Tashkent thoughts
Any criticism of Pim Verbeek and his charges must be muted after Wednesday night’s performance. After all, they have started the final leg of the World Cup qualifying campaign with an away win in difficult conditions, with an injury-ridden squad. A fine achievement indeed.
…continue reading Tashkent thoughts
Wollongong connection wins it for the Socceroos against Uzbekistan
SCOTT CHIPPERFIELD got the only goal of the game thanks to a pin-point cross from fellow Wollongong Boy Luke Wilkshire for his second assist in as many games. This was a perfect start for Pim’s boys as they confidently put Uzbekistan away for a 1-0 win in Tashkent.
…continue reading Wollongong connection wins it for the Socceroos against Uzbekistan
Colosimo to go under the knife
Simon Colosimo will undergo surgery that will keep him on the sidelines for up to 12 weeks.
The 29-year old was diagnosed with Osteitis Pubis and although he has been managing the condition during the opening rounds of the A-League he now requires surgery.
Colosimo will undergo the operation next Tuesday but hopes for a quick recovery.
“It’s frustrating,” said Colosimo.
“No player wants to spend time sitting on the sidelines but it’s a problem I need to have fixed.”
My focus now is on getting back on the field as soon as possible to help Sydney win another Championship.”
Sydney FC coach John Kosmina is currently weighing up his options and will consider bringing in an injury replacement.
Australia prepare for final WC hurdle
Australia are only eight games away from a spot at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and commence what is hopefully the final qualification stage when they meet Uzbekistan in Tashkent.
…continue reading Australia prepare for final WC hurdle
Marquee extension for Thompson
Melbourne Victory today announced that striker Archie Thompson has extended his contract as the club’s marquee player for a further two years.
“It’s a new contract which will see Archie play until the end of the 2010/11 season. It’s a fantastic result for both Archie and Melbourne Victory and for our fans and supporters,” Victory Football Operations Manager Gary Cole said.
“It was a great coup for Melbourne Victory when we signed Archie to get him back from Europe and it’s a great coup now. He’s been a fantastic asset for our football club and for the A-League in general as well as the Socceroos,” Cole said.
Thompson said he is more than happy in Melbourne and hopes to win more A-League Championships with the club.
“I just love the club. I’ve been here since day one. I enjoy Melbourne, my wife loves Melbourne. My kids are settled here. The team and the supporters, I just love. I think we’ve got a great side, and I just want to be a part of the future going forward,” Thompson said.
“I’m sure I’ve got plenty of good years left in me,” he said.
“It’s not always about the money. I’m just happy to be part of the set-up. I like to think it’s one of the best clubs in Australia. I just want to win championships and I think this is a club that can do it.”
Socceroos shock Holland 2-1 in Eindhoven
AUSTRALIA have defeated Holland 2-1 in this morning’s friendly match played in The Netherlands.
…continue reading Socceroos shock Holland 2-1 in Eindhoven
Grella injured at Socceroos training
Midfielder Vince Grella has suffered a calf injury at Australia’s training camp in Mierlo, Netherlands.
Grella will definitely miss tonights friendly against the Netherlands and will almost certainly sit out when the Socceroos play their crucial World Cup Qualifier against Uzbekistan in Tashkent.
Coach Pim Verbeek has been excited by the form of Harry Kewell.
“Harry is fit, Harry is ready, Harry is fresh. It is good to see him in the group.” said Verbeek.
“Harry is back!”
Netherlands vs Australia kicks off at 4.30am AEST Sunday, September 7, with the World Cup qualifier match against Uzbekistan on at 1.30am Thursday, September 11.
Shroj bound for Glory
Perth Glory has now filled its 2008/09 squad with the signing of midfielder Wayne Srhoj on a one year deal.
Shroj spent a year in Western Australia playing for the Glory in their NSL Championship winning season of 2003/04, and hopes that he can help Perth revisit their glory days.
“When I was last here Perth Glory was the standout team in Australian football and I see no reason why they cant be again,” Srhoj said.
“Im happy to be back and looking forward to getting onto the pitch in the near future.”
Srhoj has spent the past five years in Romania playing for National Bucharest and Politchnica Timisoara, but has been training with Perth for the past fortnight.
“Im feeling fitter and fitter with every session and Ill continue to work overtime to show the coach Im ready to go, said Srhoj.
Perth Glory now has the maximum 23 contracted players allowed under A-League regulations, although the club still has the option to bring in a guest player.
Elrich out for six months
Central Coast Mariners midfielder Ahmad Elrich will miss at least six months of football after scans confirmed a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
Elrich was forced off the field after only 12 minutes during the Mariners 4-2 defeat of Queensland Roar last Sunday. He will undergo knee reconstuctive surgery next week and return to light training almost immediately on an accelerated rehabilitation program.
Elrich should make a return to the field by early to mid-2009, possibly in time for the Mariners’ AFC Champions League group stage matches.
“Personally, its obviously a devastating blow for me, especially considering how fit I was feeling and how much progress I had made throughout the pre-season and the early part of the Hyundai A-League season,” said Elrich.
“However, its good that I know exactly what Im dealing with as Ive been through this exact procedure before and Ive come back from it. I know that Ill come back again.”
