Iain Strachan | Sporting News

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Clinical Victory coast past City

Melbourne Victory cruised to a 3-0 win over a lacklustre Melbourne City in the A-League on Saturday night, securing local bragging rights and valuable points in the race for the Premier's Plate.

Iain Strachan

Melbourne Derby Preview

All eyes will be on Etihad Stadium on Saturday night, when one of the league's biggest rivalries is set for its third instalment this season. A City side reinforced by veteran Socceroo Josh Kennedy will hope to register successive victories over established powerhouse Victory for the first time in A-League history.

Iain Strachan

Preview: Perth Glory v Sydney FC

This looks like a cracking fixture to round off Saturday's night triple-header. A Sydney FC side reinforced and refreshed by the Asian Cup break cross the Nullarbor to lock horns with competition pacesetters. It's top quality primetime entertainment in WA and you can bet there'll be no-one going to bed early back in the eastern states.

Iain Strachan

Van 't Schip: Melbourne City can beat any A-League team

John van 't Schip believes Melbourne City are good enough to beat every team in the A-League as they prepare for Saturday night's derby against Melbourne Victory.

Iain Strachan

A-League must build on Asian Cup: Muscat

Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat hopes the derby against Melbourne City and the A-League in general will capitalise on the success of the Socceroos' Asian Cup campaign.

Iain Strachan

COMMENT: Aggression, concentration crucial for City against Victory

THE DOSSIER: John van 't Schip's men can't afford to let their energy levels drop if they are record successive wins against their local rivals for the first time.

Iain Strachan

The Dossier: How City can take out the Melbourne Derby

John van 't Schip's men can't afford to let their energy levels drop if they are record successive wins against their local rivals for the first time.

Iain Strachan

Showdown fixture issues for Liverpool

Liverpool have confirmed they will face Brisbane Roar and Adelaide United in July but their clash with the Reds will occur at the Adelaide Oval less than 24 hours after the venue has hosted the biggest AFL match in the South Australian calendar.

Iain Strachan

Asian Cup Team of the Tournament

With a memorable event now over and Australia crowned champions for the first time, Goal Australia editor Iain Strachan signs off by picking out the stars of the competition in our Team of the Tournament.

Iain Strachan

Postecoglou targets World Cup

Ange Postecoglou was not basking in Australia's Asian Cup triumph on Saturday, instead focusing on making a splash on the world stage.

Iain Strachan

Josh Kennedy could be fit to face Victory

Melbourne City coach John van 't Schip says Josh Kennedy has a chance of being involved in the derby next weekend but is unlikely to start against Melbourne Victory.

Iain Strachan

Luongo is Socceroos' next superstar

After a breakthrough showing in Australia's triumphant Asian Cup campaign, Massimo Luongo is set to be the Socceroos' next star.

Iain Strachan

Stielike: Korea, you can be proud of your boys

South Korea coach Uli Stielike says his team don't need the Asian Cup in their hands to consider themselves champions after falling short in a dramatic extra-time loss to Australia.

Iain Strachan

Ange: Socceroos now aim for Russian revolution

Australia coach Ange Postecoglou was already looking ahead to Russia in 2018 after guiding the Socceroos to Asian Cup glory in dramatic fashion on Saturday.

Iain Strachan

Stielike: Korea still champions

Having reached the Asian Cup final without conceding, Uli Stielike believes South Korea deserve credit despite Saturday's showpiece defeat.

Iain Strachan

How the Socceroos claimed the Asian Cup Final

ANALYSIS: Goal Australia picks apart an extraordinary contest at Stadium Australia, where Australia wrote a new chapter in their football history in dramatic fashion

Iain Strachan

Who will start for the Socceroos?

This is it, the big one. The Socceroos have reached a second successive Asian Cup final and now face one of the most important matches in their recent history.

Iain Strachan

What we learned from Socceroos 2-0 win over UAE

The Socceroos were professional in their win over the UAE on Tuesday night but there is still room for improvement, as Goal Australia chief editor Iain Strachan writes.

Iain Strachan

Wigan loan for Chris Herd

Socceroos defender Chris Herd has joined Wigan Athletic on loan from Aston Villa for the rest of the 2014-15 season.

Iain Strachan

UAE reports claim Tim Cahill Al Wahda deal

A potential distraction has emerged hours before Australia's Asian Cup semi-final against the United Arab Emirates, with Al Wahda claiming to have agreed a 'tentative deal' to sign Tim Cahill, according to media reports in the region.

Iain Strachan

Who will start for the Socceroos against UAE?

Ange Postecoglou sprung some surprises for the Socceroos' 2-0 Asian Cup quarter-final win over China, handing Mark Bresciano a first start of the Asian Cup and dropping Aziz Behich for Jason Davidson.

Iain Strachan

Preview: Glory v Victory

Talk about a tasty way to get back into the A-League swing of things. It's the leaders Perth Glory at home to a fellow title challenger, with Melbourne Victory likely to still be smarting from their loss at home to Kenny Lowe's men earlier this month. Brace yourself for a crunch fixture set to be as keenly contested as anything we've seen in the knockout stages of the Asian Cup.

