www.goalweekly.com $3 INSIDE THIS WEEK... DUE TO THE VICTORY POSTER FOOTBALL FEATURE EASTER BREAK ON BRANDON VASSALLO FOOTBALL FOCUS ON Season 4: Issue 6 Monday 17th March 2008 EAGLES’ RICHIE CARDOZO GOAL! WEEKLY Supporting all colours and reporting in black and white WILL NEXT BE Photo: Nome Risteski AVAILABLE ON MONDAY 31ST MARCH.

WISHING ALL OUR CHAMPS FIND READERS A SAFE THEIR ROAR! & HAPPY EASTER. PLUS► ALL THE LATEST FOXTEL CUP ACTION, BLAST FROM THE PAST, WIN YET ANOTHER PAIR OF PUMA BOOTS & HEAPS MORE!

PO Box 142 Port 3207 p (03) 9645 1440 e [email protected] www.goalweekly.com Goal! Weekly 23

GET REAL.

GET SOME BALLS.

Front row: , , , Kevin (C), Steve Pantelidis.

Back row: Billy Celeski, Danny Allsopp, Roddy Vargas, Michael Theoklitos, Nick Ward, Adrian Caceres.

GET SOME A crowd of 23, 656 cheered the home side to a 2-0 win. and Rodrigo Vargas were the scorers.

GOAL! WEEKLY Nike sponsors the Socceroos & Matildas The Victory lines up prior to its inaugural AFC clash against Korea’s Chunnam Dragons at Telstra Dome last Wednesday night. Nike is the offi cial ball of the A-League EVERY MONDAY. Nike has a range of football strips and balls available for juniors & seniors

Ask your local Nike stockist for details

PO Box 142 HOW TO ORDER Port Melbourne 3207 To find out your nearest p (03) 9645 1440 Nike Team Wear Dealer call e [email protected] MELBOURNE VICTORY www.goalweekly.com 1300 656 453 Orders not available from Nike Photo: Daniel Flis direct to public and must go through a registered Nike Stockist.

Issue # 6 Monday 17 March 2008 Goal! Weekly SOCCERSOCCER HOTLINESHOTLINES 3 [email protected] SOCCEROO SQUAD NAMED This week’s line-up Soccer Hotlines 3 Verbeek keeps options open Qantas Socceroos coach has Foxtel Cup Scoreboard 4 “It is vital to win your matches at Scott McDonald (Celtic, Scotland), once again kept his options open while home and China know this which is why they (West Ham, ), Mark Coburg v Lions 5 naming his squad for the vital 2010 FIFA have been preparing themselves in Kunming Schwarzer (Middlesbrough, England), World Cup qualifi er to be played against Pines v Knights 6 since 1 March.” (Derby County, China in Kunming on 26 March. The squad will be fi nalised England), (Newcastle, Bergers v Cavaliers 7 A squad of 21 players was following Australia’s international match England), (Grosseto, Italy), announced but Verbeek has indicated that Zebras v Blues Preview 9 against at their National Stadium (Twente, ). not all of those players were guaranteed to on Saturday 22 March. Blast From The Past 11 be called up and some others may also be The matches against China and added. Eagles v Magic 12 Singapore will be shown live and exclusive “We have placed a large group of on . Cannons v Suburbs 12 players on notice that they could be called up for the match,” said Verbeek. Football Focus 14 MATCH DETAILS “Some of those players may not Football Feature 15 end up being included in the fi nal squad and 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifi er also players from the team that play against Boo & Katsa 17 China v Australia Singapore could also be added.” Wednesday 26 March 2008 Interstate Football 18 “With the short time difference Tuodong Stadium. Kunming between playing for the clubs in Win a pair of Puma boots 20 and the match we need to have options open PROVISIONAL Tartan Talk 22 for us if players become unavailable due to SOCCEROOS SQUAD injury.” Victory Poster 23 Earlier this week the squad to play (Nuremburg, Singapore at their National Stadium four ), (Palermo, Goal! Weekly is published every Monday by Alimental Enterprises Pty Ltd days before the qualifi er against China was Italy), (Unirea Valahorum, PO Box 142 selected and featured all Hyundai A-League Romania), (Everton, Port Melbourne, VIC, 3207 players. An impressive performance in that England), (Bristol City, Socceroo coach Pim Verbeek isn’t prepared Phone: 9645-1440 match could see those players added to squad England), (Sheffi eld to show his hand just yet when announcing to travel to Kunming. United, England), Printed by the fi nal squad for the tricky World Cup Streamline Press Australia got off to a great start (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands), Brett 155 Johstone St to their 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying Emerton (Blackburn, England), Adam qualifi er against China later this month. Fitzroy, VIC, 3065 campaign with a 3-0 home win against Federici (Reading, England), Vincenzo Distributed by last month but Verbeek knows this will be a Grella (Torino, Italy), All Day Distribution Pty Ltd tougher challenge. (NEC Nijmegen, Netherlands), Josh PO Box 42 “China will be desperate to win Kennedy (Karlsruhe, Germany), Harry North Carlton, VIC, 3054 because they had a draw in their fi rst Kewell (Liverpool, England), Patrick News Room: (03) 9645-1440 match.” Kisnorbo (Leicester City, England), Advertising: (03) 9645-1440

[email protected] [email protected] www.goalweekly.com KEWELL’S POOL OF TEARS? Editor: Costa Koutropoulos Art Director: Carlos Ibarra Harry’s Liverpool future in doubt Production: Gagandeep Singh, MJ Ali. has been told by Liverpool Liverpool face bitter rivals Manchester Contributors: manager Rafael Benitez that he faces an United at Old Trafford in the , Nat Adamopoulos, Mark Boric, Richard Bartolo, uphill battle to land a new contract at Benitez said the Socceroo’s prospects of Adrian Ceddia, Bruce Darnell, George Egonidis, Anfi eld. earning a new deal at Anfi eld were not Andrew Fisher, Jason Gillick, Steven Gray, Australia international Kewell, 29, healthy. Roy Hay, Markian Jaworsky, Paul Jefferies, George Katsamboukas, Eddie Krncevic, becomes a free agent at the end of the current “Harry will go with Australia John Kyrou, Sebastian Kipman, Premier League season and no talks have yet because he is not playing in the team at George Kouroumalis, Michael Lilikakis, taken place to discuss new terms that would Liverpool at the moment and I have one or Josip Loncaric, Craig MacKenzie, Joe Novella,Jeremy O’Neil, Teo Pellizzeri, keep the former Leeds United forward on two other options for his position,” Benitez Chris Priftis, Walter Pless, Julius Ross, Merseyside. explained. Mike Salter, George Stogiannou, The injury-ravaged has made “It is better for him that he goes Reuben Schembri, Richard Sucksmith, just 93 league appearances for Liverpool because sometimes it can be positive for Lachlan Taylor, Nick Townsend, Elias Simopoulos, Michal Skrodsky, Addy Wetzler, Bruno Zovko, since arriving from Leeds in July 2003 for players to play for their national team, 5 million pounds (10 million US dollars) especially if they have not been playing Photographers: and has so far only been able to muster 15 many games. Daniel Flis, Darryl Kennedy, appearances in all competitions this season. “It is more diffi cult for Harry to get John Punshon, Steve Starek. Therese Duffy, George Stogiannou. His failure to secure a regular place a contract now, but if he plays well when he in Benitez’s team has prompted Kewell to comes back, then we can decide at the end of Goal! Weekly endeavours to be seek permission from the Spaniard to link up the season.” as accurate as possible with with Pim Verbeek’s Socceroos squad for next Liverpool, who have been drawn everything it publishes. week’s training camp in Singapore ahead of against Premier League leaders Arsenal, Liverpool´s Australian Harry Kewell, seen The Fair Trading Act 1999 the World Cup qualifi er against China in whom they trail by 10 points in the table, in here in January 2008, has been told by requires Goal! Weekly to Kunming on March 26. the Champions League quarter-fi nals, were Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez that he disclaim any belief in the truth or falsity of And after giving Kewell the green at home to relegation-threatened Reading information which is supplied to it and faces an uphill battle to land a new contract which is published in other than editorial content. light to jet out to the Far East just days before on Saturday. at Anfi eld.

Authentic EPL Strips - Accessories - Balls - Team Apparel - Complete Soccer Gear

69 Parade Collingwood 3066 Tel: 9415 6925 / 9415 6926

Monday 17 March 2008 4 FOXTEL CUP Goal! Weekly Scoreboard

FOXTEL CUP STANDINGS UPCOMING FIXTURES

Richmond v Melbourne Knights Fri 29 Feb KO 8:15PM Frankston Pines v Preston Lions Monterey Reserve Sat 1 Mar KO 6:00PM Coburg Utd v Oakleigh Cannons Knights Stadium Sat 1 Mar KO 6:00PM Heidelberg Utd v A.I.S Olympic Village Sun 2 Mar KO 5:00PM Fawkner Blues v Altona Magic CB Smith Reserve Sun 2 Mar KO 6:00PM P W D L F A PTS ROUND 10 Richmond Eagles 5 3 2 0 15 4 11 Fawkner Blues v Melbourne Knights 5 3 2 0 10 4 11 Oakleigh Cannons CB Smith Reserve Oakleigh Cannons 5 3 2 0 5 2 11 Mon 24 Mar KO 3:00PM A.I.S 4 3 1 0 11 5 10 Altona Magic 5 2 3 0 7 4 9 ROUND 5 Preston Lions 5 2 2 1 9 9 8 South Melbourne v Green Gully Cavaliers 5 2 2 1 4 4 8 A.I.S Bob Jane Stadium Coburg Utd 5 2 1 2 8 8 7 Mon 24 Mar KO 4:00PM Heidelberg Utd 5 1 3 1 6 6 6 South Melbourne 4 1 0 3 7 5 3 ROUND 6 Western Suburbs 5 1 0 4 1 11 3 A.I.S v Frankston Pines 5 0 1 4 4 9 1 Oakleigh Cannons To Be Confi rmed Whittlesea Zebras* 4 0 1 3 3 9 1 Sat 29 Mar Fawkner Blues* 4 0 0 4 2 12 0 Altona Magic v RESULTS THE TOP MARKSMEN Whittlesea Zebras

Player, Club Goals Paisley Park Oakleigh Cannons 1 - 0 Western Suburbs Richmond Eagles 1 - 1 Altona Magic Curcija, Michael Sat 29 Mar KO 7:30PM Altona Magic SC 6 Frankston Pines 0 - 2 Melbourne Knights Naidovski, Jason Coburg United 1 - 4 Preston Lions A.I.S 6 Fawkner Blues v Heidelberg United 2 - 2 Green Gully Cavaliers Cardozo, Pablo Frankston Pines Whittlesea Zebras Playing tonight* Fawkner Blues Richmond SC 5 CB Smith Reserve Catalano, Michael Richmond SC 4 UNDER 21 DETAILS Sun 30 Mar KO 3:00PM Josifovski, Alexander Richmond 2 Altona Magic 1, Oakleigh Cannons 1 Western Suburbs 1, Coburg Utd 0 Coburg United FC 4 Preston Lions 1, Frankston PinesGET 2 Melbourne SOME Knights 0, Heidelberg Utd 0 Green Gully Cavaliers 1 Cardozo, Richard Preston Lions v BALLS. Richmond SC 3 South Melbourne P W D L F A PT Richmond 5 5 0 0 18 5 15 Danning, Kofi D A.I.S 3 BT Connor Reserve Green Gully CavaliersGET SOME 5 4 0 1 11 2 12 Coburg Utd 5 3 0 2 7 5 9 De Moraes, Fernando Sun 30 Mar KO 3:00PM Melbourne KnightsGOAL! WEEKLY 5 2 1 2 6 11 7 South Melbourne FC 3 Oakleigh Cannons 5 1 3 1 6 4 6 Preston Lions EVERY MONDAY. 5 2 0 3 5 8 6 Gasparis, Marino D South Melbourne 4 1 2 1 5 5 5 Preston Lions SC 3 Western Suburbs v V.I.S 4 1 2 1 5 6 5 Frankston Pines GET 5IT? 1 2 2 3 7 5 Sterjovski, Tony Richmond Whittlesea Zebras 4 1 1 2 5 6 4 Preston Lions SC 3 Heidelberg Utd 5 1 1 3 8 12 4 Ralph Reserve Altona Magic 5 1 0 4 5 8 3 Sun 30 Mar KO 3:00PM * Fawkner Blues 4 1 1 1 2 4 1 * Western Suburbs 5 1 1 2 3 6 1

*Deducted 3 pts.PO Box 142 Port Melbourne 3207 p (03) 9645 1440 e [email protected] www.goalweekly.com Green Gully Cavaliers v Coburg Utd Sun 30 Mar KO 5:00PM

