DPR Korea ask the sensible questions

Bangladesh 0 North Korea 5

Sydney’s humidity in early autumn is notoriously heavy after a rainy period and today in Parramatta, the scale must have been nudging Far North Queensland levels, the stadium precinct’s tiny trees offering little protection from the blazing sun and most people dripping with sweat. A small crowd made use of the shade in the stadium, the bottom section of the eastern and southern sides in full sun, and the whole playing surface baking in the March heat. This was a David vs Goliath encounter, the might of North Korea against the plucky Bangladesh, who won the hearts of Western Sydney in their first appearance here.

  • The gar(b)age band plays on
  • The ancient Asian game of cornhole
  • Football tourists just like me
  • Resuscitation techniques on show
  • Giant colouring in

Bangladesh started the game with confidence, but it was misguided and North Korea were quick to find space and time in advanced positions. Han Jin Hong had a chance from an acute angle but fired over, and then was presented with acres of space to turn and shoot but Mile Akter, one of the stars of the tournament so far, made a fantastic stop from point-blank range, the offside flag coming later. Akter needed attention despite there being no collision and was then given a real reason to get attention by Han Jin Hong, crunching into the hesitant goalkeeper in a 50/50 challenge.

North Korea thought they had taken the lead when Kim Kyong Yong turned and shot after a cheeky nutmeg by Myong Yu Jong – on closer inspection, there was potential for VAR to intervene, and sure enough an unfortunate handball by Myong Yu Jong was correctly penalised in the lead-up. Bangladesh did well to make it to 20 minutes unscathed, but they were already wilting in the fierce conditions.

  • Warm up
  • Towers towering over the stadium
  • The flags are unfurled
  • The colour pop
  • Anthems to enjoy
  • What a beautiful sight

Wang Yu Yong slipped, letting in Shamsunnahar Shams who was then brought down – no yellow card, but it was an opportunity to counter attack that was broken up. Ritu Porna Chakma was lively as Bangladesh threatened briefly, but it was a North Korea corner that gave us the next talking point, Mile Akter keeping out Myong Yu Jong’s header and seemingly putting the ball on the ground with one hand, only for the ball to be poked home to complete confusion. After another VAR check, the referee disallowed the goal, but it was contentious.

Kim Kyong Yong had the ball in the net for a third time, the flag straight up but it looked tight and the VAR check went on through the whole drinks break and was deemed correct. Han Jing Hong stepped inside and fired wide as North Korea went with a shoot-on-sight policy. There was further controversy when Kim Kyong Yong leapt to smash a header off the bar, and Myong Yu Jong was shoved to the ground as she went to challenge for the rebound. VAR did check it, and was correct to do so, and it was a surprise to see the penalty not awarded. Han Jin Hong raced up the left to fire just past the far post and Kim Kyong Yong headed over from a corner.

The trend of the dominant team scoring just before the break continued, but not before another trend – the pre-half-time substitution, Bangladesh making a triple change, their forward line replaced with fresh players and North Korea making a change too. We were midway through the six additional minutes when Hong Song Ok went on a dribble in the penalty area; the Bangladesh defence leapt into action to prevent the shot, but the referee spotted a tug as the Korean forward went to ground. It was a definite penalty, and there was no mistake by Myong Yu Jong, Mile Akter not moving as she stroked the ball home. There was more joy to come, Kim Kyong Yong breaking the offside trap, running on to a searching ball from the right, and she turned to smash the ball low past Akter for 2-0. It was hard to take for the hard-working Bangladesh team, who had ridden their luck and benefited from many VAR calls in the first half, but it was totally deserved. Would we see the first blow-out scoreline of the tournament?

All the spectators in the sun retreated for half-time, the Bangladesh substitutes warmed up in a shady corner while the additional North Korea squad members fired shots on goal in the full sun without a care in the world.

  • Huddle at lf time
  • Camouflaged fans – maybe it was a full house after all!
  • Behold my new invention!

North Korea came out fighting in the second half. Kim Kyong Yong missed a sitter after wriggling clear, Ri Myong Gum romped forward and curled a shot straight at Akter. Substitute Choe Il Sun turned inside and fired a shot in that Mile Akter tipped over, but the offside flag was up quickly. Myong Yu Jong fired wide when she should have scored, again the flag up swiftly to make it academic. There was no respite for Bangladesh, but Kohati Kisku’s tackle on Kim Kyong Yong showed that Bangladesh weren’t going to lie down, and Afeida Khandaker’s brave block to prevent Kim Kyong Yong from rounding off a quick break was top class. Chae Un Yong added the third on the hour, a defender slipping at the wrong time when Mile Akter had committed and Hong Song Ok had looped the ball goalwards. Kim Kyong Yong then rifled in number four, a lovely low finish giving Mile Akter no chance and the scoreline began to look a little cruel on the Bengal Tigresses.

Hong Song Ok should have made it five, showing great feet to break through one-on-one with Mile Akter, but the goalkeeper made another marvellous save to push the ball away. Mile Akter was out bravely to smother soon after as the Koreans threatened to run riot, but another injury saw the players head to the sidelines for a cooling break, the Bangladesh players getting cool towels on them to counteract the red hot sun. Ri Song A smashed a shot just over the bar from a good move and there were moments when more goals looked likely, but the Bangladesh defence was somehow shored up. A fifth goal did arrive in the final minute of normal time, Kim Hye Yong on the end of a beautiful cross by Song Chun Sim with a thrilling diving header and we entered a meagre four minutes of stoppages. Bangladesh made in-roads into the North Korea half in added time, but there would be no fairytale goal to reduce the arrears. The referee’s whistle saw the players quickly shake hands and while the Bangladesh team disappeared down the tunnel immediately, the Korea team applauded their fans in the stands in a lovely moment.

  • Handshakes done, now let’s go!
  • Korean fans saluting their players
  • A shared moment
  • Calling a spade a spade
  • The winning team and soon-to-be Asian Cup winners

The press conference threw up some excitement. Bangladesh head coach Peter Butler, freely speaking his mind in his broad Yorkshire accent, had no excuses for the result. He described the Korean players as ‘on another level’ and the team ‘a different beast’ – there was no disgrace in losing to a team that was one of the best in the tournament, and he singled out South Korea, DPR Korea, Australia and Japan as teams on that different level. This wasn’t good enough for the Bangladesh press, and they wanted to know where the attacking intent was; Butler was on the defensive and understandably tetchy at the questioning. “Please ask sensible questions,” he retorted with a hint of acidity. There was no such drama in the Korean presser, the questions and answers diluted by the translations, but their head coach Ri Song Ho did say he wanted to win the tournament.

This had been an absorbing contest, alas it was simply a matter of time before the dominant North Korean team wore down their stubborn opponents and we got a result we expected. A horrible day for football was rescued by two willing teams in the oppressive conditions, and the Women’s Asian Cup 2026 had the next chapter in its rich story.

Matildas’ must-win group decider is here

Iran 0 Australia 4

The Loose Moose was a very appropriate venue for the Matildas Active pre-game get-together, ardent Australia fans from around the country descending on Broadbeach for another marvellous meeting of our beautiful game. The steamy conditions suggested late rain, but the short walk to the shuttle buses was in hot sunshine, and the party contiued to the station for the short walk to the stadium. The dress-rehearsal earlier this afternoon gave way to the real thing, fans streaming from trains and buses to join the peaceful Iranian protests outside the venue.

  • The Loose Moose brigade
  • Party on the GC
  • Her name is Margarita
  • Not a Joelinton shirt
  • Bus wankers
  • More people this time

Inside, the fireworks got the attention of the fans, filling the stadium with smoke, as the ACDC-esque bells tolled and the flag bearers marched across the pristine Cbus Super Stadium surface. An air of smoky mystery surrounded the fans, the blue seats of the stadium disappearing as predominantly yellow shirts took their place. This was in no way a sell out, but there was a good atmosphere as the players lined up for the national anthems. Stand, if you are able, for the national anthem of Iran, came the instruction. We all did. What followed was incredible; the Iran players all saluted immediately and those knowledgeable enough in the crowd began to whistle, drums banging so loudly that the national anthem could not be heard. Echoes of the World Cup 2022 in Qatar when the national anthem was soundly booed by the Iran fans in each of their games, the saluting of the players asked more questions than it answered. Advance Australia Fair was a welcome relief.

Caitlin Foord was upended after a crisp one-two with Emily Van Egmond on the edge of the area within two minutes. The Iran fans in the North Stand were noisy, the Australia contingent banged out a tune in response. Van Egmond’s low free kick was well fielded by Maryam Yektaei and we didn’t get our early goal. It would soon follow though, Ellie Carpenter doing all the spade work and Amy Sayer cutting back in from the right to deliver a cross that sailed over everyone into the far side of the net. A Torpey goal if ever there was one. Sam Kerr was next to have a go, played through over the top, but her delicate lob was not quite delicate enough. Following the first injury stoppage for Shabnam Behesht, Kerr was again lively in the box, turning and striking on goal to win a corner. Atefeh Imani sliced one wide of her own goal leading to a criminally wasted corner by Van Egmond.

  • Merch always draws them in
  • Iranians letting us know they are here
  • Here we are
  • Warming up
  • Iran getting ready to go
  • Welcome to my land

Caitlin Foord was roaring and she sped onto a fortunate lay off by Kerr and rifled home, but the goal was rightly flagged offside. Iran had nothing going forward, but hassled well, Fatemeh Shaban racing after whoever had the ball in a cat-and-mouse chase. Courtney Nevin lost her footing in the penalty area when presented with a shooting chance, and Kerr could only place a free header well wide. The blue of the stadium seating was still visible when a long cross from Foord was only palmed away by Yektaei and Mary Fowler applied the sole of her foot to turn the ball home slowly for 2-0, the goal subjected to a lengthy VAR check but with no reason given. Of course it was a goal, despite Yektaei lying on the ground needing attention for her pulled heartstring.