Iain Strachan

McGowan joins Dundee United

Ryan McGowan claimed he always thought he would return to Scotland after joining Dundee United from Shandong Luneng.

Iain Strachan

Preview: Adelaide v Jets

The Jets travel to Adelaide looking to put a tumultous mid-season break behind them, while the Reds will be hoping to turn around their recent form against the men from Newcastle and keep pace with table-topping Perth Glory.

Iain Strachan

Brilliante joins Empoli on loan

Josh Brillante has joined relegation-threatened Empoli on an 18-month loan deal from Fiorentina.

Iain Strachan

Heroic Cahill's legend grows

It's rare that a player's longevity enables them to be fully appreciated as a potential all-time great within their own career lifetime, in the manner of Ryan Giggs or Paolo Maldini. In Tim Cahill, Australia have an equivalent.

Iain Strachan

Wilkins open to A-League coaching gig

Ray Wilkins says he wants to stay on as Jordan coach but did not discount the prospect of working in Australian football following his team's exit from the Asian Cup.

Iain Strachan

Aguirre hails Kagawa display

Javier Aguirre singled out Shinji Kagawa for particular praise following Japan's Asian Cup victory over Jordan on Tuesday.

Iain Strachan

Who will start for the Socceroos against China?

Goal Australia predicts which 11 players will be entrusted with guiding the national team into the last four of the competition on home soil.

Iain Strachan

Video: Uzbekistan 3 Saudi Arabia 1

Saudi Arabia exit at the Asian Cup group stage for a third time in four outings as Uzbekistan earn a quarter-final with South Korea.

Iain Strachan

Kasimov slams Saudi simulation

Mirjalol Kasimov directed anger at Saudi Arabia for perceived diving after victory took his Uzbekistan side to the Asian Cup quarter-finals.

Iain Strachan

What we learned from the Socceroos’ loss

Ange Postecoglou and his players came back down to earth with a thump on Saturday, going down to the Korea Republic and leaving themselves with a tough route to the final

Iain Strachan

Wilkins hails Al-Dardour

Ray Wilkins says Hamza Al-Dardour is Jordan's Geoff Hurst after his four-goal blitz in the 5-1 Asian Cup beating of Palestine.

Iain Strachan

Tomi Juric: The Man in the Middle

If disaster strikes and the Socceroos run out of wingers at the Asian Cup or beyond, there could be a battle of wills between coach and player in the dressing room, with Tomi Juric adamant he's totally wasted in a wide position.

Iain Strachan

Juric backflips on China transfer

Western Sydney Wanderers striker Tomi Juric has reportedly rejected a transfer to Shanghai Shenhua in favour of a potential move to European football at the end of the season.

Iain Strachan

Socceroos v Oman: What we learned

Selection decisions paid off, a defender and the goalkeeper proved crucial early on, while both wide forwards shone to cap off what was a complete team performance in Sydney

Iain Strachan

Can Tanaka solve Wanderers' fullback woes?

Their improbable run to AFC Champions League glory aside, plenty has gone wrong at Western Sydney since their loss to Brisbane Roar FC in last season's grand final.

Iain Strachan

Ange Postecoglou: Socceroos keeping it fresh

Determined not to overcook his players, Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou says he will make at least a couple of changes for Tuesday night’s clash with Oman as the Aussies aim to keep their scintillating start to the Asian Cup going.

Iain Strachan

New star Luongo hails professional Socceroos

He announced his arrival as a force to be reckoned with courtesy of a goal and an assist in Australia's 4-1 Asian Cup win over Kuwait on Friday, but despite his relatively low profile prior to the game at AAMI Park, the star turn produced by Massimo Luongo was no accident.

Iain Strachan

Who will replace Mile Jedinak for the Socceroos?

Australia will be without captain Mile Jedinak for their second match of the Asian Cup against Oman on Tuesday after the Crystal Palace midfielder twisted his ankle in the 4-1 victory over Kuwait in Melbourne.

Iain Strachan

What we learned - Socceroos v Kuwait

What did we learn about the Socceroos after their 4-1 Asian Cup win over Kuwait?

Iain Strachan

Postecoglou hails Luongo

Ange Postecoglou hailed Massimo Luongo after the Swindon Town man played a starring role in Australia's 4-1 win over Kuwait on Friday.

Iain Strachan

Kuwait ready for Socceroos showdown

Kuwait coach Nabil Maaloul has insisted his players are ready to face Asian Cup hosts Australia in the tournament opener on Friday despite being in the top job for barely a month.

Iain Strachan

Jedinak: We've done our homework

Mile Jedinak says Australia have done their home work thoroughly on Kuwait, but the Socceroos remain wary of their Asian Cup opponents potentially springing a surprise in their first competitive match under a new coach.

Iain Strachan

Asian Cup Group A Preview

The group containing hosts Australia is set to hog the spotlight as far as local fans and media are concerned.

Iain Strachan

Socceroos worried about time-wasting

Australia attacker James Troisi says the Socceroos have raised the issue of time-wasting as a cause for concern with Asian Cup referees.

Iain Strachan

Return of the Jedinak Beard

Swiftly becoming a household name at home following his rise to the captaincy of his nation, Crystal Palace skipper Mile Jedinak’s claim to fame outside Australia is his prodigious appetite for a challenge in the unforgiving Premier League.