Melbourne Knights v Heidelberg Utd Knights Stadium Sun 30 Mar KO 6:00PM

Issue # 6 Goal! Weekly FOXTEL CUP 5 Round 5

COBURG UNITED AWESOME 1 - 4 FOURSOME PRESTON LIONS Lions rattle ten man Coburg The Preston Lions got their championship mark, when Sterjovski delivered a superb midfi eld to combine with Brett Gilmour and upfront. Gasparis fi nished the play with a defence back on track with a 4 -1 victory ball through midfi eld to split Coburg’s set up Andrew Vlahos inside the box that cracking half volley from the edge of the over a ten men Coburg United at Knights defence and present Sapazovski an open by-passed Acevski with a low strike from right hand side of the box, to defy Herosin Stadium. shot on goal from six yards. Sapazovski’s twelve yards. on the near post and register his second goal resulting shot was saved by United’s keeper in style for the evening. A second half double to Marino Gasparis, Adam Herosin, instinctively using his feet to In the seventieth minute, Coburg again plus goals to John Sapazovski and Tony clear the attack. trailed when Lions midfi elder Ricky Chillico Finishing 4-1 winners and running over a Sterjovski were enough to defeat a gallant was fouled in the Coburg box. Match referee defi ant ten men Coburg, Preston produced Coburg outfi t that played the entire second Coburg nearly clinched the lead moments Senko Rastocic had no hesitation in awarding their best result for the season thus far, with half a man down due to Ross Thompson later when Alexander Josifovski’s cross a penalty which Sterjovski duly converted their second half performance showing being sent off moments before half time. was agonisingly close to connecting to an on the spot, although Herosin did get a touch glimpses of their championship form which unmarked Andy Vlahos on the far post. on the powerfully struck ball. had deserted them in previous rounds. Coburg Ironically, it was the villain Thompson, who However, their momentum was derailed in coach was unavailable for nearly turned hero for Coburg in the game’s the fortieth minute when Thompson collected Preston soon had a two goal cushion over comment, but his Preston counterpart Goran opening passage of play. Thompson latched two yellow cards in the space of minutes. Coburg when Sterjovski again broke free Lozanovski was naturally happy with the onto a ball thirty yards from the Preston Although square on the scoreboard at half along the left fl ank and this time his cross result, stating “I was happy to take a 1-0 goal and the strike beat Lions keeper Lupce time, the advantage rested with Preston and was fi nished by Marino Gasparis from win when we hit the lead. However, when Acevski, but not the woodwork. Coburg the Lions fully capitalised on the situation in close range on the back post. Minutes later, Coburg pinched a goal back, I thought they should have opened their account in the the sixtieth minute, with Sterjovski making Coburg came close to pegging a goal back started to look more dangerous than us and third minute when an Anthony Magnacca a run along the left wing and fi ring in a cross when Vlahos’s cross gave new substitute the pleasing things for me out of this match free kick found Brett Gilmour on the six which Sapazovski fi nished on his right boot Nicholas Harrhy a free header which sailed are we stepped up again when the pressure yard box, only for Gilmour to send his free in the middle of the six yard box. over the bar. Preston punished Coburg’s was on, took the game to another level and header over the bar. inability to fi nish their chances and sealed all scored four goals, a fi rst for us this season.” Preston’s lead was cancelled within the space three points when defender Les Anastasiou Contrary to Coburg’s explosive start, Preston of minutes, when former Lion Anthony delivered a perfectly weighted long ball Match Details: created their best chance on the half hour Magnacca weaved his magic through along the right fl ank to fi nd a solo Gasparis Coburg: A. Herosin, P. Tigy (D. Rocco 70’), S. Pir, A. Josifovski, A. Vlahos, R. Thompson, A. Magnacca, B. Gilmour, E. Garcia (N. Harrhy 65’), S. Kovacevic (A. Gurpinhar 75’), M. Mustafa(c).

Scorers: A. Vlahos (62’).

Yellow cards: S. Kovacevic 32’, R. Thompson 40’, 41’, B. Gilmour 43’, A. Vlahos 73’ Red cards: R. Thompson 41’

Preston: L. Acevski, S. Masalkovski, L. Anastasiou, V. Pittito, F. Catalano (R. Chillico 65’), M. Miskas (N. Schwal 10’), M. Gasparis, T. Sterjovski, B. Georgioski (W. Spiteri 70’), I. Kolevski, J. Sapazovski.

Scorers: J. Sapazovski (60’), T.Sterjovski (70’), M. Gasparis (77’, 85’).

Yellow Cards: B. Georgioski 50’, J. Sapazovski 60’, T. Sterjovski 85’ Red Cards: None

Man of the Match: Marino Gasparis (Preston Lions)

Crowd: 1000 Venue: Knights Stadium

The sky’s the limit! Tony Sterjovski puts the Lions ahead for the second time in the match against Coburg after converting a penalty and By Simon McCuskey notching his third goal of the season. Bottom of the ladder after Round One, the Lions haven’t lost since and are Photos by Nome Risteski now knocking on the door of the Top Six.

For Professional Football Advice Visit “The Soccer Specialists” and Former Socceroos Equipment Needs TEAM & at Team Sports United Wide Selection of Boots Merchandise Genuine Replica Shirts SPORTS Posters & Key-Rings Goalkeeper Accessories UNITED Trophies Made to Order “Your One Stop Soccer Shop” Licensed Balls Shop 4/119 Lonsdale Street Dandenong VIC 3175 P:9792 5022 E:[email protected]

Monday 17 March 2008 6 FOXTEL CUP Goal! Weekly Round 5 FRANKSTON PINES KNIGHTS CHOP 0 - 2 DOWN PINES MELBOURNE KNIGHTS Pines no match as Knights impress Goals either side of half-time hold of the match, a good cross from Pelikan just went wide of the post and a refl ex save Spiteri, Petrevski. secured a vital 2-0 for the Melbourne just missed the head of a diving Franjic. from Roganovic to deny Pelikan. Knights against the Frankston Pines However the away side did take the lead Cautions: Milardovic (1’) ,in sweltering conditions at Monterry right on the stroke of half time. Petrevski The win moves the Knights level Reserve. found some space on the left wing, cut his on points with leaders Richmond, as they Goals: Timmonds (45’), Spiteri (52’) The Knights made one change run into the box and found Matkovic, who welcome Heidelberg to Knights Stadium to the team that defeated the Zebra’s, with laid it off for Timmonds to turn and poke the after Easter, and the Pines must improve Man of the Match: match winner Dario Matkovic coming in for ball into the bottom of the corner from just if they are to salvage anything this season, James Timmonds the injured . While the Pine inside the box. they face Fawkner at CB Smith Reserve in (Melbourne Knights) welcomed back captain Cameron Leopold. Frankston found themselves a fortnight. The away side started brightly and in trouble early in the second half, as some created their fi rst chance within 15seconds, poor defending allowed Kiratzogolou to MATCH STATS as Spiteri found space down the left, lay off a pass to the unmarked Spiteri, who Shots: Frankston 5 Knights 18 however his shot was well blocked. The fi nished superbly to make it 2-0 in the 52nd On Target: Frankston 1 Knights 6 height of Esala Masi and Nicholas Waite was minute, and effectively kill off any chance of Corners: Frankston 4 Knights 5 By Andrew Fisher the biggest threat from the Pines, in the 5th a Frankston fi ght back. Photo by Darryl Kennedy minute Masi laid off his header for Leopold The home side lacked creativity Crowd: 400 @ Monterry Reserve. who fl ashed his shot wide. going forward and consistently played the Matkovic had a chance to repeat his long ball, looking for the tall men up front. As FRANKSTON LINE UP: Roganovic, heroics of last week, when some slick passing the Knights looked comfortable sitting back Duckworth, Malcolm, Trebbia, Smart, moves from the Knights found the winger on and hitting the Pines on the break. The best Masi, Leopold, Waite, Black, Ovcin, Jones the left, but his run and shot smashed into chance for the Pine came in the 56th minute the side netting. The hot weather and poor when a snap shot from Masi was easily saved Cautions: Trebbia (47’) state of the pitch resulted in a scrappy affair, by Ozdemir. This would be Frankston’s only Knights captain Milardovic fell victim to the shot on target for the game. MELBOURNE KNIGHTS LINE UP: pitch when an awkward fall forced him off Chances to extend the lead came and went Ozdemir, Iosifi dis, Milardovic (Kiratzoglou the in the 25th minute. for the Knights, with the most notable a 25’), Grbesa, Franjic, Matkovic (Kuna The Knights began to take a strangle Petrevski one-on-one with the keeper, which 78’), Timmons, Pelikan (Zahra 86), Elvin,

Melbourne Knights striker (No. 9) shows plenty of courage as he attempts to meet a corner against two defenders from Frankston Pines. The Peninsula side kept Spiteri at bay on this occasion, but Spiteri later sealed the match in the Knights’ favour and now move into equal top position in the Foxtel Cup standings.

Issue # 6 Goal! Weekly FOXTEL CUP 7 Round 5 HEIDELBERG UNITED GULLY GETS 2 - 2 OUT OF JAIL GREEN GULLY CAVALIERS Bergers unable to hold lead again In a game of two extremely differing Scottish Midfi elder John Adam, Gully’s top courtesy of a goal from . 11 John Adam halves, the Green Gully Cavaliers did scorer so far this season, was substituted 14 Ryan Ollerton an “Iran” on the Heidelberg Warriors at just 15 minutes into the match for Bosnian Heidelberg 15 Dragi Nastevski Olympic Village this evening. Kristijan Ivesic. 25 Marko Sutalo 16 Mile Medjedovic Green Gully had barely gotten out In the second half, Green Gully 3 Daniel Jones 17 Andy Vargas of their own half in the fi rst fi fteen minutes turned the game on its head. Kristijan Ivesic 5 Robert Liparoti ------of the match, Heidleberg had already hit the was the spark, he ran at at goal like it was 6 Eric Vassiliadis 00 Patric Ndongo post, pushed Gully keeper Steven Tilovski to water and he had caught fi re. 10 Graham Hockless 2 Kristijan Ivesic full stretch, scored a goal as Mark Tsiorlas Just fi ve minutes into the second 4 Tony Ouliaris 6 Kole Delev split the Gully defense in two and pushed half, Ivesic capitalised on a Warriors 7 Josip Kozic 12 Matthew Sanders the ball past Tilovski and were awarded a defensive blunder, Warriors goalkeeper 9 Mark Tsiorlas 18 Joel Nikolic penalty which Steve Tilovski had saved. Marko Sutalo had the kicked from his hands 20 Dennis Allilavic The visitors had only stopped to by his own defender, and Ivesic put the ball 11 Jimmy Drossos Heidelberg 2 take a breathe, when Daniel Jones scored a into the back of the net off the goalpost. 2 Peter Roberts (Mark Tsiorlas, Daniel Jones) cracking header from just inside the Gully Kristijan Ivesic came close on two ------Green Gully 2 area, the ball looping over the Gully keeper more occasions shortly after his goal, but 8 Saso Alexovski (Kristijan Ivesic, Joel Nikolic) Tilovski. had put the ball just high and wide of the 14 Amir Amich The Cavaliers went into the Heidelberg goal both times. 16 Jammell Aimal Man of the Match: halftime break, not only trailing by two In the end, it was another GK Costa Dimitropolous Steven Tilovski goals, perhaps fortunate not to be further substitute, and Gully’s top scorer last year, 12 James Stefano (Green Gully) down, by were on the receiving end from Joel Nikolic who volleyed a long ball into their coach Ian Dobson, who after the match the Heidlberg goal to level to the score. Green Gully Crowd: 1000 admitted that the fi rst half was perhaps the With 20 minutes to play, Heidleberg 23 Steven Tilovski Venue: Olympic Village most disappointing he could remember had hit the panic button, using up all of their 3 Steven Burton whilst being coach of Green Gully. substitutions for defensive players, and in 4 Dean Fak The Cavaliers had been the end could have easily conceded another 7 Jeffrey Fleming By Markian Jaworsky overwhelmed in midfi eld and the defense goal. 9 Campbell Banks simply could not withhold the pressure. In the under 21’s Green Gully won 1-0, 10 Koce Delev Photos by Daniel Flis

High fi ves all round for the Bergers! However, the good times were not to last the full ninety minutes, as for the second week in a row Heidelberg United were unable to hold on to their two goal lead, and had to settle for a share of the spoils after being in a commanding position early on in the match.