The Active fans bounced to the beat of the drum as the Iranian keeper was seen to, the Iran fans who had been in full protest mode outside the stadium, making themselves heard with drum and voice from different parts of the arena. Carpenter and Kerr combined straight from the restart and only a last-ditch clearance saved Iran from further damage. Alanna Kennedy was next though, Kerr and Van Egmond teeing her up for a rasping shot from inside the penalty area that gave Yektaei no chance. The keeper pulled off a glorious save soon after, Carpenter lining one up from distance that took a heavy deflection, and Carpenter then found Kerr in the area in space, but her control let her down. This was one-way traffic, as expected, the Matildas just stronger and more skilful than their meek opponents. Foord missed a sitter at the far post after Carpenter drove a cross acros te defence, somehow not sorting her feet out and blazing over.

Iran went to the bench well before the break, a line of six defenders now, the Iranian fans in the main stand making a din, but Amy Sayer silenced them, playing in a direct ball to Kerr who did the rest from a tricky angle, the spectre of VAR bringing exasperated gasps from the crowd who had endured it with every goal so far. This one looked close to the naked eye in real time, and indeed was ruled out for the faintest of offsides. The Matildas were pegged back to three, and had seven minutes of added time to find more goalscoring opportunities. Clare Hunt smashed one in from distance that Yektaei did well to parry, Kerr headed over from the corner, but Iran were battling hard, making the most of the international spotlight. Foord’s cross from the right was just too hard for Kerr, who got her boot to it but only over the bar. The drum was joined by whistles and Iran were making themselves heard. No time for sentiment though from the Matildas, and they poured forward with no return, three goals the reward for their endeavour at the halfway stage.

The saxophone was well received at half time as the active fans bounced along to some sax-heavy classics; this was a lot of fun and the crowd was animated as the lights dimmed and the music roared. The Matildas squad warmed up through the pulsating lights, Vanessa Amorosi’s 2000 Olympics tune capping off a superb half time, while there was no sign of any Iranian players. The starting eleven came out early after half time, the field full of Australia players. The Iran team came out gingerly as if they were walking into a storm. After all that, the kick off was delayed, giving the Iranian drummer an opportunity to get the beat going again. We had been waiting for Mona Hamoudi who eventually joined the throng, typing up her shoelaces to delay the start even further to the ire of the crowd.

Golnoosh Khosravi was harshly penalised for handball, the ball bouncing onto her arm in a totally natural position, and by the letter of the law it should never have even been considered. The annulment of the penalty stoked up the crowd, who had been annoyed already by Video Assistant all the way through the first period. Carpenter put her laces through the ball when she got a lucky ricochet, substitute goalkeeper Raha Yazdani right behind the fierce shot. Sayer tested Yazdani again, before Charlie Rule was penalised for a trip after a misunderstanding. The resulting free-kick was fired just wide by Fatemeh Pasandideh as Australia showed a chink in their armour.

  • Fireworks spectacular
  • Smoke gets in your eyes
  • Smoke over stadium
  • et’s add some more smoke!
  • Salute
  • Blue seats still visible
  • Anthems done right
  • Go the Matildas Active crew
  • Smoke clearing

Again the drums and whistles rose above the Oi Oi Oi, Iran making themselves heard. The inevitable injury stoppages peppered the game, but there was little sympathy. Sayer took a corner from the right when Sara Didar was off receiving treatment and Kennedy rose to power home a free header for four. Australia then mixed up the line-up, Hayley Raso for Kerr, Remy Siemsen on for Foord and Fowler making way for Holly McNamara. It was a bold move, designed to bring more hunger into the team, but the benefits were not immediately obvious. Hunt’s shot from outside the area took a deflection and bounced onto the top of the net, but play was again stopped for an Iran injury, this time the stretcher out to cart off Pasandideh who had gone down in a challenge with Carpenter.

Kaitlyn Torpey came on with Steph Catley, Hunt and Carpenter making way. Raso copped a clearance to the face that had the crowd wincing as one. Always Raso! She came through the concussion test and was back on the field within 30 seconds. Siemsen slashed at a high ball, before yet another Iranian injury stopped play, this time goalkeeper Yazdai with some nonsense after seeing a ball wide. The Mexican Wave was underway with ten minutes to go as minds wandered and the spectacle seemed to be over. The rain lashed down, the drums continued, the all-white clad Iranians continued to drop to the ground. It was frustrating to see, any contact sending the players to the floor, the crowd not buying the histrionics even if they may have been justified. This was now just a party in a stadium, the football taking second stage to the crowd noises, bang bang bang “Iran” went the crowd, jokes were flying around of 20 minutes added time, but we only got 11.

Raso poked one at the keeper when she rushed a shot, Nevin blazed over from distance, Australia didn’t look like getting the all important fifth goal until Sayer tested Yazdani from distance, the goalkeeper fumbling the ball wide. Raso was in the wars again, copping another close-range ball to the face leaving her on the ground in disrepair. This time she wasn’t moving too well, Michelle Heyman warming up as a concussion sub just in case, and we got to see the Canberra flyer for the final moments of added time. Sayer wasted a good opportunity, paying a nothing ball straight to Yazdani, and that was it, the thirteen minutes of added time not enough to get the safety of a fifth goal.

The players stuck to the plan of the neat handshakes in the centre circle, the Matildas then moving into their whole-squad huddle where a rain-drenched Joe Montemurro addressed his troops. The players then headed around for a lap and a wave, keeping their distance as they always do in tournament football. This had been a good performance against a frustrating opponent, Chloe Lincoln had barely had a touch. Australia wer short one goal, but with a big game to come on Sunday.

The AFC officials are meticulous with their press conferences, chairs in the right place, microphones precisely positioned, name plates square on. The Iranian coach Marziyeh Jafari gave us little to work with, the difficulty in translation diluting every question and answer. Journalists were told to stick to the script. Only football. Questioned why the second choice goalkeeper didn’t make it onto the field, there was no answer, the question of the morale of the players was simply ignored. When a Persian journalist asked a question in his native tongue, he was immediately shut down, and the microphone taken away when whe refused to continue in English.

Alanna Kennedy was the player of the match – the tried and tested scorer of the most goals in the winning team. The aim had been to win and that’s what they had done. Joe Montemurro was happy that his team was growing into the tournament, the quick turnaround was in their favour, but they could always improve. The number six role was discussed, Australia having an embarrassment of riches in that position, but Kennedy knew she had to keep it simple. Hayley Raso’s condition wasn’t known, but she was being assessed, but there were no injuries.

  • Kneel for the Iranian team
  • The Central Coast Stadium cannon in use
  • Ex-Matildas signing autographs at half time
  • The fial whistle
  • Look but don’t touch

The main takeaway from this post-match chat was that Montemurro doesn’t adhere to the Russian roulette of goals scored and goal difference. Australia will be playing to win on Sunday. It’s business as usual and Sunday will be an exciting game with two teams who want to dominate. Let’s take that mantra and get the job done in front of a huge crowd in Sydney. See you all there!

South Korea tee up your Sunday night

Philippines 0 South Korea 3

A statement victory by South Korea on the Gold Coast gave Australian fans food for thought, the shot-shy Matildas knowing that only an avalanche of goals in game two of this massive double-header would allow them to draw in the final group-stage game and still claim top spot. A bright, humid and windy day in Robina made for tricky conditions on a perfect playing surface at this marvellous rectangular venue, and a decent number of South Korean fans created a proper footballing atmosphere, their repertoire of recognisable chants and loud drumming making this a real occasion for the local fans.

  • A left over from days gone by
  • You know where we are!
  • Early arrivals at CBus Super Stadium
  • The fans are here

The now familiar pre-game sequence followed the same protocol as every game so far with only subtle differences, the daytime fireworks not working against the blue sky and the wind making quick work of the colourful smoke. There was a hint of the Marseillaise about the Philippines anthem, while the South Korean tune was more Sing Your Hearts Out For The Lads. The South Bank of the stadium rang out with the Korean fans holding their giant flag, their heroes in the brightest of orange shirts which oddly enough looked red on the big screen. The Philippines fans were sprinkled throughout the stadium, the biggest group in the North Stand, but it was clear which country had brought the noisiest support.

Philippines were definitely not overawed as the game got underway, but their players were definitely believing they had more time than they actually had. South Korea got the first shot away in anger, Lee Minhwa firing in from way outside the area, Olivia McDaniel choosing the Hollywood dive to make her first save when it was an easy one. Carleigh Frilles went in for a crunching tackle to get the crowd roaring, the Korea fans giving it their all behind Kim Minjung’s goal. There was no outlet for the Philippines defence, and they were coughing up possession playing out from the back. They were eventually made to pay by Jeon Yugyeong who pirouetted in the penalty area and drilled a low shot past McDaniel for the opening goal, and it had been coming.

  • Daytime fireworks, never good
  • Fireworks in the sunshine
  • Coloured smoke and wind
  • Look at that – beautiful
  • Anthems are delivered

There was barely time to digest that first goal when Park Soo Jeong advanced and curled a superb goal into the top right corner from the very edge of the penalty area. This would surely spell the end of the Philippines’ resistance, and Kim Shinji had the ball in for a third soon after, but the whole stadium had seen the offside already, and the assistant referee’s flag was no surprise when it eventually came. Kim Shinji curled a left foot shot just over as South Korea asserted their dominance, but their flow was interrupted on 27 minutes, the referee calling for a drinks break, both sets of players remaining on the field to take in the necessary hydration.