Iain Strachan

Boo Boy Barbarouses: Muscat counts on Kosta

Kevin Muscat has launched an impassioned defence of Kosta Barbarouses, who was the target of abuse from some Melbourne Victory supporters during the 2-1 loss to Perth Glory.

Iain Strachan

Leckie, Oar on the Socceroos' new five-star rivalry

Japan are Australia's nemesis from the 2011 AFC Asian Cup final and there's still a score to be settled with Iran dating back to 1997, but a rivalry of a different kind is brewing between the Socceroos and Kuwait ahead of their showdown on Friday.

Iain Strachan

Williams faces new injury nightmare

Rhys Williams' injury curse appears to have struck again, with the Middlesbrough defender potentially having suffered another long-term injury just two matches into his much-anticipated comeback.

Iain Strachan

Ange on the Asian Cup, not fearing the sack & Craig Foster

As far as Australian coaches are concerned, Ange Postecoglou has been there and done it.

Iain Strachan

Preview: Perth Glory v Adelaide United

Kenny Lowe's Perth Glory are used to having things their own way in 2014-15, except where Adelaide United are concerned. Will the Western Australia side, setting the benchmark in the A-League this season, exact revenge for their FFA Cup final loss at the hands of the Reds?

Iain Strachan

Postecoglou eyes attacking improvement

Ange Postecoglou says fluency in attack will be the key to success and has warned Australia not to be distracted by the transfer window.

Iain Strachan

Perth Glory not pretty, but effective

Kenny Lowe knows his Perth Glory side are far from the prettiest in the A-League, but says the competition must sit up and take notice following a 2-1 win away to Melbourne Victory on Friday.

Iain Strachan

Muscat: Kruse welcome back at Victory

Kevin Muscat says he'd welcome Robbie Kruse back at Melbourne Victory with open arms but doesn't expect the Bayer Leverkusen forward to give up on the Bundesliga highlife anytime soon.

Iain Strachan

Glory overpower Victory in Geelong

Perth Glory restated their A-League title credentials in convincing fashion on Friday night, holding off fellow challengers Melbourne Victory to win 2-1 away from home.

Iain Strachan

Melbourne Victory 1 Perth Glory 2

Perth Glory restated their A-League title credentials in convincing fashion on Friday, holding off Melbourne Victory for a 2-1 away win.

Iain Strachan

Asian Cup Group A Preview

The group containing hosts Australia is set to hog the spotlight as far as local fans and media are concerned.

Iain Strachan

Juric resumes hostilities with Nassir Al Shamrani

Socceroos striker Tomi Juric has branded Nassir Al Shamrani 'unprofessional' after footage emerged of the Saudi Arabia star pushing a fan ahead of a friendly match in Geelong.

Iain Strachan

Al Shamrani 'unprofessional' - Juric

Australia striker Tomi Juric branded Nasser Al Shamrani "unprofessional" after footage emerged of the Saudi Arabia star pushing a fan.

Iain Strachan

Muscat: Glory best team in A-League

Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat says A-League leaders Perth Glory must face up to the reality of title favouritism as the two teams prepare to clash in Geelong on Friday.

Iain Strachan

Troisi keen to start alongside Bresciano

James Troisi is determined to earn a starting role for Australia at the Asian Cup, but some tactical tweaks from Ange Postecoglou mean he could yet do so alongside - rather than ahead of - fellow playmaker Mark Bresciano.

Iain Strachan

Kruse: Watch out Asia

Australia forward Robbie Kruse has issued a warning to opposition defences ahead of the Asian Cup as he aims to prove he is back to his best.

Iain Strachan

Kruse ready to set Asian Cup alight

Robbie Kruse has issued a warning to opposition defences ahead of the Asian Cup, announcing that he's determined to relaunch his career after recovering from a serious knee injury.

Iain Strachan

Mental as Anything: Glory in good headspace

Perth Glory coach Kenny Lowe says a change in his attitude is the biggest factor in his team's transformation from also-rans to A-League leaders.

Iain Strachan

JVS: Melling puts the fire on

John van 't Schip says teenage midfielder Jacob Melling can be an example to his older team-mates after helping Melbourne City to draw 1-1 with league leaders Perth Glory.

Iain Strachan

Melbourne City, Perth Glory share honours

Melbourne City's best spell of the A-League season to date continued on Friday, as they held league leaders Perth Glory to a 1-1 draw at AAMI Park.

Iain Strachan

Kevin Muscat: Time to take down Jets

After agreeing a three-year contract extension, Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat says he wants to repay the club's faith by orchestrating a return to winning ways against the Newcastle Jets on Saturday.

Iain Strachan

Postecoglou: Cahill age no problem

Ange Postecoglou says Tim Cahill can still have a role in 2018 if the evergreen Australian striker continues to defy the ageing process.

Iain Strachan

Preview: Melbourne Victory v Newcastle Jets

There's a role reversal at AAMI Park on Saturday, with the visiting Newcastle Jets arriving on a high after an important win, while hosts Melbourne Victory are aiming to get back on track following their first defeat of the league season.

