FOUR FOUR TWO
NEWCASTLE Jets defeated bitter F3 rivals Central Coast Mariners 1-0 courtesy of a first half goal from Jin-Hyung Song in Budgewoi on Saturday night.
It was grand final deja vu in this trial game in glorious sunshine at the northern tip of the Central Coast, where both the Mariners and the Jets fine tuned their season four preparations with a valuable pre-season hit out that will have served to benefit both clubs greatly.
Both starting line ups were a shadow of the teams that met at the Sydney Football Stadium last February – John Hutchinson, Sasho Petrovski and Alex Wilkinson surviving from the Mariners’ end, while goal scorer Song, Adam Griffiths and Matthew Thompson backed up for the Jets.
Despite the defeat, the Mariners’ pre-season preparations have been further accelerated following their fifth ninety minute showing since commencing full-time training in late April, with the yellow and navy now looking forward to next weeks stay in Canberra to continue plans for their 2008/09 assault.
Most positively for the Mariners, wingback flyer Dean Heffernan, who has been sidelined for six months after breaking his leg before Christmas last year, completed the first half without issue – a major step for Heffernan’s ambition to return to full match fitness in time for the start of the new season.
"It was a good hit out, a great day, a great crowd, Budgewoi Soccer Club did a great job to get the field up to that standard considering the weather and I’m sure Gary van Egmond would have enjoyed the hit out as well," said Mariners Football Manager Lawrie McKinna.
"There were a few heavy legs after it – the boys who played ninety minutes will certainly feel it afterwards, but overall it was a good afternoon, we were disappointed that we didn’t take a few of our chances but we’re reasonably happy."
The Jets opened the scoring at the half hour mark through their Korean import Song, who slotted home comfortably from close range after being put through on goal.
Song formed one part of the Jets’ diminutive centre pairing, which also featured new signing Kaz Patafta (pictured), with their battle against Mariners counterparts Damien Brown and John Hutchinson one of the more intriguing features of the opening stanza.
Sasho Petrovski came closest to breaking the Mariners’ first half deadlock with a powerful header from close range that was denied by Ben Kennedy’s point blank stop.
Petrovski leapt highest to meet the rebound from one of Dylan Macallister’s many possession triumphs in the air, only to be denied by Kennedy’s exceptional reflex save.
Aside from this chance, the Mariners were largely kept at bay by the Jets, who started the match with two trallists to equal the unsigned contingent wearing yellow and navy – youth development co-ordinator Brown and local prospect Nathan Moseley.
Further triallists were introduced on both sides in the second half, where the tempo of the match dropped notably against the unique backdrop offered by Frank Millington Field’s suburban surrounds.
"You can never get enough games and today sets us up well to go to Canberra on Tuesday, where we’ll get another two hard games and then another game when we come back – things are going alright," said McKinna.
"Then next week, Matthew Osman joins the playing ranks and then a couple of weeks after that we’ll be looking to get Nik Mrdja in, so slowly we’re starting to get a few numbers back."
The Mariners’ pre-season trial match program continues next week in the nation’s capital, starting with a fixture against powerhouse ACT Premier League side Belconnen United on Wednesday, 25 June and concluding with a match against local representative outfit the ACT Rockets on Friday, 27 June. Kick off for both matches is 7pm.
Central Coast Mariners 30. Andrew Redmayne (gk), 5. Bradley Porter, 6. David D’Apuzzo, 7. John Hutchinson, 8. Dean Heffernan, 11. Damien Brown, 15. Nathan Moseley, 18. Alex Wilkinson, 21. Ahmad Elrich, 22. Sasho Petrovski, 27. Dylan Macallister
Substitutes 9. Brady Smith, 10. Ben Glachan, 12. Jamie Lobb, 16. Adam Woodbine, 17. Luke Walker
Yellow Cards None
Red Cards None
Goals None
Newcastle Jets 20. Ben Kennedy (gk), 2. Adam Griffiths, 4. Antun Kovacic, 7. Kaz Patafta, 8. Matt Thompson, 10. Jin-Hyung Song, 12. Jobe Wheelhouse, 13. Jarrod Ross, 16. Ben Kantarovski, 18. Noel Spencer, 19. Jason Naidovski,
Substitutes Jordan Griffiths (gk), 5. Taylor Regan, 6. Valerio Mastrelli, 14. Simone Bracacello, 15. Yanni Galanos
Article Source http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/78859,jets-on-song-to-see-off-mariners.aspx
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Verbeek urges team to be alert
THE AGE
By Michael Lynch
IT WILL be hot, intense, and nerve-racking, but Australia knows that a win — perhaps even a point — against Iraq in the early hours of tomorrow in Dubai will ensure it books itself a place in the final phase of Asian World Cup qualifying.