Philippines had a spell of attacking, Frilles did well on the right, taking a long ball in her stride, but the cross was poor, and Ariana Markey crossed from the left but it was meat and drink to Kim Minjung. We were 34 minutes in when the Filippina chant first rang out, the first we had heard from the underdogs. McDaniel ended up on the floor in distress before recovering to take a free kick, and she was busy again when Kim Shinji lifted in a dangerous free kick. Son Hwayeon just screwed a shot wide after beating former Perth Glory defender Jessika Cowart to the ball, before Katrina Guillou smashed a shot on goal for the Philippines and was on hand moments later to make an important block at the other end. The four minutes of added time proved fruitless and the two-goal scoreline was scant reward for the dominant South Koreans.

  • Hair Amigo
  • Fi-li-pi-na
  • Must stay onthe field during a drinks break
  • The crowd creeping back to the top
  • School’s out
  • The thin line of spectators

The Filippina chant went up again at the start of the second half as a long throw from Hali Long caused mayhem in the South Korea six-yard box. All of a sudden the stadium could sense that the blue-shirted underdogs were still in the game. Angie Beard was sliced down coming out of defence, Jung Minyoung booked, but the free kick was wasted. The Korea fans had grown in number, fellow fans moving to join their compatriots to form quite the cheer squad and they were almost rewarded for their efforts when Son Hwayeon cut in from the right and curled in a left-footed shot, McDaniel leaping to tip the ball over. The third goal came from the resulting corner, a swirling ball to the far post wasn’t dealt with, and Mun Eunju was on hand to steer the ball into the unguarded net. Two Philippines players were down requiring treatment, but there was no suggestion of any VAR intervention. Three goals to the good, and with goalkeeper Kim Minjung playing in the back four, things looked ominous.

Substitute Mallie Ramirez almost lifted the roof off Cbus Super Stadium as she muscled her defender away, but the header was straight at Kim Minjung, but it was Korea on the offensive, Lee Minhwa firing over and Park Soo Jeong going close. The school group in the North Stand were giving the South Korea fans a run for their money, the fans in the South and East sides of the stadium gradually heading towards the back of the seating as the fierce sun crept further back. Ramirez dived to try and con the referee, who was unfazed. The game was slipping away, Jeon Yugyeon and Kim Shinji combined to try to scramble the ball home, but it just wouldn’t go over the line, before Jon Yugyeon missed a glorious chance right in front, her head in her hands as the defence scrambled the ball away.

Angie Beard made a surge through the middle before being upended by Kim Shinji, and the subsequent free kick had South Korea in disarray. A much-needed drinks break on 75 minutes gave the players focus for the final push. The Koreans refreshed their line-up with a double-substitution, and Carleigh Frilles was shown the yellow card for a tackle from behind. Second half substitute Jael Guy wowed the crowd of 2,332 with some silky footwork, but there was nothing to cheer in the front third where they needed it. Jourdyn Curran smashed her opponent in midfield, escaping a yellow card, and when the blonde-haired Kim Minji leapt highest from a glorious cross, she should have done better than finding McDaniel’s hands.

South Korea replaced their goalkeeper, Ryu Jisu entering for the final flourish, and as the fierce Queensland sun beat down on the arena, both teams enjoyed some territory. Natalie Oca took one for the team, slicing down the South Korean opponent to break up the counter attack. Ryu Jisu was scrambling to field a back pass that was way too strong, the crowd squealing as the ball rolled towards goal. An injury to Choo Hyojoo took the sting out of added time and warm applause enveloped the stadium as the three-goal scoreline was confirmed. The Philippines players forgot about protocol with the tidy line-up being omitted from the runsheet, the players and substitutes congregating on the field instead before lining up and bowing to each other to more applause from the appreciative crowd. The South Korean fans streamed to the front of the South stand as their players came to thank them. Job done, and on to Sunday at Accor Stadium for a massive conclusion to the group stage. For the Philippines, they lined up and bowed to three sides of the stadium to cheers from their remaining fans.

  • Grandstand finish by the Philippines
  • Line up and bow – nice touch
  • South Korea celebrate with their fans
  • Philippines bow from afar

This was a lovely occasion, full of warmth and respect between fans and players who had coped well with the muggy conditions. The meagre crowd didn’t seem as small as other low attendances, thanks to the appropriately-sized stadium. A perfect appetiser for the next item on the agenda, the Matildas in town to hopefully dispatch Iran and make more friends on the Gold Coast.

A-League tipping Round 20 : Jostling at the top

Sprinkled amongst the AFC Women’s Asian Cup action, we have a four-game round of A-League Men’s action for you, the top five teams in action and plenty of permutations depending on the outcomes of some juicy encounters.

The leader board remains tight in our tips and predictions ladder, and I’m sure that all of you playing along at home will be loving the unpredictability of each round that never fails to cough up a surprise result.

Join our tipsters in their attempts to tame the wild beast that is the A-League. Share your thoughts, get your own tips in, and let’s try and keep this long-running institution alive during its enforced holiday from The Roar.

Daniel Wilmering chasing the title with Newcastle Jets Photo : Texi Smith

Stuart Thomas

Adelaide, Newcastle, Victory, Auckland

The Red’s hopes continue to rise and the team is moving into serious contention for the title this season. Wellington have been something of a mess recently and it is hard to see them winning this one on the road. The Jets are the best team to watch in the league and despite Western Sydney’s last up win, they should do the business in front of a bumper crowd at home.

This should be a very good Big Blue and both have plenty on the line. Victory need a momentum builder and Sydney need to prove their credentials. I think it is violent, with a few fisticuffs. Ufuk Talay loses the plot and the game ends spitefully. Victory. Auckland to get the three points against Perth in a very predictable result and comprehensive win in New Zealand.

Happier days for the Western Sydney Wanderers Photo : Texi Smith

Andrew Prentice

Adelaide, Newcastle, Sydney, Auckland

A truncated round sees the Reds hosting the fading Phoenix. It might be already “at the beach” time for Wellington as they try to regain some of the consistency that made them a force not so long ago. Friday nights at Hindmarsh are a buzz – Adelaide to win.

The Wanderers battered the Bulls pretenders last week despite scoring 4 in only 5 shots. Newcastle were held in the F3 derby thus ending their winning streak. They look the goods though and won’t be as spendthrift in front of a generous Wanderers defence as Macarthur were. Easily the league’s top scorers, the Jets have shored up their defence of late with two successive clean sheets. Doesn’t bode well for the Jets former premiership-winning coach Garry Van Egmond.

Lolley-watch is on again in the Harbour City and it looks grim for the home team. But they’ve coped okay without him in recent times. Victory are looking  solid but will rue dropping points in Adelaide. Should be a cracker at Allianz with the home ground not a usual advantage for the hosts. But something tells me they’ll turn it around on Saturday.

Perth fly halfway around the world to play Auckland and will at least be able to bag some serious frequent flyer points (good luck trying to use them though). That’s about all I expect them to get out of the trip as Auckland have flexed attacking AND defensive muscle in the last month to put their push for top spot back on track. With a variety of attacking options to choose from, Steve Corica can rotate with impunity. Auckland comfortably.

Brandon Borrello rus riot in Campbelltown Photo : Texi Smith

Texi Smith

Adelaide, Newcastle, Sydney, Auckland

We’re getting to the point where Wellington Phoenix are due one of those wins where their stats show more goals than shots. Travelling to Coopers Stadium to play a Friday game under lights, the expectation is for a handsome home win, but you cannot right off the league’s basement club that easily. Or can you? Alex Rufer is suspended, they’re off the back of a poor loss to Sydney, and Adelaide are still in contention for a top six finish. Ryan White to star again in a flowing performance that gives us a goal in each half, Panashe Madanha with a world-class top-corner strike to settle it, while the whole country is watching Uzbekistan v China.

Well, well, Western Sydney Wanderers off the bottom of the table with a thumping derby win, and the Box Office Jets’ run of wins brought to a halt in their own local rivalry. Good numbers of travelling fans from West Sydney, despite going up against Chinese Taipei v Vietnam, give us a rocking atmosphere, Brandon Borrello continues his goals revival with an early strike, and an insipid first half performance has the Jets fans grumbling. Cue the introduction of Lucas Scicluna to go head-to-head with his brother Dylan, and the added spice brings the best out of the home team in front of their biggest home crowd of the season. Ben Gibson equalises with fifteen minutes left, and the grandstand finish is complete when Xavier Bertoncello sweeps home the winner and jumps into the bouncing Squadron to celebrate.

Josh Oluwayemi looking for a miracle Photo : Texi Smith

Handily scheduled before the big India v Japan clash late on Saturday night, the Big Blue gives us a blockbuster A-League fixture to get excited about. Sydney were victorious but only just in a lacklustre display in Wellington, while Victory snatched a point from Adelaide. The visitors are out for revenge after their mauling in the pouring rain at Leichhardt Oval earlier this season, and they’ll be the better team in a tense first half. With a ticking off at half time from an extra-agitated Ufuk Talay, Jason Davidson slices through his own goal to give Sydney the lead, and there’s no looking back once Alex Grant’s Desperate Dan forehead adds the second from a corner. A low-quality game, a priceless win from a team that knows how to win ugly, and Sydney’s stuttering finals dream remains a reality.

Come on, you’re kidding right? Do we have to tip this one? Perth Glory somehow got a point in Brisbane on the weekend but it wasn’t pretty and this time they travel East to face back-in-form Auckland FC. They have lost games like this before, but this time there are no mistakes, and a dominant first-half display has the home side 3-0 up at the break. Jesse Randall scores the goal of the game just after the break and despite going for the jugular, there is only one more goal in a comprehensive 5-0 romp for last season’s premiers and the head of this season’s chasing pack. A worthy appetiser to Sunday night’s crucial Women’s Asian Cup tie between Sout Korea and Australia!

Our tipsters didn’t exacly cover themselves in glory last round. Surely we can tip these four with some success :

Your tips for the week are required below. Do it, and help the Crowd keep their handsome lead over the tipsters …

Good luck for this mini-round! Drop us a comment to let us know that The Roar’s fantastic readership is still here. And enjoy the AFC Women’s Asian Cup; there’s some superb football being played in our country, make sure you get to a game if you’re local.

