GOAL! Soccer Info, News & Updates

Sony's Twilight Football

elyse.cabral@jempp.com.au (Elyse) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 06:36:00 +0000

Win an unforgettable trip for you and a friend to the UK to play soccer in an amazing location.

Sony Australia and Fox Sports are running a competition to send six Aussies to the UK to play a game of Twilight football (soccer) on September 22, 2009.

The competition is open to ordinary Aussies over the age of 18 who love to play football and think they might have some skills!

The game will be played at Tintagel, Cornwall, in the UK. Winners will play against a team from Latin America amongst ancient castle ruins at twilight – an unforgettable experience.

The competition is open to both guys and gals and you don’t need to be professional football players. You’ll get return flights to the UK for you and a friend; you’ll meet Tim Cahill; receive five nights accommodation, paid meals and transfers and $500 spending money; and a low-light savvy Cyber-shot HX1 digital camera from Sony to capture the twilight fun.

Plus – the team captain will be ex-Socceroo Robbie Slater!

All you have to do is join our Facebook page at Sony’s Twilight Football Australia and follow the links to the Fox Sports competition page from there for more details and to enter.

Adelaide United v Gamba Osaka

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:43:00 +0000

Full-time: Gamba Osaka 2 Adelaide United 0.

Gamba Osaka are champions of Asia. Adelaide can hold their heads high after a campaign that has captured the imagination of the Australian sporting public. In both legs of this final however it has been clear that the A-League club were simply in a class below their opponents. The best team walks away with the spoils at Hindmarsh Stadium.

It it was unfortunately evident that the lack of technique and speed was a big issue for Adelaide. Unfortunately there is still a big gap that needs to be addressed before Australian teams can really compete internationally.

All in all it is still a positive experience to see our local teams exposed to superior teams. It is the only way that we will go to the next stage and improve on all skills and techniques.

The great thing is that Soccer continues to grow and is now inspiring many new young fans that will grow up to one day hopefully play for Australia and makes us all proud.

A new fan for Sydney FC

noreply@blogger.com (Maria) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:30:00 +0000

Ok. I have to admit it - I am probably not the most qualified person to be posting a blog on Soccer but I felt motivated on doing so after my first experience of watching a match the other day. It was between Sydney FC and Adelaide City. John is a die-hard fan of the sport and Sydney FC so when at the last minute he realised he had no one to accompany him to the match (he has two season tickets) he actually asked me. I think he thought I would say no but to his surprise I said yes. The things we do for love! Anyway I found myself actually beginning to understand the enormity of the sport once we arrived at the venue. It was a chili day and let me tell you the fans were eager to get to their seats - they set a brisk pace walking in to the stadium.

As we sat down I looked around as my husband explained the goings on with the warming up of the teams etc but I think I am easily distracted because already I was thinking to myself- I wish we had brought a nice comfy Stadium Cushion! As you can see I have been around promotional products for too long! Anyway, the game did indeed prove to be exciting and I admit I was caught in the moment quite a few times and even jumped up and yelled for joy when we scored.

But again my attention waned as I began to think about a nice hot coffee if we had indeed
brought a Travel Mug or Flask with us! Ok. I promise that next time I won't think about promotional products- maybe just once or twice -after all it is our passion when we are not at the game

World's No. 1 WAG causes a stir...

elyse.cabral@jempp.com.au (Elyse) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 20:30:00 +0000

Mrs Beckham, the World's number 1 WAG (Wives and Girlfriends of Footballers) created a stir when she arrived to launch her new fragrance in New York with husband David Beckham wearing heel-less boots designed by Antonio Berardi.

The Beckhams were launching their new fragrence but Mrs Beckham definately stole the show from her soccer star hubby in this outfit.

Photo from: aftonbladet.se

Hull...will the fairytale continue?

noreply@blogger.com (Robert) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 08:06:00 +0000

Geovanni - Hull's Midfielder

Recently promoted Championship side Hull have made a blitzing start to their first year in top flight football. Hull have managed to make the best start from a team just promoted to English Premiur League since Ipswitch in 2003-04 season.

