The Soccer/Football Thread

[RedRaider]

Ange Postecoglou voted 5th best FIFA coach of 2023. Well done to him for his work at Celtic and Tottenham Hotspur.

Not surprising that Pep Guardiola of Manchester City won it.

‘Made them believe’: Telling sign from $169m star proves Ange’s revolution is in full swing: https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/m ... edc45f8169

[PNGRaider37]

Palestine still putting up a team for the AFC Asian Cup

[RedRaider]

Australia once again gets the job done with a 1 nil victory over Syria. Martin Boyle dribbled through on the right and crossed in for Jackson Irvine to get the outside of his boot to the ball and it trickled into goal. Australia again not very impressive in developing shots on goal but strong once again in defence to maintain a clean sheet. Souttar good at the back and once again Riley McGree very good when he came on as a substitute. Goodwin got zero game time. Mitchell Duke was very clunky as a striker - no soft control with attempts to trap the ball bouncing several meters off him time and again. Surprised to see no Kye Rowles at the back in this game. Fornaroli did ok as a substitute. He may well start the final group game against Uzbekistan which is played on Tuesday 23 January at 10:30pm

I expect a number of changes for the final group game. I would like to see young players like Tilio up front and Miller in defence. Maybe even Joe Gauci in goal.

[RedRaider]

In a surprise result Iraq have defeated Japan at the Asia Cup 2-1. The win has taken Iraq to the top of Group D. It is the first time Japan has been defeated at an Asia Cup Group game in more than 30 years.

In other news, Egypt and Liverpool striker Mo Salah had to leave the field injured during the first half of the game against Ghana. They are awaiting scans to determine the nature and extent of the injury. Salah rarely goes off the field. There have been stories about his hamstring and back but the scans will reveal all. Hopefully nothing too serious for him.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/p ... ded23100cb

[-TW-]

You must be one of the few watching this, I legit didn't even know it was on

[RedRaider]

You must be one of the few watching this, I legit didn't even know it was on

TW the Australian games are broadcast live on Channel 10. The games kick off at 10:30pm our time. Once the knock out stage begins I expect more media attention for the Socceroos. For Countries in Asia this tournament is second only to the World Cup.

There aren't many soccer/football fans on a Rugby League site, which is very understandable.

[RedRaider]

South Korea have managed to scrape a goal in extra time for a 2 all result with Jordan. Jordan are proving to be in top form early in the Asia Cup. Well done to them against the highly favored South Koreans.

[PNGRaider37]

In a surprise result Iraq have defeated Japan at the Asia Cup 2-1. The win has taken Iraq to the top of Group D. It is the first time Japan has been defeated at an Asia Cup Group game in more than 30 years.

In other news, Egypt and Liverpool striker Mo Salah had to leave the field injured during the first half of the game against Ghana. They are awaiting scans to determine the nature and extent of the injury. Salah rarely goes off the field. There have been stories about his hamstring and back but the scans will reveal all. Hopefully nothing too serious for him.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/p ... ded23100cb

Minor back injury it turns out. Salah misses next 2 games (if they make it to knockouts. Hope he doesnt make it worse. Winning something with National team is hugely important to him.

[RedRaider]

Liverpool have beaten Bournemouth 4 nil. After being held to nil all at half time Liverpool have put on a clinic in the 2nd half with both Nunez and Jota scoring twice each. That result extends the Liverpool lead at the top of the table to 48 points after 21 matches. Coach Klopp has them playing attractive football and they are well clear of all other sides in the Premier League.

1. Liverpool - 48
2. Manchester City - 43 (Man City have a deferred game against Brentford which will be played in February. City have 7 games in Feb which includes a UEFA Cup game)
3. Arsenal - 43
4. Aston Villa - 43
5. Tottenham Hotspur - 40
6. West Ham - 35
7. Manchester United - 32
8. Brighton - 31 (Brighton also have a deferred game to play)

[RedRaider]

Asia Cup third round of the group stage begins tomorrow with Qatar v China. Australia play Uzbekistan on Tuesday night at 10:30pm live on Channel 10. All of the Group games will be completed this week before the round of 16 knock out stage begins from next Sunday.

