ROAR CLAIM PREMIER'S PLATE IN THRILLER

With only three rounds still remaining, Brisbane Roar claimed the A-League Premier’s Plate after a nail-biting win over a determined and classy Melbourne Victory at Suncorp Stadium.

The Roar now join the Victory as the most successful club in A-League history with two premierships and two championships and have earned the right to compete in the Asian Champion's League competition next season.

Despite juggling a heavy Asian Champions League schedule in recent weeks, the Victory showed no sign of fatigue and were determined make the Roar earn the silverware from FFA Boss David Gallop.

You could be excused for thinking that this was a Grand Final dress rehearsal as the quality of the match never waned and continued to build in intensity right from the opening whistle.

As often is the case with the Roar, they starved the Victory of possession and their slick one and two touch passing game created plenty of opportunities for a forward line missing key striker Besart Berisha through suspension.

The most pleasing aspect of this season for the Roar has been the ability and competitiveness of bench players to fill the void and lift in games they were expected to struggle.

Luke Brattan despite an early injury scare battled through the pain barrier to earn his hero status after his cracking strike found the netting deep into extra time and ignited a tense 17, 965 fans at the ground.

As has become the “norm” in recent years, it was the German engineered Thomas Broich who was instrumental in delivering the horsepower and reliability under the bonnet of a Roar outfit that believes they can always win a contest despite the lack of sand left in the added-time “egg timer”.

Melbourne Victory’s glove man Lawrence Thomas went perilously close to claiming his second clean sheet in a week despite being peppered like a sideshow alley wood-duck after contending with nine shots on target to Michael Theo’s two.

An invigorated and match fit Henrique created plenty of headaches for the Victory with his slippery-fish runs but failed to convert many chances on goal.

Brisbane coach Mike Mulvey heaped plenty of praise on both teams but singled out match winner Luke Brattan for a special mention at the post match press conference.

“This is what I love about this kid (Brattan). He’s so humble, he’s just scored the winning goal that has brought the Premiership to the club in the 90th minute and he’s gonna go a long way.”

Mulvey was glowing in his assessment on the game itself.

“It was two teams, well organised, having a go at each other, playing football the way I think it should be played. It’s a great sign for Australian football. That quality of football tonight, I’m very proud to be involved in a game like that!”

Mulvey also had plenty to say about the strong ethos of success at the club

"From the tea-lady to the chairman, everybody deserves credit."

Whoever that magic tea-lady is, she looks in line for a bonus or at the very least a new kettle at season’s end.

For now the Roar can celebrate a wonderful achievement, but come Monday morning it is back to the training pitch as they prepare to host Melbourne Heart and look towards another three points and ticking off the third and most important goal in Mike Mulvey’s sights, winning the A-League Grand Final.

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Brisbane Roar: 1. Michael Theo (GK), 2. Matthew Smith (C), 3. Shane Stefanutto, 10. Henrique, 11. Liam Miller, 14. Diogo Ferreira, 17. Matt McKay, 18. Luke Brattan, 19. Jack Hingert, 22. Thomas Broich, 23. Dimitri Petratos

Subs: 8. Steve Lustica, 16. Jean Carlos Solorzano, 20. Matt Acton (GK), 27. Devante Clut, 28. Brandon Borrello

Melbourne Victory: 20. Lawrence Thomas (GK), 5. Mark Milligan (C), 6. Leigh Broxham, 7. Gui Finkler, 9. Kosta Barbarouses, 14. James Troisi, 17. James Jeggo, 21. Tomas Rogic, 23. Adrian Leijer, 24. Scott Galloway, 25. Jason Geria

Subs: 1. Nathan Coe, 10. Archie Thompson, 16. Rashid Mahazi, 22. Jesse Makarounas, 26. 31. Dylan Marianne

The Football Sack "Grabbing the A-League by the Balls"

World Cup 2014: Out with the old and in with the new as eco-friendly Australia blood youth for Brazil

Brazil has been described as the Socceroos toughest World Cup campaign to date

World Cup 2014: Out with the old and in with the new as eco-friendly Australia blood youth for Brazil

Learning curve: Australia's young guns struggled against Ecuador Photo: AFP

February has been a massive month for the Socceroos. The unveiling of new eco-friendly kit, controversial squad announcements, and a UK-based run out against Ecuador have dominated headlines in a land "girt" by sea.