The Socceroos' Dutch coach, Pim Verbeek, is making all the right noises about going for the three points — he would like nothing better than to complete the task with two games to spare and let his big-name players off for summer breaks — but his team selection will be designed primarily to avoid a defeat.
Verbeek is a long-standing international manager, so he has, in the way that men of his experience do, got his message across in advance.
It was little surprise this week to hear him sound the alarm about gamesmanship, urging the Japanese referee who takes charge tomorrow to ensure he clamps down on diving and play acting should the Asian champion seek to win free kicks and penalties unfairly.
Australia is likely to go into this match with a lone striker (captain Harry Kewell), a revamped rearguard featuring three central defenders augmented by two wing-backs, and a midfield designed to contain and frustrate an Iraq team for which a loss will mean there are no tomorrows, as far as World Cup 2010 is concerned.
Flanker Brett Emerton sat out the penultimate training session with a groin injury, but Verbeek says the Blackburn Rovers man will take his role at full-back.
Jade North, the A-League-winning Newcastle Jets skipper, sustained an ankle injury in training when Socceroo new boy Chris Coyne landed on him, but Verbeek is confident North will be fit to face an Iraqi front line marshalled by Asian Cup hero Younis Mahmoud and primed from midfield by the gifted Nashat Akram.
It is widely expected that Coyne, a tough nut who has done the hard yards in the English lower divisions, will get the chance to make his international debut in a rejigged back three.
Verbeek expects the Australian defence to come under sustained pressure from the first minute and has pushed his players hard in evening training sessions during their four preparatory days in Dubai to maintain focus from the opening whistle.
The Socceroos worked hard in training on defensive shape and pressure all over the ground. Verbeek wants his players to close the game down, but has repeatedly warned them — in harsh tones, if necessary — of the danger of "stupid" fouls and the risks of making rash challenges around the penalty area.
"Brett has a groin problem since last week but he is so fit, we didn't take any risks with him today. There's no doubt about it (that he will be available). Jade is OK, it's swollen, a contusion … but his pain barrier is quite high, he will not give up."
Verbeek knows that his team cannot afford the lethargic start it had in the lucky 1-0 win in Brisbane last weekend against the same opponent because it could get caught cold this time.
"You have to be (ready) from the first minute because we know what is going to happen," Verbeek said.
"They want to force an early goal and then drop back and wait for the counter-attack. In Brisbane, instead of controlling the game, which we did in previous games, we gave corner kicks and free kicks away … they are dangerous with that.
"They will come, they will attack, they will storm, this also means that they give space away and it's up to us to take our chances. Possession is important in this heat and we have players who can do that."
The coach has stressed the requirement for discipline in what will be a testing emotional environment, with the stadium crammed with expatriate Iraqis roaring on their team.
"They (the Socceroos) are always fighting, going for the ball, they play with the heart. We know how dangerous they (Iraq) are with free kicks and corner kicks. Pressure is OK, no stupid fouls.
"We know they are going to dive. The same story will happen — they will go for free kicks and penalties, it's in their character, it's in their culture, the referee has to make that decision."
Kewell scored the winner last Sunday and played one of his best games in a Socceroos shirt. The 29-year-old is relishing the responsibility and is playing a key role in steeling his teammates for the test that awaits.
By Michael Lynch
IT WILL be hot, intense, and nerve-racking, but Australia knows that a win — perhaps even a point — against Iraq in the early hours of tomorrow in Dubai will ensure it books itself a place in the final phase of Asian World Cup qualifying.
The Socceroos' Dutch coach, Pim Verbeek, is making all the right noises about going for the three points — he would like nothing better than to complete the task with two games to spare and let his big-name players off for summer breaks — but his team selection will be designed primarily to avoid a defeat.
Verbeek is a long-standing international manager, so he has, in the way that men of his experience do, got his message across in advance.
It was little surprise this week to hear him sound the alarm about gamesmanship, urging the Japanese referee who takes charge tomorrow to ensure he clamps down on diving and play acting should the Asian champion seek to win free kicks and penalties unfairly.