[PNGRaider37]

In a surprise result Iraq have defeated Japan at the Asia Cup 2-1. The win has taken Iraq to the top of Group D. It is the first time Japan has been defeated at an Asia Cup Group game in more than 30 years.

In other news, Egypt and Liverpool striker Mo Salah had to leave the field injured during the first half of the game against Ghana. They are awaiting scans to determine the nature and extent of the injury. Salah rarely goes off the field. There have been stories about his hamstring and back but the scans will reveal all. Hopefully nothing too serious for him.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/p ... ded23100cb

Minor back injury it turns out. Salah misses next 2 games (if they make it to knockouts. Hope he doesnt make it worse. Winning something with National team is hugely important to him.

Spoke too soon. Gone for 3-4 weeks. Time for LFCs other attackers to stand up

https://www.premierleague.com/news/3865006

[PNGRaider37]

Liverpool have beaten Bournemouth 4 nil. After being held to nil all at half time Liverpool have put on a clinic in the 2nd half with both Nunez and Jota scoring twice each. That result extends the Liverpool lead at the top of the table to 48 points after 21 matches. Coach Klopp has them playing attractive football and they are well clear of all other sides in the Premier League.

1. Liverpool - 48
2. Manchester City - 43 (Man City have a deferred game against Brentford which will be played in February. City have 7 games in Feb which includes a UEFA Cup game)
3. Arsenal - 43
4. Aston Villa - 43
5. Tottenham Hotspur - 40
6. West Ham - 35
7. Manchester United - 32
8. Brighton - 31 (Brighton also have a deferred game to play)

No where near "well clear". It's January and they have chelsea at home and Arsenal Away next two games. City waiting to pounce with a game up their sleeve, as you mentioned.

[RedRaider]

Australia have played a 1 all draw with Uzbekistan in the final group game. Australia are through to the round of 16 by topping Group B. Australia were extremely fortunate to be awarded a penalty in the first half for their goal. Defender falling to the ground and his trailing arm brushes the ball and VAR has the Ref look at it and he awards a penalty. Very tough call against Uzbekistan. Australia hardly out of 2nd gear all night. Some of the passing was inaccurate and handed the ball back to Uzbekistan. A number of the Australian players looked short of puff but Coach Arnold did not make any changes until one in the 72nd minute when Metcalf came on, then the 83rd minute when Fornaroli came on, then two after 94 minutes when Tilio and Miller came on. They both looked good and should have been on earlier. Tilio for Yengi and Miller for Atkinson. Tilio can cross the ball accurately and showed it. Miller has a long throw in, which reaches from the side line into the penalty area. It is like having a corner kick from a throw in. Aussies through to the Round of 16 knock out stage. They will need to improve to get beyond this stage.

[RedRaider]

In a surprise result Iraq have defeated Japan at the Asia Cup 2-1. The win has taken Iraq to the top of Group D. It is the first time Japan has been defeated at an Asia Cup Group game in more than 30 years.

In other news, Egypt and Liverpool striker Mo Salah had to leave the field injured during the first half of the game against Ghana. They are awaiting scans to determine the nature and extent of the injury. Salah rarely goes off the field. There have been stories about his hamstring and back but the scans will reveal all. Hopefully nothing too serious for him.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/p ... ded23100cb

Minor back injury it turns out. Salah misses next 2 games (if they make it to knockouts. Hope he doesnt make it worse. Winning something with National team is hugely important to him.

Spoke too soon. Gone for 3-4 weeks. Time for LFCs other attackers to stand up

https://www.premierleague.com/news/3865006

Mo Salah now back in UK for treatment to a torn hamstring. Some angst in Egypt about him leaving the AFCON but if he can have a faster recovery time in Liverpool then it is without doubt the correct decision.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/20 ... fcon-egypt

[RedRaider]

Third round of the Asia Cup Group games conclude tonight. By tomorrow morning we will know the matches for the final 16 knock out round. Australia will play on Sunday night at 10:30pm with the opponents still to be determined.