Bengal Tigresses win the hearts of Western Sydney

China 2 Bangladesh 0

Fifteen minutes to kick-off at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta, with the whole stadium open, the photographers in place and the substitutes already in their dugouts, the death knell tolled and the flags of the two nations were unfurled to warm applause from a meagre yet bigger crowd than we had seen earlier in the day. The eerie heartbeat music preceded the entrance of the players to an inspiring herald, a flurry of activity and two anthems that revealed the pockets of fans of the two opposing teams with their respective animated receptions to the stirring tunes. A crowd not too dissimilar to a Western Sydney Wanderers home game in a difficult season, the photographers, volunteers and staff seemed to outnumber those in the grey seats. The two sets of players huddled in the middle of their respective halves, the indescribable two-tone not yellow but not green kit worn by the Chinese was overshadowed by the piercing red of the Bangladesh team. A stray pass straight from kick off had the Bangladesh fans off their seats early, but Chakma Ritu Porna got too excited on the ball and overran the unexpected possession.

  • Practice makes perfect as the volunteers are prepared
  • Pre game walk out take one
  • This is how we do it!
  • Everyone’s a tourist in Western Sydney

This was like watching a talented under 15s team in a practice match against a much older team, the diminutive defenders doing remarkably well against their taller and stronger opponents. It was exciting, Liu Jing fired wide with goalkeeper Mile Akter at full stretch. Wang Shuang set Zhang Chengxue away with a backheel and Liu Jing again had a good chance at the far post but didn’t catch it correctly. Nabirun Khatun gave us an immaculate sliding challenge to concede a corner, before Lyu Yatong was booked for a ridiculous drag back on Shamsunnahar Shams as the right winger threatened to break free. Maria Manda was flattened in a tackle by her much bigger opponent, before a thrilling moment saw Wang Shuang meet a cross from Jin Kun, only for Mile Akter to save down low, and the follow-up bounced off the post.

  • A photographer’s dream
  • The Bangladesh Ultras
  • China in Western Sydney
  • Junkyard beats
  • Bengal TV stars

Mile Akter was then caught in two minds whether or not to pick up a tame shot from Zhang Chengxue, fumbling the ball out for a corner. The excitement was rising and reached fever pitch when a long ball over the top saw Chakma Ritu Porna in a foot race with her defender Wu Haiyan. Not only did she win the sprint, but she unleashed an unlikely missile on goal that goalkeeper Chen Chen tipped over spectacularly as the crowd rose as one. The moment of the tournament so far perhaps?  Chakma Ritu Porna was again in the action moments later when she chased a lost cause, goalkeeper Chen Chen hesitating and almost presenting the ball to her opponent. This was pure excitement now and the crowd reacted accordingly. Sheuli Azim hacked one off the line at the near post after hesitation from the striker, Monika Chakma got into a great position for Bangladesh on the left but got too excited and fired a shot well wide.

  • Warming up to kick off
  • Here comes the main event
  • An explosion of colour
  • Perfect national anthems

China racked up the chances, former Central Coast Mariners goal machine Wurigumula with a good opportunity that was well saved by Mile Akter. A smart spin from Wang Shuang gave the crowd a thrill and the same player was on hand to head home from a smart cross from the left from Jin Kun, but the goal was eventually disallowed for the less obvious offside in the sweeping move. Referee and assistant stared each other down as Wurigumula hit the post from a cross, the goal kick given, before a period of play that had China worried. Monika Chakma fired in a grass-cutter from distance which Chen Chen watched wide, and Wang Linlin played the ball out of play under no pressure at all. Could Bangladesh last until half time or even snatch a shock lead?

It was some goal that finally broke the deadlock, a precision through ball and a long-range screamer from Wang Shuang that Mile Akter could only watch into the top corner. It was cruel on Bangladesh, and the muted celebration from Wang Shuang made the crowd doubt themselves about the validity of the goal. China were always dangerous running on to the ball over the top and Bangladesh left gaps. As we entered seven minutes of added time, it was two as Zhang Rui rattled home with a low shot on the rebound after an unconvincing palm by Mile Akter. Ante Milicic and Ivan Jolic looked at each other in bemusement in the China dugout as VAR checked something, but no one in the stadium was allowed to know what it was. The goal stood and China set about capitalising on their lead, Liu Jing with a poor miss from Wang Shuang’s expert cross from the right.

  • A cloud hangs over Akter Mile’s goal
  • Half time whistle, time for a cuppa
  • Dodging the wet

A most entertaining first half was brought to a close; all we could hope for was more of the same. The China players warmed up as the sprinklers went on, dodging the spray, and the volume was pleasantly turned down by mistake on the blaring adverts on the big screens.

The second half got underway in the same manner, Chakma Ritu Porna firing a shot across Chen Chen’s goal and Bangladesh played without fear. The crowd was still very much engaged, with both sets of fans making noise, but this was now like a proper knockout cup tie. It was surely a matter of time before the plucky underdogs ran out of steam and the big hitters made them pay, or was there a twist? Shamsunnahar Nahar flicked the ball up with a trick to take a throw, Bangladesh were still full of confidence. Maria Manda fired over, Sapna Rani delighted the crowd with a clever dummy, and when Afeida Khandaker launched a long ball forward, Shamsunnahar Shams did well to leap above the defence and head just wide. There was life in Bangladesh, but China were always threatening. Xie Zongmei thought she had a penalty, Kohati Kisku thought she had a goalkick and the referee agreed, Xie Zongmei then fired wide when well placed and Zhang Chengxue had a fierce drive palmed over by Mile Akter.

  • Ready to do battle in the second half
  • She missed! Premature smokies!
  • Not such a shellacking as we thought
  • Prim and proper at the final whistle

With twenty minutes to go, China were still not in the clear, but it always felt like it was coming. Shamsunnahar Shams won a corner, but Chakma Ritu Porna’s centre was easy for Chen Chen. Play went on before VAR intervened, checking a possible penalty but it was never going to be given. Bangladesh kept pressing, Sapna Rani firing wide after a winding run, and Maria Manda shooting past the other post from distance. The crowd of 6,006 was about right compared with similar-looking Wanderers crowds. Zhang Xing’s corner from the left swung onto the bar and away as the two sets of fans traded chants. China had ten minutes to assert their dominance, Bangladesh continued to fly into tackles as if their lives depended on it. Zhang Chengxue raced clear to strike the post but she always looked offside, the smoke machines prematurely going off behind the goal.

Mst Halima Akhter typified the fighting spirit of the Bengal Tigresses, flying into a headed challenge and coming out with a bloodied nose as time ticked away, but we would get that time back as the clock moved past the ninety. With Mile Akter joining Shamsunnahar Nahar in receiving treatment from the physios, Bangladesh were managing the time appropriately. The eight minutes added might come back to haunt them though, a near post header flashing just past the post from Tang Jiali, and she went close again soon after sending Mile Aktar to the ground again needing attention. The expected deluge of goals to make sure of the points didn’t arrive, Bangladesh were to leave CommBank Stadium with their heads held high and having won the hearts of the Western Sydney‘s football family. Shao Ziqin was denied a penalty when Mst Halima Akhter brought her down from behind, but the offside flag was up swiftly and that’s where the action ended.

  • Bowing to the opposition bench – nice touch
  • Who was happier?
  • Celebrations
  • A tight knit team celebrates a win

The celebrations at the final whistle told the story. Both teams felt that they had won tonight, the players retreating to opposite ends to applaud their fans, Bangladesh breaking protocol to meet the fans close up, China keeping their distance like the Matildas and remaining within the field of play. This had been a fantastic occasion, Bangladesh was now everyone’s favourite team of the tournament, but their vastly superior opponents had held their nerve, celebrated with grace, and should safely pass through the group stage. The mood was high as the two squads finally made their way down the tunnel, although the walking wounded of Bangladesh were being treated on the sideline, suggesting enforced changes ahead of their next game in the tournament. Over to you, Perth, to take the reins and give us more of this high-quality Asian Cup entertainment.

If a tree falls in the forest…?

People’s Republic of Korea 3 Uzbekistan 0

Just take it at face value – this was a 1pm kick-off on a weekday out in Parramatta, this was not Colombia in the Women’s World Cup, it was two unknown entities, unknown for vastly different reasons. A crowd that could not have been any more than 500 enjoyed the full pre-game spectacular of colour and noise, but could hear everything that was being said from the players and staff in a distinctly NPL atmosphere. The Korean players were vocal, giving us a big shout following their national anthem and then again their huddle, the sound echoing around the deserted Commbank stadium.

  • A well-worn path to the football
  • Budget entertainment
  • Nobody here!

The Uzbek team, clad in pristine white, looked relaxed and confident early in the game, not scared to rake passes across the field and showing good touches, but the all-red Koreans had purpose, and had a plan to get the ball out to their wings. When Chae Un Yong created space for a cross from the right, the defence cleared only to Myong Yu Jong who rifled a shot in for the opening goal. The crowd had grown, a handful of school groups in full uniform swelling the sparse numbers. Hong Song Ok’s corner from the other side was then returned into the box, Uzbekistan goalkeeper Jonimqulova Maftuna falling awkwardly against her defender and the game was halted for a lengthy period. The unfortunate Jonimqulova was eventually stretchered off in a neck brace, a worrying sight for everyone.

Korea continued to threaten, Uzbekistan defended desperately and effectively. A-League referee Casey Reibelt let the game flow as much as possible, but she was quick with the whistle when Cae Un Yong was pushed and tripped from behind for a penalty, Myong Yu Jong smashing the spot kick home past replacement stopper Zarina Saidova after a justified VAR check. Two goals already for Korea, this didn’t bode well for the unfancied Uzbeks and with Saidova’s distribution and handling under the spotlight, this could get ugly. To their credit, with a little but of luck and some fierce hassling, they managed to stem the flow. The booming ‘boooo’ from the stands as play was halted for the third time for an Uzbek injury suggested the impatience of the casual football fan who was sitting bemused in amongst the empty grey seats.