Having won 6 games and drawn 2 from 11 possible starts Hull have the opportunity to scare the top four already downing Arsenal 2-1 earlier this season. It seems that they have the audacity to cause a stir and only going down to Machester United in their last game 4-3 they showed something that lacking in most sides...the ability to battle on.

Whats making Hull surprise the critics even more is their ability to continue when down, it seems that their never give up attitude has hasseled the big guns of the EPL.

But will it continue? Hull have been lucky when it has come to injuries as they haven't been hit that hard, and with minimal depth in their squads ensuring that injuries are kept to a minimum will make them a sucess. Going by recent form they will challenge the top six for UEFA at the end of the season.

Carbone Come Back!?

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Cabral) — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 03:29:00 +0000

Looks like Benito Carbone is wanting to make a return to the A-League with Adelaide United.

I understand he is a big name and can attract crowds. I feel though his impact with Sydney FC was limited and if I was Adelaide I would not make the same decision. I think I would be looking for a Brazilian. They seem to be making all the right moves in the A-League.

Read the article and make up your own mind I say!

JC

Youth World Cup 2007 Match Schedule

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Cabral) — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 06:09:00 +0000

Following up on my last post. Here is the match schedule for the Youth World Cup. Keep track of all the up and coming stars! Wicked.

JC

News Story about the Matildas. No Serious

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Cabral) — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 06:46:00 +0000

Its not often that the Matildas make the news. I don't know why. I think if football is to be strong in Australia there should be more news about the Matlitas. They are a strong team and I think there are good things coming for them.

Oh well. This article talks about some of Australia's most capped players. Have a read. Good Stuff.

JC

Adelaide United Seeing Red!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Cabral) — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 23:57:00 +0000

Looks like some of the Adelaide players are having a dig at the ref. With that and their coach's actions, they are showing a distinct lack of discipline.

Maybe if they had better control of their emotions and more composure they wouldn't have been thumped 6 zip. They are proving to be worthy of the loss.

Melbourne Victory Victorious

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Cabral) — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 00:37:00 +0000

Now this is and awesome performance. Melbourne really showed everyone what they are capable of. They also showed Australia how good Aussie Football can be.

I must admit, I am partial to Melbourne as it will be my new home town very shortly. Good time to jump on the bandwagon I guess!

JC

Vote for the Hyundai A-League Goal of the Season

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy) — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 04:27:00 +0000

With the season coming to an end, its time to look back at the greatest moments, and many of those would consist of the ball hitting the back of the net. Here's your chance to vote on some of the greatest goals of the season.

The nominations for the 2006/07 Hyundai A-League Goal of the season are;

Goal A - Round 2 - Malik Buari - New Zealand Knights v Adelaide United
Goal B - Round 8 - Milton Rodriguez - Newcastle Jets v New Zealand Knights
Goal C - Round 10 - Nick Carle - Newcastle Jets v Adelaide United
Goal D - Round 15 - Matt McKay - Queensland Roar v Perth Glory
Goal E - Round 17 - Matthew Thompson - Adelaide United v Newcastle Jets
Goal F - Round 17 - Greg Owens - Adelaide United v Newcastle Jets

Click here to view the nominated goals and place your vote and support your favourite players!

(source: Hyundai A-League)

What kinds of Governments produce winning soccer teams?

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy) — Sun, 02 Jul 2006 09:39:00 +0000

An interesting articles showing the relationship between Politics and the pitch. After 17 World Cups, we now can answer this vital question: What kind of governments produce winning soccer teams?

View article

Kewell is Feeling the Pain

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Cabral) — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 07:15:00 +0000

Harry Kewell seems to be feeling the groin injury that he has previously suffered a bit from after that goal against Croatia.

I think Australia will need some of the flair Kewell can bring to the Australian Team. Then again, with the likes of Viduka, Cahill and Bresciano, the Australian team doesn't exactly lack depth.

So again, Hiddink the tactician is put to the test again. Can he put forward another strategy that is going to lead the Aussie Footballers through?

Well he has got us this far, my money is on him for sure.

Italy braced for Socceroos test

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Cabral) — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 03:02:00 +0000

Italy braced for Socceroos test

This is an excellent article previewing the Socceroos against Italy. You can see that Italy is not taking this so lightly either. Going to be a good game!

