FourFourTwo World Cup: Group A preview

Group A: Brazil, Mexico, Croatia and Cameroon

The World Cup wait is almost over with Group A containing the host nation Brazil, Mexico, Cameroon and Croatia. Expectation, talk, warm-up matches, and squad announcements will all be forgotten come Friday morning as teams take to the pitch and kick-off the biggest sporting event on the globe. It is a time when the Australian football loving public turn their sleep patterns upside down for an entire month. Many will follow the fortunes of the Socceroos, but in this uniquely multi-cultural country, seeing a sea of foreign kits and flags in the many cafes, helps warm the heart on those cold winter mornings.

Brazil

Brazil will be floating on a wave of intense home support and on paper will progress through the group stage without too much trouble. Their performance against Serbia on the weekend was far from convincing and the crowd voiced their displeasure at the half-time break. The Selecao have always had an over abundance of attacking talent and this tournament is no exception.  Coach ‘Big Phil’ Luiz Felipe Scholari has worked hard to transform his side into a football superpower once again, but it could be a case of all or nothing if he doesn’t deliver the nation’s sixth FIFA World Cup trophy. It is a team possessing a great balance of age and experience

Key players 

No question the player everyone will be watching will be Neymar Jnr. With his blistering speed and jaw-dropping footwork, Neymar’s stock price and gravity defying hairstyle will rise exponentially by the conclusion of the cup. The partnership with Oscar promises to be more thirst quenching than a cheap local Mojito and could provide some great moments for the massive television audience. His tally of goals is growing quickly with each appearance, but it is his unselfishness and willingness to assist teammates onto the score sheet that impresses many pundits.

Another player crucial to the overall success of Brazil could lie in their ageing keeper Julio Cesar. Much is said of the star studded forward line but deep into a tournament stalemate games are often decided by the harsh but drama filled penalty shoot-out and Cesar at the back could prove a big asset.

Mexico

Probably considered lucky to even be in Brazil this time around, Mexico always brings a certain unpredictability to the World Cup. It would seem unjust if they weren’t competing in their sixth consecutive tournament. Mexico has always had strength in their youth but success will depend on what team turns up on the day. They play one of the most entertaining styles in world football and their perfect record of group progression in the past six world cups ensures they will be worthy opponents. If taken lightly they will punish and, with a strong “hands- on” coaching approach of Miguel Herrara, have the potential to upset and surprise. 

Playing their first game against Cameroon will be an opportunity to build confidence after warm up games against Portugal and Bosnia-Herzegovina. They competed solidly against Portugal on the weekend despite losing 1-0 and a 3-1 friendly win over Ecuador will be at the front of their minds. Goals have been scarce of late and their attack will need to convert chances and fast if they intend going beyond the group into the knockout stage.

Key players

No surprise that Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez will have plenty of eyes cast his way to see if he can deliver on reputation as Mexico’s biggest footballing product. The downside is his distinct lack of pitch time this season for Manchester United. Not registering a goal for his country since last summer, if he gets on the board early against Cameroon, look for a big tournament from the ‘Little Pea’.

Croatia

As we are all well aware, Croatia took on the new Ange Era Socceroos in a final warm up match for both teams. In what was a solid hit out, the intensity was solid without either side risking injury or playing all their cards in their deck. For Croatia the challenge doesn’t get any bigger than taking on Brazil in the opening game on Friday morning AEST. Sadly Croatia is a shadow of their former self this time around and the squad lacks the depth of previous campaigns. A weakened defensive line could ultimately cost them a place in the round of 16 and their final game against Mexico may mark their farewell.

Key players

Bayern Munich’s star striker Mario Mandzukic will provide Croatia with their biggest weapon upfront in the air but he will have to sit out the opener against Brazil due his send off against Iceland in qualifying. His combination with the classy Luka Modric will keep defences second-guessing. This could be a watershed tournament for Croatia who, like Mexico, are an unknown quantity given their track record of inconsistency in qualifying.

Cameroon

Finally Cameroon rounds out Group A. The African nation’s campaign certainly wasn’t boosted with news filtering through of the squad refusing to board a plane to South America due to an ongoing dispute over match bonuses. Thankfully a late deal was brokered and the team can rest easier knowing each player will receive a participation bonus. Not an ideal preparation, but given the squad is largely built around Chelsea’s Samuel Eto’o, not too much is expected from this team which could work in motivating the side.