  • Colours fill the air
  • A grand entrance for the players
  • Superb national antems

A handball shout from the Koreans was somehow waved away by the referee, giving the benefit of the doubt to the defence, but VAR intervened and it was a definite spot kick, the arm up high and in no way a natural position.  Up stepped Myong Yu Jong for a second time to drill the ball home for 3-0. The pocket of North Korean flags jigged, the school groups shrieked, the Uzbek physios were on again to deal with Ilvina Ablyakimova’s blow to the face. It should have been four when Ri Myong Gum curled wide after wrong-footing the defence; the groan at the ten minutes of added time was unjustified, but the disbelief of two-goal Myong Yu Jong at receiving a yellow card for an elbow was not. Not so the yellow card for Dilrabo Asadova who sliced down her Korean player from behind. There was a most unusual sight of a double substitution a moment before the half-time whistle as Korea shuffled their pack, sacrificing their penalty queen Myong Yu Jong to deny her a second-half hat-trick.

An absorbing first half, littered with injuries to the Uzbekistan team, had given us some sharp technical football from North Korea, while their opponents at least gave us entertainment with some South American-style dribbling and a couple of nutmegs to wow the fans. Tough to foresee anything other than a convincing Korean victory in the second half, prayers were sent to the footballing gods for an exciting second forty-five minutes. The explanation of VAR on the big screen at the break was excellent, something that should be played at every A-League game as a reminder. The Korea players were out early, warming up sharply on the sideline, while the Uzbekistan players filed out slowly as if contemplating their fate. The end of the half-time music brought us back to the silence.

  • Football fans?
  • Didn’t seem that one-sided

The excellent Chae Un Yong won an early corner and Uzbekistan were tested. Saidova was fortunate to get a second go at catching a misplaced punch, and the rampant reds were forcing fouls from their hardworking and full-blooded opponents as they continued to fire in low balls into the penalty area. Lyudmila Karachik gave us a mazy run through the midfield to stem the flow, but when Madina Khikmatova upended Hong Song Ok in full flight, another yellow card was awarded. Another unusual moment followed when the referee was forced to spray a line one metre in front of the defensive wall to make sure the Korean players were not interfering with the wall – good thinking! Korea were shooting from range, but they were low-percentage shots, Ri Myong Gum finally getting a clear sight but drilling the ball straight at Saidova.

Zarina Mamatkarimova went down after winning a free kick, referee Reibelt showing no sympathy and urging her to her feet. When she went down again away from play a minute later there was no option and we had yet another stoppage in play. It was time to shut up shop, the tackles were unsophisticated and duly punished, but the score remained at 3-0. A bizarre free kick routine saw two North Korean players stand like statues for an eternity, the referee showing a lot of patience, before a shot was rifled straight at Saidova.

Where the first half had provided footballing entertainment despite the stoppages, the second half matched the attendance, a hopeful 1,268 who stared on emotionlessly as the Uzbek defence continued their aimless clearances and their players dropped to the ground to waste time. It wasn’t until the 80th minute that Ri Myong Gum and Ri Song A combined to wake up the crowd, the shot whistling over from close range. A mix-up in defence allowed Chae Un Yong to fire in a shot on the unguarded goal but it was high and handsome. Uzbekistan left a player upfield late in the game, Kamila Zaripova completely free, but her control let her down. Ri Hak escaped a yellow card when she dived stepping inside to evade a clumsy Uzbek challenge, and the six additional minutes gave us very little to rescue the second half, the referee blowing for full-time as Korea squandered a headed chance at the Red and Black Bloc end.

  • Orderly respect between teams
  • Responsibilities taken care of

The post-match scenes were orderly, the remaining players shaking hands in the centre circle with the referee team, before North Korea’s squad raced over to their small band of fans to thank them for their support. The smattering of Uzbekistan fans were already right behind the substitutes bench and the players waved to them. Five minutes later, the volume was turned down on the music, ten minutes after that there was nothing but silence.

  • Korean’s celebrate
  • Uzbeks commiserate

This had been a tough mission for Uzbekistan, but they will cling to the hope of progressing to the next stage as one of the best third-placed teams in Group B; they will be watching on with interest the second game this evening, hoping that China can demolish Bangladesh to give them hope. Stand by for more Women’s Asian Cup action as we continue to see teams for the first time in the tournament; we’re here to bring you the action so you don’t have to watch it!

A controlled mess

Australia 1 Philippines 0

The Matildas opened the Women’s Asian Cup 2026 edition with the most comprehensive 1-0 win in Perth, captain Sam Kerr notching the only goal of the game, and they will now know that conquering Asia is not going to be straightforward. A defensive display from the Philippines showed nothing of their undoubted ability to score goals, but it asked more questions of the Matildas than it gave answers. With coach Joe Montemurro and player of the game Caitlin Foord agreeing to describe tonight’s football as a ‘controlled mess’, there were no excuses, there was no lamenting, just an acceptance that Australia struggled to break down their deep-lying opponents and could have been more ‘cold’ in front of goal.

  • Hearing from ex-Matildas in the Royal
  • Meanwhile at The Shoe
  • Busy station
  • Beautiful blue skies
  • Merch very popular
  • Orderly queues ovre an hour before kick off

With two conflicting events, the inaugural FA+ pregame meet and greet with former Matildas at the Royal Hotel and the traditional Shoe Bar get together with the Matildas Active crew literally across the road, we managed to do both, but it was curtailed in order to get to Perth Stadium at a reasonable time, knowing that the opening ceremony might be someting worth seeing. The short train journey to the modern Perth Stadium train stop wasn’t without incident, the train pulling into the stadium and then jolting forward another ten metres as fans tried to open the doors. Teething trouble, but no dramas, and the fans spilled out of the station to join the throng outside this impressive stadium. Merch was in high demand, the colourful scarves perhaps the best seller, and being over an hour from kick-off, entry was smooth in the surprisingly long queues. We didn’t have to wait long for the real action to start.

A punchy opening ceremony featuring flying crows, aboriginal dancers and the flags of the competing teams was pure Eurovision kitsch. Smoke filled the stadium with the smell of pyro, fireworks crashed and banged in the sunshine as the all-white dance troupe gyrated through a number of booming K-Pop tunes and all the while the grey seats filled and the murmur of the crowd grew. The subs were out, taking their position in the snazzy benches, even before the pack-up was done, the photographers in position ready to welcome the starting line-ups to the field. A three-quarters-full Perth Stadium welcomed their heroes to the field through the smoke. It was colourful, it was exciting, the anthems were perfect, the teams lined up for their pre-match teamshot and the Matildas went through a final sharp warm-up before huddling.

  • Relaxed and ready
  • Opening ceremony prep
  • We will build it!
  • Just needs the allen key
  • We have lift-off

The big news that shrouded the lead-up to the opening ceremony was the will-she-won’t-she over Mackenzie Arnold, fellow goalkeeper Jada Whyman being the one who eventually missed out altogether through injury leaving Chloe Lincoln as the surprise guardian of the Matildas goal. Newbie Lincoln forgot she was meant to be in the huddle too and eventually joined the tight circle.

Ellie Carpenter coughed up possession, playing a nothing ball inside and the Philippines had a shot from their own half that wasn’t troubling Lincoln at all. Australia pressed, Sam Kerr having the crowd in a tizz as the Matildas Active Support thrashed their drums behind the goal, Hayley Raso ran into Carpenter and looked dazed, and the blue shirts of the Philippines team looked relaxed as the yellow shirts of Australia fizzed about hunting for possession. It was from an awkward wide position that the Matildas took the lead, Sam Kerr pouncing when Caitlin Foord headed the deep cross back into the six-yard box. It was all Australia now, Emily Van Egmond heading over when well-placed, before following it up with a horrible backheel, Katrina Gorry sliding in to intercept the loose ball to cheers from the crowd to save face. Olivia McDaniel in the Philippines goal was taking as long as she could with every goalkick, if only to break up the waves of Australia attack. The lack of ball crew behind the goal helped her cause. A tired clearance to no one signalled the visitors’ intent, or the lack of.

  • World Cup 2022 vibes
  • Colour pop!
  • The starting line-up
  • Action!

It was 2-0 all of a sudden when a long ball from the back found Hayley Raso clear of her marker, but it was back to one when VAR intervened and ruled it out for offside after all the celebrations. Hands up who expected VAR to be in operation? Australia were struggling with the low sun, streaming into their eyes, but they had the breeze at their backs and continued to push. Raso was sliced down in a useful position, the active fans getting the crowd going, but the subsequent curling shot from the free kick was easily saved. This was not convincing from Australia, the murmuring from the sidelines as Carpenter shoved over her opponent suggested impatience, but a one-goal lead at the break was welcomed by the crowd who applauded the Matildas warmly from the field.

The half-time show was more pop music, fireworks and bright lights and it was well done. Kaitlyn Torpey and Remy Siemsen were first out to warm up at half time, followed by the rest of the subs from both teams, filling the field with players while the music continued on a quickly-prepared stage by the side of the field. We were poised for an exciting second half, a single change by the Philippines at half-time as they looked to shore things up even further.

Is that from the standard logo set?