Monday 17 March 2008 8 NATIONALFOXTEL CUPNEWS Goal! Weekly [email protected] 5 JOEYS CLAIM THIRD SOCCEROO SQUAD IN LION CITY CUP FOR SINGAPORE

The Qantas Joeys (Australia U-17) Football Federation Australia has named Players will arrive on Monday ahead of the claimed third place overnight at the eight- Finals - a youthful Qantas Socceroos squad that Singapore match except for players from nation Lion City Cup Championship 15 March, Jalan Besar Stadium will play the Singapore national team United and Melbourne Victory in Singapore with a 3-1 victory over Australia (Runner-up Group A) v on Saturday 22 March at the Singapore who will join the camp after their Asian Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan (Runner-up Group B) 3-1 National Stadium. Champions League matches are played on The Australian side scored two Only four of the squad named Wednesday 19 March. goals in the fi nal six minutes through Trent today by National Coach Pim Verbeek have Both the Singapore match and Sainsbury and Kamal Ibrahim, after Nikola The Joeys squad for the been capped at full senior level with 12 of World Cup qualifi er against China will be Stanojevic had opened the scoring in just the Lion City Cup Championship: the 17-man squad all in contention to be part shown live and exclusive on FOX SPORTS. fi fth minute. Eli Babalj (WA), Chris Bush (ACT), of the Qantas under 23s that will represent Australia missed out on the fi nal Million Butshiire (WA), Nathan Farrell Australia at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. MATCH DETAILS after losing 1-0 to the (SA), Petar Franjic (VIC), With a 2010 FIFA World Cup in the group stage. The other two group (NSW), Kamal Ibrahim (VIC), James qualifying match to be played against International Match matches saw the Qantas Joeys record an 8-0 Jeggo (VIC), Robert Kolak (NSW), Jared China in Kunming only four days after the Singapore v Australia demolition of Chinese Taipei and a 1-0 win Lum (NSW), Mitchell Mallia (NSW), Joel Singapore match, it is a vital opportunity for Saturday 22 March 2008 over host-nation Singapore. Miller (SA), Chahine Noujaim (SA), these players to push to be included in the National Stadium, Singapore Thailand won the tournament (WA), Nikola Stanojevic fi nal squad that will travel to China. defeating the United Arab Emirates on (NSW), Nick Tubbs (QLD), “I will not fi nalize my squad for QANTAS SOCCEROOS SQUAD TO penalties in the fi nal with the match fi nishing (NSW), Tedros Yabio (VIC) the match against China until after the PLAY SINGAPORE 1-1. Singapore game so these players have a The Qantas Joeys are building chance to impress and be included in the Nigel Boogard (Central Coast Mariners), towards October’s 2008 AFC U-16 team for China,” said Mr. Verbeek. Leigh Broxham (Melbourne Victory), Championship with the top four nations to “There is a good possibility that (Adelaide United), Billy represent Asia at next year’s 2009 FIFA U- some Europe-based players will be added Celeski (Melbourne Victory), 17 World Cup to be held in Nigeria. to this squad to play Singapore if an early (Newcastle Jets), (Adelaide release from club duties can be negotiated”. United), (Newcastle Jets), Fixtures: “It is important that we continue Adam Griffi ths (Newcastle Jets), James Australia V Chinese Taipei 8-0 to keep the Hyundai A-League players fi t Holland (Newcastle Jets), 10 March, Choa Chu Kang Stadium with vital national team and Olympic team (Central Coast Mariners), matches coming up so this camp and match (Newcastle Jets), Australia V United Arab Emirates 0-1 is important to us.” ( Glory), Archie Thompson 12 March, Jalan Besar Stadium Hyundai A-League Grand Final (Melbourne Victory), Nikolai Topor- winners Newcastle Jets are the most heavily Stanley (Perth Glory), Australia V Singapore B 1-0 represented club in the squad with fi ve of the (Perth Glory), Ruben Zadkovich (TBC), 13 March, Jalan Besar Stadium Championship winning team selected. ( Roar)

YOUTH LEAGUE TO START IN AUGUST Football Federation Australia (FFA) has Director of FFA, , said. NATIONAL YOUTH LEAGUE o Maximum agreement period – 2 years moved to secure the future of talented “The new national youth league COMPETITION DETAILS young players with the introduction of competition will provide players aged o Hyundai A-League Clubs can select a National Youth League in conjunction between 16-21 years of age a clear pathway Competition Format any player within the age group, must be with the next Hyundai A-League season. from youth leagues to senior level and then 7 clubs Australian (or in the process of obtaining “The establishment of a national on to professional level. When combined o Adelaide United citizenship) and can be from the AIS youth league competition was identifi ed as a with existing State-based competitions, o Central Coast Mariners o Hyundai A-League clubs must draw priority in the National Football Development players in the national youth league will play o Melbourne Victory replacement players from the Youth Plan we released last November,” said FFA between 35-40 games each year. o Newcastle Jets League Player Squad, except under certain CEO, Ben Buckley. “For Australia to improve its o Perth Glory circumstances “This competition is particularly competitiveness in world football at all levels, o Queensland Roar important because, for the fi rst time, talented our players must be playing competitive o FC Coaches young players will have an opportunity to matches against quality opponents during Each nominated Youth Head Coach should play regular, quality competitive games this critical development period for young, o Season: 21 rounds (18 games + 3 Byes) t hold a minimum of a Football Federation regardless of whether they are part of the elite sportsmen,” Baan said. Australia - B Coaching License (or AIS program, the State sports institutes or The integration with the AIS o NYL to commence August 2008 acknowledged equivalent). For more details the State football leagues. programs means that the best 16-17 year go to coaching.footballaustralia.com.au “There is also a clear link with the olds will not only be recruited to the AIS o Age 16 – 21 (must be 16 on 1 January Hyundai A-League, as well as the various on scholarship, but also be offered contracts in year the Youth League commences), Referees national teams in football at Under 17, Under by Hyundai A-League youth teams. State maximum age is 21; must be no older than Match Offi cials for National Youth League 20, Under 23 levels, as well as the Qantas Institute players will be used on a replacement 20 on 1 January in the year Youth League matches will be drawn from an elite panel Socceroos. roster when required. commences of referees which have been identifi ed for “If you’re a young, talented male Baan describe the national youth future Hyundai A-League appointments. athlete, football should be your sport of league as being of “paramount importance” o 15 Players on the team sheet. choice as it offers fantastic opportunities to the future technical development of within Australia as well as unparalleled football players in Australia. o Each Youth Player must receive a opportunities to wear the green and gold Buckley added that the National minimum of 30 minutes game time representing Australia on the global stage,” Youth League competition will assist in the Buckley said. current and future development of Hyundai o 4 over-age players (including Goal The national youth league will A-League clubs also. Keeper) allowed to play in Youth League comprise seven teams, with each of the Each of the current seven Australian Match current Australian Hyundai A-League teams Hyundai A-League clubs will fi eld youth also having a youth team. This linkage is teams and play 21 rounds (18 Matches + 3 National Youth League Player very similar to development models used Byes) in line with the Hyundai A-League Regulations throughout European and English football 2008/09 season draw. These matches will o 10 – 12 Youth Development Players per competitions. be scheduled as either curtain-raisers to club “The key to improving the technical Hyundai A-League fi xtures or the day after, o Youth Development Players will sign a skills, profi ciency and tactical maturity of depending on the preference of the club. Youth Development Agreement which is players is playing games – and as many amateur status games as possible,” National Technical o Minimum agreement period– 1 season

Issue # 6 Goal! Weekly FOXTELFOXTEL CUPCUP 9 RoundRound 5 4

WHITTLESEA MONDAY ZEBRAS EARLY SIX NIGHT V POINTER FOOTBALL FAWKNER KO 8.15pm Tonight at Epping BLUES What we have coming up in tonight’s Ross Antoniadis and Goran Talevski - players Monday night clash between Whittlesea capable of infl uencing a game. Zebras and Fawkner Blues could well be Fawkner have a much younger the defi ning moment in the season of both squad and many players are untested or these struggling clubs. haven’t really performed well at this level Both clubs at the moment have in the past. Their most high profi le player is had what could mildly be described as goalkeeper Pasi Schwalger, and even he was disappointing starts to their 2008 Foxtel dropped last week to make way for Wesley Cup campaigns. The home side Whittlesea Coles. Zebras, currently lie on a solitary point and Other players like Zia Younan, who in thirteenth position on the league table. was at the Preston Lions, and then you have a They have lost three games lot of “fringe” players who have yet to prove and managed a draw against last year’s themselves at this level.. champions, Preston Lions, in a grand fi nal For me it comes down to the replay. Fawkner lie at the foot of the table in argument that if you look really at both fourteenth position with no victories and four squads, but especially at the Fawkner Blues defeats from their opening four games. squad you cannot see where their goals are Looking at the league positions you going to come from on a regular basis. You can see why this game will be most important generally fi gure if you can have one player to both teams. With Western Suburbs losing who scores around the eight to ten goal mark this weekend and South Melbourne not and a few players who chime in with four or playing because of the Formula One Grand fi ve then you tend to do OK for yourself. Prix (making Bob Jane Stadium unavailable), Fawkner don’t have a player in my it means the winner could go up by a good opinion capable of scoring four or fi ve goals few places, whilst the loser will start to see in a season let alone ten, and while the Zebras a gap developing between them and the don’t have any obvious threats, I think there rest. The possibility of four may be a few players who have the potential being relegated this season it will start to to contribute with fours and fi ves for the become a big mountain to climb even at this season. early stage. When this game is all said and done This all bodes well for the game I fully expect the home side the Whittlesea though, because more than likely you Zebras to be celebrating victory simply for will have two teams going at each other the fact that over a squad to squad comparison desperately looking for the three points. they have the edge. Not to upset the Fawkner A draw will probably do neither faithful, I seriously doubt they will be in the team any favours, so one way or the other, I winner’s circle much, if at all this season and think there will be a result. Neither team has I predict this game to go 2-0 to the Zebras. what you would call a star studded line-up, The game is being played tonight at however it is my belief that if you compare the Epping Soccer Stadium with an 8:15pm the two squads, the Zebras appear to have the KO. The under 21’s game starts at 6:15pm better range of talent. They have the experience of players By Reuben Schembri Fawkner’s Jason Principato will be hoping to prove the critics wrong when his side takes such as Steve Martin, Gregory Lombardo, Photo by John Punshon on rivals Whittlesea Zebras tonight at . FORMER SOCCEROOS GAIN A VOICE Football welcomes its history A group of former Socceroo players, with huge growth and popularity, it is vitally (Another former captain, , is also which stretches back 128 years, and it is a combined playing tally of nearly 400 important that we recognise the great history a member of the group but was unable to one in which all football fans, as well as all caps spread over half a century, gathered of the code and also the players who have attend.) Australians, should be proud. for an historic meeting with Football made signifi cant contributions representing The issues discussed were the “I am delighted that those who Federation Australia (FFA) during the Australia,” Buckley said. establishment of a Socceroo Club (a player have worn the green and gold have a voice week. Amongst the group were long- alumni), a mentoring program comprised of to provide advice and input to what we’re The group met with FFA CEO, Ben serving Australian captains in former Socceroos, the establishment of an doing.” Buckley, and Board member, Phil Wolanski, and , as well as legendary ‘FA Cup’ style competition, how to recognise Buckley said that FFA will work to discuss a variety of issues concerned with striker , joined by former team- the game’s history and capture memorabilia, with the members represented on the group the history of Australian football and the mate John Watkiss, 1956 Olympian Ted and the establishment of an annual football to address a range of issues of mutual interest contribution made by national team players. Smith, Doug Wendt (debuted 1955), Denis oration. on behalf of all Socceroos. “As football continues to experience Yaager (1970) and Kimon Taliadoros (1990). “Football has a history in Australia

Monday 17 March 2008 10 FOOTBALL DIRECTORYFOXTEL CUP CLASSIFIEDS Goal! Weekly (03) 9645Round 5 1440 Reservoir Unique

SELLSRange In Stores 2008 Now Sports & Trophies SPORTSPOWER 54 Edwardes Street Reservoir VIC 3073 Ph: (03) 9460 9972 Fax: (03) 9460 5879 www.footballtheworldgame.com.au Email: [email protected] FFA Specialising in... 2008 International printing now in APPROVED Quality Boots store!! CLUB AND Team Uniforms Official Premier TEAM WEAR League, A- SUPPLIER. Training Gear League, , GET YOUR Soccer Balls printing OBLIGATION FREE also available Trophies & Medals QUOTE TODAY!! Full Range of Sports FOOTBALL FOR THE TRUE FANS As Worn By A-League Apparel T: (07) 3245 6996 Goalkeeper Of TheYear Top Goalkeeper 197 Swan St Richmond Vic 3121. Tel:03 9428 3066 E: [email protected] Michael Theoklitos Equipment Serving Victorian Football Since 1981 OFFICIAL - LICENSED - EXCLUSIVE W: www.sells.com.au (Melbourne Victory) Competitive Prices All Club Enquiries Welcome ARGUABLY VICTORIA’S #1 FOOTBALL STORE!!

RIVER PLATE FOOTBALL ACADEMY EDDIE KRNCEVIC’S SCHOOL HOLIDAY CLINIC Invitation to players aged 7-13 years SOCCER SERVICES Professional Football Broker Service Experience the River Plate Method of Training For bookings contact: Canteen will be [email protected] Daniel Santomil available for food 0411 517 479 and drinks. - Private sessions & instruction Run by Footballers for Footballers - In depth position trainng - Clubs and Players can Register “By Far The - Coaching clinics - Trials Organised Greatest” - Refi ning skills - Matching Suitable Aspirants Only $250 - Player development - All Levels Welcome - Complete consulting per player - Connecting Clubs from South East Asia, for three days - Professional experience Australia and Oceania of coaching. - Former Socceroo & - No Agent Fees Registration forms at www.riverplateaustralia.com European Top Goalscorer - Easy Access to Player Data Base or email [email protected] - Offi cial FIFA player agent - Live Your Dreams When: Monday March 31st to Wednesday April 2nd. Time: 9:00 am until 1:00 pm Venue: Lois Twohig Res, Carlton Road, Dandenong North. When you want to be the best... contact admin@playfootballabroad for more info Mel Ref: 81 E12 CARD ZONE IF FOOTBALL BUYERS CAN’T FIND YOU, MELBOURNE Australia’s Leading Trading Card Shop YOU’RE OUT OF Trading & collecting has become an BUSINESS! SPORTS BOOKS international addiction. So make sure they can’t miss you with an ad in the Card Zone stocks the cards you seek... 80 Flinders Street Melbourne Goal! Weekly Football Directory Classifi eds. A-league cards - A-League Signature cards To fi nd out how your business can reach customers Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm Offi cial A-League Albums - Socceroo cards throughout the football community, call for 2006 World Cup Germany cards All Credit Cards, Cheques & Non-sport Collector cards information today! Money Orders accepted. Also stockists of AFL, NFL & Cricket Add $8 for Postage & Packaging www.cardzone.com.au anywhere in Australia 262-266 Victoria St North Melbourne 3051 Tel: (03) 9662 1085 or (03) 9662 1086 Tel: 9326 9588 (03) 9645 1440 Fax: (03) 9662 1282 Open: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm / Sun 10am-12pm Support the businesses that support football