Key players

Samuel Eto’o is Cameroon’s stand-out weapon but given his touchy relationship with teammates, his influence could be one of brilliance or failure to fire. They are a team more often than not that beats themselves rather then relying on their opponents to do so. Toss a coin on what team turns up in Brazil.

Key Matches

Brazil v Croatia  June 13 6:00am AEST (Arena de Sao Paulo)

This opening game is critical for Brazil to blow away any perceived cobwebs, get their tournament off to winning start and send a message to other teams.

Brazil v Mexico  June 18 6:00am AEST (Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza)

Has the potential to be an entertaining game with plenty of attacking free-flowing football and goals, goals, goals.

Croatia v Mexico  June 24 6:00am AEST (Arena Pernambuco, Recife)

A game that could decide the future in the World Cup for both teams and might well be a must win for either side to progress deeper.

 FourFourTwo Group A preview Link:

World Cup 2014: Australia's 'changing of guard' in full swing with Mile Jedinak in pole position to land captaincy

Crystal Palace midfielder looks set to fill Lucas Neil’s captaincy shoes as Australia coach Ange Postecoglou puts final touches to vision

World Cup 2014: Australia's 'changing of guard' in full swing with Mile Jedinak in pole position to land captaincy

New leader? Crystal Palace's Mile Jedinak looks set to captain Australia at World Cup 

Photo: GETTY IMAGES 

It has the biggest audience of any team sport competition and only weeks remain until the football public shifts focus to living, eating and breathing the world game for an entire month. In Australia the game of football or soccer is often referred as “The Sleeping Giant” but the game’s strong and rapid growth could soon see it referenced to the 1970’s colloquially-titled General Motors advertisement “Football, Meat pies, Kangaroos and Holden Cars”.

With the final squad announcement due this week, the Socceroos side has gone about a well-documented “changing of the guard” as coach Ange Postecoglou’s future vision beyond the World Cup starts to take shape.

Some well-timed pre-emptive taps on the shoulder by Postecoglou has seen the revolving door close on Socceroos stalwarts Brett Holman and Lucas Neil’s international careers. The move wasn’t swift by the new gaffer, but with wonderful service given to the national shirt, respect was shown to two very popular Socceroos veterans. Sadly Neil has been left stranded just four games shy of recording 100 caps for his country. In typical stoic Neil fashion he has given strong assurances to play on in a vain hope of gaining selection for January’s Asian Cup tournament.

The talk this week has centred on goalkeeping incumbent Maty Ryan, who has been linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid of all places. Ryan’s career has gained plenty of momentum after securing a starting role with Belgium side Club Brugge this season, but the Madrid move is purely speculation. Ryan has been on the radar of many European clubs but a final decision on his future seems unlikely until after Brazil. His debut season saw him impress with 13 clean sheets from 37 matches.

The local Australian A-League competition wrapped up in style last weekend in Brisbane with the Premiers Brisbane Roar hosting the Western Sydney Wanderers in front of over 51,000 passionate fans. The Roar claimed a third Grand Final win together with two premierships and look likely to provide Ivan Franjic and Matt McKay with spots in the 30 man Socceroos squad.

Postecoglou has not been hurried in his quest to name a captaincy replacement, but it is looking likely that Crystal Palace based midfielder Mile Jedinak has the runs on the board to fill Neil’s shoes. Other notable contenders could be veteran Tim Cahill or experienced defensive midfielder Mark Milligan. Unfortunately for Jedinak he was forced from the field in Palace’s final match with a groin strain that could see him miss the final Socceroos hit out at home against South Africa on May 26.

The possible “bolters” for a ticket to Brazil include Newcastle Jets Adam Taggart after a stellar year in the A-League after winning the coveted “Golden Boot” trophy for netting 16 goals. Fortuna Dusseldorf based winger Ben Halloran is also gaining plenty of attention with a fine season in the Bundesliga 2 league with six goals and 23 games this season in Germany.

Australia’s first opponent sees them with their best or some say only chance of snatching a point in the tournament. In what will give some hope to fans Down Under, no Australian team has ever returned home from the World Cup pointless since their opening campaign back in 1974. Chile’s FIFA ranking of 15 places them well above the Socceroos on 63, but with news of injury concerns to Chile’s Arturo Vidal, could mean a welcome reprieve for the Aussies before Chile play their remaining pool matches against Spain and the Netherlands. They will still have the likes of Barcelona star Alexis Sanchez and the talented David Pizarro to cope with.

