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.