Has the FFA Cup become a trophy without significance? As Adelaide prepares to defend its crown against Melbourne City on Wednesday, Val Migliaccio argues why the winner deserves a spot in the AFC Champions League.
Australia’s national teams are getting little exposure at the moment, with the spotlight rightfully on the Olyroos. But DAVID DAVUTOVIC writes after their Asian Cup exit, Australia’s “rest window” is puzzling.
Melbourne Victory have returned from their Champions League clash in Japan with no points, but plenty of positives. And David Davutovic reports there will be changes ahead of their A-League clash with Brisbane.
It was a tough night for Melbourne Victory, in more ways than one. Striker Ola Toivonen was sick, while local megastar Keisuke Honda was sorry after his side’s ACL loss in Hiroshima.
Skipper Mark Milligan is encouraged to see the Socceroos ‘get into the habit of scoring goals’ as the team switches focus to making a statement in their opening Asian Cup clash against Jordan.
The Socceroos will kick off their Asian Cup defence against Jordan next weekend full of confidence after disposing with Pim Verbeek’s Oman 5-0 in their final hit-out in Dubai.
Perth Glory star Chris Ikonomidis shapes as the X-factor who can inspire the Socceroos to a successful defence of their Asian Cup crown with his happy knack for late-game heroics.
Robbie Slater looks at the key questions facing the Socceroos as they prepare to defend their Asian Cup title.
How Australia shapes up in Sunday night’s pre-Asian Cup friendly against Oman will be the best guide yet on how new coach Graham Arnold will structure his side for the tournament.
An initial batch of 13 Socceroos have got a jump on the rest of the squad by arriving in the United Arab Emirates 12 days before their opening Asian Cup game against Jordan.
Australia will have to defend their Asian Cup title without star midfielder Aaron Mooy – though coach Graham Arnold has had some good news about another injured star.
Socceroos staff are anxiously awaiting news on Mat Leckie’s untimely injury, with early signs indicating yet another central Asian Cup figure is in significant doubt.
As holders of the Asian Cup, the pressure is on the Socceroos. It will be a much tougher assignment than in 2015 when Australia won it on home soil, especially in the Middle East.
A host of Graham Arnold’s squad for the Asian Cup will play for their clubs beyond Christmas in a bid to win the clubs support for the national team. Meanwhile Aaron Mooy is in despite his injury.
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