Raso was the first to threaten in the second half, cutting in from the right only to be bundled over, the referee choosing a corner rather than a penalty. Foord spun to curl in an effort from Raso’s deep cross from the right, and Raso again almost got on the end of a deft through ball from Kerr’s clever touch. Mark Torcaso went to the bench again as the dreaded Mexican wave took the focus away from the action on the field. This was the signal that Joe Montemurro needed; it coincided with the Philippines’ best spell. He prowled the sideline but there was no change forthcoming. A drive from Clare Wheeler warmed the crowd, who had taken the volume up a notch, before a double-substitution of Alana Kennedy and Mary Fowler really had the stadium buzzing. Alas an injury to Raso took the wind out of the sails almot immediately and brought the crowd back down from their temporary high. Fowler’s radar was off, her passing a little wayward, until she spun beautifully to play a ball inside the fullback to prise open the defence. Gorry hit one from distance, straight at McDaniel. Catley picked up the ball for a throw before it went out and was duly penalised, the Philippines finally venturing into the Matildas’ half.

Would one goal be enough? The crowd was chuntering, the Matildas had their opponents hemmed in, but couldn’t fashion anything like a clear opportunity. Time was running out. Raso was sacrificed for Amy Sayer with ten minutes left on the clock. Catley almost unpicked the defence, firing one just over the bar. There were echoes of the Women’s World Cup opener when Ireland smothered the Matildas in game one, and this became a difficult watch. Amy Sayer poked one at goal when it deserved a better effort, and McDaniel went to ground a la Jordan Pickford at every opportunity to eat up some more of the remaining time. Foord bent one over after cutting in from the left as the game entered added time and the cool wind picked up. Foord was dumped to the ground with no free kick, Fowler fired over from a good position, but there was no way through for the blunt Matildas, the five minutes extra offering no further chances.

The huge roar as the final whistle sounded may have been through relief rather than delight, all the subs entering the field, discarding their tracksuits to shake hands with their gracious opponents. Both teams ended up in squad huddles, before breaking out to thank the remaining crowd. The wide berth given to the distant fans at this oval stadium was a little disappointing, the Matildas remaining inside the field while their adoring fans screamed for interaction from behind the advertising hoardings. Such is protocol in tourament football, the screaming fans missed out.

  • Tight and victorious
  • Win or lose, huddle is mandatory
  • The magnificent Matildas Active
  • Nightfall on this beautiful venue

Down in the bowels of the stadium, coach Montemurro and his Most Valuable Player Foord fronted the media. The Aussie head coach brought up an article he had read describing his football as messy, and the two of them settled on Controlled Mess as the most appropriate desciption of what they had served up tonight. The goalkeeping saga was further explained – tonight would have been Jada Whyman’s first cap, but she injured her knee in training and was subsequently omitted from the squad altogether. Such bad luck. When pressed to offer some words about the context of football in recent world events, Montemurro didn’t want to speak out of his remit as football coach, but reiterated the fact that football is one big family and can help bring people together. It was a considered reply and well received by everyone in the room.

It’s all about building into the tournament, Foord and Montemurro were in agreement. It was a relief for this game to be over, but with some tightening and cleaning up in midfield, the team would be ready to go into the next game.

The party continued back at the Perth Glory pub at the Shoe, as this public holday long weekend took hold, and tired Matildas fans will be making their way back to their respective homes for a short sejour before heading back to their respective airports bound for the Gold Coast on Thursday. Get excited, the Women’s Asian Cup is underway and it’s going to deliver in spades. Let’s go Matildas!

Who put that there?

A-League tipping Round 19 : F3 derby spectacular and Wanderers revival?

Hey, you’re not meant to be reading about men’s football this weekend! Don’t you know the Matildas are in action? Thank you for continuing to visit The Roar’s A-League tips and predictions while our beloved website remains dormant, waiting for the prince to wake her up with a kiss. So much good quality action being missed!

The A-League men’s ladder has become a little more stretched at the ends with the Jets on their unstoppable run at the top and the Wanderers in disarray at the bottom. It’s in the middle that it remains tight, Macarthur FC and Central Coast Mariners somehow only three points apart.

Read our tipsters’ chatter as they try to make sense of it all. Get your own tips in, and let us know what you think in the comments section at the bottom of the page. Hopefully see you next week for more.

Watch me! Watch me! The Women’s Asian Cup comes to Perth on Sunday Photo : Texi Smith

Stuart Thomas

Victory, Auckland, Central Coast, Brisbane, Macarthur, Wellington, Macarthur

The Original Rivalry will be a brutal affair, with three send-offs, a streaker and a lightning strike with ten minutes to go. Victory hold on in a wild night. Auckland have the cards to beat Melbourne City, who look to be slipping from contention before our very eyes.

The Mariners are showing plenty of grit and the Jets plenty of class. Who wins? The team with the grit. Brisbane and Perth is a cracking affair, with the winner still in the hunt for finals and the loser drifting ever further away. I think Brisbane win, with Griffiths’ magic starting to wear a little thin.

The Bulls should beat Western Sydney because……well…..simply, the McWanderers, built on nothing and questionable folk, are playing accordingly. Will an interim coach at Wellington get the bounce he seeks against Sydney FC. Unlikely, but at home he might have a chance.

The Bulls will be too good for the Mariners mid-week and continue to firm as serious title contenders with the win.

Alex Gersbach at Campbelltown Stadium Photo : Texi Smith

Andrew Prentice

Victory, Auckland, Newcastle, Brisbane, Macarthur, Sydney, Draw

Can I just take a moment to say (with no credit to the former PM who doesn’t hold a hose) HOW GOOD IS THE A LEAGUE? Two veritable blockbusters this weekend, even though neither occupies the prime time Saturday night slot for…reasons. The first is the original rivalry between two teams banging in goals and racking up wins like Donald Trump does lies and micro-sleeps at summits. There is no reason to believe this won’t be a Friday night ripper with Juan Mata’s utter genius being the only thing to split the teams.

Auckland ploughed over their North Island rivals last week, leading to the resignation of (now former) Phoenix Giancarlo “Chiefy” Italiano. They face the fast-fading City on Saturday who last won a game in Round 13. Their only cause for hope is that win came against Auckland. It’s hard to see them pulling that off again. Perhaps City are throwing their eggs into the ACL basket and with a looming clash midweek with Thai side Buriram (coached by former Mariners triple winner Mark Jackson), Auckland are favourites here.

WHAT a game in prospect in Gosford. The F3 rivals, with sets of fans who have been amusingly bantering all week on social media, are set to light up the coast. The Jets have thrilled fans in a run up the ladder on the back of 8 successive wins. Last week, in the space of 90 minutes, the Mariners occupied, 12th, 10th, 9th, 12th and 10th place before a last minute winner from (of all players) James Donachie shot them up to 7th. Now just one win out of the 6 with a game in hand, anything is possible. That said, the visitors just look unstoppable right now. The Mariners have ridden their luck and are seemingly never out of the game but Newcastle have the strike power to take down their plucky neighbours. Hope the stadium is packed for this.

In stark contrast, Roar-Glory kicks off an hour later and there wouldn’t be any reason for TV viewers to switch from the F3 derby till its over. Catching the last 40 minutes of this one would in fact be wise as both sides seem to score late (if at all). That sugar hit created by Adam Griffiths’ appointment in the west seems to have worn off and they were thrashed in Adelaide. I was tempted to call this a draw but the Roar seem overdue for a home result.

The “other” Sydney derby occupies the prime time slot this week, despite the appeal elsewhere. The Wanderers have let winning positions slip in successive weeks and the frustration is mounting. The Bulls are out of the Asian Cup and can concentrate on securing semi final football. Mitch Duke comes up against his former club and will be keen to lead the Macarthur line, having been inexplicably benched last weekend. If he scores, they win.

Chris Greenacre takes the reigns left by Chiefy as Wellington look to resurrect their season against the Sky Blues. It’s hard to see the dead cat bouncing too high for the Phoenix, who have leaked goals alarmingly this season (and at times, like last week’s 70 metre effort, bizarrely). Sydney have the equal-best defensive record in the league so scoring against the Phoenix, as all teams seem to do, should ensure their defence carries the day in Wellington.

Mitch Duke comes up against his former club and will be keen to lead the Macarthur line…wait, you’ve read that already, right? But it’s happening twice in a week as the Bulls and Mariners play their make-up game postponed from last round. Hard to split a solid Macarthur and a never-say-die Central Coast so, just like last week when they didn’t play, I’ll call it a draw.

Dylan Scicluna back amongst the goals? Photo : Texi Smith

Texi Smith

Victory, Auckland, Central Coast, Brisbane, Wanderers, Sydney, Macarthur

A cracker to start the round, with Adelaide United travelling to AAMI Park to take on old foes Melbourne Victory. The hosts are buzzing after a derby win, highlighted by the brilliance of Juan Mata, while the Reds were rampant against an out-of-form Perth last weekend. A strange opening to this game, with both teams wide open and chances galore, the scoreline of 2-2 at half-time tells the story, Ryan White again in superb form, but Victory snatch the lead in the second period through Clarismario Santos and hold on to that slender advantage to the bitter end.

Melbourne City’s season is heading south, Auckland FC have righted the ship and are ready to keep track of the Jets at the top of the table. The last meeting between these teams in Melbourne was an anomaly, and with Sam Cosgrove back to lead the line, the home team will be firing on all cylinders. Logan Rogerson with a goal to calm the nerves after a nervy start, Auckland weather a spirited fight from City to put their foot down after the break and score at will to give City a footballing lesson, Max Caputo missing from right in front when the score was still 1-0, the game-changing moment.

The A-League ladder is telling lies. Not about the Box Office Jets being top of the table, but about the Mariners being one place away from a finals spot. They deservedly moved away from the bottom with a third win on the bounce, this time against the hapless Wanderers, while Newcastle Jets were quietly picking off yet another win against Macarthur FC. The wind of change is here though, and the Jets rode their luck last Sunday; this time in a raucous derby atmosphere at an unusually busy Central Coast Stadium, the Mariners will keep pace with the league leaders, and force a goal through Miguel Di Pizio. One goal is enough, the incredible run of wins is over and Central Coast Mariners move even closer to that most unlikely spot in the top six.

