Popa’s Juneteenth nightmare ends in limp defeat

USA 2 Australia 0 Master tactician Tony Popovic was left contemplating his selections as the USA romped to a two-goal half-time lead against a hesitant Socceroos team, and there was no magical antidote to the first-half malaise as his misfiring side stumbled to defeat in the Seattle sun. A stupid own goal by Cam BurgessContinue reading “Popa’s Juneteenth nightmare ends in limp defeat”

A seminal moment in Canadian soccer history

Canada 6 Qatar 0 Vancouver’s unbelievable FIFA summer continued on Thursday with the host nation Canada welcoming previous hosts Qatar to BC Place for a crucial second pool game. The home team were already two goals up through Cyle Larin and Jonathan David when Homam Ahmed was sent off, ending the game as a contest;Continue reading “A seminal moment in Canadian soccer history”

Red Devils and Pharoahs light up Seattle

Belgium 1 Egypt 1 Belgium rescued their opening fixture of the FIFA World Cup with Egypt, playing their joker midway through the second half to bring instant dividends. A bullet of a finish from Emam Ashour had the impressive Egypt in the box seat, but with Belgium dominating in the second half, the introduction ofContinue reading “Red Devils and Pharoahs light up Seattle”

And that’s why we go to World Cups

Australia 2 Turkiye 0 The Australian invasion of Vancouver brought Granville Street to a standstill as thousands of football fans bedecked in green and gold showed the locals just what the FIFA World Cup is all about and why the host country’s people should be excited. The incredible hedonistic atmosphere on this glorious Saturday eveningContinue reading “And that’s why we go to World Cups”

Imperfect Matildas get the job done

Australia 3 Mexico 1 A generous Matildas defence weathered a rocky first half and an early second-half scare at Commbank Stadium to finally put Mexico to the sword with a direct attacking finish to help mend the damage from Saturday’s no-show in Newcastle. Two scrappy goals at the away end from Alanna Kennedy and theContinue reading “Imperfect Matildas get the job done”

Something’s come along and it’s burst our bubble

Australia 0 Mexico 1 The Matildas showed just how much work there is to come to transition from the old guard to the new wave in an unimpressive one-goal reverse at one of their favourite venues, McDonald Jones stadium in Newcastle, on Saturday night. The visiting Mexican team showed a determination and conviction that wasContinue reading “Something’s come along and it’s burst our bubble”

A-League tipping : the Grand finale

Welcome to the final A-League tips and predictions for the 2025/26 season. What a season it has been, and based upon the season’s results and form coming into the finals, the least likely of the four semi-finalists made it through to the big one. Auckland FC, fresh from a second-half pasting of Adelaide on theirContinue reading “A-League tipping : the Grand finale”

The ultimate fantasy away day

Newcastle Jets 1 Sydney FC 1 (2-4 penalties) If football fans could choose a single away day experience as the blueprint for every away game, this would be very close to the top. Sydney FC supporters, who have endured some bleak times in an underperforming season, were rewarded with a breathtaking, nerve-wracking and ultimately successfulContinue reading “The ultimate fantasy away day”

A-League tipping – semi-finals second leg : Now or never

The A-League is reaching its pinnacle, both semi-final ties poised beautifully for maximum second-leg drama, and it’s down to the away teams to remain steadfast to stop the home crowds carrying their heroes to victory. If you’re a neutral, these games are mouth-watering, although even a neutral has a soft spot for the romance associatedContinue reading “A-League tipping – semi-finals second leg : Now or never”

Perfectly poised after Allianz scrap

Sydney FC 1 Newcastle Jets 1 Sydney FC’s reward for their endeavours in Melbourne last weekend was a home first-leg semi-final against newly crowned premiers Newcastle Jets. What followed gave us no indication of what the final outcome will be, the visitors being awarded time and space on the break, but the hosts having perhapsContinue reading “Perfectly poised after Allianz scrap”