That is why we all love football

What a week or so! Chelsea and Bayern Munich have qualified for the UEFA Champions League final, Brisbane Roar won the A-League Grand Final in controversial circumstances, Borussia Dortmund retained the Bundesliga and Manchester United dropped more points against Everton in a thrilling 4-4 draw. Firstly, to the A-League and THAT penalty. Well, what an atmosphere there was at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

We were again privileged to be present to what was another memorable Grand Final encounter, maybe not in terms of the game as a spectacle, but as a piece of theatre it was absolutely brilliant. The penalty that won Brisbane the game has of course been the subject of water-cooler discussion since that fateful afternoon. But that is why we all love football.

I was there and as it happened almost 50,000 people thought it was a penalty, and the referee did too. After watching the replay on the big screen I thought what most others thought, he took an air swing, lost balance and fell over. There was no contact. However, on closer inspection, I now admit I was wrong. It was one of the greatest and most courageous refereeing decisions I have ever borne witness to. Jarred Gillett should be congratulated and has proved he deserved the appointment. 


What a week in the UEFA Champions League. Chelsea knocking out the holders Barcelona. You can't say I didn't give them a show, I even won my wager on the 2nd leg being a 2-2 draw, Chelsea progressing on away goals. I didn't however predict their gritty, passionate determined display. Particularly, in light of John Terry's stupidity. The best player two seasons ago when Chelsea last faced Barcelona at this stage of the competition let his fans and teammates down. He will now miss the final along with three other vital Chelsea players including Ramires, who's goal on Wednesday morning (GMT +10) was quite simply just class. Talking of class that is what Fernando Llorente oozed this morning for Bilbao. In my opinion the other Fernando has an uphill battle to regain his position as Spain's frontman at the European Championships this summer. Congratulations should also go to Bayern Munich who went to Spain and played fast, attacking football, knocking out Real Madrid. They fully deserved their win. On that subject get a load (no pun intended) of this commentary from the Madrid derby a few weeks back. Quite hilarious.

I don't have much time left but I guess I am like everybody else and am wondering what has happened to Manchester United? Two weeks ago they seemingly had the title sewn up, now they lead by only 3 points and face City away this weekend. I can't wait. I don't know who will come out on top, but I know one thing is for sure, United will not get beaten 6-1 this time. My prediction, a Manchester United win 2-1. There is plenty more to talk about but we would be here all day. Your thoughts are always welcome! Have a great weekend, and BRING IT ON!.

Bloopers, Cheats, Premierships and Barcelona

Another long weekend of football has come to an end. In Australia, Brisbane Roar will play host to Perth Glory in the A-league Grand Final on Sunday 22 April at Suncorp Stadium after the Glory defeated the Central Coast Mariners 1-1 (5-3) on penalties at Bluetongue Stadium on Saturday night. In front of a disappointing crowd the game rarely hit the heights that I expected, the Mariners in particular seemingly restricted by a lack of belief in their own ability. The Mariners were slow, unenthusiastic and disjointed while Perth were their typical direct workmanlike selves. The finishing was poor. Even Shane Smeltz missed what was a sitter by his own standards. Additionally, I would have to say that John Sutton has been one of the most disappointing imports we have seen in the A-league and I am still confused as to why Ibini didn't start or at least get more game time. Sutton's touch is poor, he is often caught ball watching and shows a lack of ability to read the game. Even Rogic looked one paced and tired, maybe his first senior season is beginning to take its toll. On the other hand, I thought Jacob Burns and Bas van den Brink had good games for Perth, showing both leadership and determination. Should be a good game on Sunday, I am going, are you? I hope the game is a sell out and matches the excitement and drama seen in last years Grand Final. Football in Australia needs it at the moment.

European football also produced its fair share of drama and excitement over the weekend. The English F.A. Cup Semi's played out at Wembley with both Liverpool and Chelsea progressing to the final to be held on May 5 again at Wembley. The good news story to come out of these games was Liverpool's winner scored by the beleaguered Andy Carroll in their 2-1 victory over Merseyside rivals Everton. The 35 million pound striker seems to be finally shrugging off the weight of expectation and delivering on the pitch. Although to be honest, I am not convinced. Carroll seems to miss too many clear cut chances and although playing to his strengths Liverpool tend to play too high and direct with him in the side. The talents of Suarez, Gerrard, Downing have rarely been influential this season as a result. In some bad news (especially for Spurs fans) the calls for goal-line technology are again being heard as Chelsea were gifted a goal that clearly didn't cross the line. I don't know about you but I like it the way it is, you win some, you lose some. A bit like life!