Strength in numbers on a Western Sydney Wanderers derby away day Photo : Texi Smith

Dreadful scheduling of the A-League sees Brisbane Roar v Macarthur FC go head-to-head against the F3 derby. Brisbane are back in Redcliffe for this one, and they need to put things right after a series of results that sees them plummeting. What better way to do so than against the team just below them in the ladder, another desperately out-of-form team who showed so much promise earlier in the season. Giorgios Vrakas with the opener just before the break, Perth play some crisp, neat football, but Nick D’Agostino wraps up the points with a quick-fire double. Angry man Michael Valkanis cracks a smile, all is good in the world!

The least attractive headline game of the weekend is Macarthur FC at home to Western Sydney Wanderers, the Saturday night timeslot wasted on the once-fancied team of stars from Parramatta. How they continue to underperform is baffling; Jacob Farrell, Ryan Fraser, Braandon Borrello, Kosta Barbarouses, they are all high-level internationals and even adding Hiroshi Ibusuki in there, it is incredible that they are at the foot of the table. Macarthur’s loss in Newcastle can be excused, but they are prone to some hot and cold performances. Today will signal the turning point for the visitors as they put together a majestic performance to demolish their neighbours, Dylan Scicluna with a classy goal to start the party and, with Mitch Duke in Anthony Pantazopoulos’ pocket, this is a remarkable turnaround of fortunes in a four-goal win on the road.

A team mourning the loss of their spiritual leader, smarting from a heavy home derby defeat, teetering on the edge of the wooden spoon position, nothing is going right at the moment for Wellington Phoenix. Their last win was in Sydney, a smash-and-grab at Allianz Stadium, and they welcome the same opposition for an early kick off in Wellington. Sydney FC were meek against Brisbane last week, but managed the win, and they will struggle here in Ufuk Talay’s old stomping ground. It comes down to efficiency in front of goal in the end, Apostolos Stamatelopoulos on hand to smash the ball home on the rebound in the second half as the Sky Blues return the favour and snatch an undeserved win.

A bonus game this week sees Macarthur FC make a swift return after Saturday night. In front of the lowest A-League crowd of the season, compounded by the early start, those present are in for a treat. Two early send-offs, one for each team, give rise to an open encounter, akin to a rugby sevens game, and the goals flow, the Bulls putting things right after their disaster against Western Sydney. Despite Storm Roux equalising late in the game for the in-form visitors, Harry Sawyer rises highest to head home in added time to take the three points and re-establish the home team as a finals contender.

The tipsters did very well last weekend. Don’t expect the same this round :

Keep selecting your tips for the week to maintain the healthy lead for the crowd …

Best of luck for this round! The comment section is where you can drop a cheeky line to start some banter, see below and let us know that The Roar is still here in spirit. Can’t believe our tips and predictions is still going!

Sydney’s pride at one-goal win

Sydney FC 1 Brisbane Roar 0

Our boys in blue finally got the win, the first since the false dawn of the derby triumph and only the second victory at Allianz Stadium since beating English Championship contenders Wrexham FC here last year. A game that mirrored the last two home games, with Sydney FC dominating possession but lacking the direct threat, this was on a knife-edge until the very end, even after Tiago Quintal grabbed the lead early in the second half. The relief at the final whistle was palpable, the fans in the home end not convinced and sending the players away without a final chant.

  • Looks like they’ve been queuing all day
  • Sydney FC’s old stomping ground
  • Box Office FC
  • You can’t come in here dressed like that
  • Precinct fun

A 5pm Saturday kick off, and with Michelle fresh from her first volunteer shift at the Women’s Asian Cup accreditation centre at CommBank Stadium, there was only one option to get us to the stadium on time for the gates opening and the Sydney FC Pride members function. So, taking the expensive road from Pennant Hills to the Entertainment Quarter, we were pleasantly surprised to arrive not long after the 4pm opening of the stadium. Pride Membership (yes, there is such a thing) allowed us a ticket to the function and we presented ourselves at Gate 2 only to be turned away politely by the gate security. Ripped jeans. Not acceptable. No one told us. Undeterred, we went up to the membership window at our usual gate to ask for assistance, and we were able to get access back at Gate 2 with the help of our friendly and apologetic membership dude. Eyes were still on Michelle – tut, ripped jeans in the members area, how abhorrent. Such was the shame, we were instructed to take the lift to bypass the members area on level 2 and arrived at level 3 for the event.

  • Pride Football
  • Information
  • Interesting facts

When the friendly but unxpecting members’ area staff finally worked out what was happening, we were escorted to the function room. It was deserted, a set of easels provided from the Pride Cup the only thing to suggest that there was any sort of event on today. A few regulars arrived, but it was clear that we could not bring food and drink into the function room, which was a proper members’ area with outdoor padded seating, despite being offered a food and beverage voucher as part of the deal.

The players were warming up, the Brisbane Roar team disappearing down the tunnel first, maybe so they didn’t get injured pre-game on the horrible Allianz Stadium surface. The PA system was just as bad up on level 3 as it is from our usual area of the stadium, a pre-match on-screen chat with a fan completely inaudible. It was at that time that I was ready to abandon this non-event and head to our usual home of Cove Heights, leaving Michelle to work out the food and beverage deal with the members’ area staff, who were making calls to find out the protocol and instructions for what ultimately equated to a very generous offer. Kick off was approaching, so I popped back down the lift and looked for the door to get through into the general admission area.

  • In all its glory
  • That playing surface though…
  • Don’t turn your ankle in the warm-up!
  • Cove starts to assemble

This is where things got a little surreal. The big doorway between the members entrance and the general concourse, behind the bar area at halfway, was blocked by stadium staff. They were preventing people from heading in and out of the members area. My Cove Heights physical badge wasn’t recognised on the staff member’s scanner. I’d come into the members on a guest ticket on Michelle’s phone. I couldn’t come in. One of our Cove Heights crew was trying to do the opposite manoeuvre and come from the concourse into the members area to attend the Pride event. We were stood at either side of an open doorway, wanting to be where each other was, with unsympathetic staff refusing point blank to let us past.

I have to admit, maybe due to a culmination of cock-ups already in the process of entering the stadium, to the non-event up on level 3, to the fact that kick-off was now five minutes away, to the fact that I’m on a self-imposed no-alcohol stint and free beers were on offer, maybe I was tired and agitated, but I lost my shit at this point. I’m not one for raising my voice, but raise my voice I did, pleading with any staff member within earshot to understand that I just wanted to go to my normal seat in Cove Heights. Literally no common sense on display, nobody interested, only officious staff with instructions that had to be followed to the letter. Fair play, these people would have to deal with all sorts of pissed-up people, so were certaainly on the defensive. Not my finest moment, but the frustration was real, and with one important-looking staff member enjoying the scene and calling after me that gate 1 is closer than gate 3, I walked out of the stadium to start the afternoon from scratch. For a brief moment I felt like not bothering going back in, such was the welcome I had received, but that sentiment passed after 0.3 seconds and I strolled around to Gate 3 and my regular welcome to the stadium and made my way up to Cove Heights, the game having just kicked off.

  • Missed the kick off
  • Action
  • Two-toe grass
  • Get in there Tiago!

Even Cove Heights was subject to a ticket check at the top of the stairs. In a crowd that could not have been more than six thousand, stopping people sitting in a different section that’s already two-thirds empty is the last thing to worry about. Taking my seat was like coming back from a horrible nightmare, so relieved to not be dealing with any more obstacles to what should have been a happy occasion and a regular Saturday afternoon sporting occasion. Anyway, enough of that shit before I bang a hole through my keyboard, there was a game on!

The team was remarkably similar to the line-up from Tuesday, Victor Campuzano dropping out to be replaced by Piero Quispe, both players now playing a bit-part with the arrival of the two new superstars. Sydney attacked. The Cove brought an early Super Sydney FC chant and our fearless capo was happy to redo some chants due to the general lack of energy from the late-afternoon crowd. Arms on Shoulders is quite the addition to the chant sheet, one that is done with a great deal of energy to provoke the fans to do just that. Apostolos Stamatelopoulos fired one in up the far end that the Roar goalkeeper did well to stop, although the keeper almost slipped on the tricky surface soon after to let Sydney in.

The visitors had a chance from a free kick which was hit with such weakness that the crowd was laughing, but when Rhyan Grant misjudged a header and went down in a Willa Pearson-esque heap as if he was injured, the tricky Nick D’Agostino was able to fire in a low shot, easy for Harrison Devenish-Meares. Stama appeared to be upended for a nailed-on penalty, but the referee was unmoved, and he was poleaxed again in the area towards the end of the half, the referee quick to stop play for the Roar player who copped the ball in the face straight after, but completely ignoring the blatant foul beforehand. The half ended with a flare-up, Rhyno shoving his player over as he helped the ball over the sideline, the Roar number 10 ready for fisticuffs to jeers from the bench.

The half-time score of 0-0 was right, both teams having sniffs at goal, Sydney keeping the ball and moving it around, but as usual with little effect.

The second half was more of the same, but Sydney did seem a little more direct. Ahmet Arslan tried a lob from halfway that bobbled wide, Quispe slid to keep in the ball on the byline when he probably didn’t need to and the chance was gone in the uneven soil patches between the different-coloured grasses. Sydney then took the lead. Quintal cut in from the right on a run that Joe Lolley would love, and tried his luck, the ball seemingly taking a deflection off one of three defenders diving in to block and it flew into the net. Get in! The UB40 classic Always for Sydney was adapted to suit our new goal machine, lo lo lo lo, Ti-a-go-Quiiiin-tal. Love it! Surely the home team would take command now. Stama missed a glorious chance when played in over the top, but the offside flag saved his blushes. Campuzano flicked a header wide when perhaps he could have done better. The Brisbane no 17 Justin Vidic escaped a yellow card when he dived after evading a sliding tackle. Devenish-Meares was doing his John Burridge routine (look it up, young’uns) as Sydney went for the jugular, Campuzano stealing a ball on the right, but Steph Catley’s ex-beau was out quickly to smother at his feet.