Football fans love a new kit unveiling. In our socially mediated world the big surprise is often deflated by a million tweets, mentions and retweets before a single camera flashes in excitement. So it was no surprise when Nike launched the new "Green and Gold" kit in the shadow of the Sydney Harbour Bridge but, unlike the Scots, the kit has garnered very positive endorsement.

The cutting edge design (consisting of 18 recycled plastic bottles) shouts sustainability as it pays tribute to the trailblazers of the nation's first World Cup finals campaign. The retro-styled adaptation has the quote, "We Socceroos can do the impossible", from the side's '74 Captain, Peter Wilson, woven into a stylish pennant tab.

Ange Postecoglou announced a youthful squad for the Ecuador match. As he seeks to construct the next generation, long-serving captain Lucas Neil was the most noticeable, though expected, absentee given his stalled on-field career. Postecoglou hasn't ruled out his inclusion in the final squad, but signalled a preference for solid club form over reputation.

Harry Kewell was another exclusion and, despite finding recent form with Manchester City's A-League side, Melbourne Heart, is long odds to be involved. He might be turning the "shrimps on the barbie" with Neil while their young colleagues are shaking their maracas on the Copacabana.

The match itself was one of mixed emotions. The clash between the Aussies and the 24th Fifa ranked Ecuador at Millwall's "The Den", a ground many Socceroos have called home, started with plenty of promise. Newly-appointed captain Mile Jedinak oversaw veteran Tim Cahill become the country's all-time top scorer with a handy brace. Cahill has never really been a "footballer" in the true sense of the word preferring his more reliable cranial asset to that of his feet.

Australians hope his trademark corner-post sparring session will be seen on more than one occasion in Brazil, but with Group B opponents Netherlands, Chile and Spain, not conceding will be the priority.

Belgium-based Maty Ryan had an impressive clean sheet in the first-half between the sticks, before making way for the much less successful Mitchell Langerak in the second. It was an unhappy night for the Borussia Dortmund back up as his sloppy Kung-Fu style challenge, and ensuing red card, saw the momentum shift to Ecuador.

Despite four unanswered goals handed to Ecuador in a cliché-riddled game of two halves, Postecoglou remained upbeat when he noted the friendly was more about blooding youth than the final result. Playing a man down certainly educated the squad in what scenarios can be thrown up in the tough competition of international football.

The Socceroos face South Africa in a farewell friendly at the Olympic Stadium in Sydney on May 26. The game will finish a week-long squad camp, and a great opportunity to continue Postecoglou's 'rebuilding' phase.

The "Bafana Bafana" may not be an ideal opponent given their recent 5-0 drubbing from tournament hosts Brazil, but it could provide the Socceroos with a much-needed shot in the brand new shirt-sleeve before their trek across the Pacific.

The final World Cup squad will continue to divide opinion and spark plenty of debate amongst supporters. But despite our tough Group B predicament, a record contingent of Aussie fans travelling to Brazil will be an encouraging aspect to what has been described as the Socceroos toughest World Cup campaign to date.

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Daniel Alessi: The Defence Rests

One thing that strikes you when speaking with 16 year old Daniel Alessi is the confidence he possesses. Not long after learning to walk the round ball was never far from reach or his feet for that matter, such is the pattern of progression for many footballers his age.

 Image Credit: George Suresh

Daniel’s early years were spent playing for local Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in Pymble and it was obvious his growth chart far exceeded that of his classmates. Thankful for his Italian pedigree, Daniel is happy to wear his height advantage as a badge of honour in those all-important aerial contests for possession.

To say 2014 has started well for the St Joseph’s student is a massive understatement. As he trained with his Foxtel NYL teammates over the summer he was blissfully unaware his hard work and dedication was about to pay off.