Australia is likely to go into this match with a lone striker (captain Harry Kewell), a revamped rearguard featuring three central defenders augmented by two wing-backs, and a midfield designed to contain and frustrate an Iraq team for which a loss will mean there are no tomorrows, as far as World Cup 2010 is concerned.
Flanker Brett Emerton sat out the penultimate training session with a groin injury, but Verbeek says the Blackburn Rovers man will take his role at full-back.
Jade North, the A-League-winning Newcastle Jets skipper, sustained an ankle injury in training when Socceroo new boy Chris Coyne landed on him, but Verbeek is confident North will be fit to face an Iraqi front line marshalled by Asian Cup hero Younis Mahmoud and primed from midfield by the gifted Nashat Akram.
It is widely expected that Coyne, a tough nut who has done the hard yards in the English lower divisions, will get the chance to make his international debut in a rejigged back three.
Verbeek expects the Australian defence to come under sustained pressure from the first minute and has pushed his players hard in evening training sessions during their four preparatory days in Dubai to maintain focus from the opening whistle.
The Socceroos worked hard in training on defensive shape and pressure all over the ground. Verbeek wants his players to close the game down, but has repeatedly warned them — in harsh tones, if necessary — of the danger of "stupid" fouls and the risks of making rash challenges around the penalty area.
"Brett has a groin problem since last week but he is so fit, we didn't take any risks with him today. There's no doubt about it (that he will be available). Jade is OK, it's swollen, a contusion … but his pain barrier is quite high, he will not give up."
Verbeek knows that his team cannot afford the lethargic start it had in the lucky 1-0 win in Brisbane last weekend against the same opponent because it could get caught cold this time.
"You have to be (ready) from the first minute because we know what is going to happen," Verbeek said.
"They want to force an early goal and then drop back and wait for the counter-attack. In Brisbane, instead of controlling the game, which we did in previous games, we gave corner kicks and free kicks away … they are dangerous with that.
"They will come, they will attack, they will storm, this also means that they give space away and it's up to us to take our chances. Possession is important in this heat and we have players who can do that."
The coach has stressed the requirement for discipline in what will be a testing emotional environment, with the stadium crammed with expatriate Iraqis roaring on their team.
"They (the Socceroos) are always fighting, going for the ball, they play with the heart. We know how dangerous they (Iraq) are with free kicks and corner kicks. Pressure is OK, no stupid fouls.
"We know they are going to dive. The same story will happen — they will go for free kicks and penalties, it's in their character, it's in their culture, the referee has to make that decision."
Kewell scored the winner last Sunday and played one of his best games in a Socceroos shirt. The 29-year-old is relishing the responsibility and is playing a key role in steeling his teammates for the test that awaits.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Tall order, Kennedy set for a recall
THE AGE
By Phil Lutton and Sebastian Hassett
SOCCEROOS coach Pim Verbeek looks set to call on towering German-based striker Josh Kennedy in a bid to unsettle the undersized Iraqis in Saturday's World Cup qualifying return leg.
But a steadying dose of experience in central defence will have to wait until the following week's game against Qatar in Doha, where Lucas Neill is poised to make his return to the national side.
Kennedy and Neill have partners expecting babies, while the lofty forward is on the mend from an ankle injury sustained playing for his Bundesliga club Karlsruhe in April.
While neither were named in Verbeek's 26-man travelling squad yesterday, he said Kennedy could be rushed into the action after Harry Kewell exposed Iraq's frailty in dealing with aerial assaults.
"We're keeping a very close eye on Josh Kennedy. He's doing very well in his recovery and we don't have a player that is 196 centimetres and can do something in the last 15 to 20 minutes," Verbeek said yesterday.
"There aren't so many players like that in the Middle East. Most strikers in the Middle East are skilful, individual running-type players, so if you can bring somebody who is very strong in the air, they will all struggle with that."
West Ham's Neill is scheduled to join the Socceroos the day after the Iraq game, with partner Lindsey expected to give birth to twins during the week. Verbeek confirmed he would resume the captaincy from Kewell.
All 18 players from the Iraq victory were included in the squad, while Melbourne Victory striker Archie Thompson was a notable addition.
Newcastle Jets frontman Joel Griffiths, who started against Ghana but missed out against Iraq, was omitted from the squad after struggling with an ankle injury and lacking sharpness in front of goal at training.
