Bresciano said.

“That’s only if I still have that desire to keep playing.

“I don’t want to keep playing for the wrong reasons. I want to just play if I still have that motivation and want to succeed.”

Football Federation Australia

Mark Bresciano is urging fans to get behind the Pararoos.

Socceroo great Mark Bresciano is urging the Australian public to get behind the Pararoos and help them get to next year’s Paralympics in Rio.

Bresciano is an ambassador for the Pararoos and, like many, has been inspired by their story.

It’s been a tumultuous year for the Pararoos program, after the Australian Sports Commission cut their funding $175,000 in 2014.

But thanks to overwhelming public support and a partnership Football Federation Australia (FFA) has struck with the Australian Sports Foundation, the program is back up and running, with the side heading to the UK later this month to compete in the CPRISA World Championships.

“I have always believed that football is the one and only world game. It should be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of race, gender or physical ability,” Bresciano said.

“In Australia the Pararoos have been our national football team for athletes with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury or symptoms resulting from stroke.

“They are an impressive unit of inspiring athletes who are currently ranked 12th in the world.

“Without funding the Pararoos will be unable to continue their program towards the 2016 Paralympic games in Rio and will eventually be forced from the football field entirely.

“Without the Pararoos, Aussie footballers with a disability will be forced to give up the sport they love and give up their sporting dreams.

“I want the Pararoos to succeed. I want the Pararoos to be the future for all Aussie footballers with a disability.”

The side still needs help to help them get to Rio and tax deductible donations can be made to help the team achieve that goal.

“Everyone can donate to the Pararoos, businesses, sponsors, football fans and everyday Australians,” Bresciano said.

“Every dollar raised through the Australian sports foundation will go directly to the Pararoos and every dollar over $2 donated is tax deductible.

“Donating to the Pararoos will not only help the team get to Rio but it will also encourage many aspiring disabled footballers to strive for their dreams.”

Apparel company Nike has already agreed to donate the team’s playing kit (both home and away) for the upcoming World Championships.

You can visit pararoos.com.au to donate now.

Football Federation Australia

Mark Bresciano reveals approach by Italian national team

Socceroos legend Mark Bresciano has revealed he’d all but made up his mind about retiring heading into the Asian Cup while also explaining an approach from Italy to play for the Azzurri.

In a wide-ranging interview on Melbourne radio station SEN on Tuesday evening, Bresciano was his typically self-effacing self as he answered questions on several topics from his retirement, to an Asian Cup Final chat with Ange Postecoglou, his time in Italy’s Serie A and a cheeky approach from then Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni around 2002.

Above all things, Bresciano was keen to emphasise retiring was a decision he’d made by himself and that he hadn’t been pushed.

“I think before I actually went into the Asian Cup I already had that idea that his could be my last tournament, my last camp with the Socceroos,” said Bresciano.

“I did say to myself if we do win it, that’s it, that’s me done because it’s probably the best way I can leave the team and leave on a positive note by winning something with the team.

“So the decision was basically made before entering the camp there in December in Melbourne and since I have made the announcement, no nothing has changed, I’m happy with my decision and I’m sticking by it.

“I wasn’t pushed by anyone,” he added. “The decision was basically made by myself and I just thought it was the right time to do it.

“I would have loved to play on but I did reflect and think about the decision and I think basically if I do continue, individually there’s no purpose for me because I think it was unrealistic for me to say I’d make the next World Cup in 2018.

“So I think it was a good time to leave and let the young boys continue the great journey they’ve started.”

As the Socceroos battled with injuries during a dramatic extra-time Asian Cup Final win over Korea Republic, Bresciano found himself stuck on the bench as an unused substitute in what would be his final appearance in green and gold.

But during the post-match celebrations, Postecoglou made a point of having a quiet chat with the veteran midfielder, one that was caught on camera. Bresciano, though, wasn’t inclined to reveal what was said.

“I think it’s better you ask him,” Bresciano said. “I’m not a person who would … all nice words, there was nothing harsh and it was all positive but I’d prefer if you could ask him, he’d probably tell you what he told me.”

Bresciano revealed it had been a childhood dream to play in Italy’s Serie A, something he did with distinction over a 13-year career that included clubs like Empoli, Parma, Palermo and Lazio.