ARE YOU A FUTURE THE BALL STOPS HERE! WORLD OF SOCCER FOOTBALL STAR? Specialists in all Soccer Requirements At Football Star Academy we develop your soccer skills Boots Videos and knowledge to play the Shirts DVD’s game better, tactically and ELITE GOALKEEPING Shinpads Pins technically. Our FFA licenced Gloves Cones coaches include current A- ACADEMY Socks Bibs League palyers and other - Cutting edge program Scarves Caps high profi le international - One on one intense Posters Books players. Register for One on sessions Club gear T-shirts One & Semi Private training - Approved methods Merchandise Pennants or Team Coaching & Clinics. used by world class Portable goals Field Equipment Tel: 0411 122 152 keepers E: [email protected] TEL: 0425 766 265 - Gain confi dence in goal Shop 1/48 McCrae St Tel: 9794 5860 Web:www.footballstaracademy.com.au CUTTING EDGE KEEPING Dandenong VIC 3175 Fax: 9795 5950

Issue # 6 14 ISLAND CHILL FOOTBALL FOCUS Goal! Weekly Goal! Weekly BLAST FROM THE PAST 11 ROUND 19 RICHIE CARDOZO 1984-2004 RICHMOND EAGLES FC NATIONAL YOUTH LEAGUE REWIND When the seeds of blossoming talent were fi rst sown FULL NAME: Richie Cardozo BIRTHPLACE: Sydney, Australia The Football Federation of Australia has matches in the heat of the day as curtain raisers reason alone the competition BIRTH DATE: 28/03/1986 just announced that it will start a National to senior games. On other occasions matches deserved wider recognition HEIGHT: 182cm Youth League next season claiming ‘This were switched or postponed to save the pitch than it received. Let’s hope WEIGHT: 77kgs competition is particularly important for the NSL teams. This happened to the 1999 the new version is as fruitful. MARRIED: No because, for the fi rst time, talented young grand fi nal which was eventually played at the CAR: Porsche 911 Carrera/ Aston Martin (one day) OCCUPATION OUTSIDE OF FOOTBALL: ha ha! You players will have an opportunity to play Melbourne Knights ground, instead of before mean like a job?... me?... work?... nah... regular, quality competitive games regard- the South Melbourne versus Sydney United NICKNAME: Rich less of whether they are part of the AIS game at , much to the disappoint- Right: Melbourne Croatia PREVIOUS CLUBS: F.C Bex (), Green Gully, program, the State sports institutes or the ment of both teams. Current Socceroo Josh skipper Dino Mihocic holds Waitakere United (New Zealand), Parramatta Eagles State football leagues.’ Kennedy and Melbourne Victory wing-back aloft the NYL trophy in May (NSW Premier league), Sydney Olympic (NSL), One can forgive the hype, but once Daniel Vasilevski were in the Australian In- Parramatta Power (NSL) again this ignores the history of the game, for stitute of Sport team which defeated Adelaide 1990, presented by Sam REPRESENTATIVE HONOURS: there was a fl ourishing National Youth League City in 1999, while Matthew Kemp, also Papasavas, Les Scheinfl ug Institute Of Sport, NSW State teams U14’s, U15’s, U16’s, with Northern, Southern and sometimes South starring with the Victory this season was in a and Peter Russell, with Autralian U16’s and U17’s Joeys CHILDHOOD FOOTBALL HERO: Australian divisions for more than twenty winning AIS side in 1998. All three were on doyen of the youth league FAVOURITE O/S PLAYERS: Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, years. the scoresheet in the championship decider. Billy Hodge in the Zinedine Zindane, Karim Benzema background. FAVOURITE V-LEAGUE PLAYER: In its short ex- FAVOURITE FORMER SOCCEROO: istence Carlton FAVOURITE CURRENT SOCCEROO: Nicki Carle won the NYL MOST MEMORABLE MATCH AS A PLAYER: in 1999–2000 NATIONAL YOUTH LEAGUE GRAND FINALS Under 17’s World Cup vs Argentina thanks to a goal MOST MEMORABLE MATCH AS A FAN: by Daniel Debevc In the stadium - River Plate vs Boca Juniors (Copa Lib- 2003–04 1992–93 ertadores semi fi nal), Australia vs Argentina 1994 World against Parramatta Deakin 2 Australian Institute of Sport 0 Cup qualifi er in Sydney...on TV - Liverpool vs AC Milan Power, which (Andrew Barisic, Nathan Caldwell) West Adelaide 1 2005 Champions League Final downed Whittle- South Melbourne 1 (Peter Galentomos) MOST MEMORABLE GOAL YOU’VE SCORED: sea Stallions the (Steven O’Dor) This one I scored in U11’s! following year. In FUNNIEST MOMENT IN FOOTBALL: 1991–92 the fi nal season, 2002–03 Playing in Switzerland I cleared the ball quite hard as a South Melbourne Hellas 1 2003–04 Canberra Parramatta Power 6 very dubious free kick was given against us. It hit the ref (Jim Iliopoulos) Deakin overcame (Royce Brownlie 2, Richie Cardozo, Stefan in the side of the face and almost knocked him over! That Sydney Croatia 3 South Melbourne Del Zio, Ray Younis, own goal) side of his face was a redish pink colour for the rest of the (Ivan Topic, , Mirko Jurilj) game. (I swear I didnt mean it, but at times wish it hap- by two goals to Whittlesea Stallions 2 one, with Andrew (Sam Kalakias, George Tsonis) pened more often). 1990–91 BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: Seeing so many gifted Barisic and , who starred in the NYL in his youth, with Sydney Olympic 2 players not in the A-League. Nathan Caldwell on 2001–02 and a happy group of Victorian Institute of Sport players. (Pablo Cardozo 2) WORST INJURY: Thank God nothing major. A few little target for the winner Parramatta Power 2 South Melbourne Hellas 3 knocks and strains is about it. (Peter Gavaghan, Adam Kwasnik) and Steven O’Dor (Steve Tasios 2, Con Boutsianis) MOST DIFFICULT OPPONENT: I”ve played against John The Southern or Victorian divi- for South Melbourne. Melbourne Knights 0 Obi Mikel and Fernando Gago... Guns! (After draw in fi rst match in Melbourne) sion involved the youth teams of the National The Northern Division involved New FAVOURITE AWAY GROUND: Epping Stadium. 2000–01 SUPERSTITIONS: No superstitions. Soccer League clubs. Sometimes Melbourne South Wales and Queensland teams, the Aus- 1989–90 Melbourne Knights 3 TYPICAL MATCH DAY MEAL: Depends, usually just a Knights and South Melbourne fi elded a youth tralian Institute of Sport and Academy teams. Apia Leichardt 1 (Ivan Klarica, Adam Petko, sandwhich or some pasta. and a colts team in the competition and the Drawing on a much larger pool of players the (Maurice Reyes) Xhezair Sulemani) WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS: Nights out after the younger group took great delight in occasional- Northern Division was probably a stronger Melbourne Croatia 2 Marconi Stallions 2 game. ly knocking off their elder brothers. Brunswick competition winning 11 of the play-off fi nals (Joe Bacak, Tom Lovric) WHAT ARE YOUR WEAKNESSES: Beautiful women United Juventus, Heidelberg United, Footscray but the South Australian and Victorian divi- (Grant Last, Todd Brodie) FAVOURITE TEAM WHEN GROWING UP: JUST, Green Gully, Morwell Falcons and Sun- sions gave a good account of themselves, often 1989 Liverpool, Real Madrid, River Plate 1999–2000 shine George Cross took part at various times. defeating more fancied rivals. Sunshine George Cross 3 FAVOURITE OTHER SPORTS: Basketball, Ice Hockey, Parramatta Power 0 In addition the Victorian Institute of Sport and The list of Socceroos, Olyroos, (John Campelj, Athan Zacharias, Surfi ng, Rugby League, Tennis, Formula1 Carlton 1 several Victorian State League clubs entered Young Socceroos and Joeys who took part Marin Radobuljak) FAVOURITE OTHER SPORTSPERSON: Michael (Daniel Debevc) FAVOURITE FOODS: Parents Cooking, Subway, Chicken youth teams. Regional representative teams in the NYL is almost endless. , Marconi 2 parma and chips also took part including City and , , Kris Trajanovski, (Geoff Gunning, Paul Okon) 1998–99 FAVOURITE ACTOR/ACTRESS: Johnny Depp, Denzel Albury-. , , , Australian Institute of Sport 8 Washington and all the good looking women. 1988 Sunshine George Cross reached the and Marco Bresciano and many (Kevo Gulesserian 2, 2, HOBBIES: Shopping, going out, surfi ng. Marconi 2 divisional play-off for four years in succession others played national youth league soccer on Grant Last, Johnny Cvetanovski, FAVOURITE HOLIDAY RESORT: Haven’t been to any (Geoff Gunning, Vince Colaguri) in the 1980s, losing the fi rst three narrowly, but their way to the top. Daniel Vasilevski, own goal) yet. Sunshine George Cross 1 then winning in 1989, the last year of the win- Though the NYL came in for much Adelaide City 1 FAVOURITE NIGHTSPOT: Depends on what night and (George Karkaletsis) which city I’m in. ter competition. John Campelj, Athan Zachari- criticism, some of it deserved, one of my abid- (Robert Saraceno) IDEAL DATE: Changes from week to week. as and Marin Radobuljak scored in a three-two ing memories of the competition was when 1987 FAVOURITE TV SHOWS: Friends, Two and a Half Men, win over a powerful Marconi team for whom Geelong City played a Melbourne Croatia 1997–98 Sydney Olympic 1 The Simpsons, Family Guy. Geoff Gunning and Paul Okon netted, while (now Knights) team which included Francis Australian Institute of Sport 4 (Jason Bennett) FAVOURITE MUSIC: A little bit of everything but generally wore the gloves that day. Awaratife, who was coming back after injury. (Ivan Ergic, Chris Tanchevski, Sunshine George Cross 0 house music. In 1989–90 the NYL switched to a The big striker spent the whole game coaching Matthew Kemp, David Onoforo) FAVOURITE FILM: Too many to mention. summer tournament, which often meant tough and encouraging the players around him, not Adelaide City 1 1986 LAST SOCCER SHIRT YOU BOUGHT: I can’t remember. only his own team- (Michael Cartwright) FUNNIEST RUMOUR YOU’VE HEARD ABOUT YOUR- Australian Institute of Sport 3 mates but also the SELF: None really that come to mind. (Paul Foster 2, ) young Geelong 1996–7 BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON CAREER: My family Sunshine George Cross 0 BIGGEST DRAG IN SOCCER: Politics and coming across centre-back who Sydney United 0 Melbourne Knights 1 bad refs. Because you cant do anything about either. was trying to mark 1985 (Branko Bacak) FOOTBALL AMBITION: To play at some of the biggest him as tightly Sydney City Hakoah 3 clubs in Europe. Play in the Champions League and play as possible and (, Andrew Harper, Parish) in World Cups. 1995–6 subjecting him to Heidelberg Alexander 0 WHICH PERSON IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU MOST some fairly physi- West Adelaide 1 LIKE TO MEET? : Borat! Photo by John Punshon (Greg Hagias) cal tackling. Micky 1984 YOUR TIP FOR THIS YEAR’S FOXTEL CUP: Richmond! Marconi 3 Petersen used to Melita Eagles 2 (Nick Bosevski 2, Vaughan Hunter) Photo by John Punshon do exactly the (Lennie Vial, Peter Whiteside) same for the South South Melbourne Hellas 3 1994–95 Melbourne youth (Pepe Abraam 2, Harry Mavridis) team. Playing with Sydney United 1 (Mario Jerman) stars like that, (Melita took place of AIS who were in Melbourne Knights 0 who were aware Singapore for the Merlion Cup) of the wider role 1993–94 of the NYL, was South Melbourne 2 an inspiration for (Jamie Skrepetis, Steve Panopoulos) Words by Roy Hay youngsters starting Sydney United 0 South Melbourne’s Anthony Magnacca surrounded by Daniel Rocco out on a soccer Photos provided by Roy Hay (left), Jason Dimozantos (rear) and Simon Storey (right) of the VIS. career and for this