While Thompson could join Kennedy as a shock weapon off the bench, it seems likely Verbeek will stick with Celtic's Scott McDonald as a lone striker.
"We don't have a player with the same qualities — his speed, he can score goals, he can make a difference and he is a fantastic guy to have in the group," Verbeek said of Thompson, who is on the comeback from knee surgery.
"So I thought I'll take him with me and we will find out when I can use him, if I need to use him. And if it's not the first two games, we still prepare for the China game (June 22 in Sydney) because we still have three games to go."
While the Socceroos have options in attack in central defence, they looked vulnerable against the probing Asian Cup champion.
Jade North and Michael Beauchamp were stranded a number of times, but with Neill and the retired Craig Moore out of the picture, the defensive stocks are thin. Back-ups Rody Vargas (Melbourne) and Chris Coyne (Colchester United) are both uncapped.
"You cannot blame Jade North for not having the same experience or qualities as Craig Moore and Lucas Neill," Verbeek said.
"It's the same for Michael Beauchamp. They are good defenders but they are not the leader types the other boys are. So, if we don't have that, you have to find better organisation and be aware of what their job is. I was very disappointed with the organisation. They can do better."
■In A-League news, midfielder Kaz Patafta has signed a one-year deal with the Newcastle Jets. Patafta signed for Portugal's Benfica in 2006, but remained largely in its reserve team before being loaned to Melbourne Victory for the 2007-08 campaign.
Article Source http://www.theage.com.au/news/soccer/tall-order-kennedy-set-for-a-recall/2008/06/02/1212258739614.html
By Phil Lutton and Sebastian Hassett
SOCCEROOS coach Pim Verbeek looks set to call on towering German-based striker Josh Kennedy in a bid to unsettle the undersized Iraqis in Saturday's World Cup qualifying return leg.
But a steadying dose of experience in central defence will have to wait until the following week's game against Qatar in Doha, where Lucas Neill is poised to make his return to the national side.
Kennedy and Neill have partners expecting babies, while the lofty forward is on the mend from an ankle injury sustained playing for his Bundesliga club Karlsruhe in April.
While neither were named in Verbeek's 26-man travelling squad yesterday, he said Kennedy could be rushed into the action after Harry Kewell exposed Iraq's frailty in dealing with aerial assaults.
"We're keeping a very close eye on Josh Kennedy. He's doing very well in his recovery and we don't have a player that is 196 centimetres and can do something in the last 15 to 20 minutes," Verbeek said yesterday.
"There aren't so many players like that in the Middle East. Most strikers in the Middle East are skilful, individual running-type players, so if you can bring somebody who is very strong in the air, they will all struggle with that."
West Ham's Neill is scheduled to join the Socceroos the day after the Iraq game, with partner Lindsey expected to give birth to twins during the week. Verbeek confirmed he would resume the captaincy from Kewell.
All 18 players from the Iraq victory were included in the squad, while Melbourne Victory striker Archie Thompson was a notable addition.
Newcastle Jets frontman Joel Griffiths, who started against Ghana but missed out against Iraq, was omitted from the squad after struggling with an ankle injury and lacking sharpness in front of goal at training.
While Thompson could join Kennedy as a shock weapon off the bench, it seems likely Verbeek will stick with Celtic's Scott McDonald as a lone striker.
"We don't have a player with the same qualities — his speed, he can score goals, he can make a difference and he is a fantastic guy to have in the group," Verbeek said of Thompson, who is on the comeback from knee surgery.
"So I thought I'll take him with me and we will find out when I can use him, if I need to use him. And if it's not the first two games, we still prepare for the China game (June 22 in Sydney) because we still have three games to go."
While the Socceroos have options in attack in central defence, they looked vulnerable against the probing Asian Cup champion.
Jade North and Michael Beauchamp were stranded a number of times, but with Neill and the retired Craig Moore out of the picture, the defensive stocks are thin. Back-ups Rody Vargas (Melbourne) and Chris Coyne (Colchester United) are both uncapped.
"You cannot blame Jade North for not having the same experience or qualities as Craig Moore and Lucas Neill," Verbeek said.
"It's the same for Michael Beauchamp. They are good defenders but they are not the leader types the other boys are. So, if we don't have that, you have to find better organisation and be aware of what their job is. I was very disappointed with the organisation. They can do better."