Wanderer’s coach Tony Popovic keeps a very keen eye on the NYL talent and saw an ingredient in the youngster that warranted a call up to the senior side.

 “I knew something was up when Ante Covic and Tony Popovic approached me after training to inform me that I would be playing on the weekend in the senior team,” said Daniel.

 “I didn't know what to think and it really didn't sink in until I was driving home on my L plates with my Mum and told her in the car!"

 “Mum said ‘What? You’re playing in the Derby?’ She was excited as anyone but not surprised as she knows how hard I work."

 “To play my first senior game is a memory that will be hard to emulate. To debut in a Sydney Derby against one of the finest players in the world in Alessandro Del Piero was the icing on the cake."

 “Competing with the likes of Del Piero was an amazing experience. He’s a player that just seems to operate at a different speed to everyone else on the pitch."

 “You cannot ease off your intensity as a defender for one minute or he can and most probably will convert that tiny advantage into a massive punishment."

 “The best thing about playing for the Wanderers is the confidence and the self-belief that grows within you. The staff and senior players are so encouraging and they trust your ability as a player no matter what your age.”

Daniel’s hard work has paid off with another call up into the Paul Okon managed Young Socceroos squad. The squad is looking to build momentum ahead of the AFC Championship tournament in Myanmar later in the year.

To finish in the top four will mean an all-important qualifying spot for the 2015 FIFA U20 World Cup hosted by our neighbours across the ditch in New Zealand.

 “To be selected in the Young Socceroos squad is an amazing honour but to share it with four of my Wanderer’s team mates in Shayne D’Cunha, Alusine Fofanah, Lawrence Hanna, and Thomas Manos is extra special."

 “To also have our keeper Thomas in goals gives me plenty of reassurance as we seem to know what each other is thinking which is so important in defence.”

 Daniel draws his football inspiration from watching and training with the senior team and continually admires the way goalkeeper Ante Covic lifts the team from the back.

 “Ante is wonderful communicator and as a young defender having him in the box behind you gives you that added security and confidence as the opposition attack approaches.”

 It is Daniel’s ultimate aim to play regular senior football and secure a Hyundai A-League contract with his beloved Wanderers. For now it’s all about the present and working hard, learning and soaking up any opportunities that comes with being a young footballer.

Western Sydney Wanderers Website Link:

World Cup 2014: Injury crisis make Australia recall for ageing Harry Kewell a possibility

Brazil already looks like an exercise in damage limitation for beleaguered Australia, who have lost two of their most influential players to injury

Yesterday's man: Harry Kewell may be a surprise inclusion in the Australia squad for the Brazil World Cup

Photo: AP

As if drawing footballing superpowers Spain, Holland as well as Chile wasn’t daunting enough, a growing list of injuries looks set to make the Socceroos squad resemble the cast of “The Walking Dead”.

In the past month, playmaker and arguably Australia’s best player Robbie Kruse tore his anterior cruciate ligament when training with his Bundesliga club side Bayer Leverkusen. With Kruse undergoing a full knee reconstruction that will see him sit out the remainder of the season, a return to the pitch before Brazil looks unlikely.

Then news broke late last week that Rhys Williams suffered a serious achilles tendon injury for Middlesbrough. He is now destined to watch from the comfort of his living room, again. He also missed the 2010 tournament through injury.

New manager Ange Postecoglou’s selection dilemmas and the need to find a balance between youth and experience have led to an avalanche of speculation. Harry Kewell’s name is back on the shortlist, now he’s finally found some form with Manchester City FC’s newly acquired A-League side, Melbourne Heart.

Kewell’s class and experience is offset by his ageing body, which has struggled to stand up to the rigours of domestic competition let alone the prospect of a tough World Cup campaign. Even the keenest football follower Down Under knows the national team is in transition. But Kewell’s selection, although popular in some circles, is tantamount to channeling Marty McFly in any of the Back to the Future movies.

