Berger joins Victory

Melbourne Victory today announced the signing of exciting youngster Evan Berger on a two-year deal from NSW Premier League side Marconi Stallions. The 19-year-old midfielder joins Leigh Broxham and Mitchell Langerak as the Hyundai A-League Champions’ required three Under 20 signings.
- Melbourne Victory website

No details as yet on what he is like but Ernie Merrick describes him as: “. . .quick and skillful and I firmly believe he has a very bright future."

Berger has represented Australia at international level as a member of the unsuccessful Young Socceroos team that failed to qualify for the U20 World Cup. Sounds like a good prospect.

To be updated as more news comes to hand.

Houllier to coach Socceroos?

With the recent resignation of Gerard Houllier from his post as manager of all conquering Lyon it again raises the possibility and rumours of him taking charge of the Socceroos for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. He comes well qualified for the position as being in charge of the French football system which resulted in 1998 World Cup win for France. I believe it would be a worthwhile investment to have Houllier as the man in charge of Australia to be working in conjunction with Rob Baan to fully develop the system of football development within this country - two men with immense of two of the greatest football systems in the world working together would be fantastic for the game in this country.

Even though Graham Arnold is doing a good job in charge of the national team at the moment I don't believe he has the necessary experience and technical nouse at international level to take this team further especially in this time of change within the squad as a number of more experienced members are set to depart the scene in the coming months.

I am looking forward to seeing the new look Socceroos take on a near full strength Uruguay on Saturday night (if I can find somewhere to watch it as it is not on free to air - but that's a whole other matter) and the possible debut of the much hyped, Matthew Spiranovic.

For further discussion see:
http://blogs.foxsports.com.au/football/index.php/foxsports/comments/imerde_alors_i_houlliers_back_in_the_frame/

Rectangular stadium for Melbourne

'Peace has broken out between the State Government and the burgeoning local soccer community with the announcement that Melbourne will have a purpose-built rectangular stadium by 2010.

The stadium will be built at a cost of $268 million at the Edwin Flack reserve beside the existing Olympic Park facility on Swan Street, and will seat more than 31,000 fans.

The plan got the go ahead after the government reached agreement with the Melbourne Victory soccer club and the Football Federation of Australia.

The stadium contract guarantees a minimum of 31,000 seats, but its foundations will support a possible future expansion to at least 50,000 seats.'

- The Age

This is fantastic news for the football fans of Melbourne. There is nothing better than watching football in a rectangular stadium where you can get really close to the action. My hope that it meets the benchmark set by Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, which I reckon is the best rectangular stadium in Australia. I can't wait until 2010.

Socceroo call ups for Allsopp and Thompson

It was pleasing yesterday to see both Danny Allsopp and Archie Thompson get a call up for the provisional 23 man Socceroos squad for the upcoming game against Uruguay in Sydney on June 2. With the absence of regular target men, Aloisi, Viduka and Kennedy it was good to see Graham Arnold give an opportunity in particular to Allsopp, the golden boot winner from the last A-League season to push a claim for an Asian Cup spot. After such a great season he totally deserves his chance. Lets hope he gets a decent run. It was also good to see Nick Carle get another shot in the team, hopefully he gets some decent game time this time to show off his sublime skills. It’s a pity that we won't be able to see this relatively inexperienced team in action in Melbourne against quality opposition.

Socceroos squad to play Uruguay: Daniel Allsopp, Michael Beauchamp, Mark Bridge, Nick Carle, David Carney, Simon Colosimo, Jason Culina, Brett Emerton, Adam Federici, Ryan Griffiths, Brett Holman, Brad Jones, Patrick Kisnorbo, Scott McDonald, Lucas Neill, Jade North, Mile Sterjovski, Matthew Spiranovic, Shane Stefanutto, Michael Thwaite, Archie Thompson, Carl Valeri, Luke Wilkshire.

Lionel v Diego

I know this is old news but I did see this comparison between that great goal by Lionel Messi when playing for Barcelona against Getafe and the one Diego Maradona scored against England in the 1986 World Cup. I originally saw it on the TyC Sports site and then I discovered it again when looking for something else on You Tube. Its amazing how similar these two goals are.

What I was actually looking for was a clip of Messi and Maradona playing football tennis.



Enjoy

First shot on target

Following the example of the fans of one of my other favourite football teams, Union Española I have decided to start my own blog with my musings and thoughts on the best team in the A-League, Melbourne Victory and other football matters that grab my attention.

Enjoy.