Iain Strachan

Preview: Melbourne Victory v Newcastle Jets

There's a role reversal at AAMI Park on Saturday, with the visiting Newcastle Jets arriving on a high after an important win, while hosts Melbourne Victory are aiming to get back on track following their first defeat of the league season.

Iain Strachan

Preview: Melbourne City v Perth Glory

John van 't Schip's in-form side will host the imposing A-League leaders from Western Australia at AAMI Park on Boxing Day. Supporters and neutrals alike will hope the players aren't weighed down by turkey and stuffing with crucial points on the line.

Iain Strachan

Finkler wants three points for Christmas

Top of Guilherme Finkler's list for Santa Claus is a win against the Newcastle Jets as Melbourne Victory prepare to train on Christmas Day.

Iain Strachan

Sasa Ognenovski out for the season

Sydney FC's injury woes have worsened with the news Sasa Ognenovski will play no further part in the 2014-15 A-League season.

Iain Strachan

Postecoglou: Cahill could play in 2018 World Cup

Ange Postecoglou says Tim Cahill can still have a role with the Socceroos at the 2018 FIFA World Cup if the evergreen striker continues to defy the ageing process.

Iain Strachan

Postecoglou picks attacking squad

Australia coach Ange Postecoglou picked A-League-based strikers Tomi Juric and Nathan Burns in an attacking squad for the 2015 Asian Cup.

Iain Strachan

Socceroos squad for 2015 Asian Cup

Ange Postecoglou has picked Tomi Juric and Nathan Burns in an attacking Socceroos squad for the 2015 Asian Cup, with Sydney FC's Terry Antonis and Aston Villa's Chris Herd among the surprises.

Iain Strachan

Aussies Abroad: Ryan stars, Jones starts again

See how our Australian footballers are travelling in their overseas leagues.

Iain Strachan

Aussies Abroad: Jedinak, Langerak suffer losses

See how our Australian footballers are travelling in their overseas leagues.

Iain Strachan

Muscat promises brutal January for Melbourne Victory

It's not quite a case of 'Christmas is cancelled' for Melbourne Victory, but Kevin Muscat will be pushing his players hard throughout the January break after losing the derby 1-0 to Melbourne City.

Iain Strachan

JVS: Everything comes together for Melbourne City

John van 't Schip hailed a deserved derby win for his Melbourne City side and singled out young defenders Connor Chapman and Ben Garuccio for praise after beating Melbourne Victory 1-0 on Saturday night.

Iain Strachan

Paartalu Power: City end Victory unbeaten run in thriller

The last unbeaten run of the 2014-15 A-League season came to an end in the most dramatic fashion imaginable on Saturday, as Erik Paartalu's injury time header sealed a memorable 1-0 win for Melbourne City over fierce local rivals Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.

Iain Strachan

A-League Preview: Melbourne City v Melbourne Victory

The battle for bragging rights in Victoria's capital is set to grab the spotlight in Round 11 of the Hyundai A-League this weekend, when John van't Schip's Melbourne City FC look to halt the momentum of Kevin Muscat's free-scoring Melbourne Victory side.

Iain Strachan

Preview: Perth Glory v Central Coast Mariners

Phil Moss and his Central Coast Mariners must be wary of a backlash this weekend when they visit A-League leaders Perth Glory, who have the pain of defeat in the inaugural FFA Cup final still fresh in their minds.

Iain Strachan

Koren to make derby debut

John van't Schip says Robert Koren could make his long-awaited Melbourne City debut in the derby against Melbourne Victory on Saturday night.

Iain Strachan

Victory to benefit as Valeri auditions for Asian Cup

Melbourne Victory are set to lose captain Mark Milligan to suspension but can at least be assured of getting the very best out of Carl Valeri as the midfielder pushes to make the Socceroos' AFC Asian Cup squad.

Iain Strachan

Preview: Adelaide United v Perth Glory

The eyes of Australian football will be on Coopers Stadium on Tuesday night when Adelaide United and Perth Glory vie to capture the first silverware of the season and write their name into the history of the sport in this country by claiming the inaugural FFA Cup.

Iain Strachan

Aussies Abroad: Adam Federici's Championship nightmare

See how our Australian football stars have fared in their overseas leagues

Iain Strachan

Arnie bites his tongue over Milligan elbow

Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold has opted not to comment for fear of sanction after Mark Milligan escaped punishment for elbowing Terry Antonis in the 3-3 draw with Melbourne Victory on Saturday.

Iain Strachan

Archie hat-trick secures thrilling Victory draw

Archie Thompson reprised his most famous role - Melbourne Victory hero - once again by netting a hat-trick in a thrilling 3-3 draw at home to arch-rivals Sydney FC on Saturday.

Iain Strachan

Preview: Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC

It's a mystery how we didn't get any goals when these two fierce rivals clashed at Allianz Stadium last month, so let's hope they make up for that at Etihad Stadium on Saturday, when A-League front-runners and competition heavyweights Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC go head to head.

Iain Strachan

Preview: Adelaide v Brisbane

It's the rampant Reds against the recovering Roar to kick-off Round 10, although the champions' attempted revival took a hit when they lost on the road last time out. Can the A-League's title holders withstand a visit to Coopers Stadium, home to the competition's entertainers-in-chief?