[RedRaider]

Africa Cup of Nations final 16 are in place. For Spurs fans Sarr is with Senegal and Bissouma is with Mali. Hueng Min Son is with South Korea in the Asia Cup. The knock out stage for both Afcon and Asia Cup begins this Sunday.

https://www.google.com/search?q=afcon&o ... zn;mt;fp;1;;;

[RedRaider]

Australia will play Indonesia this Sunday 28 January 10:30pm in the Asia Cup round of 16 knock out. Best of luck to the Socceroos. I expect title holders Qatar, Japan and Iran to go through. The matches between Iraq v Jordan and South Korea v Saudi Arabia should be beauties.

https://www.google.com/search?q=asia+cu ... _n;mt;fp;1;;;

[RedRaider]

Spurs go down 1 nil to FA Cup champions Manchester City. City were the better side for much of the game and in particular the first half. Spurs held them to nil all at half time. In better news for Spurs Maddison made his return after 12 weeks on the sideline with a 20 minute cameo. He will be better for the run.

In a surprise for Premier League, Liverpool Coach Jurgen Klopp has announced he will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season to retire. He has done a fine job with Liverpool and will be missed in the Premier League.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/p ... 1bbc7318cb

[RedRaider]

The Socceroos have defeated Indonesia 4 nil to advance to the quarter finals of the Asia Cup. Goals to Irvine, Boyle, Goodwin and Souttar. They still looked disjointed but this was at last showing some better finishing.

[RedRaider]

Australia will play their Asia Cup quarter final against either Saudi Arabia or South Korea on Saturday 3 February at 2:30am.

[RedRaider]

Australia will play their Asia Cup quarter final against either Saudi Arabia or South Korea on Saturday 3 February at 2:30am.

South Korea and Saudi Arabia played a 1 all draw so it went to a penalty shootout and South Korea have won 4-2.
Australia v South Korea this Saturday at 2:30am in the Asia Cup quarter final. Go the Socceroos.

In news from the Africa Cup of Nations, Senegal lost on penalties to Ivory Coast which means Tottenham Hotspur can expect Senegal rep player Sarr to return earlier than expected.

[RedRaider]

Tottenham Hotspur have defeated Brentford 3-2 this morning. After being down 1 nil at half time, Ange changed both defensive mid fielders at half time and it resulted in 3 goals in 7 minutes. A poor back pass from left back Udogie gave Toney a one on one with the Spurs keeper and Toney made no mistake to bring the score to 3-2. Spurs are now in 4th place on the ladder. In some concerning news Maddison had to leave the field injured in the 88th minute. Spurs next game is against Everton on Saturday 11:30pm Australian time. Not much time for a rest. There is a chance that Sarr will return from Afcon in time to be in the squad for this Saturdays match.

As expected, Liverpool are giving Chelsea a bath with the score currently 4-1.

The table as it stands after 22 rounds:
1. Liverpool - 51
2. Manchester City - 46 (They have a deferred match to play)
3. Arsenal - 46
4. Tottenham Hotspur - 43 (Spurs have the same goal difference as Villa but have scored more goals so have 4th spot)
5. Aston Villa - 43

[RedRaider]

Half Time in the Asia Cup Quarter final and Australia leads South Korea 1 nil in what has been their best performance of the tournament. Craig Goodwin scored the goal near the end of the first half but there have been a number of chances created by both sides. This has been one of the best matches of the Asia Cup so far. In bad news for Australia, Harry Souttar has been given a yellow card. That is his second in the Asia Cup so he will be unavailable in the Semi Final should Australia make it through tonight. He has been playing very well and I think, with my green and gold eyes, that the yellow card was harsh. He went up for a defensive header and his hand has made some slight contact with the head of the South Korean No.9 who immediately went to ground. Free kick, sure. But yellow card ... hmmmm

[RedRaider]

95th minute and South Korea have a penalty which they convert. Australia have had a number of chances which have not been taken. One in particular from Duke a header on an open goal. The South Korean keeper has been good tonight. We now go into extra time with the scores at 1 all.