The giant battle for midfield possession and strengthening the obvious defensive frailties will be Postecoglou’s biggest challenges. He will be hoping the Socceroos's proud unbeaten record against the Dutch can continue. Although with Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben anchoring their attack the “Clockwork Orange” will again be at the peak of their powers and one of the favoured sides to progress towards the semi-finals.

The ultimate test will be saved for last when Ange’s men take on football super powers and current European and World Cup Champions Spain in Curitiba. With last year’s 6-0 defeats to Brazil and France still etched in the memories of many, fans will be hoping for nothing more than a competitive showing over an unrealistic and euphoric upset victory over "The Red Fury”.

This World Cup has garnered unprecedented interest from Australian football fans here and abroad but not for a high expectation of success. You can be certain the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema will be filled not just with the green and gold of Brazil but a healthy splattering of Socceroos jerseys and Aussie football tragics.

www.telegraph.co.uk "World Cup Nation"

 

Steve Farrell: Kitting out Brisbane Roar

There is no doubting that Brisbane Roar is a benchmark of success and the envy of clubs competing in the Hyundai A-League. Finishing atop the ladder and claiming a second “Premier’s Plate” means the Roar have other franchises desperate to channel the secret to their success. After all it is human nature which leads us into studying the best and mirroring their methods rather than making bold decisions to reinvent the coaching wheel. And Steve Farrell is the best.

Credit: Brisbane Roar

"At the Roar there appears no extraordinary player development strategy or left of center training methodology. It boils down to getting the players to perform at their best at every session and recreating the competiveness of match conditions or scenarios. Coach Mike Mulvey has made it publicly known on many occasions that if you are outside this way of thinking “You’re not a true Brisbane Roar player.”

For the uninitiated a kit-man is the individual entrusted with the often-thankless yet vital role of packing, washing, replacing and collecting a myriad of gear for a senior football team. They are employed full-time and travel to every training session and every A-League home and away fixtures. On any given day there can be 20-25 bags of player apparel dependent on the weather and conditions to be laid out, collected, packed and accounted for.

Whether true or not, a kit-man is often likened to glorified parent of a spoilt child by tending to the many unusual and superstitiously driven gear wants and needs. The job can often test the patience of the most relaxed of individuals.

Long before the players arrive to the ground in their comfortable air-conditioned coach to the airport or stadium, the kit-man has been at the airport check-in desk or the dressing room making certain a pair of socks, shin pads or jersey is ruffled or misplaced. 

Enter Steve Farrell, the Brisbane Roar “Kit-man”. Many would say Steve is a lucky fellow to secure a role that involves getting up close and personal with the Roar players and officials. For him it is all about hard work, a strong belief in a team ethos of perfection and dedication that ensured he was the best candidate.

Steve commenced his long and rewarding road to the coveted kit-man role by volunteering with the Roar soon after they clinched their second A-League title over the Perth Glory in 2012. To an outsider, a job with a professional football club seems a glamorous vocation, but at the coalface there is a huge reliance on all staff to buy into an all-important mantra of success over failure.

Club officials soon became aware of Steve’s important characteristics and tireless commitment of putting the club ahead of individual pursuits. They rewarded his hard work by offering a casual position to travel the State showcasing the A-League “Premiers Plate” and “Grand Final Championship” trophies.

“I found the experience of engaging with fans and travelling the length and breadth of the State with the trophies extremely rewarding. Watching the joy on kids faces and families making a personal connection with the trophies is something I loved and hope the club can replicate again this season. Fan engagement is something the club, team and coaching staff have worked very hard on all season. Building a strong club culture and involving fans at every opportunity is important for the continued growth of the sport in this city and the State.”

As the trip came to a disappointing end, the focus turned to completing studies in a Bachelor of Sports Management at Bond University. Steve was positive but somewhat realistic of what his possible future role at the club would be.

“I simply aimed to do the best job possible with attention to detail. I was totally gob-smacked when the club offered me the all important role of kit-man.”

 “It was a huge thrill and I immediately begun on working on how I could make the position as professional as the players, officials and the club I was representing.”

Steve wanted to bring the same level of professionalism to the position and make it his own. He set about developing systems and processes ensuring every that “i” is dotted and “t” was crossed. The focus of this kit-man was to ensure the playing group was focused on just one thing “winning”. 

“I felt I needed to tap into current technology and streamline the role.”