Australia Vs Italy

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Cabral) — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 01:29:00 +0000

Let's get physical

Looks like Australia is going to really take it to the Italian's. If we dont, we are done.

Australia wants to adopt a physical and tough game style in order to try and disrupt the Italian's style of play. And lets face it, when it comes to Football, the Italian's have lead the way in skill and tactics.

Lets just hope Hiddink has prepared our boys well enough for tonight's match.

Schwarzer set for quick return

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Cabral) — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 04:37:00 +0000

Schwarzer set for quick return!! This article points out quite clearly that Australia has some Goal Keeper issues.

There was that terrible half foul against Japan for Schwarzer, and a couple of other indescrepencies. But unfortunately Kalac has much to answer too as well.

Does Australia go for Schwarzer again with his reasonable proven past, but with his unfortunate last few games. Or do we take another gamble with Kalac that really hasnt had the game time over the last season or so.

Time will tell.

Australia into final 16

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Cabral) — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 23:01:00 +0000

Never in Australian Football history have we seen anything like this. For the first time ever Australia is into the final 16 of the WORLD CUP!

Now Australia goes on to play Italy in the next round. Tell me that isnt going to be another good game. With Italy's form of late, I think we have a chance too!

Printed 750mL Sports Drink Bottles for your Soccer Team

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy) — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 12:16:00 +0000

With all the craze around the World Cup '06, people have been sporting the latest merchandise for their favourite world cup teams. Nows the chance, to get your club a great merchandise item - and you too will have your own merchandise!

So.. here it is a limited time only promotion on Custom Printed Drink Bottles

(click the image below to view)

Kewell cleared by FIFA

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy) — Tue, 20 Jun 2006 16:15:00 +0000

At least the board at FIFA are fair, unlike some of the referees we've been stuck with!

"Socceroo Harry Kewell has been cleared by FIFA over his post-match tirade against a referee and will be free to play in Australia's crucial World Cup Group F match against Croatia on Friday"

The Stage is Set

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Cabral) — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 00:10:00 +0000

So here it is. We are down to out last game in the group stages. Things have gone pretty much as people would have expected. Brazil has two wins, against us and Croatia. They have Japan next, and anyone betting against Brazil must be Japanese.

What is left is for Australia to draw or win against Croatia and we are through. We can do it. Croatia has looked strong, but is yet to score a goal, even against Japan, who we beat 3-1. If Australia can win their last game, they can create history, but lets not get ahead of ourselves.

More sleepless nights, but there is an easy fix for that. VICTORY!

Hiddink playing his best cards for the match against Brasil

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy) — Sun, 18 Jun 2006 09:05:00 +0000

"Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink has vowed to play his best team against Brazil regardless of the yellow card situation and attack the world champions in search of the upset of the World Cup."

This will include the likes of Craig Moore, Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell, Lucas Neill and John Aloisi. I hope we have what it takes to sink a few in the back of the net tonight!

TV Guide For the World Cup

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Cabral) — Wed, 14 Jun 2006 05:12:00 +0000

Here is a link thank I think you will find useful. Its the guide to when all the games are going to be played on SBS television. Its helped me reschedule my life around the cup. It will help you.

We Won

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Cabral) — Wed, 14 Jun 2006 04:14:00 +0000

So we won. We beat Japan. Tell you what though, I almost kicked something when that weak goal that Japan scored went in.

Good thing we have class players all over the field. You could see there was never going to be an issue of if we would equalise, it was a matter of when. The question was though, could we put two away? Well the Socceroos answered that with an emphatic YES with a second and a third goal also. They took their time, but once we started there was no stopping us.

So Brazil has won against Croatia. To guarantee entry into the next stage, we need to make sure we win one more. Lets make it Brazil. Another sleepless night for me, and many other football fans around Australia, I can assure you!

3 Reasons why the Socceroos can do well in Germany

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy) — Sat, 10 Jun 2006 03:52:00 +0000

3 Reasons the Socceroos can do well in Germany:

We have the players
We Beat Uruguay
We have the best Coach

The History of the World Cup

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy) — Sat, 10 Jun 2006 03:49:00 +0000

Here's a great pictorial of the History of the last 12 World Cups - Enjoy!

Click to view