“There’s not much coverage in Australia regarding the Serie A,” he said. “I used to wake up really early in the morning to watch the Serie A and watch the Italian league. As a little kid, that was a dream.

“Just to know that I’ve played in the Serie A for so many years and in different teams and in good teams and actually done well and just come away thinking, people in Italy still remember me as a player, so it’s just great to hear that.”

Indeed Trapattoni rated Bresciano so highly he made inquiries during 2002 as to the midfielder’s availability for Italy, not realising he’d made his full Socceroos debut in a Confederation’s Cup clash with then World and European champion France.

“Obviously as a player that’s a massive, massive compliment because at the time, probably a lot of people (in Italian football) didn’t know my full background and know that I was part of the Socceroos,” he explained.

“There were times where Trapattoni – he was manager – he tried to get into contact with me to see if i was eligible to play for the national team.

“So back in the day, that was massive for me but my heart would have never run that way. I’ve always – I still feel that I am Australian, bred and born in Australia and I would have never made that decision.”

Source : Football Federation Austrália Website

Mark Bresciano a credit to himself and the Socceroos

February 27, 2015 – 8:18PM

Michael Lynch

Senior sports reporter with The Age

Proud history: Mark Bresciano in 2001, his debut year for the Soccceroos. Photo: Getty Images

Patience, practice, commitment and dedication have been the hallmarks of Mark Bresciano’s career at both club level and in the green and GOLD of Australia. That career continues with his Qatari team Al Gharafa but is over in national colours following the announcement this week that he was retiring from the Socceroos.

The penultimate member of the so-called “golden generation” to quit the international stage – only the freakish Tim Cahill remains – Bresciano’s  quiet dignity, poise and calmness in the most fervent of environments and wonderful talents have made him not just a star but a much-treasured character for those who have followed the national team over the past 14 years.

Others have had a higher profile, played in leagues with more television exposure, signed lucrative marketing deals or ensured their name and face were always right in the media spotlight.

But not Bresciano, or simply “Bresh” as he is known by coaches, players and fans alike. He has always preferred to stay away from the spotlight, keep his own counsel — unless specifically asked in an interview for his views on a particular issue, when he will think carefully before providing a considered opinion — mentor young players  and let his football do the talking for him.

In so many ways, he is the antithesis of the modern star, but he would do it no other way.

It is partly a reflection on his nature, but also a no-fuss strategy he has adopted down the years to leave space for the things that matter in life: his family and his football.

Bresciano’s success has been based on natural talent and hard work.

The boy from Rosanna, in Melbourne’s north-eastern suburbs, always had ability, as he showed when a youngster with Bulleen’s juniors, at Marcellin College and through the junior ranks of the Australian national teams.

He was one of the sparkling trio of teenage talents who emerged at NSL club Carlton in its first season in 1997-98, along with Simon Colosimo and the man who has been a lifelong friend and a colleague in Italy’s Serie A and with the Socceroos, fellow midfielder Vince Grella.

But what characterised his approach as much as his talent – which subsequently took him to Empoli, Parma, Palermo and Lazio, among other clubs – was his application and desire to work hard and make the most of whatever ability he had.

Sean Keogh, a goalkeeper with Bulleen’s senior team in the late 1990s when they were Victorian champions, remembered years later as Bresciano was breaking into the national team, how even as a teenager he would do a full training session then continue running, often back to his Rosanna home.

Eddie Krncevic, himself a great Socceroo goalscorer and one of the pioneering Australians to make it in Europe in the 1970s and 1980s, coached Bresciano when he was coming through at Carlton 17 years ago.

He remembers a similar commitment to continuous self-improvement.

“Bresh had this amazing character. He would come to training early and stay later … There’s no whingeing or complaining from him – he goes out and plays and gives 100 per cent for his club team or the Socceroos,” Krncevic told Fairfax Media in a 2004 interview.

“Every move he makes is a dangerous one. Even when he was a young, developing player he would always have his head up, looking for the next pass even before he received the ball.”

It is that intelligence, positional awareness and game sense that has made Bresciano the player that he is.