It’s not all good news for the national team’s old guard, with current Captain Lucas Neil’s playing career as dormant as Japan’s Mount Fuji volcano, and it looks likely his armband will be appearing on a new bicep come June.

Postecoglou selected Neil for a friendly against Costa Rica in November, in a move seemingly designed to deflect speculation over the player's tenure. But Neil's lack of match time, and his heated reaction to fans’ criticism during that friendly may have made Ange’s decision an easier one come the final 23 name squad deadline.

A recent and busy trip to Europe and the Middle East has kept the new manager’s finger on the pulse of the his current talent pool. There are a number of likely candidates based here and abroad that could find their way into the selection bowl for the vacant roles of Kruse and Williams inluding Dario Vidosic (FC Sion); Matthew Leckie (FSV Frankfurt), Ivan Franjic (Brisbane Roar); James Troisi (Melbourne Victory); Brad Smith (Liverpool) and Ben Halloran (Fortuna Dusseldorf).

The Socceroos will play a friendly against South American opponents Ecuador on March 5 at The Den, home of Championship side Millwall. It is a ground Tim Cahill and Lucas Neil got to know intimately having playing a combined total of 369 games for the South East London club.

A final home soil friendly is expected in late May in Sydney against South Africa. Few fans hold anything like a high level of optimism for the Socceroos’ progression beyond the group stage, but many are hoping Postecoglou’s new football blueprint can reveal that the “size of the fight in the dog prevails over the size of the dog in the fight.”

A high level of competitiveness and minimising the margin of defeat is at the top of all fan’s wish list for their South American experience.

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Shayne D'Cunha: Bombay to Blacktown

Image Credit: Quarrie Sports Photography

There are not too many sports in the world or this Great Southern Land of Australia that can meld the many diverse cultures together like football.

Rather than describe football as the social conduit of cultures, I like to think of it as the high-end optical fibre than connects us all through the wonder of the round leather ball.

There are many young footballers whose backgrounds, stories of adversity and struggles have led to a strong sense of persistence and deep will to achieve results through a lot of sweat and tears along the way.

Enter Shayne D’Cunha whose own story is one that many Australians can relate to. Shayne was born to hard working Indian parents in one of the busiest cities in the world, Mumbai. The young defender’s journey from a young boy to being selected in a Young Socceroos squad is one worth telling.

At the tender age of four, Shayne’s parents made the giant but seemingly easy decision to leave Mumbai and commence a brand new life in the beautiful harbour city of Sydney. It was a decision that some 13 years on they are still relishing.

Australia Day means a lot to most Australians and for the D’Cunha family it is an important time for reflection and to appreciate the simple things that their chosen country delivers each and every day.

Quality of life, weather, relaxed nature of the people and a safe and healthy environment with which to live are just a few things they hold dear.

 “The sacrifices were huge for my parents but they soon made plenty of friends through other families. The lifestyle, freedoms and opportunities we are able to enjoy are endless in this wonderful city and country,” said Shayne.

 “I have returned to Mumbai on a few occasions and it is immediately apparent that I could never have enjoyed the same freedoms, rights and sporting pursuits I’ve enjoyed from growing up here. For the youth in Mumbai the focus is squarely on study and unfortunately football doesn’t sit high on the priority list."

 “My father and his brothers were all handy footballers back in the day and I guess their love and football DNA is alive and kicking on in me thankfully!”

While hockey is unofficially known as India’s national sport, it never appeared on Shayne’s sporting radar growing up and apart from a brief dabble in junior cricket it was clear from the outset that football is and always will be top of the tree.

Not surprisingly Shayne’s biggest source of inspiration is his tight family unit as he sets his sights on gaining that all important professional football contract with the Wanderers.

 “There any many challenges that come with chasing a sporting dream but having the support of family is most important to get over the challenges. There can be many high and lows along the journey but family always keeps me grounded and focused."

 “To realise my ultimate goal of one day playing for the Socceroos, I know it comes down to working hard at every session and doing everything right on and off the pitch.”