Issue # 6 Monday 17 March 2008 Monday 17 March 2008 FOXTEL CUP FOXTEL CUP Round 5 Round 5 RICHMOND OAKLEIGH EAGLES DOMINANT EAGLES CANNONS DRAK ADDS BITE TO 1 - 1 FAIL TO CAPITALIZE 1 - 0 OAKLEIGH ATTACK ALTONA WESTERN MAGIC Magic scores early and holds on SUBURBS Cannons crack stubborn Suburbs It was fi rst against fourth in the Foxtel Jesse Krncevic was passed onto Richie Car- the goal, and the sides entered the break with Krncevic headed his cross over the bar. The Oakleigh Cannons overcame stiff resis- in a row, from a coaching point of view you Cup on Friday night at Kevin Bartlett dozo by the Eagles striker, who then played honours even. ball was again headed over the bar by Rich- tance from a determined Western Sub- can’t ask for more than keeping these clean Reserve. Both teams came off a four-day in George Goutzioulis on the edge of the box As soon as play resumed Aaran Lines mond four minutes later, Antun Kovacic urbs outfi t at on sheets, because it gives you a chance.” break in the week of a heatwave. in the middle of goal but his chip went over tested Jevdjevic with a cross which Krncevic failed to fi nish from Richie Cardozo’s corner Friday night, to post their third successive A disappointed Western Suburbs Richmond restored Pablo Cardozo the crossbar. challenged for. The next minute Sherifovski kick. A minute later Krncevic headed a cross 1-0 win of the season. coach Con Pappas said afterwards, “ I to the starting eleven in place of Nick Ka- In the seventh minute Carl Recchia shot fl uffed the chance to put the Magic back in from Lines wide, as it became clear that all Although the visitors seldom threat- thought all our players played very well to- lambokis and welcomed Semir Sivic back wide after the ball was laid off by Curcija. front, shooting across the face of goal when the momentum was with Richmond. ened, they worked hard to limit the home day. They did everything that was asked of from injury at the expense of Shane Rexhe- Four minutes later a Sivic cross was only in plenty of space at the far post after a great From a Krncevic cross in the seventy- team to just several half-chances. It took the them. Kept their shape and discipline for the pi. On the other hand Altona Magic made no partly cleared, Pablo Cardozo swooping on square ball from Recchia. ninth minute, Richie Cardozo brought the experienced head of Cannons defender Ste- 90 minutes. We were unlucky not to come changes to the eleven that commenced the the ball but volleying wide with the outside Richmond then went close to taking the ball down before shooting wide. Lines was lios Drakos, to score the breakthrough goal out of here with a result. We thought that if game against Western Suburbs the Sunday of his foot. The dangerous Recchia turned lead in a pulsating encounter in the fi fty-fi rst getting forward regularly for the Eagles, and in the 78th minute. we could score fi rst we could beat them. We prior. The Eagles came in off a 5-0 thrash- Stuart McCluskey in the middle of the park minute. After pushing forward for a free kick, three minutes later whipped in a cross which The Suburbs started with striker Vas had a couple of chances in the fi rst and sec- ing of Fawkner Blues, whilst the Magic had in the twentieth minute, running in on goal a half clearance and a blocked shot saw Mc- Goutzioulis headed over the bar. A minute Kalogeracos leading the frontline, with wide ond halves but unfortunately we can’t score, beaten Suburbs 2-0 for their second win in before shooting wide. Goutzioulis tried to Cluskey smack a half volley from just out- later he sent in another great ball, which players Dimi Hatzimouratis and Tomi Razov that’s the problem.” a row and also maintaining an unbeaten re- fi nd Krncevic with a square ball at the oth- side the penalty area across the box and onto Dimitri Tsiaras didn’t meet with a good fi rst supporting him down the fl anks. The tussle cord. The stage was set for a great contest. er end fi ve minutes later, but Krncevic just the post. The Eagles piled on the pressure, touch and the Magic managed to scramble between Hatzimouratis and Cannons’left Match details: The game was only eleven seconds old failed to connect with the ball after a desper- with a one touch lay-off from Pablo Cardo- the ball away before he could slip it past an back Aris Drakos was one of the most com- when Agim Sherifovski sent in a cross from ate lunge. zo setting up Goutzioulis who had his shot advancing Jevdjevic. With three minutes petitive of the night, with the Cannons’ de- Cannons: the left that Antun Kovacic sliced into his Richmond were starting to dictate the saved by Jevdjevic. A minute later Cardozo remaining, Richie Cardozo shot across the fender holding his own against the skilful A.Cagalj, S.Kelly ( S. Webster 76’), A. Dra- own hand when trying to clear. From the tempo, but were unable to get on the score went down inside the penalty area when roll- goalmouth from the left side of the box. The fl anker. kos, T. Apostolikas ( M. Lujic 45’), F. Ros- resulting free kick, right on the edge of the sheet after a Richie Cardozo cross was head- ing the ball across the of the box and trying fi nal whistle blew with the scores still level, A Hatzimouratis back header from man, F. Lagana ( Khrapko 76’), S. Drakos, penalty area, Michael Curcija sent the ball ed straight at Bojo Jevdjevic by Pablo Car- to make space for a shot, but referee Perry with the unbeaten home side feeling they a long Evan Karavitis pass, almost looped J.Nilo, B. Damianos, T. Waterson, M. Fos- under the defensive wall and beyond the dozo. In the thirty-third minute Richmond Mur dismissed the home side’s appeals for should have got more out of one of the best over keeper Adrian Cagalj in the Cannons chini reach of Stuart Webster to give the Magic a bustled forward, the ball falling to Pablo a spot-kick. Foxtel Cup games so far this season. goal, before he made a fi ngertip save. very early lead. Cardozo ten yards out who had a shot saved Pece Siveski shot wide for Altona in the The Cannons too seemed to be re- Scorer: S. Drakos 78’ The hosts came back at Altona, and in the by Jevdjevic. A minute later Richmond sixty-sixth minute after Henry Fa’Arodo’s Match details: lying on a direct approach in the fi rst half, third minute Semir Sivic had a shot saved gained the equaliser. A cross from Sivic on pass was relayed to him by Chris Rach- booting long 50-50 balls over the congested Yello cards: None. when he cut in from the right and ran across the right fl ank was swept in by Goutzioulis kovski. Six minutes later Zoran Cvetkovski Richmond: St.Webster, A.Lines, midfi eld to their forwards, resulting in fre- Red cards: None. goal. Michael Catalano’s ball forward to at the far post. The play balanced out after found Pablo Cardozo wide on the right, and S.McCluskey, D.Tsiaras, J.Krncevic, quent turnovers. Frank Lagana went close S.Sivic, R.Cardozo, P.Cardozo, with an effort from close range but the best Western Suburbs: G.Goutzioulis, A.Kovacic, M.Catalano chance fell to striker Tex Apostolikas who S. Gal, J. Cvetanoski ( E. Cetkin 60’), M. (Z.Cvetkovski 46’). had a one on one with Suburbs keeper Stj- Batur, E. Karavitis, A Tsonis, T.Antoniadis, epan Gal in the 33rd minute. However the L. Kidtner, I. Razov ( K. Tsiouris 88’), T. Yellow Cards: Cvetkovski 76’ striker hesitated long enough for Gal to close Razov, V. Kalogeracos ( R. Damianou 79’), Red Cards: None him down and smother the shot. It ended a D. Hatzimouratis frustrating half for the young striker, who Goal: Goutzioulis 34’ was replaced at the break by Milos Lujic. Scocers: None The longer the game went without a Altona Magic: B.Jevdjevic, S.Mrkela, goal in the second half, the harder the home Yellow cards: Cvetanovski 39’, Batur 52’. C.Anthopoulos, D.Mladenovic, team pressed forward with wide midfi elder Red cards: None. H.Fa’Arodo, C.Recchia (G.Lambadaridis Trent Waterson looking threatening. The at- 85’), M.Curcija, P.Siveski, A.Sherifovski tacking pressure eventually paid off when Man of the Match: A. Drakos (C.Rachkovski 63’), P.Cergovski (J.Konyit Bill Damianos’s 78th minute corner found 75’), T.McSorley. the head of Stelios Drakos who steered the Crowd: 600 ball into the goal, giving Oakleigh a place in Venue: Jack Edwards Reserve Yellow Cards: Cergovski 52’ the top four. Red Cards: None Coach Stuart Munro said after the game, “ Very, very pleased again with the re- Goal: Curcija 1’ silience the players have shown again. This week we had to chase to try and get the goal. Man of the Match: It was a long time coming. Full credit to Sub- By Gerorge Stogiannou Stuart McCluskey urbs who were a diffi cult opposition.” On (Richmond) Photos by Joseph Sirucka the team’s impressive defensive record this Oakleigh Cannons’ ‘keeper Adrian Cagalj collects the ball on the way to a fourth consecutive season, Munro added, “ Four clean sheets Venue: Kevin Bartlett Reserve clean sheet against Western Suburbs on Friday night at Jack Edwards Reserve. Crowd: 300

By Mark Boric Photos by John Punshon Altona Magic’s prolifi c marksman Michael Curcija attempts to turn Richmond Eagles pair Semir Sevic and captain Stuart McCluskey (No 5). Curcija opened the scoring on Friday night and now heads the Foxtel Cup goalscoring charts.

Issue # 6 Monday 17 March 2007 Goal! Weekly ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 15 Chonburi FC (Thailand) v Melbourne Victory THE CHONBURI CHALLENGE After slaying Dragons, Victory face tough Thai test Melbourne Victory made a dream goal. of Gamba’s recent matches helped start to its debut season in the AFC Chonburi sat back and the side to nullify Osaka’s tactical Champions League last Wednesday absorbed much of Gamba’s pressure, superiority and attacking surges. night, when it overwhelmed Korean but one rare forward attack paid off for Chonburi’s entry into the AFC outfi t Chunnam Dragons 2-0 on the Thai side, when Arthit Sunthornpit Champions League came after they home soil. pounced on a rebound in the 59th comfortably won the Thailand Premier A penalty from Victory skipper minute, and gave his side a surprise 1- League title last season by nine points, Kevin Muscat and a header from robust 0 lead. becoming the fi rst Provincial League Group A P W D L F A +/- Pts defender Rodrigo Vargas secured a Chonburi spent the rest side to win the championship in its AL ITTIHAD (SYR) 1 1 0 0 2 0 2 3 famous fi rst Asia Champions League of the match hanging onto their history. AL ITTIHAD FC () 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 3 victory, with the Melbourne side slender lead, with goalkeeper, Kosin In only their second Premier KURUVCHI FC (UZBEKISTAN) 1 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0 dominating the majority of the match at Hathairattanakool, making a string of League season, after being promoted SEPAHAN (IR IRAN) 1 0 0 1 0 2 -2 0 Telstra Dome. crucial saves to keep his team in front. from the Thailand Provincial League Group B The triumph sees Victory But a fairytale start to the in 2005, Chonburi won 19 games, P W D L F A +/- Pts ‘sitting pretty’ at the top of Group G, campaign was not to be for the visiting drew six and lost only fi ve matches to AL QUWA AL JAWIYA (IRQ) 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 3 two points clear of their other Asian side, with Osaka’s Brazillian stiker, be crowned the 2007 Thai Champions, KUWAIT SC (KUWAIT) 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 SAIPA (IR IRAN) 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 opponents, Thailand’s Chonburi FC Lucas, spoiling the show with 30 and secure a place in this season’s AFC AL WASL SPORTS CLUB (UAE) 1 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0 and ’s , who fought seconds of injury time remaining, Champions League. out a 1-1 draw in match day one. lashing home a rebound to give the The Sharks, as the Chonburi Group C However, celebrations will home side a share in the spoils. fans label them, have started well in P W D L F A +/- Pts AL KARAMA (SYR) 1 1 0 0 4 1 3 3 be relatively short-lived for Ernie Despite dropping two points in their title defence with three wins and AL SADD SPORT CLUB (QATAR) 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 3 Merrick’s side, as it now faces a tough the dying seconds, Chonburi’s manager, one draw from its fi rst four outings in AL AHLI (SAUDI ARABIA) 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0 task away to Chonburi in Bangkok this Jadet Meelarp, was thrilled with the this season’s Thailand Premier League. AL WAHDA (UAE) 1 0 0 1 1 4 -3 0 Wednesday. result. The club is located near Group D Chonburi will be full of Meelarp claimed that although the Gulf of Thailand, in the heavily P W D L F A +/- Pts confi dence heading into the match his side failed to pull of a shock victory industrialised province of Chonburi, AL QADSIA (KUWAIT) 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 3 against the Victory, after almost against Osaka, his team performed which is also a well-known seaside AL GHARAFA (QAT) 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 conquering J-League’s Gamba Osaka extremely well, neutralising Osaka’s destination, around 80 kms from ARBIL (IRAQ) 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 PAKHTAKOR (UZBEKISTAN) 1 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0 in their fi rst group match. continuous attacks, and he admitted Bangkok. Gamba grabbed a late and that he never expected to achieve such Victory’s main concern will be Group E deserved equaliser against Chonburi, an outcome. scoring past in-form goalkeeper Kosin P W D L F A +/- Pts after controlling much of the game with Meelarp also praised his own Hathairattanakool, who has been a ADELAIDE UNITED FC (AUSTRALIA) 1 1 0 0 2 0 2 3 CHANGCHUN YATAI FC (CHINA PR) 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 3 slick passing and penetrations which work in churning out the signifi cant member of the Thailand national team BINH DUONG FC (VIETNAM) 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0 constantly threatened the Thai side’s result, adding that his extensive research since 2004, and received the Most POHANG STEELERS(KOR) 1 0 0 1 0 2 -2 0 Valuable Player award in his club’s championship season in 2007. Group F P W D L F A +/- Pts The 25-year-old had an FC (JAPAN) 1 1 0 0 9 1 8 3 outstanding game against Osaka, BEIJING GUOAN FC (CHINA PR) 1 1 0 0 3 1 2 3 confi ning the opposition to only one NAM DINH (VIETNAM) 1 0 0 1 1 3 -2 0 goal and shielding numerous onslaughts KRUNG THAI BANK (THAILAND) 1 0 0 1 1 9 -8 0

from the likes of Japanese international Group G Yasuhito Endo. P W D L F A +/- Pts Victory will not have the MELBOURNE VICTORY (AUSTRALIA) 1 1 0 0 2 0 2 3 luxury of strong home support in its CHONBURI (THAILAND) 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 GAMBA OSAKA (Japan) 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 second group match; the away fi xture CHUNNAM DRAGONS (KOREA REP.) 1 0 0 1 0 2 -2 0 against Chonburi is to be played at Suphachalasai National Stadium in NEXT ROUND Bangkok, which has a capacity of 35,000. BINH DUONG FC (VIETNAM) v The Victory may also be forced POHANG STEELERS(KOR) to wear an away strip, as the Chonburi Wed 19 Mar KO 18:00 Sharks wear predominantly blue with white stripes. ADELAIDE UNITED FC (AUSTRALIA) v Founded in 2002, Chonburi CHANGCHUN YATAI FC (CHINA PR) is a young club on the rise in Thailand, Wed 19 Mar KO 19:30 and will be a diffi cult task for the Melbourne Victory on match day two, CHUNNAM DRAGONS (KOREA REP.) v due to their unfamiliar style and their GAMBA OSAKA (Japan) surprising ability to achieve great Wed 19 Mar KO 19:30 results, as illustrated against Osaka. The match against Chonburi will CHONBURI FOOTBALL CLUB (THAILAND) v be shown exclusively on Fox Sports 1 from MELBOURNE VICTORY FC (AUSTRALIA) 10pm AEDT. Wed 19 Mar KO 19.30 Victory will then host what is expected to be a crucial fi xture against Gamba at Telstra Dome on Wednesday, 9 April. Tickets for the match against Gamba are available from any Ticketmaster outlet, by calling 136 100 or through ticketmaster.com.au. By Julius D. Ross Melbourne Victory will once again be looking to the internationally experienced Kevin Muscat to lead by example in the Asian Champions League. Photo by Daniel Flis