Iain Strachan

Preview: Perth Glory v Newcastle Jets

They've survived two tough fixtures on the road unscathed, including an eye-catching result away to the Sky Blues. Now A-League leaders Perth Glory will be relishing a return to home comforts and the chance to make hay against a Newcastle Jets side struggling badly for form and confidence.

Iain Strachan

Gombau: Reds like children learning to read

Adelaide United's fast start to 2014-15 has come as no surprise to coach Josep Gombau, who says it's the inevitable result of his players' hard work and willingness to learn. However, Gombau has his own special way of making such comparisons.

Iain Strachan

Kewell: Let Ange get on with the job

Retired Socceroos great Harry Kewell has hit out at critics of Australia coach Ange Postecoglou, insisting the national team is in good hands ahead of the Asian Cup.

Iain Strachan

Ange defends out-of-favour Jason Davidson

'Fear of failure' should not prevent young Australian players from trying to break into Europe's top leagues, according to Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou.

Iain Strachan

Williams, Kennedy named in extended Socceroos squad

Ange Postecoglou has offered Australia's international hopefuls every chance of earning a berth at the Asian Cup by announcing an extended 46-man squad a month out from the tournament.

Iain Strachan

Thijssen: We want Matt Smith at Roar

Brisbane Roar's interim coach Frans Thijssen hopes captain Matt Smith can be persuaded to stay at the club in the face of interest from a Thai Premier League side.

Iain Strachan

JVS: Too early to say City Schip is setting sail

Melbourne City coach John van 't Schip played down talk of a possible revival following his team's much-needed 1-0 win at home to Brisbane Roar.

Iain Strachan

Melbourne City 1 Brisbane Roar 0

Melbourne City beat Brisbane Roar 1-0 in the A-League to record a much-needed win and buy some time for under-fire coach John van 't Schip.

Iain Strachan

Soft penalty sees City hold off Roar

Melbourne City defeated Brisbane Roar 1-0 in the A-League on Sunday to record a much-needed win and buy some time for under-fire coach John van 't Schip.

Iain Strachan

Roar Trouble: Brisbane braces to loses Smith

Brisbane Roar chairman Chris Fong is set for talks with Matt Smith over reported interest in the club captain from a Thai Premier League club.

Iain Strachan

Aussies Abroad: Langerak secures clean sheet

See how our Australian football stars have fared in their overseas leagues

Iain Strachan

Preview: Melbourne City v Brisbane

An increasingly desperate City will look to make amends for a nightmare result last time out when they host the improved Brisbane Roar FC in a tasty showdown between two sides keen to salvage their indifferent seasons.

Iain Strachan

Reilly calls to shut down state football federations

Former World Cup Socceroo Jack Reilly has made an impassioned call for a single governing body to administer football in Australia in a bid to compete meaningfully with the AFL and the make the sport 'feared' by its rivals.

Iain Strachan

Preview: Adelaide United v Wanderers

It's slick, high-flying Adelaide United, seeking to bounce back from a narrow loss to Melbourne Victory, at home to the wounded Western Sydney Wanderers FC. The hosts will be the favourites at Coopers Stadium, but despite their woes, write off the Asian champions at your peril.

Iain Strachan

Muscat withdraws key players over pitch fears

Melbourne Victory have written off Guilherme Finkler and Scott Galloway's chances of featuring against the Central Coast Mariners for fear of injury at North Sydney Oval, with coach Kevin Muscat again slamming the decision to play at the venue.

Iain Strachan

Heartless: Phoenix thump Melbourne City

A history-making hat-trick from Nathan Burns fired him to the top of the A-League’s Golden Boot standings and gave the Wellington Phoenix a 5-1 victory over hapless Melbourne City in Wellington.

Iain Strachan

Aussies Abroad: Jedinak, Cahill score, pay tribute to Hughes

In the Premier League, Mile Jedinak equalised from the penalty spot to earn a point for Crystal Palace in a 1-1 draw away to Swansea City.

Iain Strachan

Al Shamrani still spitting it over Spiranovic

Al-Hilal's Nasser Al Shamrani says he doesn't expect to be denied the AFC Player of the Year award for spitting at Matthew Spiranovic.

Iain Strachan

Al Shamrani still spitting it over Spiranovic

Al-Hilal's Nasser Al Shamrani says he doesn't expect to be denied the AFC Player of the Year award for spitting at Matthew Spiranovic.

Iain Strachan

Muscat challenges Victory to create history

Kevin Muscat has challenged his players to write their names into Melbourne Victory's history books after watching them defeat Adelaide United in the club's 10-year anniversary match.

Iain Strachan

Victory see off Reds in five-goal thriller

Melbourne Victory are top of the A-League on goal difference after beating Adelaide United 3-2 in a frenetic, ill-tempered contest at AAMI Park on Friday.

Iain Strachan

Report: M Victory 3 A United 2

Melbourne Victory went top of the A-League after beating Adelaide United 3-2 in an ill-tempered contest at AAMI Park on Friday.