John Aloisi scored that penalty in the famous shoot-out against Uruguay in Sydney in November 2005 that took the Socceroos to the World Cup in Germany. But Australia would not have even been in that position had not Bresciano scored arguably the most important goal in his country’s history, the first-half strike that gave Australia a 1-0 win over the South Americans. That goal ensured the two-legged tie finished 1-1 on aggregate and set up the MATCH for that dramatic denouement.

Bresciano will, in international terms, long be remembered for his playing partnership and personal friendship with Grella. The duo came through the ranks of the junior national sides and Carlton, then moved to Italy in tandem where they played together at Empoli and Parma.

Bresciano’s has been one of the longest and most decorated of careers and he will be remembered as one of the nation’s greats.

I covered his first senior appearance for the Socceroos — in Daegu, South Korea, against defending champions France in the 2001 Confederations Cup — and was in Sydney for the Asian Cup final when he was an unused substitute in a game that proved to be his last Socceroo involvement.

Along the way I watched Bresciano play a major role for his country in games in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South America, Asia and Oceania. Everywhere he appeared, he performed with class and dignity and was a credit to himself and his country.

 

Source : The Canberra Times

Mark Bresciano retires from international duty but open to Hyundai A-League return next season

February 25, 2015 – 9:03PM

Sebastian Hassett
Football reporter

The ranks of Australian football’s “golden generation” have thinned again after Mark Bresciano announced his international retirement but a return to the A-League may be his next possible career move.

Bresciano, 35, is on the books of Qatari club Al-Gharafa but his contract expires at the end of the season, at which point the Melbourne-born midfielder – who confirmed he will move home when his playing career is over – will contemplate a switch to the A-League.

While he bows out from the international game on a euphoric high with the Socceroos winning the Asian Cup last month, Bresciano is yet to decide his club future, although he feels he has a “couple more years left”.

“My plans for next season I still haven’t made. I’m going to take some time with my family in Europe – we haven’t had a good holiday together – and I’ll be able to make my decision once I’m relaxed and can reflect on what the future plans will be,” he said from Doha on Wednesday.

“To come back and play in Australia, I would love to, honestly, but it’s not something I’m really ‘hanging’ to do. I wouldn’t come back to just get on the pitch and play and finish my career in the A-League.

“I would want to come back and still be able to perform. It’s going to come down more to how I’m feeling physically and mentally.”

However, Bresciano said the sight of seeing some former Socceroos struggle to keep up with the A-League could weigh on his decision.

“Yes, that’s probably the thing I would worry about,” he said. “I would only come back if I know I’m still capable, still mentally motivated and still fit.”

The veteran playmaker also said he would like to leave the game before his body starts to deteriorate and affect his form.

“I would want to end it in terms where it’s not my body telling me to stop,” he said. “That’s a decision I will make over the break, once the season has finished. To finish off a career, both at club and international level, is hard to do.

“If it’s someone deciding it for you, be it a coach or your body telling you to do it, it’s harder to accept it. If you do it on your own terms, knowing you’re still capable, I think it will be easier for me to finish and leave the game in that way.”

As one of the nation’s greatest players, and arguably its finest all-round technical exponent, Bresciano’s legacy for the national team is reflected in the record books: 84 international caps, three World Cups, two continental titles and 27 under-age caps to his name, dating back to 1997.

In that time he played in a variety of roles in the midfield, spending time as a winger before becoming a free-scoring central midfielder, then shifting into a holding role, before briefly reprising his No.10 role when Tom Rogic succumbed to injury before last year’s World Cup.

He scored 11 of his 13 international goals between 2003 and 2008, including the effort that sent the famous 2005 World Cup qualifier against Uruguay to a penalty shootout and a spectacular volley against Bahrain in an Asian Cup qualifier in 2006.

Unsurprisingly, it is that goal against the Uruguayans that makes for Bresciano’s most cherished international moment.

“But now best achievement would be being part of the Asian Cup and being the champions of Asia,” he said. “And to make it more of a bonus, it happened on home soil.”

Bresciano only played one game during January’s triumph but was widely lauded for mentoring the side’s up-and-coming players, whose development made retirement somewhat easier.

“The [retirement] decision I probably made before the Asian Cup actually started. I thought that was going to be my last major tournament that I could probably participate in at my full potential,” he said.