Brisbane looked the most likely to score. Vidic fired a free kick at HDM, who tipped the ball over. A free kick from way out was tipped over again, this time our keeper scurrying back to tip the ball away after an audacious chip. The sting was taken out of the game when Devenish-Meares teased Vidic, taking his time to pick up the ball, and the final whistle was met with a big cheer, more in relief than in delight.

  • This looks ominous
  • Relief, but little joy
  • If only they could fold like this at home
  • Get those football lines off our rugby field
  • Oh my, they’re still queuing

The players were quickly over to the Cove to soak up the adulation. The linked hands theatre-style curtain call was met with cheers, but that was it. Where normally there would be a chant shared by players and fans, where a player would take the mega and lead the home fans in song, there was nothing, our capo waving the players away. And it felt right; there was little to celebrate; we should be beating Brisbane Roar and with this team we should be doing it much better than this; the fans are somewhat scarred after a difficult week.

We exited the stadium (the second time for some of us) and headed to the Entertainment Quarter for a catch-up and a bite to eat while the Melbourne derby played out on the screens of the Winghaus, and we were back in the North West suburbs somewhere after 9:30pm, a very reasonable time thanks to the early kick off.

I’m not going to look back on today fondly. There’s nothing that irks me more than being at a pre-arranged event where no one seems to know what’s happening, and where people are doing their jobs to the letter, following protocol that makes no sense to the customers, without any pause for reflection and common sense. I don’t want to be in your fucking members section, let me out! Yes, Sydney won and it was lovely to see everyone; if my attendance at Allianz Stadium counted for two in whatever the inflated attendance was reported, I’ll be even more disappointed. Roll on the Big Blue for a proper atmosphere and I’ll be staying away from the members’ area.

A-League tipping Round 18 : Battle for the spoon and double derby delight

Go on then. One last time before we give up on The Roar Sports ever coming back. Not a peep for three weeks; unbelievable when you think about it and whoever is behind this hijacking of Australia’s premier sporting debate should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves. At least as ashamed as our tipsters were with last week’s meagre tally.

We’re two-thirds of the way through the A-League season and the Box Office Jets are stretching their lead at the top following an incredible run of wins. Statistically it must end soon, and all it takes is a dodgy refereeing decision, a tight VAR call or an own goal off a defender’s backside and the season can look very different for any of the teams.

Have a chuckle along with the tipsters as they try to tip the untippable, for one last time at this temporary home of The Roar Sports tips and predictions. And lo and behold someone has tipped a draw! It could be the clinching tip.

A-League is an obsession Photo : Texi Smith

Stuart Thomas

Adelaide, Wellington, Sydney, City, Central Coast, Newcastle, Macarthur

I’m loving the Reds, as always, and am seeing another win in front of a big crowd at Coopers tonight. Perth brave as always. The New Zealand Derby will go the way of the home side in a stunning result for them and Sydney will get all three points against a fading Brisbane Roar team that is about to struggle terribly on the road.

City wins the Melbourne Derby on a fiery night that I hope does not descend into the kind of madness we have seen before. Central Coast are lining up for a late season charge and looking decent, they should beat the McWanderers. The Jets are the hottest ticket in town and a win against Macarthur will continue the momentum. But the Bulls might back up with a win against the Mariners midweek on the short turnaround.

Happier times at CommBank Stadium Photo : Texi Smith

Andrew Prentice

Adelaide, Auckland, Sydney, Victory, Central Coast, Newcastle, Draw.

The Reds snuck away from Sydney with all three points in a coup last week. Perth came up against the Jets juggernaut and were found wanting. Adelaide are a tough nut at home and the Glory’s glorious inconsistencies don’t make for promise.

I had a sneaking suspicion Wellington would finally break their NZ derby hoodoo, but their form hasn’t suggested that’s likely. Auckland are in a rut of their own with only one win in their past six games. I’m picking the Blue half of the North Island if only because of their respective table standings. They need Lachlan Brook back on the scorers sheet to ensure they maintain their dominance over the Phoenix.

The Sky Blues’ mixed bag continued. Their only win since returning to the SFS has been over the Wanderers. The Roar semi-arrested their own alarming slump with a draw last round. If Al Hassan Toure can recapture some early promise and quit arguing with the coach, and Joe Lolley can keep getting valuable minutes into his legs, it may make for some more Roar whimpering.

Melbourne derby time! City will have played a midweek ACL game but don’t have to travel. Victory will be fresher though, and don’t have the injury toll that City seem to carry with them like carry-on baggage after a Hong Kong shopping spree. They will be kicking themselves (and possibly their opponents) after dropping points to the Roar. Juan Mata will wield his baton and conduct the midfield again, which spells trouble for a City defence that has lost much of its invincibility.

The Mariners welcome Western Sydney to Gosford in the kind of form that belies the off-field woes surrounding the club. The Wanderers resembled deer in the headlights in the last 15 minutes of their game against Wellington, squandering a 2-0 lead to drop points. It must be hair-tearing stuff for coach Garry Van Egmond – he seems to fix up one end (the scoring) only for the defence to impersonate Swiss cheese. The breeze off Brisbane Water will blow favourably for the Mariners.

As their closest rivals falter, the Jets soar. They are re-writing records in Newcastle as the home side looks to win 8 in a row. The last side to beat them was  Sunday’s opponents Macarthur, in an outrageous 5-4 win on Boxing Day. With Mitch Duke slotting in nicely, the Bulls are premiership dark horses. But the Jets are in an irresistible vein of form. To misquote Daniel Day-Lewis, there will be goals. The Jets will score more.

Wednesday’s catch-up game comes on the back of Macarthur’s Asian Cup adventures. Fatigue might be a factor for both sets of players. The Bulls will have a day’s less rest but will be at home. The Mariners have shown a stubborn disinclination to succumb to defeat. A draw might satisfy both.

Ben Gibson looking youthful Photo : Texi Smith

Texi Smith

Adelaide, Auckland, Sydney, Victory, Wanderers, Macarthur, Macarthur

We’ll never know the extent of the potential Perth Glory comeback without the sending off last weekend, but we know that Brian Kaltack’s suspension will hurt. Adelaide United played the waiting game and took advantage of a benevolent Sydney FC last weekend. This one should be tight, Ryan White giving another majestic performance to guide Adelaide to a one-goal win, Ben Folami off the bench to snatch the win with time running out.

The dominance of Auckland FC over their Kiwi rivals is absolute, both teams coming away with points from Sydney recently in vastly different circumstances. Wellington Phoenix have hope now that Sam Cosgrove is suspended, but Auckland are just too strong physically and can bully sides into submission. Whilst the Premiers were fortunate to get the point midweek, no one can deny that they have what it takes to record a second straight title, and Jesse Randall proves the difference, knocking in a goal in each half to send the JAFAs home with another three-point haul.

There’s only four points between third-placed Sydney FC and eighth-placed Brisbane Roar, although based upon form, they are both heading south. Pride round celebrations come to Allianz Stadium to distract the gloomy fans, but it fails to draw in the numbers and Brisbane feel right at home in a one-quarter full stadium. New boys Apostolos Stamatelopoulos and Ahmet Arslan have not exactly turned Sydney’s fortunes, but today they will click, Sydney surviving a second half comeback to hang on to a 3-2 win. Joe Lolley to star and Al Hassan Toure to run the ball into the corner to waste time in the 95th minute to ironic cheers and huge smiles from the bench.

Two out-of-form teams in a duel Photo : Texi Smith

Yes! It’s Melbourne derby time, City are the home team, so the stadium will be less lively. Hit man Marcus Younis will be looking for another goal, under-pressure coach Aurelio Vidmar will shuffle his pack once again following the midweek exploits in Asian competition, and it will all fall flat as Victory take command from the opening whistle. Nikos Vergos has the opener, Clarismario Santas wows the crowd with a solo second just after the break and despite letting City rally towards the end, Victory’s defence is tight and Melbourne is navy blue.

Sunday afternoon sees Western Sydney Wanderers in Gosford, the battle to avoid the wooden spoon in the home team’s hands after two excellent wins. The week off has done the Mariners no favours though, and the quality finally shines through for Wanderers, racing into a two-goal lead, Hiroshi Ibusuki showing that his close control matches his heading prowess, and the visitors go on to thump the hosts 4-0. The Coast reclaim the bottom of the ladder position again with a performance that would have relegation written all over it, and no one is watching at the end due to a stupid clash with the Box Office Jets.

And so to McDonald Jones Stadium, for the match of the round. Mitch Duke shows no ill-effects from his injury and the toil of Asian Champions League 2 action, and proves a constant thorn for the visitors. In a bold move by Mile Sterjovski, with the Jets in full flow in a dominant second half, Harry Sawyer is thrown on as a second target man and the cat is put amongst the pigeons, Sime Grzan taking advantage of a knockdown to blast home for the only goal in a shock home reverse to end the run.

Catch-up time for the Bulls on Wednesday too. A whisper-quiet Campbelltown Stadium enjoys a thoroughly entertaining game between the basement club Central Coast Mariners and a team that’s knocking on the door at the summit. Ali Auglah stars, he and Storm Roux amongst the goals in a four-goal first half, before Macarthur FC finally turn the screw and propel themselves up to within striking distance of the top of the table. Chris Ikonomidis amongst the goals and Anthony Caceres as smooth as silk in midfield. Is this the year of the Bull?

The tipsters blotted their collective copy book last week tipping 1 from 15. Look how tight the scores are!

Just plug em in and make sure the Crowd wins …

Good luck this week! The comment section is working, drop us a line below and let us know that you’re still there. See you next week in some shape or form, somewhere on the world wide web.