The Sydney Morning Herald: national, world, business, entertainment, sport and technology news from Australia's leading newspaper.

Friday November 16, 2007

We can't believe our own hype: Kosmina

SYDNEY coach John Kosmina says he should not have to stress to his players the risk of falling for a sucker punch against Wellington at Westpac Stadium tomorrow night.

Thursday November 15, 2007

Corica ruled out of Phoenix match

Sydney FC midfielder Steve Corica has been ruled out of Saturday's A-League away clash with Wellington Phoenix.

Wednesday November 14, 2007

Kosmina wary of Phoenix

Sydney FC coach John Kosmina has warned his players against complacency as they prepare to face a Wellington outfit missing at least seven players and their coach.

Victory hoping for good news on suspensions

Melbourne Victory are hoping to have at least one extra defender to call on for Friday's A-League match with Queensland when their appeals against suspensions to Rodrigo Vargas and Joe Keenan are heard today.

I can't be so super off the bench, says miffed Mario

NEWCASTLE's marquee player, Mario Jardel, has defended himself following media and public criticism of his lacklustre performances this season, saying he can't be expected to perform miracles coming off the bench and that he only needs to start a few games to produce the goods.

Tuesday November 13, 2007

Phoenix bring in new players to boost ranks

There will be two fresh faces in Wellington later this week as the severely-depleted Phoenix look to keep their ailing A-League football season hopes alive.

Brick-wall mentality is here to stay, says Rudan

SYDNEY's defence has improved so much over the past three weeks that it is now almost as good as at any stage of the club's history, says Mark Rudan - and he is adamant it will only get better.

FFA calls on fans to dob in the hooligans

FOOTBALL Federation Australia chief executive Ben Buckley last night announced a number of security measures aimed at preventing ugly fan clashes like the one that marred the Melbourne-Sydney match on Saturday night, but also urged supporters to dob in troublemakers.

Monday November 12, 2007

Corica doubt as Sydney eye top-four spot

SYDNEY midfielder Steve Corica says it will be "touch and go" whether he recovers from a groin injury in time to help the team break into the top four by beating Wellington on Saturday.

Wannabes make hard work of risky business

Pathetic would-be hooligans shouldn't be allowed to besmirch football, writes Richard Hinds.

Sunday November 11, 2007

Brazilians shine as Roar thrash Phoenix

A spectacular two goal performance from Brazilian striker Reinaldo gave Queensland Roar successive A-League victories and propelled them into outright second on the ladder.

Investigation into A-League violence

FFA promises report after fans clash at match between Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC.

Fans battle after A-League game

Police have used capsicum spray to control wild fans at a A-League clash between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory at the Telstra Dome.

Aloisi strikes twice as Mariners consolidate top spot

SOCCEROOS hero John Aloisi scored a second-half double as Central Coast beat Adelaide United 2-0 at Bluetongue Stadium last night to maintain top spot on the A-League.

Woodwork denies Brosque but FC make their point

SYDNEY were happy to leave Melbourne with a clean sheet and a point as the defending premiers dominated last night's game but could not capitalise on their possession and chances.

Jet black: club ready to ditch falling stars

COACHES often question the desire and attitude of their players, but Newcastle mentor Gary van Egmond has candidly conceded his side might just be lacking in talent.

Saturday November 10, 2007

Rebuilding Bridges

Harry Kewell's best mate is on a long journey back from injury dramas, too, writes Michael Cockerill.

Glorious start for new Perth coach

Dave Mitchell's reign as Perth coach began in spectacular fashion as the Glory ended their horrendous 18-game winless streak with an emphatic 4-1 A-League win over Newcastle at EnergyAustralia Stadium.

Simon finally lands starting spot

MATT Simon never fails to chase down a lost cause and Central Coast coach Lawrie McKinna has rewarded the raw enthusiasm of his rookie striker with a starting berth against Adelaide in the top-of-the-table encounter in Gosford tonight.

Sydney smell blood at Victory

SYDNEY FC aim to exploit the patched-up Melbourne defence in the battle of the two A-League champions at Telstra Dome tonight.

Friday November 9, 2007

Zullo gets Olyroos call-up

The rise and rise of Queensland Roar winger Michael Zullo continued when he was called up for Australia's crucial Olympic Games soccer qualifier against Iraq in Gosford next week.

Kosmina calls for caution in Victory clash

SYDNEY coach John Kosmina believes Melbourne have a psychological edge over his players going into tomorrow night's clash because they are wounded, they know it and they will be determined to respond like the A-League championship-winning team they are.

Juggling act: Tsattalios comes of age as future of Sydney

INSTEAD of heading north with his mates for schoolies celebrations next week, Nick Tsattalios will be grinding through another week of training with Sydney FC. But he wouldn't have it any other way.

Thursday November 8, 2007

Muscat shifting back for Sydney clash

Melbourne's Mr Fix-it Kevin Muscat will slot into the depleted Victory defence for Saturday's vital A-League clash with arch-rival Sydney FC.

Adelaide trio re-sign

Adelaide United trio Travis Dodd, Cassio and Isyan Erdogan have signed new contracts with the A-League soccer club.

Illawarra unites for the A-League cause

THE architects of the long-awaited unification of Illawarra football later this month are confident they have laid the platform for a Wollongong-based team to enter the A-League in 2009 - and former rugby boss Gary Flowers has been approached to lead the bid.