$3 INSIDE THIS WEEK... O TOUR OZ GW EXCLUSIVE: TURE DYNAMO T

FOOTBALL FEA om ON JESSE KRNCEVIC

alweekly.c 08 FOOTBALL FOCUS ON www.go ZEBRA JOHN ANGELOVSKI rd March 20 onday 3

Issue 4 M

Season 4: DINAMO HERE IN JUNE! ANOTHER GOOD REASON TO

CUP ACTION, BLAST FROM

PLUS► ALL THE WEEKEND FOXTEL START LIKING MONDAYS AGAIN New website not too far away either...

Monday 17 March 2008 16 REGULARS Goal! Weekly Gas Bagging, News & Views

With Mike Lilikakis

FREE FOR FREE HEARD BUT NOT SEEN The pacifi cation between the order, only for blokes to ogle at, otherwise what’s the So what’s up with all the hoolabooloo over The inexplicable wonder of anonymity is results in more apathetic murmur to whit a point? Imagine a world in which blokes had Grand Pricks, or Prix if you’re French. most phenomenal. How else could Bruce kseftilizmeni* gather for a chirp and squat, no real sexual drive, or boobie scan?! We Wayne, Peter Parker, Clark Kent and myself beer or twelve at the local after work. would have our nuts in a vice quicker than Luckily for me, I had Junior Dan the Man get together in civvies for a macchiato at Crockett and Tubbs on a speedboat, chasing Bountroukas give us the short and curly’s the old Warehouse on a Thursday night? It’s Experts in the fi eld of mediocrity. that marikon Calderone through Miami. over what the Saturday fi esta or fi asco at been a few drinks in between since the last 50/50 ravers without a clue, but for the notion Albert Park was really about. The plot session we had on the skateboard ramp on that it’s only they who get screwed tighter My wife is a top bird. consisted of free beers, free food and free Malvern Road, but that’s only because Lois than a Flying Dutchman on Knotty Day. How’s that for love of feminism. fanny Omaha. Lane, Vicky Vale and Mary Jane banned To think y’all thought that life has nothing Equality? Muahahahaha…chicks always get us from playing chess at 4am as a result of more than what you go and get yourself, and their way, or you’ll have your clackers viced, Mark Webber should be in showbiz. What said sessions at said skateboard ramp on if some one else gets there before you, than Bobbited then deposited at your nearest with the wood bench jaw line he could said nights after said games which I have you’re boo hoo waah waah hard done by. National Park or Freeway exit. inevitably get a gig as Ridge Forrester’s never said or mentioned, but said in previous Seriously, she’s grouse. bastard love child in the Bold and Beautiful. diatribes against chicks who don’t let blokes As I see it, blokes don’t double clink In essence, there’s snot a green booger doubt get together for said sessions etc.com.. their beers in accord on a 38 degree day TF in my mind that a Sikh could steer the F1 anymore, and that is a skata souffl é mixed cars with more poise than Webber, that is, if I am making it my mission to do more with larks vomit and delicately whipped in *(hard core greek word which if translated the Sikh could fi t his carpet snake hat in the than just bring back the Fapa, Batso and a fondue. Mates are acquaintances, a bro is properly would result in my being taken off helmet. Didn’t Webber have a BBQ named Sfayiara. anyone who gives you a smoke, and Tsigan the Naughty List, and placed on the Peevish after him? Well, he stunk like a charcoal You can do no harm to your Frank Talia, is fed up with all that classifi cation and List) throwback after a Barbie at Klaus’ house. or Gen Italia by presuming the Clothesline whimsical terminology loosely directed at and Figure Four will be seen at a theatre this generation. Pah, you make me wanna Celebrity races have lost their encomium near you. I’d produce it, but would rather WRETCH! for my money. Not that I have any, hence concentrate on Japanese domination victory Tsigan. Once again I was delicately and scenario on Civ 3 Complete. Best waste of Substitution being made. tactfully berated by my cousin Mick at the time bar none. Bar Nun would be a Jewish Lalaland Lunation yesterday. Of concern Penguin who could morph into anything she CELEBATE CELEBRATION was my lack of passion for fast cars, and the wanted to under the right prose. Catchy heading, with nothing more than a wow, pizzazz, fructose and uber fantasimo spurious connotation. B Flat. of the F1. Prose, ha ha ha ha ha. Man, if any of us could have a buck for every Strike a prose. time a woman said that us blokes think with Actually, that extends to all manner of racing Madonna is crap. our little heads instead of the big one. Tsigan cars, and I mean across the board. Cars that “Don’t say that man, she’s alright.” quoth believes it depends on which angle. Another roar and screech, smash and roll, just don’t the Editor. sad misconception, is that all blokes have is do it for me. Give me 5 days of Geoff Boycott “No she’s snot.” sayeth I. sex on their mind. Weird since sports, cars, in a Yorkshire state of mind, and I fall asleep, sports cars and beers take up 95% of a blokes sure, but I still get to see the rest of the Poms DIRE STRAITS thought process. Sex is a stiff venture for the get hammered by Lillee and Thomson. Sam Not just money for nothing and chicks for better part of 3 minutes for every bloke that’s could pitch a few beauties too, by the way. free. not a porn star. Fact is, porn stars use 95% of Of a certainly, not a place where the cliffs their brain for sex, because the other 5% is Horses that run fast around a track, and the ram the Argonaut. dedicated where to score next. inebriated minions that squeal like piglets Yea verily, it’s where the world is headed. on acid when the horse is about to go past Sadly, the consensus and resignation by the We have bills to pay, kids to feed, a missus to the post are another hate which I pet fi ercely. echelon continue to use fi gures of speech pacify and impress, wine and dine, and then Now THERE’S a sport of kings. Then again, with pointed conjunction of apparent maybe a bit of crumpet for breakfast. Then the kings are the ones that squeal like pigs on contradictions daily, and yet NO ONE stands we get accused of looking at a chicks norks acid, so that evens out of its own accord. up and says Bo Diddly McSquat. when they are obviously out on display

Issue # 6 Goal! Weekly REGULARS 17 Gas bagging, News & Views

With Mark Boric

I understand each of the Foxtel Cup teams competition where the majority of the games report, you know where you can still get a (AIS most likely excluded, or course) could be played under the excessive heat job...... have once again been billed $1600 for policy and the additional life-saving drinks Victory in Asia is how Melbourne’s ACL advertising. break that comes with it each half. campaign commenced, with a 2-0 win over That has been happening for a few In light of the tragic death of the Chunnam Dragons. Could they be the years now, however, since this advertising seventeen year old netballer Emma McVilly fi rst Aussie team to make it to the second levy came in a few things gave changed. in Warrnambool last week provides a stage? Hopefully the answer is yes. For one, the FFV have put no money into cautionary tale. The doctor who tried to The football hooligan movie I am working Goal! Weekly since the initial season of this revive her said it appeared she had fallen and on will include many homages to the greatest paper. hit her head, leading to a seizure and cardiac sports movies of all time. For Slap Shot I will I scoured last Friday’s Herald- arrest. “She may have been dehydrated all use Oglethorpe as a character name as well Sun looking for an advertisement with the day or someone said she had had a chest pain as the inclusion of Maxine Nightingale’s weekend’s fi xture details on it but didn’t fi nd all day,” he said. Right Back Were We Started From on the one. This had been appearing for most of last FFV have joined the Play by the Rules soundtrack. For Field of Dreams the line “Is season, but haven’t noticed any such ad this campaign. At fi rst I laughed out loud, given this Heaven?” will be used by a young hool year. some of the inconsitencies in their enforcing during his fi rst epic ruck. As I’ve mentioned in earlier of the rules over the years. Then I clicked on And I will be resurrecting the columns, the Foxtel Cup website was updated the website link and found out the campaign character of Tank O’Donohue from The Club, once in the period between the new year and is more focussed fi ghting discrimination with the former rugged footy star joining the season kicking off. It’s almost fraudulent and harrassment rather than just promoting a hooligan fi rm to get a fi x of the violence behaviour, charging someone for a service general fair play. Which is a good thing. The new logo for the hugely anticipated he has been missing since his playing days which you fail to provide, is it not? Speaking of the FFV website, on their Victorian Sunmer Competition. ended. The recent heatwave has me wondering scrolling list of FFV memos I noticed the Until next week, because in this if a Summer League is all that wise. Most Suspensions Carried Over For Season eventually costing them the game 0-3 by the weather there’s no way the creek is gonna players can put up this conditions once 2008 document. Which doesn’t contain FFV tribunal. So how does all that work? rise. or twice early in the season, but I doubt the name of the suspended player Fawkner Incompetence. If it’s on your resume or it is in anyone’s best interests to play in a Blues played against Melbourne Knights, school

With George Katsamboukas KATSA’S KORNER come up with the $700 needed to analyse the contents of test tubes fi lled with yellow matter, 0-5 provided for by the players, I somehow think that they would not only clean up with the GOALS PAY THE RENT fi nes for breaches, but there would not be The Australian Government Economic Gurus many players left not suspended to be able announced this week that Australia’s rate of to play. unemployment was at an all time low. The second was concerning alleged The Scorer announced immediately breaches of the salary caps in the Foxtel after that he would soon be looking for Cup. alternative work, for he has not had anything Mark’s reaction, by the way, G’Day to do this year. Mark, to the Salary Cap Breach was that “If Reason? I had another $300,000 or $400,000 then The Foxtel Cup coaches have managed to do maybe the policy could have been retained. something that they never have been able to Now in the wee hours of a Saturday do so before, and that is after 5 Rounds, they morning, I tried to do the math as to how are all still gainfully employed, for now…. he arrived at that fi gure, and if he did have access to these amounts, how would they be “BUBBLES” BLOWS BUBBLES used to make this policy work? Ernie could not hide his elation after his Tribunal nights would be so much more entertaining if it could Victory Boys kicked of their campaign in I had two choices. adopt a Jerry Springer style approach. the “Happy End” Asia Cup campaign with Continue to try and work this one out, or are over, and I do not have to attend these a 2-0 win. have another J Walker. I think that your Drivers licence is safe Paul; hearings, as if I attended the address above He hopes that they bring back the Option 2 was the winner. however, the Rams have about as much and hung around till the morning for bacon next week after they fl y over the hills chance of staying in the EPL as I have of Psychological assistance, it would be the and far away to play their fi rst away match. ORDER IN THE COURT being invited to the FFV for Tea and Scones psychologist who would then need further Not to be out done, Aurelio’s Last week I was unfortunately guilty of False with the Commissioners. Adelaider’s also won their fi rst game 2-0, Reporting when I wrote that FFV Tribunal counselling after spending an hour with me, trying to analyse how the Katsa mind which is a great start for both Aussie teams. matters were heard at the following address: COUNTDOWN works. Kids count the days till Xmas, Soccer SCORING WITHOUT THE BALL Psychologists Registration Board, Junkies count the days till all the Victorian Fellow columnist Craig MacKenzie came Level 10, 379 Collins Street, RAMMING IT HOME Leagues commence and they only have 19 Over to the UK we go where Derby County out punching in last weeks edition, with two Melbourne, Victoria, sleeps to go. Gaffer has made sure that the very interesting stories concerning Victorian Australia 3000 2008 should be an interesting Season for Rams do not have more points than his Soccer. some Clubs, and we all should remember. drivers licence. The fi rst was about Drug Testing of Actually, it was not false reporting, but It’s not where we start that matters As written before, that was the big players. misleading reporting. but where we fi nish. statement that he made when he took on the According to a little birdie that’s The Westgate is only a few Toll Gaffer’s job at Pride Park, that “He had more Thankfully for many players, alcohol is not the address above is where all FFV Tribunal Clicks away….. considered a prohibitive substance. matters are heard. points on his drivers licence than Derby had points in the EPL” For if it were, and the FFV could Thankfully my days as a player This is Katsa – Just as you’ve known him.