When asked who his favourite players are here and abroad, Shayne didn’t need to look to far from the Wanderer’s dressing room with Matthew Spiranovic easily commanding his attention and admiration.

 “Matthew has a wonderful understanding of the game and as a centre-back has tremendous vision and positional awareness on the pitch."

 “I certainly love watching his game to focus on the areas of my game that need improvement."

Away from the game it is the simple pleasures that help Shayne relax and unwind from the day-to-day schedule of football life.

 “Playing my acoustic guitar is the ultimate tool to take me away from solely thinking about football."

 “As important as it is to put the ultimate effort into all my sessions, the down time should be relished and used to refresh the body physically as well as mentally, and music really helps me do that!”

For now the task for Shayne is to continue training and playing hard each week with his Western Sydney Wanderers team in the Foxtel NYL.

 “The great thing about the game of football is that you share the whole journey with great mates who all understand what it takes to do well.”

Western Sydney Wanders Website Link:

Lawrence Hanna: All about the basics

Image Credit: Quarrie Sports Photography

I never tire of speaking with young footballers; the common thread is that their love of the game dominates the conversation over the talk of making it big.

Almost all hold the belief that any spoils are a by-product of thousands of hours of hard work, patience and sacrifice.

Lawrence Hanna is a mature 16 year-old attacking midfielder with the Western Sydney Wanderers who has the football world at his feet.

As a young over-active boy his parents suggested he burn off his endless energy stores and choose a sporting pursuit. He played his first game of football at grassroots level for his local Bankstown Greenacre Eagles U6s and still to this day gets the same level of excitement at lacing on a boot and dribbling and juggling a ball.

He is relishing his time at Wanderland under Youth Head Coach Trevor Morgan and has benefited from his strong ethic of executing the basics of the game perfectly.

“Trevor’s emphasis on a short, free flowing football style has been a huge key to my improvement and maturity as a footballer,” said Lawrence."

“After each training session and game I always leave thinking about how I can improve on the mistakes I made and how I can help the team further.”

A key ingredient in getting players to perform is making them happy within the club environment and the Wanderers have worked hard to achieve a very harmonious balance in the dressing room. For the coaching staff getting the best players on the pitch at senior level and developing young talent can prove difficult but Lawrence feels they have the right recipe for success right

Lawrence’s immediate goal is to play senior football for the Wanderers and after training with the squad feels it is more a matter of when and not if.

“Tony Popovic gives you plenty of confidence as a player as he genuinely believes in your football talent."

“I just go on the pitch to prove myself for the team, always try do the little things well and never get casual or complacent.”

Asked what his ultimate football utopia would be he was quick to point out that it is every footballer’s dream to play for his country and that he hopes to be part of Paul Okon’s Joey’s squad for the U20 World Cup in New Zealand in 2015.

Despite that passion to wear the national colours he would love to one day play for his beloved Arsenal FC.

“It would be a dream to play with a club that I have enjoyed watching since I was a young boy!”

His hero is Shinji Ono who he says is professional in every aspect of his game and life.

“He is a perfect footballer to watch and learn from at the club and approaches his football in such a positive way that it is hard not follow his lead.”

Of course the name of Arsenal and French great Thierry Henry is high on the list as well as the exuberant personality of Swedish goal scoring sensation Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

To relax away from the pressures of intense training and schoolwork Lawrence loves to watch movies, listen to plenty of R&B and dabble in writing and performing freestyle rap with teammate Alusine Fofanah.

“I don’t take it all too seriously but we love writing things down and hearing how it sounds."

“As important as it is to train and work hard at the game it is also important to give your body and mind time to recover so it is the perfect release for me.”