An iPad-Mini idea using a simple colour-coded checklist allows Steve to know at any moment in a lead up to an important match where he is placed and what still needs to be done. “

“The swipe of a tablet’s touch screen is my own unique carbon friendly way that replaces the endless need for carting around lists of paper!” 

“It never leaves my side and is my life blood and security blanket”

Preparation and organisation are two words that stand-alone when Steve talks about what makes a valuable kit-man. The more time and effort spent preparing for training sessions and home and away match days converts to a more relaxed individual on game day. I am always at the ground two hours before the players to ensure the match day gear and dressing room is set-up and spotless before they arrive. Players generally get to the game an hour and a half before kick-off and other than any last minute special requests. Steve then leaves the team to their own devices in the sanctity of the rooms to prepare individually and as a group.

“I know it’s strange to say, but a feeling in a dressing room before a game is one of those immeasurable but important indicators in gauging how relaxed or ready a team is for victory.”

“I can’t put my finger on it but I have sensed a different air of expectation within the group this year.”  “A more determined focus and self-belief in the goals they want to achieve together has been evident since pre-season started.“

 “The lift in intensity and competitiveness at training sessions all season has taught me plenty, and to play my own small part in assisting the process is the most satisfying part of my role.”

Steve is quick to point out that as important as the strict training and match day regime of football is, the time off the pitch goes along way to how a team is travelling. 

“You see a different human side to the personality of the players when they come back across that white line and they’re all great individuals away from the game.” “Despite their professional football status, players are enormously respectful of the title and are humble servants to the game that provides them a comfortable living for them and their families.”

For now Steve’s sole focus is doing what is needed behind the scenes to help the Roar team secure their third championship title. When you are watching the Brisbane Roar team go around in the Grand Final on Sunday, just spare a thought that it isn’t only the talented playing squad and coaching staff striving to get the job done. There are countless men and woman like Steve behind the scenes working or volunteering tirelessly long before and after the fans have arrived and filed out of the Stadium that go into making a football club tick.  









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

 
 

World Cup 2014: Time for a new Australia as Harry Kewell is the latest ageing stalwart to retire from the game

Australia coach Ange Postecoglou has a number of difficult decisions to make as he looks ahead to Brazil and beyond

No fairytale finish: Harry Kewell lured a new generation of Australian fans to football  Photo: REUTERS

The era of World Cup campaigns of the past is slowly morphing to a new future for the Socceroos. The ageing stalwarts and stable choices have seen the writing on the wall or decided to call it a day as new coach Ange Postecoglou looks ahead to Brazil and beyond.

Following Mark Schwarzer back in November, it was Harry Kewell’s turn last week. The former Leeds United, Galatasaray and Melbourne Heart midfielder drew the curtain on a wonderful career that saw him gather 56 caps for his beloved Socceroos.

Kewell’s record speaks for itself. As a player, he lured a new generation of non-footballing types in following the game here and abroad. His legacy to the game in Australia was wide reaching from his early days with Socceroos team-mate Mark Viduka at Leeds United to proudly wearing the red jersey of Liverpool on 98 occasions.

The weight surrounding Kewell’s future centred on whether he could regain the form and fitness needed to represent his country for one last time in Brazil. Like in life, sporting fairytale finishes are few and far between. Despite his fine unwavering service to his country, time eventually ran out for the man they called “H”.

Captain Lucas Neill’s plight is looking more desperate by the hour with the veteran defender agreeing to a last ditch month-long loan deal with English Championship battlers Doncaster Rovers.

The Socceroos now prepare for a farewell friendly against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Sydney on May 26. Following the miraculous “game of two halves” Ecuador experiment last month, Postecoglou will be looking to settle on a final squad and will have all his fingers and toes crossed against further injury woes

An entire Australian football community sighed when learning that the injury to the most valuable hamstring of Socceroos star Tim Cahill wasn’t as bad as first feared. Cahill left the pitch early after straining the muscle against MLS side Chivas USA. Initial reports said he may miss the World Cup, but Postecoglou can now breathe a little easier knowing the prognosis will sideline the dynamic midfielder for two to three weeks.

The big question though is who will be wearing the gloves in Brazil. The long and necessarily dormant succession plan kicked in after Schwarzer’s predicted retirement from International football.

A young Maty Ryan has been the front-runner since joining Belgian Jupiler League side Club Brugge this season as their new No 1. The side have only conceded 28 goals in 29 games this season with Ryan claiming 10 clean sheets including five straight over the November to December period.