Furthermore, in the Premier League Ashley Young's honesty was again called into question after he initiated contact with Villa defender Ciaran Clark to win a penalty for Manchester United's opening goal at Old Trafford. In my opinion, you can't only blame Young. Winning fouls is a tactical and legitimate part of a football game and it is the referee's job to decide what is a foul and what isn't. I have been a referee and I took on that responsibility with pride. You get some right, you get some wrong, that is just the way it goes. Anyway, the controversy only adds to the drama. Introducing video technology would only be pandering to the whim of bookmakers and we all know that even after several replays sometimes we at home in our living rooms are still not quite sure. Lucas Neill's tackle on Fabio Grosso at the 2006 World Cup is a great example. In other news City absolutely outclassed a poor Norwich side 6-1 to keep the title race alive....just.

                                                       
I am looking forward to the UEFA Champions League Semi-Final first leg games this week. Bayern Munich take on Real Madrid  tomorrow morning (EST +10 GMT) in Munich while Chelsea face Barcelona in London on Thursday morning (EST +10 GMT). I have a feeling the Madrid/Bayern games will be the most competitive. Chelsea might be able to get a half decent result at home against Barca but over two legs I don't think they have the class at the moment (or at least not class in good enough form) to really push Barcelona. Although I could be wrong, the no frills approach of Di Matteo appears to paying dividends recently and Barcelona are not the side they were, they have actually looked beatable at times this season. But with Messi, Iniesta, Fabregas, Xavi and the like in their side who would bet against them. In fact, maybe I will! Anyway, although there is so much more to talk about, work is really catching up with me at the moment and the A-league sides are in action in the Asian Champions League games this week so I better wrap things up. Good luck to all the A-league sides but especially Brisbane Roar. Let's put in a great performance tonight and warm up for Sunday.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

What an amazing few days. On Tuesday, Troy Palmer CEO of the Hunter Sports Group announced that the Newcastle Jets would be handing back their A-League licence, the 10th owner to do so in seven seasons. I was shattered. We are again talking about football administration in this country when we should be focused on the marvellous football that is being played on the pitch. Last weekend's A-league finals were up there with the best matches I have seen in any league this season. In some ways I don't even care who is right or wrong anymore. I love football and at the moment money, stubbornness and big egos are tearing it apart. But to paraphrase Mark Bosnich on Foxsports FC, 'it is not these type of problems that define you as a person and as a code, it is how you come back from them'. Truer words have never been spoken (slight exaggeration for more impact). I have faith OUR game can not only bounce back from this crisis but become the dominant football code in Australia, bar none. Why? Anyone who has experienced the last two bleary eyed mornings could not help but get on board. The SBS shootout provided a good discussion.

Football at this time of year is exciting, teams and players fighting for titles, promotion, relegation and contracts. It is desperate, passionate and theatrical, an emotional roller coaster of sorts. Liverpool v Blackburn on Wednesday morn (EST +10 GMT) is but one example. Doni, starting his first match in over 40 games brought down Hoilett in the penalty area and was subsequently sent off. After warming the bench for so long behind Pepe Reina you couldn't help but feel sorry for him. Cue Brad Jones, who not only missed a WC for Australia due to his son's illness but has now seen his son pass away in recent months. Making his first Premier League start for Liverpool Jones saved Yakubu's penalty and pointed to the sky to honour his son. If you didn't get wet eyes at that moment you never will. Unfortunately, moments later he fumbled what was a straightforward catch which gifted Blackburn an equaliser. Nevertheless, he should still line up versus Everton in the F.A. Cup semi at Wembley on Saturday, no less than he deserves.

It was hard to imagine it getting better, but it did. Thursday morning (EST +10 GMT) saw Dortmund take on Bayern Munich in a top of the table Bundesliga clash. What a game, Dortmund triumphing 1-0 in a thriller and extending their lead over Munich to 6 points. I have rarely heard a stadium so loud, Dortmund Manager Jurgen Klopp celebrating like the title was already his. Sir Alex Ferguson might have a word in his ear though after United's lead at the top was cut back to 5 points. United went down to relegation threatened Wigan Athletic while City thrashed West-Brom 4-0. I may have spoke to soon when I suggested the title race was all but over, but I don't think so. Wigan have put in a number of good performances of late and on current form could be with the big boys again next year. They out-enthused United all over the park and deserved the win. Mention must also be made of Ronald's hat-trick in Real's 4-1 victory in the Madrid derby. He single-handedly won the game for Real and also possibly the La Liga title. I don't know about you but I can't wait for the weekend!