 Western Sydney Wanderers Website Link:

World Cup 2014: Australia coach Ange Postecoglou facing tough challenge following unforgettable sporting summer

Following a summer that has seen Australia regain the Ashes and Rugby League World Cup, Ange Postecoglou's side can expect a harsh reality check this summer

Tim Cahill - World Cup 2014: Australia coach Ange Postecoglou facing tough challenge following unforgettable sporting summer

High hopes: Tim Cahill, the former Everton forward, can expect to make Ange Postecoglou's final selection for this summer's World Cup 

Photo: GETTY IMAGES

It is fair to say the Aussie sporting public is on a Bondi wave of summer sporting euphoria. The recent 5-0 whitewash of England in the Ashes series, the Wallabies winning practically all their matches on the spring tour and Oh! the Kangaroos rounding it out with a victory in the Rugby League World Cup at Old Trafford have made it a few months of sports viewing to remember. Maybe unfortunately, the Australian sporting public demands as much from their heroes in the Socceroo’s shirt, and despite their team drawing the might of world football in Group B (for Bad, Brutal and Brilliant if we can get out of it), they expect solid competitive performances.

Australia’s World Cup hopes began to fade quicker than a fake summer spray tan when they were pulled from the bowl after Spain, Holland and Chile. Realistically, when comparing the sides of our greatest World Cup triumph back in Germany 2006 with today’s squad, there are plenty of variables that set them apart.

The final squad for Brazil is yet to be decided by new coach Ange Postecoglou, but it is fairly certain that former stars Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton will not be listed on the team sheet. Tim Cahill, Marco Bresciano and Lucas Neill’s prospects are brighter but there’s an unsettling storm brewing over Neill’s captaincy as he struggles for competitive club football in the countdown to Brazil. Neill continues to reassure fans and administrators that he is the one to lead the side, but his fate could be decided in the boardroom rather than on the pitch.

The other notable absence is the sentimental favourite Mark Schwarzer. The Socceroos brand has dined out on Schwarzer’s commitment to the national football side since his debut in 1994 against Canada in a World Cup qualifier (a time when he and a few more of us weren’t so follically challenged). The 41 year-old and the first Australian to join the Premier League “500” club, held his No 1 spot on solid, consistent performances, the kind he recently turned in for Chelsea in their fourth-round FA Cup win against Derby County.

The veteran together with Jon Aloisi were responsible for one of Australia’s most memorable sporting moments after their penalty save and subsequent shot heroics ensured his country would be represented at their first World Cup finals campaign since 1974.

The obvious difference between the teams competing in Group B is the staggering disparity in team values. Australia is certainly the footballing poorer cousins. In Aussie dollar terms Spain is worth a staggering $623.5m, while the Dutch and Chileans hover around the $200m mark. The Socceroos’s collective value, at around $28m, is probably more in line with the worth of the Spaniard’s kit man. Money isn’t always an indicator, though, and converting wealth into results and trophies is never assured, but given Spain are the current world and European champions, it’s clear it certainly can help.

Australia’s young talent prospects appear to be healthy with Robbie Kruse performing well for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, although rising star Tom Rogic has been struggling to gain the much needed playing time for his adopted Scottish Premiership club Celtic.

In some real positive news just in off the January transfer and loan wires has Celtic manager Neil Lennon agreeing to a loan deal with Rogic’s former mentor Graham Arnold’s J-league side Vegalta Sendai. This is wonderful news that will no doubt benefit the 21-year-old in getting match hardened before the June tournament kicks off.

Another recent bolter to the squad is A-League Brisbane Roar midfielder Ivan Franjic. He played right back in the Socceroo’s recent friendly against Costa Rica, but his versatility and goalscoring ability could add an extra dimension to the squad’s attacking options.

One thing for certain is for the Socceroos to be competitive in Brazil, they require players at the peak of their powers on the pitch. Just warming the lush leather seats on the substitution’s bench will not please a hugely competitive minded Postecoglou as he defines the make-up of his side. Not many are confident of a knock-out stage berth, but limiting the goal margins to something other than resembling a tennis score is high at the top of the wish list after the disastrous “friendly” 6-0 6-0 losses to Brazil and France last year.

Deep down us Aussies love nothing more than being cast as the perennial underdogs. Our performances, whilst poor to learned football pundits, were all cleverly designed to lull our more fancied talent rich opponents into a deepening false sense of security.

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