Monday 17 March 2008 18 INTERSTATE Goal! Weekly WEST AUSTRALIA TARKA SET FOR MORE GLORY Talented West Australian defender David The 25 year old believes his best on helping me achieve my personal goals on Perth Glory currently has 11 Tarka has committed to the rejuvenation years are ahead and that staying in Perth will the playing fi eld and I’m extremely grateful contracted players for the 2008/09 season of Perth Glory with a new one year deal allow him to achieve his football goals. for that,” Tarka said. and is continuing a thorough and extensive to remain at the club. “I’m totally committed, as I’ve Tarka joined Perth Glory from the recruiting process. Details of players added The winner of the ‘Most Glorious always been, to helping this club reinstate Australian Institute of Sport in 2001 and to the squad will be released upon the Player’ award in 2006/07, Tarka will be a itself as a powerhouse in Australian was a key contributor in the club’s fi rst NSL completion of negotiations. major inclusion in Glory’s defence following football,” Tarka said, Championship in 2002/03. His burgeoning a season spent on the sidelines. “There are challenges ahead both talents have earned him dual Socceroos “David is a skilful and personally and for all of us as a group and I selection and a two year stint abroad with uncompromising defender and we’re look forward to tackling them head-on and Nottingham Forrest before returning to the confi dent he has the capacity to reclaim making sure we break into the top four and Glory for their inaugural Hyundai A-League his status as one of Australia’s premier play fi nals football,” he said. campaign. footballers,” Glory Coach Dave Mitchell Given a clean bill of health Tarka is “David is passionate and committed said. positive that a frustrating run of injuries can to Perth Glory and his desire to remain here “He has worked extremely hard to fi nally be put to rest. reinforces the strong belief we all share that regain his fi tness and will be a great asset for “I have a fantastic support group the club is heading in the right direction,” the club going forward,” said Mitchell. around me in Perth who are entirely focused Mitchell added. Information by Football West

ATTENTION INTERSTATE FOOTBALL FANS! SUBSCRIPTIONS TO GOAL! WEEKLY ARE NOW AVAILABLE Call (03) 9645 1440 or email [email protected] for details

Issue # 6 Goal! Weekly INTERSTATE 19 NSW & ALL SQUARE AT BELMORE Sutherland still top in NSW Premier League An uninspiring 1-1 draw with Sydney Bakis unmarked in the box. Attempting a Sutherland area. Zabaks was in no-man’s Sutherland Sharks: Zabaks; Katz, Souris, Olympic at Belmore was enough to keep scissor-volley, he put the ball over the bar on land again, the ball ran loose, and Chris Bojic, Spruce; Bakis, Huxley (Lawrence), the Sutherland Sharks on top of the the bounce; a header would surely have been Triantis stabbed home. Gan, Stavroulakis (Reid), Lyons (Smith); NSWPL ladder after the fourth round of simpler and more effective. With Sutherland pushing Boardman. matches. At the other end, plenty of men forward, Olympic had their With last week’s hat-trick man almost scored a goal direct from a corner, chances to extend their lead on the break, but MVP Points: Matthew Mayora suspended, Olympic’s but his swerving left-footed delivery was the front-men were inclined to take one or two 3 – Jim Bakis (SS). In a game in which no- coach Milan Blagojevic decided to overhaul again headed off the Sutherland line. touches too many. Zabaks was indeed called one really stood out, Bakis’s delivery from the forward line completely, fielding Anthony Half-time came, and the spectators into action when Roger Galayini set off on an the right was ultimately the factor which got Hartshorn in an unfamiliar lone striker role, would not have been feeling particularly inspired run from deep, but his eventual shot Sutherland back in the game. with only Chris Triantis breaking from enthused. was palmed away by Sutherland’s keeper; 2 – Emmanuel Zunino (SO). A solid midfield to support him. The Sutherland Sutherland had two chances in Cole latched onto the rebound and created performance at left-back for the home side. side was unchanged from last week’s victory quick succession early in the second half. room for a thumping left-footed shot, which 1 – Shannon Cole (SO). Although he over Manly. A corner reached Pedje Bojic in the area, Zabaks did well to hold. contributed little from free play, his set-pieces Sutherland nearly opened the and his blazing left-footed shot whizzed Sutherland finally fashioned an continue to be Olympic’s main weapon. scoring after just two minutes, when Brendan over the bar; soon afterwards, Jim Bakis’s equalizer on 80 minutes. Again, Jim Bakis Gan’s close-range header forced Michael useful right-wing cross – one of many such sent a telling ball in from the right, this Manly United FC 3 (Dusan Mihajlovic 21m Herbert into a good save. Otherwise, the deliveries from the Sutherland man – was time from a free kick; this time, however, Ashley Ryan 37m Robbie Cattanach 65m) opening fifteen minutes of the game were headed wide by Ben Spruce. Brad Boardman nipped ahead of his marker Marconi Stallions 0, Macarthur Rams 0 scrappy indeed, with Sutherland collecting Yet Sutherland were in trouble Michael Cindric and beat Herbert with a FC 1 (Osagie Ederaro 55m), two yellow cards for poor challenges. at the other end, where Shannon Cole’s powerful header. Sydney Olympic 1 (Chris Triantis 55m) Olympic posed danger occasionally, set-pieces continued to torment the away At least another week on Sutherland Sharks 1 (Bradley Boardman mostly thanks to the dead-ball ability of side. On 58 minutes, one of his inswinging the top of the table for Sutherland, then. 80m). Shannon Cole. On fifteen minutes, one of corners was headed straight back to him, and Olympic, for their part, will feel that this was his floaters from the right was half-cleared his audacious attempt to beat Zabaks at his two points dropped. to Michael Cindric, who shot over the bar; near post was, once again, cleared off the soon afterwards, Roger Galayini got his line. Two minutes later, a Cole corner from Sydney Olympic 1 (Triantis) head to another Cole special, and the ball the other end; this time, a Sutherland player Sutherland Sharks 1 (Boardman) was cleared off the line by a Sutherland headed back towards goal, after Zabaks had defender. flapped at the ball; yet again, a desperate Sydney Olympic: Herbert; Cole, Cindric, Sutherland’s best chance of the half goal-line clearance was required. Jurilj, Zunino (Sherlock); Galayini, arrived on the half-hour. A good passing move Cole finally hit paydirt on 62 Simonovic, Zorbas, Doumanis (Kovas); By Mike Salter from left to right reached the overlapping minutes, when his deep, well-flighted free Triantis (C.Musumeci); Hartshorn. Michael Katz, whose fine cross found Jim kick from the left caused confusion in the in Sydney IT’S ZEBRAS V SOUTH ! Tilford to defend Summer Cup title Tilford Zebras will defend their Summer shortly after the interval, was from a brilliant Cup title in southern Tasmanian when free-kick from 25 metres. they face South Hobart in the final on He expertly clipped the ball over Easter Monday. the wall and it appeared to be flying over But, for the Zebras, reaching the the bar before suddenly dipping into the net final was a close call. off the underside of the crossbar. It may pay They had completed their four- Heidelberg to have another look at this 18 match program in Group B with 8 points year-old, who pulled out of signing for them and had to sit back this weekend and hope at the last minute. the other results went their way, which they Goalkeeper Nathan Pitchford, who surprisingly did. also tried his luck in Victoria at the beginning Kingborough Lions United and of last season, scored the 16th penalty of the New Town Eagles were both on 6 points, shoot-out against Knights to give Eagles a with one game to play, and a win for either 5-4 win and the bonus point. But, it wasn’t would have put them top of the group and enough to give them a place in what would given them a place in the final. have been their third consecutive final, and But, the Lions went down 2-0 to coach Ian Parker’s fourth final in a row. Clarence United at KGV Park on Friday Pitchford also saved three penalties night, while Eagles were held to goalless - from Sacha Puclin, Janko Begovic and draw by Glenorchy Knights at South Hobart Martin Cairns. on Saturday, and it was the Zebras who Alexander Leszczynski, Adam progressed to the final. McKeown, Jamie Vernon, Ben Whitehall South Hobart also had to survive and Pitchford were successful for Eagles, jangling nerves to reach the final after being while Wade Savage and Adamu Koroma on top of Group A with 8 points and with a shot wide and Andrew Clark had his spot- game against Metro to play. kick saved by Ben Peter. Hobart Olympic moved to 10 For the Knights, Tom Huigsloot, points on Friday night by beating University Jade Clay, Anthony Grundy and Nathan 2-0 through two first-half goals by Nick Daniels netted, while Peter’s effort hit the Meredith. outside of the left-hand post. This meant South Hobart had to beat Metro, which they did 2-1, but they did it the hard way. Coach Ken Morton had four Eagles’ Nathan Pitchford saved three penalties against the Knights. key players on the bench and rested Hugh Shae Hickey gave South the lead right and Wain forced the ball over the line Ludford, Matthew Brown and goalkeeper from Tom Roach’s cross in the 17th minute, to give South Hobart an unbeatable 11 points Mark Moncur, but with the score 1-1 at but substitute Edward Guma levelled for and a place in the final. half-time, he brought on Billy Gasparinatos, Metro in the 27th minute with almost his Two goals by Dwayne Walsh, who Jonathon Ladic and Jonathon Foley- first touch of the game. almost signed for Heidelberg last season, Donoghue for the second half. Wain had Midway through the second half, gave Clarence their win over the Lions. come on late in the first half and eventually Metro keeper Michael McKenna failed to His first came from a through-ball By Walter Pless scored the winner. hold Nathan Wardle’s low cross from the just before the interval, while his second, Photos by Walter Pless

Monday 17 March 2008 20 SOCCER SIDESHOW Goal! Weekly A little bit of this, that & the other... ON THE BOX PUMA PROMOTION CONTINUES! ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

Tues Mar 18 Birmingham v Newcastle 6.55 am Fox Sports 2

Thurs Mar 20 Tottenham v Chelsea 6.55 am Fox Sports 1

Thurs Mar 20 Manchester United v Bolton READER 6.55 am Fox Sports 2

Sat Mar 22 Tottenham v Portsmouth COMPETITION 11.40 pm Fox Sports 1

Sun Mar 23 Blackburn v Wigan 1.55 am Fox Sports 1

Sun Mar 23 Bolton v Manchester City Thanks to our friends at PUMA 1.55 am (Viewers Choice) Q. I was known as the Dutch here’s your chance to win Master of ball control. In my another free pair of football Sun Mar 23 Middlesbrough v Derby PUMA boots I invented a famous boots worth $260. 1.55 am (Viewers Choice) football turn in the 70’s that has since been named after me. First correct entry sent to Sun Mar 23 Newcastle v Fulham My fi rst name is Johan. My [email protected] 1.55 am (Viewers Choice) second name starts with “C”. wins! Who am I? Sun Mar 23 Reading v Birmingham 1.55 am (Viewers Choice) WHO AM I? PUMA KINGS ? ? ? ? Sun Mar 23 Everton v West Ham 4.10 am Fox Sports 1 1. Rated by many to be the greatest having won four World Cups (1934, footballer of all time I famously wore 1938, 1982, 2006), just one fewer Mon Mar 24 Manchester United v Liverpool my PUMA boots in the 1970 World than . To this tally you can add 12.25 am Fox Sports 1 Cup Final. I scored the opening one European championship (1968), goal of the game and then made two Central European International Mon Mar 24 Chelsea v Arsenal assists on Jairzinho’s and Carlos Cup and one Olympic Gold Medal 2.55 am Fox Sports 1 Alberto’s goals, the latter one after (1936). The traditional colour of the an impressive collective play. Brazil national team is azure blue (azzurro, won the match 4-1, keeping the Jules in Italian), and therefore national Rimet Trophy indefi nitely. Burgnich, team members are nicknamed ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE who marked me during the match, Azzurri. In June we’ll be sporting was quoted saying “I told myself our new PUMA tops at the Euopean Wed Mar 19 Adelaide v Changchun before the game, he’s made of skin Championships in Switzerland and 8.00 pm Fox Sports 1 and bones just like everyone else Austria. Who am I? — but I was wrong”. Who am I? Wed Mar 19 Chonburi v Melbourne 4. I was born 30 January 1981 in This suave lot know exactly how to 10.00 pm Fox Sports 1 (DELAY) 2. I was born October 30, 1960 Macclesfi eld, Cheshire and am an dress for success. The photo might and am a former Argentine football English international football player. help with the answer to question 3 player. I played in four World Cups I currently play for the English club COCA-COLA CHAMPIONSHIP and received the people’s choice Liverpool as a striker. In my PUMA 6. I was born March 14, 1979 in Sat Mar 22 Charlton v West Brom FIFA Player of the Century award, boots I have a height of 6 ft 7 in (2.01 Versailles, France and play as a 3.30 am Fox Sports 2 after being voted in 2000 in an m) which makes me the tallest man striker. My PUMA boots helped me international public poll on the ever to play for either Liverpool or win the 1998–99 PFA Young Player organisation’s website to decide the the England national team, as well of the Year award and make me a INTERNATIONAL MATCHES best player of the 20th century. I won as the tallest player currently in the name at Arsenal. I’ve since changed Sat Mar 22 Singapore v Australia many trophies with Boca Juniors, Premier League. Who am I? clubs several times playing for eight 10.00 pm Fox Sports 3 FC Barcelona and SSC Napoli over teams in scarcely more than ten the course of my career and during 5. I started my career in Australia years, earning myself the nickname TOTAL FOOTBALL my international career I won 91 with Melbourne Knights in 1993, and “Le Sulk” in the process. I now Thurs Mar 20 7.30 pm Fox Sports 3 caps and scored 34 goals. My most became an Australian international play for Chelsea in the EPL after memorable goal in a pair of PUMA in June of the following year. In my signing from Bolton Wanderers for boots came against England in the two seasons with the Melbourne a reported £15 million in January quarter-fi nals of the Mexico World Knights I was top goal scorer in 2008. As a result, I became the most Cup ‘86 tournament -- a spectacular the NSL and was twice awarded expensive player in football history 60-metre weave through six England the Medal for NSL having commanded more than 85 players -- which is commonly referred Player of the Year in 1993/94 and million GBP in transfer fees. to as “The Goal of the Century.” 1994/95. I also won an NSL title in Who am I?