Another Grand Final in Brisbane, Balotelli boofheadery, Premier League almost over while La Liga heats up

What a weekend of football, plenty of action from right around the world. It was only with the help of coffee and siestas that I was able to cast my eye over it all. Australia's A-league in particular dishing up two delightfully entertaining finals matches. Although, Real Madrid and Valencia capped off the weekend with what was surely one of the more exciting 0-0 draws this season, or any season.

In Australia, Perth will meet Central Coast in Gosford on 14 April for a chance to take on Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium on 22 April after their extra time 3-2 defeat of Wellington  in what would have to have been one of the most entertaining matches this season. Some flowing, fast paced skilful football was played by both sides but Perth's gritty determined style along with Wellington's weary legs helped them grab the win. They now take on the deflated Central Coast who by anybody's reckoning are NOT the team that won the premiers plate. Central Coast coach Graeme Arnold had a terrible week tactically, sitting back midweek at home against Seongnam in the ACL and playing a defensive minded attack line against Brisbane on Sunday in a game they had to win at least 2-0. Memories of Australia's ill-fated 2007 Asian Cup campaign came flooding back. Postecoglu is in his head, baiting him, tormenting him. It is hard to see them coming back from here. That said, I hope they get the win on Saturday because I fear the solid, workmanlike more direct style of Perth could trouble Brisbane in the Grand Final.

After defeating QPR 2-0 you would have to think Manchester United have one hand on the title now. I just cannot see them dropping that many points in the remaining games. But United didn't win the title, City lost it. Although I have praised Mancini in the past, he has made some baffling decisions in the past few months. Including a few in their 1-0 loss to Arsenal last night. For instance, where is Dzeko? The dynamic, strong 'centre forward's centre forward' was banging in goals left and right at the beginning of the season but seemed to fall out of favour, coinciding with City's loss of form. Now he is playing the boofheaded Balotelli  in front of him and uses the unfit Tevez as a substitute while Dzeko continues to pick splinters out his backside. Sir Alex was smart to let Tevez go, he has caused City nothing but trouble. Mancini on the other hand should have let Balotelli go in the summer or at least took him off the pitch last night to save him another disgrace. Who will want this talented hot-headed, ill-disciplined  youngster now. Millwall? He might be better off doing a Sonny Bill Williams and take up boxing to let off some steam.

While the Premier League seems all but a formality now, La Liga just got interesting again. Barcelona hammered Zaragoza 4-1 while Real Madrid played out a 0-0 draw with Valencia. The gap at the top is now just four points. Both teams could have won the spiteful match in Madrid with the woodwork getting a good workout at both ends. Probably the craziest episode of the match was Pepe kicking out at his own player after being fouled in the second half. I love Pepe as a player but I sense sometimes the guy just has rocks in his head. He has let Madrid down in some big matches and his stupidity could have cost them again last night. Ronaldo was unlucky while Higuain looked a little slow and off the pace. That Nike Seitiro ball just seems to be flying off the boots of La Liga players at the moment, Tino Costa's shot which rattled the corner of the goal led Casillas to thank the post. Amazing! Anyway I would love to hear your comments on this weekends action from across the world. Must have another coffee, all this fun is beginning to catch up with me.

The Western Sydney Westfield Warriors

Well, the second week of the A-League finals is nearly upon us and I am getting really excited. However, Football Federation Australia (FFA) chose to overshadow this excitement with yet another major announcement....A team from Western Sydney will compete in next years competition. I for one am deeply concerned about this. The AFL spent 4 years creating and preparing the Greater Western Sydney Giants for entry into their national competition. In that time the FFA have abandoned two of it's expansion teams and given an as yet unnamed Western Sydney team less than 6 months to prepare. The 'build it and they will come' approach is clearly filled with great risk. Moreover, as a football supporter (fanatic) and sports fan in general I firmly believe that part of what makes the great clubs (or any club) great is their history. It was extremely naive of the FFA to think that both Gold Coast United and North Queensland Fury would even begin to gather a large fan base in such a short space of time. The minimum time frame to gauge the relative success or failure of those clubs would have been five years and probably realistically more like ten. The FFA cannot return to these places now for decades.

As for Western Sydney, I think the FFA has set them up to struggle on the field as well (not a good way of building support). At the present time the team has no name, no coach, no sponsor and importantly no players. Surely it would have made more sense to establish them this year and give them at least one season in the state league to build cohesion as a football team. This is what the Gold Coast Suns and Greater Western Sydney both did. The World Game radio crew had an interesting discussion about the issue this week....