“I was hoping that we could win and finish off on a high and that’s exactly what happened. I’m very happy with the way things went but I’m sad to announce it because I’ve been part of it for so long and it’s almost like family.”

FFA chief executive David Gallop hailed Bresciano as being “right up there” among the nation’s greatest Socceroos and suggested the governing body would look to find a way to honour Bresciano, perhaps in conjunction with the 10-year anniversary of the win over Uruguay.

“We would like to do something for “Bresh” and a number of other players that have retired recently,” Gallop said. “That qualification was such a pivotal moment for Australian football and it would be fitting to have something to mark such a major milestone.”

 

Source : The Canberra Times

Mark Bresciano retires from international football

Socceroo legend Mark Bresciano today announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on an international career that places him in the upper echelon of Australia’s greatest-ever football players.
Bresciano made 84 appearances in ‘A’ internationals for the Socceroos, scored 13 goals and played in three World Cups (2006, 2010 and 2014), two Asian Cups (2007 and 2015) two FIFA Confederation Cups (2001 and 2005) and the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

The 35-year-old made his debut for the Socceroos in the historic 1-0 victory over reigning World Cup Champions France at the 2001 Confederations Cup in Daegu and finished his career by playing a significant role in Australia’s glorious 2015 Asian Cup campaign.

He will forever be remembered as Australia’s goalscorer in the 1-0 victory over Uruguay at Stadium Australia in 2005, which catapulted Australia to its second World Cup in 2006 following extra time and a penalty shoot out.

Bresciano’s career started in Melbourne when he played for Bulleen Veneto before a year at the AIS and two seasons with Carlton in the National Soccer League prepared him for a 12-year stint in Italy. He will continue to play club football, where he is still at the top of his game in Qatar.

Bresciano made the decision to retire from international football over the weekend after a period of reflection following Australia’s 2015 AFC Asian Cup triumph, calling Socceroos Head Coach Ange Postecoglou to deliver the news.

“It is with an element of sadness but a lot of pride that I have decided to retire from the Socceroos,” Bresciano said. “Playing for my country in the sport I love has been an amazing experience and something I have cherished but never taken for granted.

“I have been fortunate enough to wear the Socceroo shirt at every major football tournament, meet some tremendous people, shared the highs and lows with some great players, and capped it all off by helping us win the 2015 Asian Cup.

“It has been an unforgettable journey with a lot of positive memories but I feel it is time to let this fantastic group of young players continue to take the Socceroos forward.”

Mark Bresciano

Born:                        11 February 1980 in Melbourne

Junior Club:         Bulleen Veneto

National Team Career statistics

1996                 Australian Schoolboy International

1997                 FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign qualifiers

1999                 FIFA U-20 World Cup (Nigeria)

2000                 Olympic Games (Sydney)

Socceroo career – 84 appearances (13 goals) [2001–2015]

2001 FRANCE, KOREA REPUBLIC, JAPAN, BRAZIL, NZ, FRANCE

2003 ENGLAND, IRELAND, JAMAICA (1 gl)

2004 VENEZUELA, SOUTH AFRICA (1 gl), TURKEY (1 gl), TURKEY, NEW ZEALAND (1 gl), NORWAY

2005 SOUTH AFRICA, IRAQ (1 gl), SOLOMONS, SOLOMONS, JAMAICA (1 gl), URUGUAY, URUGUAY (1 gl)

2006 GREECE, NETHERLANDS, JAPAN, BRAZIL, CROATIA, ITALY, PARAGUAY, BAHRAIN (1 gl), GHANA

2007 CHINA (1 gl), SINGAPORE, OMAN, IRAQ, THAILAND, JAPAN, ARGENTINA

2008 QATAR (1 gl), CHINA, IRAQ, QATAR, SOUTH AFRICA, NETHERLANDS, UZBEKISTAN, BAHRAIN (1 gl)

2009 JAPAN, UZBEKISTAN, QATAR, IRELAND, KOREA REPUBLIC, OMAN

2010 NEW ZEALAND, DENMARK, UNITED STATES, GHANA, SERBIA

2012 SAUDI ARABIA, DENMARK, OMAN, JAPAN, SCOTLAND (1 gl), LEBANON, JORDAN

2013 ROMANIA, OMAN, JAPAN, JORDAN (1 gl), IRAQ, BRAZIL, FRANCE, CANADA, COSTA RICA

2014 CROATIA, CHILE, NETHERLANDS, SPAIN, BELGIUM, SAUDI ARABIA, QATAR, JAPAN

2015 KUWAIT, OMAN, CHINA

 