Most agree a starting keeper should be at the peak of their powers and banking plenty of regular game time. Mitch Langerak’s moment of madness against Ecuador highlighted by a defensive brain fade left the vastly inexperienced back line struggling for cohesion. His "overzealous" challenge marked a player in need of game time – something he is not getting too much for his adopted club side Borussia Dortmund.

A positive sign for Socceroos fans and the Football Federation of Australia (FFA) is Australia have claimed second place to the USA in total ticket sales for the World Cup. Aussies to date have secured 40,681 tickets across various matches over the tournament despite their almost impossible “Group of Death” draw with Spain, Holland and Chile.

With the AFC Asian Cup tournament to be hosted by Australia in January next year, organisers will be encouraged by fan numbers desperate to watch the Socceroos both in Brazil and back home down under.

And finally … The Socceroos have unveiled their new “away” strip to the world.

Launched on April 2, Nike claim: "The new dark 'obsidian blue' away jersey was inspired by the design worn by Australia when they qualified for their first-ever finals in West Germany 40 years ago.”

The shirt boasts a stylish and modern yellow johnny collar, as another reference to the iconic 1974 national team.

 

It may not dazzle like the Dutch orange or sizzle with the red of Spain, but both kits represent a valuable connection with the pioneers of the past through an innovative futuristic design.

The “obsidian blue” doesn’t quite roll off an Aussie tongue like the more favoured dinky-die “green and gold” kit but one thing is for certain/; The contingent of Aussies in Brazil will cheer loud and proud and be “True Blue” to their cause.

www.telegraph.co.uk "World Cup Nation" 

Waltzing Matildas outdanced by Brazil

An enthusiastic and vocal crowd of 2,583 turned out in force to support the Matildas on a steamy day in Brisbane. The game was high in skill and attack despite the tropical storm hitting the pitch and forcing many fans to seek shelter high in the stand midway through the first half.

 

Despite a torrid week of media speculation surrounding a fall out between the playing group and coach Hesterine De Rues, the Matildas put in a spirited performance and showed plenty of heart in the contests for possession. The big problem for the Matildas wasn’t the enthusiasm but their execution.

Playing in conditions that would rival their Asian Cup locale of Vietnam, both teams managed to control the ball well despite the greasy conditions.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) boss David Gallop was in attendance for the first of the two warm matches that are the precursor to the Matildas all important defence of their Asian Cup crown next month.

Sadly all the pre-game talk had been squarely focused on new coach Hesterine de Reus who is now subject of an internal investigation centering on player disharmony following her perceived tough coaching style.

At the post match press conference, de Reus was happy to answer questions on whether the allegations has disrupted her team’s preparation this week. The Dutch coach is very keen to see the matter resolved as soon as possible and sees it as a huge distraction as the team aims to finish strongly with the sole aim of qualifying for the next years FIFA World Cup in Canada.

“I didn’t read anything, I’m totally focused on the job I had to do here.” She said.

The players however were keen to deflect any talk of the alleged squad rift rather preferring to concentrate on what played out on the park against the classy South American side.

Temeka Butt’s tireless running proved a headache for the Brazilians and her combination with Emily Van-Egmond is one to watch closely when they come up against their tough Asian Cup Group opponents Japan.

Elise Kellond-Knight and Kate Gill also impressed after creating plenty of fine attacking runs and will take plenty of heart from matching the skill level of the sixth ranked team in Women’s World Football.

The physicality of the Matildas showed through as they outmuscled their more fancied opponents in many of the contests. There will be no doubting coach De Rues will attempt to fine-tune the set pieces and shooting drills could well be the order of the day as they look to find the net in Wednesday’s match.

Both teams had numerous opportunities in an entertaining first half until a damp pitch slowed the pace but not the enthusiasm as the teams went to the break locked at nil all.

Brazil finally gave the scoreboard attendant something to do in the 67th minute when Debora “Debinha” Oliveira took on Matildas keeper Brianna Davey in a one on one contest to score and briefly silence the large contingent of Australian fans.

The goal seemed to lift the Matildas to find the equaliser as they built more pressure in the dying minutes of the match.

Kate Gill's hot shot from a sharp Kellond-Kinght cross was blocked before Michelle Heyman then pounced on a sloppy back pass only to find her shot miss the target as the match wound down to the final whistle.

The signs are great for the women’s game in this country and the narrow loss will give the team confidence as the continue building momentum.