[RedRaider]

During the first part of extra time a South Korean player is brought down just outside the penalty area. It is a clear free kick. Son Heung Min steps up and hits a wonderful shot into the goal which Matt Ryan has no chance of defending. A few minutes later, O'Neil receives a Red card so Australia will go into the second period of extra time with only 10 players. South Korea have been all over the Australians in terms of possession. Australia went defensive when left winger Goodwin was replaced be a center back. The mindset to defend a lead has proved the undoing. Full marks to the South Korean players and Jurgen Klinsmann their coach. C'mon socceroos, wot ya got in the second period of extra time.

[RedRaider]

Australia bow out of the Asia Cup, beaten by a better side on the night. We simply don't have a player of the quality of the likes of Son Heung Min. For Australia, skipper and Keeper Matt Ryan was outstanding as was Jackson Irvine and Harry Souttar. The Australians with 10 players could not get enough possession from the disciplined South Koreans to put on attacking plays in the second 15 minutes of extra time. Both sides had played more than 120 minutes of football and had put on an excellent game. I wish the South Koreans all the best for the remainder of the Asia Cup.

[Raider47]

Our players may not stack up to the South Korea but last night we should have done enough to beat them. They offered nothing up until that penalty in terms of goal threat.

It was such poor management by Arnie to park the bus like we did when we know that if we tried to be a bit sharper in transition ala the first half it would force SK into running more and tiring after what they did against Saudi Arabia only a few days ago. Instead we were the one defending the whole time and tiring from that. Pathetic really. Hindsight isn't going to be friendly to the Australian coaches, players and fans. Completely changing the make up of the backline screwed us over- we didn't need to revert to that.

[PNGRaider37]

Two totally avoidable goals. Didnt need to dive in for the Pen, guy was going nowhere, just usher him out.

[Raider47]

Two totally avoidable goals. Didnt need to dive in for the Pen, guy was going nowhere, just usher him out.

Yep. I'm completely gutted. We should be preparing for Jordan and a red hot crack at winning this whole thing.

Lewis Miller is going to scar me for a long, long time.

[RedRaider]

Two totally avoidable goals. Didnt need to dive in for the Pen, guy was going nowhere, just usher him out.

Yep. I'm completely gutted. We should be preparing for Jordan and a red hot crack at winning this whole thing.

Lewis Miller is going to scar me for a long, long time.

A couple of rookie errors from an inexperienced player at International level. I was more concerned with Duke's missed header into an open goal. If he puts that away then the penalty does not square up the game. Duke has more than 30 International games to his credit and I reckon he should have buried that one.

[RedRaider]

Spurs have had a 2 all away draw with Everton. Leading 2-1 at half time following 2 goals to Richarlison, the equaliser came in the 94th minute following a header from young center back Branthwaite. A disappointing result for Spurs who led for much of the game.

[RedRaider]

Villa crushed Sheffield United 5 nil yesterday to take back fourth spot on the ladder. Manchester United beat West Ham 3 nil. This morning Arsenal have beaten Liverpool 3-1. Arsenal have scored an own goal in that. The Liverpool Keeper Alisson had an unfortunate match, he came out off his line for one and completely missed the ball allowing Arsenal an easy goal and in another a slight deflection has gone between his legs for a goal. Manchester City play Brentford tomorrow to complete this round.

[PNGRaider37]

Villa crushed Sheffield United 5 nil yesterday to take back fourth spot on the ladder. Manchester United beat West Ham 3 nil. This morning Arsenal have beaten Liverpool 3-1. Arsenal have scored an own goal in that. The Liverpool Keeper Alisson had an unfortunate match, he came out off his line for one and completely missed the ball allowing Arsenal an easy goal and in another a slight deflection has gone between his legs for a goal. Manchester City play Brentford tomorrow to complete this round.

Terrible Error. I put that on Van Dijk though. Should have just taken possession or cleared it. LFC poor, especially sloppy in first half. Arsenal played well and deserved that win. Told yah we werent well clear lots of football left to play.

[RedRaider]

Nothing is ever guaranteed until it's done and Liverpool have now to overcome the shock retirement announcement of their coach. That has to have an effect on the players who will be wondering about the future.

[RedRaider]

Asia Cup semi finals begin tomorrow at 2am with Jordan v South Korea and then on Wednesday Iran v Qatar.