Iain Strachan

A-League Dossier: Carl Valeri v Isaias Sanchez

The Sydney derby will dominate the agenda in the build-up to this weekend's action, but the Round 8 opener between Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United on Friday night is the contest that has the A-League's football hipsters salivating.

Iain Strachan

Preview: Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United

It's a huge clash at AAMI Park to open A-League Round 8 when two of the three remaining unbeaten teams - fierce rivals Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United - vie to catch Perth Glory at the top of the table.

Iain Strachan

Is Melbourne Victory v Real Madrid on the cards?

Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat chose not to publically stake a claim to a possible clash with Real Madrid next year but has welcomed the coup of luring the International Champions Cup to the city in 2015.

Iain Strachan

Muscat not drawn into Gombau future

Kevin Muscat says Melbourne Victory have no interest in the uncertainty surrounding Josep Gombau's future at Adelaide United ahead of their clash on Friday.

Iain Strachan

Mat Ryan extends Club Brugge deal

Socceroos goalkeeper Mathew Ryan has signed a new contract with Club Brugge, having become hot property following a flying start to his career in Europe.

Iain Strachan

Roar regret Mulvey sack leak

Brisbane Roar managing director Sean Dobson says he regrets news of Mike Mulvey's sacking being leaked but insists the decision to axe the title-winning coach was the correct one.

Iain Strachan

Matt Smith: Roar players to blame too

Brisbane Roar's new interim coach Frans Thijssen hopes to rescue the A-League champions' faltering campaign, while skipper Matt Smith says the players accept their share of the blame for a dire start to 2014-15.

Iain Strachan

Socceroos will make Russia 2018 - Postecoglou

Australia coach Ange Postecoglou has guaranteed the Socceroos will qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and says his predecessors didn't have the courage to take on the tough job of regenerating the national team.

Iain Strachan

Mulvey leaves Roar post

Title-winning coach Mike Mulvey has stepped down as manager of Brisbane Roar just six matches into the team's A-League championship defence.

Iain Strachan

Mulvey steps down

Title-winning coach Mike Mulvey has stepped down as manager of Brisbane Roar just six matches into the team's A-League championship defence.

Iain Strachan

JVS: Melbourne City Scared

John van 't Schip says wins are the only antidote for Melbourne City's 'fear' and lack of belief after their 2-1 loss to Sydney FC on Saturday.

Iain Strachan

Arnie: I’d have made Del Piero work

To watch Sydney FC this season is to witness a team moulded in the image of their drill sergeant coach. Ironically, it is the absence of departed marquee Alessandro Del Piero - arguably the biggest star in A-League history - that has enabled the Sky Blues to transform themselves from also-rans to title contenders.

Iain Strachan

Janko double brings down City

Sydney FC kept pace with their fellow A-League title contenders by beating Melbourne City 2-1 away from home on Saturday night.

Iain Strachan

Davidson caught between club and country

Jason Davidson appears to be trapped in limbo between club and country, with the fullback struggling for game time at West Bromwich Albion but now set to miss out on a Premier League appearance after international duty.

Iain Strachan

Preview: Melbourne City v Sydney FC

It's sky blue and white against the original Sky Blues at AAMI Park on Saturday, with Melbourne City perhaps set to meet a Sydney FC outfit reeling from the long-term loss of Corey Gameiro.

Iain Strachan

Muscat unhappy at 'stop-start' Roar

Kevin Muscat has issued a thinly veiled criticism of Brisbane Roar's perceived time-wasting tactics in their 1-0 loss to Melbourne Victory on Friday.

Iain Strachan

Stricken Roar need to strengthen - Mulvey

Brisbane Roar coach Mike Mulvey says the struggling champions need to strengthen after losing Shane Stefanutto to a groin injury.

Iain Strachan

Victory grind out win over Roar

Melbourne Victory offered another indication of their burgeoning championship credentials on Friday night, grinding out a 1-0 win over title-holders Brisbane Roar despite being well below their best at Etihad Stadium.

Iain Strachan

A-League Preview: Roar v Victory

Strap yourself in for a wild ride as the reigning Hyundai A-League champions meet the undefeated Melbourne Victory at Etihad. We’re guessing former Roar star Besart Berisha will be, as always, in the thick of it.

Iain Strachan

A-League Preview: Glory v Phoenix

Four teams have made the trip out west in the Hyundai A-League and Westfield FFA Cup so far this season and they've all come away empty handed. Can Phoenix halt Glory's mission to turn nib Stadium into a fortress?

Iain Strachan

Muscat reveals Delpierre foot injury

Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat has revealed Matthieu Delpierre's spell on the sidelines is set to continue, with the veteran defender picking up a foot problem during his recovery from a hamstring strain.

Iain Strachan

Mariners bottle brims over with belief

Central Coast coach Phil Moss says his players can draw on their dramatic late equaliser against Melbourne City for confidence during the campaign ahead.

Iain Strachan

City will try to keep Miller - Van 't Schip

John van 't Schip says he will look to extend Liam Miller's stay with the club as Melbourne City seek to boost morale and bolster their squad following a disappointing 2-2 draw with Central Coast.