■In A-League news, midfielder Kaz Patafta has signed a one-year deal with the Newcastle Jets. Patafta signed for Portugal's Benfica in 2006, but remained largely in its reserve team before being loaned to Melbourne Victory for the 2007-08 campaign.
Article Source http://www.theage.com.au/news/soccer/tall-order-kennedy-set-for-a-recall/2008/06/02/1212258739614.html
Patafta Signs For The Jets
GOAL.COM
By Rob Mullen
Former Joeys skipper Kaz Patafta has linked up with A-League champions Newcastle Jets for the 2008/09 season.
The midfielder joined Melbourne Victory on loan from Portuguese side Benfica last season.
However, it turned out to be a frustrating stint at the Victory, being involved only in 14 games nearly all of them off the bench.
Patafta recently featured for Melbourne in four AFC Champions League group matches.
Yet, the 19-year-old made the decision to switch to the EnergyAustralia Stadium as a free agent, after being released from his contract with Benfica.
“It’s been a great season in Melbourne and I’ve really enjoyed my time here,” Patafta told The World Game.
“I’ve learnt a lot both on and off the field from everyone at Victory and I’ve been happy living in this great city for the past 12 months."
“At this point in time it’s important for me to aim to be playing regularly, which I believe is the only way to improve at senior level," he added.
“I’m really looking forward to a new challenge and trying to prove and cement myself as a regular first-team player.”
Article Source http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=721040
By Rob Mullen
Former Joeys skipper Kaz Patafta has linked up with A-League champions Newcastle Jets for the 2008/09 season.
The midfielder joined Melbourne Victory on loan from Portuguese side Benfica last season.
However, it turned out to be a frustrating stint at the Victory, being involved only in 14 games nearly all of them off the bench.
Patafta recently featured for Melbourne in four AFC Champions League group matches.
Yet, the 19-year-old made the decision to switch to the EnergyAustralia Stadium as a free agent, after being released from his contract with Benfica.
“It’s been a great season in Melbourne and I’ve really enjoyed my time here,” Patafta told The World Game.
“I’ve learnt a lot both on and off the field from everyone at Victory and I’ve been happy living in this great city for the past 12 months."
“At this point in time it’s important for me to aim to be playing regularly, which I believe is the only way to improve at senior level," he added.
“I’m really looking forward to a new challenge and trying to prove and cement myself as a regular first-team player.”
Article Source http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=721040
Monday, June 2, 2008
Kaz Patafta joins the Newcastle Jets
THE AGE
Exciting young midfielder Kaz Patafta has joined the Newcastle Jets in the hope of securing a regular senior A-League berth.
Patafta, 19, spent the previous season on loan to Melbourne Victory from Portuguese giants Benfica.
He and Benfica parted ways last month.
Patafta made 14 appearances for the Victory in 2007-08, many of those off the bench.
"It's been a great season in Melbourne and I've really enjoyed my time here," said Patafta, who was a favourite of the Victory fans.
" ... at this point in time it's important for me to aim to be playing regularly, which I believe is the only way to improve at senior level.
"I'm really looking forward to a new challenge and trying to prove and cement myself as a regular first-team player."
Victory coach Ernie Merrick wished Patafta all the best on his future with the Jets.
"Kaz is a promising young player and we don't want to stand in his way of trying to secure a regular first-team position," Merrick said.
Article source http://news.theage.com.au/sport/kaz-patafta-joins-the-newcastle-jets-20080602-2ksk.html
Exciting young midfielder Kaz Patafta has joined the Newcastle Jets in the hope of securing a regular senior A-League berth.
Patafta, 19, spent the previous season on loan to Melbourne Victory from Portuguese giants Benfica.
He and Benfica parted ways last month.
Patafta made 14 appearances for the Victory in 2007-08, many of those off the bench.
"It's been a great season in Melbourne and I've really enjoyed my time here," said Patafta, who was a favourite of the Victory fans.
" ... at this point in time it's important for me to aim to be playing regularly, which I believe is the only way to improve at senior level.
"I'm really looking forward to a new challenge and trying to prove and cement myself as a regular first-team player."
Victory coach Ernie Merrick wished Patafta all the best on his future with the Jets.
"Kaz is a promising young player and we don't want to stand in his way of trying to secure a regular first-team position," Merrick said.
Article source http://news.theage.com.au/sport/kaz-patafta-joins-the-newcastle-jets-20080602-2ksk.html
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