Source : Football Federation Australia Website

David Gallop and Ange Postecoglou laud Mark Bresciano

Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO David Gallop and Socceroos Head Coach Ange Postecoglou have both described Mark Bresciano as a “great” of Australian football, following his decision to retire from international football.
Postecoglou paid tribute to Bresciano for his stellar career but also the enormous role he played in helping regenerate the Socceroos over the last 16 months, culminating in claiming the 2015 Asian Cup.

“Mark’s career as an international footballer speaks for itself and places him right up there when we talk about the greats of our game,” Postecoglou said.

“His career statistics, milestones, highlights and performances in the Socceroo shirt are of the highest order and he retires from the Socceroos a true legend of our sport.

“Mark played a major part in filling the leadership vacuum in the Socceroos and was a tremendous leader of the squad and mentor to the young players who have been able to take significant steps forward over the last 14 months thanks to his professionalism and guidance.

“Along with Mile Jedinak and Tim Cahill, his contribution in a leadership position has been immense. ‘Bresh’ took on his role and responsibilities without changing who he is and how he goes about his business as a footballer.

“He leads by actions and he showed the equally unassuming but driven young players like Massimo Luongo and Trent Sainsbury how to make an impact on international football by working hard and staying true to what allowed them to get into the Socceroos shirt.

“Even during the Asian Cup when he would have liked more game time his attitude and professionalism within the group played an enormous part in the culture and spirit that drove us to be crowned Asian Champions.”

Gallop congratulated Bresciano on his contribution to Australian Football and declared FFA would work with Bresciano on an appropriate public celebration of his career.

“Australian Football has a long and rich tradition around the Socceroos and Mark Bresciano retires from the international arena amongst our greats,” Gallop said. “His on-field career has seen him excel on the biggest stages in world football but it is his unassuming nature and pursuit of excellence that is a testament to Mark Bresciano.

“He still continues to be a good ambassador for our game through his club football overseas and we will work with Mark to ensure he receives an appropriate public celebration when he returns to Australia.”

 

 

Source : Football Federation Australia Website

Aussies abroad update – Mathew Leckie and Mark Bresciano

Socceroos Mathew Leckie and Mark Bresciano were on target for their club sides this weekend, while Mile Jedinak will have to wait another week to make his return in the EPL.

 

UK

Mile Jedinak was an unused substitute in Crystal Palace’s 2-1 loss at home to Arsenal.

In the Championship, Adam Federici helped Reading keep a clean sheet in a 1-0 win away to Ipswich Town.

Bailey Wright played the full game and Neil Kilkenny came on for the final 13 minutes as Preston North End defeated Scunthorpe United 2-0 at home in League One. Alex Cisak and Shane Lowry completed 90 minutes for Leyton Orient in a 3-0 win at home to Oldham Athletic.

James Meredith started and finished the game for Bradford City in a 1-1 draw at home to Walsall.

Ryan McGowan was unable to prevent Dundee United from going down 2-0 at home to St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership.

Jackson Irvine played the full game and Cameron Burgess was an unused substitute in Ross County’s 3-1 win at Partick Thistle.

Europe

James Holland played a full game as Austria Wien defeated Rheindorf Altach 5-2 at home.

In the Belgian Pro League, James Troisi was subbed off in the 91st minute of Zulte Waregem’s 2-2 draw away to Cercle Brugge.

Mitch Langerak was an unused substitute in Borussia Dortmund’s 3-2 Bundesliga win away to Stuttgart.

In the 2. Bundesliga, Mathew Leckie scored the equaliser for Ingolstadt in a 1-1 draw away to Aalen.

Tommy Oar was taken off in the 57th minute of Utrecht’s 1-1 draw at Heracles. Also in the Eredivisie, Eli Babalj came off in the 84th minute and Trent Sainsbury was an unused substitute as PEC Zwolle went down 3-2 at ADO Den Haag.