Iain Strachan

Mariners snatch a draw

Melbourne City succumbed to a late Central Coast rally to draw 2-2 at home to the Mariners on Sunday, with Phil Moss and his players proving they aren't a spent force in the A-League just yet.

Iain Strachan

Preview: Melbourne City v Mariners

After grabbing their first win against Brisbane, can Melbourne City make it two straight against the Central Coast Mariners at AAMI Park on Sunday?

Iain Strachan

Villa: City 'treated me perfectly'

Rumours David Villa walked out on Melbourne City have little substance if the player himself is to be believed, with the Spanish superstar hailing his A-League experience.

Iain Strachan

Muscat hits out at 'disrespectful' Arnie comments

Kevin Muscat believes Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold crossed a line ahead of Saturday's blockbuster clash by suggesting Melbourne Victory have already peaked this season.

Iain Strachan

Preview: Adelaide v Phoenix

Will the Reds remain unbeaten as they host an impressive Wellington Phoenix outfit at Coopers Stadium on Saturday evening?

Iain Strachan

Japan without coach Aguirre

Japan will be without head coach Javier Aguirre for several days during the build-up to their friendly against the Socceroos .

Iain Strachan

Leijer: We can deal with missing players

Adrian Leijer is confident Melbourne Victory can cope with a host of key absentees when they face fellow Hyundai A-League front-runners Sydney FC in a Harbour City blockbuster.

Iain Strachan

Glory count the cost after Cup win

Perth Glory's FFA Cup semi-final win over Bentleigh Greens may have come at a cost, with coach Kenny Lowe claiming as many as four players picked up injuries which could rule them out of Saturday's A-League game against Western Sydney Wanderers FC.

Iain Strachan

Socceroos set to face Germany

The Socceroos will tackle world champions Germany in a friendly on March 25, according to Oliver Bierhoff.

Iain Strachan

Glory end Greens dream run

A full house packed into Kingston Heath Soccer Complex on Tuesday night hoping to see Bentleigh Greens complete a fairytale run to the inaugural FFA Cup final, but Perth Glory obviously hadn't read the script, as the A-League leaders ran out relatively comfortable 3-0 winners.

Iain Strachan

Liam Miller joins Melbourne City

Melbourne City have moved quickly to sign Liam Miller on a temporary basis after the Irish veteran walked out on Brisbane Roar.

Iain Strachan

Counter-attacking City nudge 'Roarcelona' toward extinction

Goal Australia examines where Saturday night's 'desperation derby' between Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City was won and lost.

Iain Strachan

Aussies Abroad: Wilkinson wins title

The Socceroos centre-back lifted silverware in Korea with time to spare following Saturday's win on the road.

Iain Strachan

More groin trouble for Taggart

Socceroos striker Adam Taggart has suffered a minor setback in his rehabilitation from a groin injury after slipping in training with Fulham.

Iain Strachan

Hunter hoodoo has guru Muscat fired up

Kevin Muscat says Melbourne Victory's poor record away to the Newcastle Jets won't be hanging over his players on Saturday.

Iain Strachan

Van't Schip adamant on Kennedy fitness

Melbourne City coach John van 't Schip is adamant new Australian marquee Josh Kennedy won't become the latest in a string of creaking veterans to flop at the club.

Iain Strachan

Preview: Adelaide United v Sydney FC

With both Adelaide United and Sydney FC deadlocked on 10 points at the top of the table, it promises to be a blockbuster at Coopers Stadium on Friday night.

Iain Strachan

City confirm Kennedy capture

Melbourne City have confirmed the signing of Socceroos centre-forward Josh Kennedy as their Australian marquee player to the end of the 2015-16 season.

Iain Strachan

Kisnorbo: Villa a distraction

Patrick Kisnorbo has admitted the brief presence of superstar David Villa may have been a distraction for winless Melbourne City.

Iain Strachan

Galloway: Bring on the next Neymar

Melbourne Victory defender Scott Galloway is looking forward to locking horns with the best up-and-coming talent Brazil has to offer after being named in the latest Olyroos squad.

Iain Strachan

Jets lose Steele indefinitely

Jonny Steele has been granted an indefinite period of personal leave from the Newcastle Jets for reasons the club have not made public.

Iain Strachan

Midfield the focus for tinkering Ange

Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou appears more concerned about perceived deficiencies in the centre of the park rather than the bluntness in attack seized upon by most observers last month.

Iain Strachan

Squad depth critical - Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou insists he is obliged to continue experimenting in the lead-up to the AFC Asian Cup after naming his latest Australia squad.

Iain Strachan

Postecoglou: Socceroos should never be settled

Ange Postecoglou insists he is obliged to continue experimenting in the lead-up to the Asian Cup after shaking things up with his latest Australia squad.

Iain Strachan

Antonis, Nichols named in Socceroos squad

Mitch Nichols, Terry Antonis and Aaron Mooy are among the fresh faces named in Australia's squad to play Japan on November 18.

Iain Strachan

Trio earn Australia recall

Mitch Nichols, Terry Antonis and Aaron Mooy are among the fresh faces named in Australia's squad to play Japan on November 18.

Iain Strachan

Aussies abroad: Bresciano, Troisi on target in wins

The two Socceroos midfielders hit the back of the net in Belgium and Qatar respectively, while Ben Halloran and Mathew Leckie clashed in Germany.