Who am I? season 1994/1995. My PUMA boots Answers

bagged goals for Dinamo Zagreb, Anelka 6.Nicholas

3. I am among the top teams in Celtic, Leeds United and currently, Viduka, 5.Mark Crouch, 4.Peter international football and the second Newcastle United. Who am I? 3.Italy, 2.Maradona, Pele, 1. most successful national team

Issue # 6 Goal! Weekly FOOTBALL FEATURE 21 Brandon Vassallo END OF AN ERA AT GULLY Brandon to head to greener pastures? ne noticeable name missing from so much to the success of Green Gully. the Green Gully line-up in this I’ve nothing but praise and respect for the Oyear’s Foxtel Cup has been none family. Brandon was a very determined other than Brandon Vassallo. young man and didn’t just give 100%, but The highly regarded midfielder/ he gave much more. He wanted to achieve forward who has played in no less than four things, he always strove hard to be in the championship winning sides and featured first team and to his credit, managed to in a Minor Premiership, decided prior to the reach the pinnacle of what a player can commencement of the current campaign to reach in football in Victoria with Green call it a day. Gully.” At a relatively young age of 29 and Farrugia went on to add, “Brandon after nearly 10 ½ seasons sporting the green would often stay back after training with and white colours of Victorian powerhouse, Simon Storey and Jeff Fleming and work Green Gully Cavaliers, with distinction, the on extra things on the pitch after everyone news came as a surprise to most in the local else had made their way to the showers. football world. Whether it was crosses, shooting, corners Not least of all, Green Gully president, – he was one of those leaders who was Charlie Farrugia, who was sorry to see him quite committed. I wish he was still here, I go and would have him back in a minute. wish he was still living in St Albans which But, such is the respect between club and would make it easier for him to get to the player, the decision was accepted, and an club, and I wish he still had that hunger.” association that stems back two generations Asked why Brandon made the came to a reluctant close. decision he did, he replied “I more or less Brandon’s father is of course, wanted to take some time out for myself. Willie Vassallo, a former Maltese I think it’s because I’ve been with the one international who also gave sterling service club for so long and I’ve become a bit stale to Green Gully and the Sunshine Georgies with the same routine at the one place. during the 70’s and 80’s. The other thing is I’ve just been married “Like father, like son” so the as well, to Linda, and we’ve moved to the saying goes, and Vassallo Snr also other side of town to Mitcham. I suppose played his part in contributing to Gully’s with travel and trying to fit in four, or impressive honours list as an instrumental sometimes even five sessions a week, it member of the side that secured a hat-trick just didn’t suit my life anymore and I guess of championships in 1981/82/83 and wrote some of my priorities have changed. ” his way into Gully folklore. When asked if he’s officially Such is the standing of the Vassallo retired, Brandon set the record straight , family to the Green Gully Football Club, “I’m not calling it a retirement, but rather Farrugia was quick to point out that in the just taking out a bit of a break from the seven VPL championships the club has game.” won, the Vassallo’s have been a part of each A gym and a treadmill in the front room in and every one of them – more than doing the new house indicates we may not have their bit on the field to deliver a unique seen the last of him just yet. And a return achievement in Victorian football. to action in the Foxtel Cup may not be off Farrugia has nothing but the agenda entirely. “But, like I said, if a admiration for Brandon saying, “We are change occurred, I think I’d really take to it very grateful for the service that Brandon a bit more.” has given to Green Gully over the years. Based on those comments, it Four-time VPL championship winner, Brandon Vassallo, has decided Also, because his father played here during appears that the career which begun at to call it a day at Gully after ten years of service. the championship years of the 80’s, we North Sunshine before moving to George feel very proud that they have contributed Cross, and spent nearly three years under Ernie Merrick at the VIS, as well as a brief to be involved with one of the best run time with the Melbourne Knights in the clubs in Victoria and I’ve been able to NSL, isn’t necessarily a forgone conclusion. contribute to the success of the club. I When speaking to Brandon, a didn’t come to the decision straight away.” sense of appreciation is obvious when asked Brandon was slightly hesitant to to reveal his thoughts of his time at Green fully commit to pre-season and after a heart Gully Reserve, “I’ve been very lucky to to heart talk with Dobson, Vassallo was be a part of such a professional set-up. I given a month off to “think about it”. mean, the amount of good players that came Vassallo soon returned, but after a through those championship years, like few further sessions it was obvious to him Adrian Cervinski, Zoran Markovski, Dragi his original decision was probably the best Nastevski – who played for Australia , Dean for both parties. Fak - who played I don’t know how many The final announcement was games in the NSL, Roddy Vargas, Andy ironically made at Sunshine Georgie’s Vargas, Lubo Lapsansky, Simon Storey, ground prior to a pre-season friendly match Joey Rajher, Nick Tsaltas, the list goes on against current champions, Preston Lions. and on – the team that we had was very A brief speech to players and officials in strong for those years. Those were years the dressing rooms brought an end to one the club was fortunate to get these players of the longest, most successful and unique together and when you’ve got a good sporting relationships witnessed in Victoria. people manager like Ian Dobson, it just felt Asked whether or not he’d like no one was ever going to beat us. It felt consider pulling on the boots again if really good to have that frame of mind.” approached by another club, Brandon Asked about the highlight of his replied, “Definitely”. time with Green Gully, Brandon pointed Although the Vassallo/Gully to the VPL Grand Final triumph over connection may well have come to a Heidelberg United in 2005. Vassallo capped close for now, one gets the impression we off Gully’s 50th Jubilee Year Anniversary perhaps haven’t seen the final chapter of by scoring the first goal in the final at this family’s football exploits just yet. Green Gully celebrated its 50th Anniversary in style by capturing the 2005 VPL Olympic Park, on the way to a 2-0 win. Championship with a 2-0 win against Heidelberg United in the Grand Final. Was it a hard decision to make? By James Taylor Vassallo opened the scoring that day as Gully marched towards its seventh title. “Yep, absolutely, I’ve been really fortunate Photos by John Punshon

Monday 17 March 2008 22 OVERSEAS STUFF Goal! Weekly

TARTAN TALK with Nic Townsend FA CUP UPSETS AND and 7th on the table. against Aberdeen. Right up REPERCUSSIONS FOR However as Tottenham have until last Thursday this already won the League Cup and the FA Cup game looked unlikely to go EUROPE will go to a club not in the top four, it looks ahead as the club only had This season’s FA Cup looks to be the most like only the club fi nishing 5th will go to 10 players prepared to take exciting and open in years with all of the Europe. At the time of writing both Everton the fi eld. big four (Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool have a seven-point gap The only reason Arsenal and Liverpool) knocked out. ahead of 6th. Aston Villa, Manchester City, Gretna play in the SPL More remarkable still is that Portsmouth Blackburn and Portsmouth (if they don’t win today is because millionaire are the only Premiership club still in the the FA Cup) will be reduced to scrambling businessman Brooks competition with the other three coming over a place in the Intertoto Cup if they hope Mileson has bankrolled from the Championship. to play in Europe next season. a complete facelift of the Portsmouth are club. In 2002 Gretna were obviously favourites to win playing in the English the cup from here but it is by county leagues. no means certain. Despite A shift to the the fact Barnsley currently Scottish League, a huge sit fi rmly in the lower injection of funds and three half of the Championship successive promotions later, For how much longer can little Gretna keeps its doors open? table, they have managed Gretna fi nd themselves in to knock out both Chelsea the top tier and completely and Liverpool so they’re out of their depth. Until this consequently be cancelled. unlikely to be intimidated season they were paying the highest wages Dundee United will be the biggest by Pompey. outside of the SPL, but with only a modest benefactor from this having lost to Gretna Cardiff has also fan base the club have been operating at twice. Gretna’s only hope now is that the been unimpressive this huge losses. This was never problem as long SPL will grant them an advance on end-of- season but again can boast as Mileson was prepared to foot the bill. season takings, and for a large gate receipt a Premier League scalp However as Mileson’s health has from their next home game against Celtic. in Middlesbrough. West increasingly deteriorated the club has lost In an age where every fan now hopes Bromwich haven’t meet its cash cow. Mileson has since said he can for a wealthy benefactor to buy up their club any EPL sides in their cup no longer fi nance the club as he continues and buy success, Gretna’s recent experience run so far, but they are to battle poor health. The players’ wages shows the folly and unsustainability of such generally regarded as one have gone unpaid and the club have seen an plans. The success might be great in the short of the best teams outside of exodus of personnel. Seeing as non-payment term, but if the club isn’t self-suffi cient, what the top tier. They’ve made of wages is a breach of contract, the few will they do when the cash fl ow suddenly it to the semi fi nals with remaining players on Gretna’s books are stops? What would happen to Chelsea if ease so far having scored entitled to leave immediately. Roman Abramovich suddenly got bored? 10 goals in the past two FA Gretna have been reduced to making Gretna fans may thank Brooks Mileson Cup fi xtures. up the numbers in their fi rst-team with for giving their modest club the chance to The FA Cup players from the Under 19s squad. All of a play in the , UEFA Cup and upsets have also intensifi ed Pompey and Soul: Sol Campbell could possibly steer sudden a club with the fi nances, fan base and , but his reckless the competition for Portsmouth to its fi rst FA Cup since 1939. infrastructure of a amateur team are stuck in spending has also potentially destroyed the European qualifi cation in a professional league with the corresponding club in the process. the Premiership. The EPL are allocated three costs with seemingly no possible way of UEFA Cup spots in addition to their four GRETNA paying up. Champions League spots. Two of those spots This week Scottish side Gretna provided go to the winner of the League Cup and FA all football fans a warning on the The question now is can Gretna Cup. consequences of relying on wealthy survive until the end of the season? If Seeing as the winners of those two benefactors for success. they go out of business before playing cups in recent years have usually been the The club has gone into their remaining nine games, no team will same teams that have already claimed a administration and looks unlikely to survive be relegated from the SPL this year. All Champions League spot, the UEFA Cup spots beyond the end of the season. At the time points from games involving Gretna will often got passed onto the teams fi nishing 6th of writing Gretna were about to kick off Gossip and Transfer Speculation from the English Media...

England’s ‘big four’ clubs will have Frank Lampard will sign a new Chelsea Liverpool defender Daniel Agger is likely Champions League Draw a key role in the battle to stay in the contract, the club’s chief executive Peter to be sidelined for the remainder of the Premier League as they juggle their Kenyon said Friday. season with a foot injury, Reds manager Quarter-fi nals Kenyon also played down reports manager Rafael Benitez said Friday. Arsenal (ENG) v Liverpool (ENG) domestic and Champions League Avram Grant would be sacked at the end of The 23-year-old Denmark international has AS Roma (ITA) v Manchester United (ENG) commitments, according to Reading the season if the club failed to win been out of action since September with Schalke 04 (GER) v Barcelona (ESP) manager Steve Coppell. either the Premier League or Champions a metatarsal injury and is due to have an Fenerbahce (TUR) v Chelsea (ENG) Manchester United, Chelsea, League titles. opeartion next week. Arsenal and Liverpool - who’ve been England midfi elder Lampard has criticised “It’s a blow for Daniel but we want to get Semi-fi nals paired together - have all qualifi ed what he said was Chelsea’s delay in handing his problem sorted,” Benitez told the club’s Arsenal (ENG)/Liverpool (ENG) v Fenerbahce for the quarter-fi nals of European him a new deal but Kenyon, speaking at the offi cial website, www.liverpoolfc.tv. (TUR)/Chelsea (ENG) club football’s most prestigious Champions League quarter-fi nal and semi- “We have defensive cover and Martin Schalke 04 (GER)/Barcelona (ESP) v AS competition. fi nal draw at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Skrtel is playing very well. Daniel will be Roma (ITA)/Manchester United (ENG) Switzerland, told Sky Sports: “The discussions back for next season.” That leaves them contemplating that we’ll have with Frank will be kept private Slovakian Skrtel replaced Agger as the most Quarter-fi nals - fi rst leg on April 1-2 and return resting players for matches against and that’s important. expensive defender in Liverpool’s history leg on April 8-9 opponents at the foot of the table so as “Both parties have made it absolutely clear we following his six million pounds transfer to keep their stars fresh for Europe. want to fi nd a resolution.” from Zenit St Petersburg in January Semi-fi nals - April 22/23 and April 29/30 BAYSWATER INDOOR SOCCER SHOP 20% SUPPLIERS OF: **COVO**NIKE** MITRE**PATRICK**ONLY SPORT** 20% OFF ALL FFV APPROVED TEAM WEAR AND SOCCERBALLS OFF ALL FOOTWEAR FOR THE BEST CLUB DEALS OF BALLS, GLOVES AND TEAMWEAR FOOTWEAR 13 BURTON COURT, BAYSWATER PHONE 9729 1999 HOURS: MON-FRI 10AM-10PM SAT 9AM TO 1PM

Issue # 6 The man between the poles at Celtic, Poland’s Artur Boruk.