For now though it is all about Wednesday and for coach Hesterine De Rues a win on the field will do plenty to deflect some of the attention and headlines away from her management methods.

Matildas: Brianna DAVEY; Teigan ALLEN; Clare POLKINGHORNE (C); Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT; Emily VAN-EGMOND; Lisa DEVANNA; Tameka BUTT; Alanna KENNEDY; Steph CATLEY, Katrina GORRY; Michelle HEYMAN

Brazil: Fabiana SIMOES; Bruna BENITES; Andreia ANDRADE; Thaisa MORENA; Tamires GOMES; Debora OLIVEIRA; Miraildes MOTA; Rosana AUGUSTO; Cristiane ROZEIRA; Thais PICARTE; Andressa ALVES








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

HEART CONCEDE SEASON AS ROAR ROLL ON

Despite poor weather in the lead up to the match and the resting of last week's match winner Luke Brattan, Brisbane Roar turned in an gritty hard fought display to win 2-1 as they continue building momentum ahead of the A-League finals.

The Heart applied the blowtorch early and adopted a “nothing to lose but everything to gain” approach as they begin making their “Mad Monday” costume selections.

They were awfully unlucky not to pull the newly crowned Premiers' pants down with an early penalty, only to be denied due to an offside ruling from the sideline official.

Michael Theo’s 16-yard box was busy early with plenty of opposition attention being cast his way. There was none better than when star striker David Williams found space from a fumbling Matt Smith turnover however his poorly executed attempt was sadly off target.

The small but willing contingent of travelling Heart fans didn’t have to wait too long as Aziz Behich punched home a beautifully laid off ball by Mate Duganzic after some fine lead up work by former Roar stalwart Massimo Murdocca to take the lead and the volume from the Roar supporters Den.

Roar’s tight possession took sometime to click into gear with the normally finely tuned passing style a little below par of previous weeks. They seemed to miss the tradesman like runs and endless work rate of Shane Steffanutto who was marked down on the subs bench for the evening.

The momentum eventually shifted back Brisbane's way on the back of a running and passing master class overseen by Thomas Broich.

It ended with Roar Captain Matt Smith finding Dimitri Petratos who eventually slotted home the equaliser past replacement keeper Tando Valaphi for his fifth goal and his very first at Suncorp Stadium.

Besart Berisha was looking dangerous with every touch on his welcome return back to the starting side following a brief stint in the FFA’s naughty chair. If we could only have predicted what was to happen next.

Mike Mulvey didn’t take long to call on the fourth official to announce experienced defender Jade North would make way for the youthful enthusiasm and brawn of James Donachie.

All appeared to be going along swimmingly until the game suddenly ignited plenty of feeling following an unfortunate challenge by Besart Berisha on Heart keeper Velaphi.

Referee Chris Beath judged that Berisha’s challenge warranted an immediate send off and duly flashed the red card in his direction.

It will be a nervous wait for the Albanian who looks certain to sit out at least a one match ban for his second straight and third send off of the season overall.

With the benefit of the replay it did appear that Berisha collected the entire ball first in his attempt on goal, but his boot awkwardly rolled up to catch Velaphi square in the face. Thankfully he was to his feet quickly and continued between the posts.

A teary and distraught Berisha finally made an emotional exit up the players tunnel to the dressing room to await his future.

Surprisingly the Roar’s defence gelled and lifted in intensity after Breisha’s exit and with that came renewed confidence in a blossoming attack that clearly lacked in numbers.

As the 70th minute ticked over Mulvey decided to unleash his secret attacking weapon in the form of the tiny but agile Henrique who replaced a battle wearied Liam Miller.

Henrique’s impact was almost immediate as Brisbane’s “Slippery Fish” made a determined salmon like run into space which eventually culminated with a pin point strike leaving the keeper left with no option but to watch the ball into the caressing arms of the nylon netting.

Mike Mulvey’s disappoiment was evident post match at the decision by the referee Chris Beath to award a red card to Berisha.

“I think it was the wrong decision.” He’s made contact with the ball; he’s at full stretch. What’s he supposed to do?”

“We’ll appeal this (Red Card), in fact I don’t think we’ll need to appeal this, as they (FFA) will have a look at this and say that this is not the right decision.” 

Mulvey conceded that his players:

“Weren’t at the races in the first-half.” “The second half however was a credit to the players we looked brighter and more incisive, composed and that was everything we weren’t in the first-half.”