Aziz Behich helped 10-man Bursaspor to a 1-1 draw at home to Rizespor in the Turkish Super Lig.

Asia

Mark Bresciano scored from the penalty spot before coming off in the 57th minute of Al Gharafa’s 3-3 draw with Al Sailiya in Qatar’s Stars League.

 

Source : Football Federation Australia Website

Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory: 3 key match ups

There have been some epic battles between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory over 10 seasons and Saturday night’s clash at Allianz Stadium promises more of the same from the two in-form powerhouses.

ARTICLE: Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory: Who will win?

Both sides have designs on winning the championship and a win this weekend would be a crucial step in helping realise that.

We look at the crucial match-ups around the park that could determine who comes out on top in this battle between two of the competition’s fiercest rivals.

Seb Ryall v Besart Berisha

There is bound to be fireworks at some point between these two fiery characters.

Ryall often saves his best for games against his former club and he will need to have one of those trademark big games again on Saturday as the prolific Berisha comes to town.

Sydney FC’s defensive depth is about to be tested with both first-choice centre-backs Jacques Faty and Nikola Petkovic to miss this one through suspension.

Therefore the return of Ryall from injury comes at the perfect time for Sky Blues coach Graham Arnold.

Berisha has a great record against Sydney FC and has a big appetite for delivering in big games, scoring one and setting up another in the 3-0 demolition of neighbours Melbourne City last weekend.

Terry Antonis v Mark Milligan

Members of the Socceroos’ successful Asian Cup squad, these two will now play key roles to their sides hopes not only in this clash but for the rest of the campaign.

Milligan has missed Victory’s last six games (due to suspension and Asian Cup duty) and while Kevin Muscat’s side have still performed well, his return given them an even stronger dimension.

Ironically, Milligan’s last A-League game was against Sydney FC, copping a ban for a stray elbow on Antonis.

While Antonis didn’t get any game time during the Asian Cup, he would have benefitted from training in that environment every day with the likes of Mark Bresciano, Mile Jedinak, Massimo Luongo and – of course – Milligan.

Both players have different strengths but are the ones that make their side tick and set the tempo. Antonis will look to dominate with his smart runs and range of passing while Milligan’s work-rate, passing, communication and defensive strength is his greatest asset.

It will be an intriguing battle in the middle of the park.

There have been some epic battles between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory over 10 seasons and Saturday night’s clash at Allianz Stadium promises more of the same from the two in-form powerhouses.

ARTICLE: Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory: Who will win?

Both sides have designs on winning the championship and a win this weekend would be a crucial step in helping realise that.

We look at the crucial match-ups around the park that could determine who comes out on top in this battle between two of the competition’s fiercest rivals.

Seb Ryall v Besart Berisha

There is bound to be fireworks at some point between these two fiery characters.

Ryall often saves his best for games against his former club and he will need to have one of those trademark big games again on Saturday as the prolific Berisha comes to town.

Sydney FC’s defensive depth is about to be tested with both first-choice centre-backs Jacques Faty and Nikola Petkovic to miss this one through suspension.

Therefore the return of Ryall from injury comes at the perfect time for Sky Blues coach Graham Arnold.

Berisha has a great record against Sydney FC and has a big appetite for delivering in big games, scoring one and setting up another in the 3-0 demolition of neighbours Melbourne City last weekend.

 

Terry Antonis v Mark Milligan

Members of the Socceroos’ successful Asian Cup squad, these two will now play key roles to their sides hopes not only in this clash but for the rest of the campaign.

Milligan has missed Victory’s last six games (due to suspension and Asian Cup duty) and while Kevin Muscat’s side have still performed well, his return given them an even stronger dimension.

Ironically, Milligan’s last A-League game was against Sydney FC, copping a ban for a stray elbow on Antonis.

While Antonis didn’t get any game time during the Asian Cup, he would have benefitted from training in that environment every day with the likes of Mark Bresciano, Mile Jedinak, Massimo Luongo and – of course – Milligan.

Both players have different strengths but are the ones that make their side tick and set the tempo. Antonis will look to dominate with his smart runs and range of passing while Milligan’s work-rate, passing, communication and defensive strength is his greatest asset.

It will be an intriguing battle in the middle of the park.

Source : Football Federation Australia Website