For the Heart’s coach John van't Schip he was a little more philosophical in his assessment, ruing his side’s early missed opportunities and chances, but conceded that their tilt at the finals is over for this season.

Brisbane Roar: 1.Michael THEO (GK), 2.Matthew SMITH (c), 7.Besart BERISHA, 8.Steven LUSTICA, 11.Liam MILLER, 13.Jade NORTH, 14.Diogo FERRIERA, 17.Matt McKAY, 19.Jack HINGERT, 22.Thomas BROICH, 23.Dimitri PETRATOS

Subs: 3.Shane STEFANUTTO, 10. HENRIQUE, 15.James DONACHIE, 16.Jean Carlos SOLORZANO, 20.Matthew ACTON (GK),

Melbourne Heart: 3.Robbie WIELAERT (C), 4.Orlando ENGELAAR, 7.Iain RAMSAY, 8.Massimo MURDOCCA, 15.David WILLIAMS, 16. Aziz BEHICH, 17.Jason HOFFMAN, 19.Benjamin GARUCCIO, 20.Tando VELAPHI (GK), 23.Mate DUGANDZIC, 24.Patrick KISNORBO

Subs: 1.Andrew REDMAYNE (GK), 6.Patrick GERHARDT, 21.Stefan MAUK, 22.Nicholas KALMAR, 28. Paulo RETRE

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

Trevor Morgan: Development is the Key

As coach of the Western Sydney Wanderer’s Foxtel National Youth League side, Trevor Morgan is well equipped to help shape and mold the future talent at the club.

Image Credit: Quarrie Sports Photography

Success is not measured by their place on the NYL ladder but how each player can improve and develop their game as highlighted by the selection of five Wanderers players in the Young Socceroos.

It is an important blueprint for success that involves enormous involvement from the entire Wanderers coaching staff from Tony Popovic, Ante Milicic and veteran goalkeeping coach Ron Corry. The same intensity, mentality, and key words are used on and off the pitch to assist in making a smooth transition when and if they are called into the senior squad.

Once talent is identified, Morgan explains the coaching ethos then begins on programming the four main pillars for football into his players. The key attributes (tactical, technical, mental and physical) is his “spider web” to growth and what players need to have in their kitbag to succeed.

There are endless challenges facing coaches in this league as players cope with the new priorities and commitments required to take their game to the next level. Study, travel, heightened expectations and the realisation that some are no longer the big fish in the small pond can all weigh on young players mind.

The competition is a pathway for young talent to develop in a pressure-cooker environment within a professional Hyundai A-League outfit. With many already tasting senior football experience this year the proof is certainly in the pudding.

“I always notice a change in players when they return from a stint training with the senior Wanderers squad,” said Morgan.

“There is a look of intense concentration in their eyes but never any cockiness or increase in bravado."

“When they train with the likes of Shinji Ono, Matthew Spiranovic, Youssouf Hersi and Aaron Mooy they see how hard these players continue to work in every session despite their success and this ethic seems to rub off immediately."

“Shinji Ono has been a wonderful player to have at the Wanderers not only for the senior squad but for the young players who experience the high standards of professionalism he lives by. He’s a player that always sees areas of improvement in his game despite his standing in the game.”

It is often said that leaders aren’t born but made and Morgan has seen a number of players step up in that department this season.

“Exposure to the senior team and Young Socceroos squad for some has certainly encouraged players to lead and communicate more effectively in the team environment.”

As the NYL season has come to a close players now return to their National Premier League clubs and continue with their development. Morgan agrees the NYL competition has been a tremendous success to date but would love to see it mirror the Hyundai A-League’s current 27 round format to have more time together as a squad.

He has some very wise advice for young players keen to take their football to the next level.

• Never get ahead of yourself
• Maintain your self-belief
• No half measures
• Have a plan B
• Be a good person

After interviewing many of Morgan’s young squad this season, the common value is the enormous respect they share for the Wanderers family and the coaching staff.

Morgan, like many coaches, finds it difficult to switch off from the sport that is more a passion than an occupation. However family time is at the top of the priority list when the round ball comes to a halt on the pitch.

“We love spending time at the beach but the football mind is difficult one to close down and I have enormous drive and energy to better the game.”

“Observing Tony Popovic and his commitment to the entire extended playing group at the Wanderers continues to motivate me to perform better as a coach every day to get the very best out of my players.”

 


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