Iain Strachan

Victory without Berisha, Delpierre

Kevin Muscat has confirmed Matthieu Delpierre and Besart Berisha will miss Monday's match at home to Wellington Phoenix but is confident Melbourne Victory can cope without the duo.

Iain Strachan

Popovic: "We are the biggest club in Asia"

Having lifted the AFC Champions League title, Western Sydney's coach and goalkeeper responded to claims they are a 'a small club' by announcing their intention to match it with the very best at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Iain Strachan

Popovic: Dreams do come true

Tony Popovic hailed Western Sydney as a "special group" after seeing his side become the first Australians to win the AFC Champions League.

Iain Strachan

Western Sydney Wanderers conquer Asia

Western Sydney Wanderers have completed a remarkable fairytale, crowned AFC Champions League winners after surviving an onslaught to draw 0-0 away to Al-Hilal in the second leg of the final on Sunday.

Iain Strachan

Al-Hilal 0 W. Sydney 0 (agg 0-1)

Western Sydney Wanderers won the AFC Champions League after surviving an onslaught to draw 0-0 at Al-Hilal in the second leg of the final.

Iain Strachan

Preview: Perth Glory v Newcastle Jets

Last week the Jets were in New Zealand, now they're in Perth. That's a tough schedule for a side seeking their first win of the season, especially against a Glory outfit riding high following a big midweek Cup win over Victory.

Iain Strachan

Ajax keen on Adelaide youngster

Adelaide United coach Josep Gombau has confirmed Eredivisie giants Ajax are looking to take teenage winger Awer Mabil on trial

Iain Strachan

Reds spoil Villa finale

Adelaide United came from behind to beat Melbourne City 2-1 in a scrappy A-League encounter on Friday.

Iain Strachan

Preview: Melbourne Victory v Wellington Phoenix

An injury depleted Victory host the resurgent Phoenix in what promises to be an intriguing match-up at AAMI Park on Monday.

Iain Strachan

Miller released by Brisbane Roar

Brisbane Roar have agreed to release championship-winning midfielder Liam Miller 'by mutual consent', according to a club statement.

Iain Strachan

Preview: Melbourne City v Adelaide United

A Spanish flavour for sure when David Villa faces some footballing compadres at AAMi as the tiki-taka-infused Reds roll into Melbourne for a football fiesta with a lukewarm City.

Iain Strachan

Van't Schip: We can emulate Adelaide United

Melbourne City coach John van 't Schip says Adelaide United's transformation from strugglers to frontrunners can be the model for his side ahead of Friday's clash between the two teams.

Iain Strachan

Greens dreaming of cup glory

Ask John Anastasiadis if his team have a chance of winning the inaugural Westfield FFA Cup and the message from Bentleigh Greens coach will come back loud and clear: "Nothing is impossible."

Iain Strachan

Mori: City back on the map

Damian Mori believes Adelaide City's run to the FFA Cup quarter-finals has put them back on the map of Australian football.

Iain Strachan

Bentleigh Greens storm home

Bentleigh Greens came from behind to end Adelaide City's run in the FFA Cup and become the only team from outside the A-League to reach the inaugural semi-finals.

Iain Strachan

McGlinchey.stars as Phoenix put four past Jets

Wellington Phoenix cruised to a 4-1 win at home to Newcastle Jets in the A-League on Sunday, thanks largely to a masterclass from Michael McGlinchey.

Iain Strachan

Muscat insists Victory not focused on A-League title

Kevin Muscat says there is no reason Melbourne Victory can't win the A-League title but the coach's immediate focus is improving a squad he called 'hungry as all hell' following a thumping 5-2 derby win over Melbourne City.

Iain Strachan

City can't confirm Kennedy signing

Melbourne City coach John van 't Schip declined an opportunity to confirm the signing of striker Josh Kennedy in the wake of a 5-2 derby loss to Melbourne Victory.

Iain Strachan

Berisha scores hat-trick as Melbourne Victory thump City

Melbourne Victory twice came from behind to beat local rivals Melbourne City 5-2 and lay down a marker to the rest of the A-League in front of a packed Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

Iain Strachan

Tommy Oar linked to Dutch giants

Socceroo forward Tommy Oar is a target for Eredivisie champions Ajax, according to a local media outlet in the Netherlands.

Iain Strachan

Cahill and Bresciano on JVS's marquee wishlist

Melbourne City coach John van 't Schip has revealed the club hope to make an announcement about their vacant Australian marquee spot in the coming weeks.

Iain Strachan

Muscat, Victory target reeling City

Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat says his team will put Melbourne City 'under enormous pressure' right from the kick-off in Saturday's derby.

Iain Strachan

Frustrated JVS plays down Villa's early exit

Melbourne City coach John van 't Schip has sought to shrug off the impact of David Villa's impending departure being leaked ahead of the Melbourne derby, but the Dutchman's frustration with the handling of the situation was plain for all to see.

Iain Strachan

Preview: Melbourne Victory v Melbourne City

Can the Melbourne Derby match last Saturday’s Sydney version for passion and drama? We’ll soon find out when the newly rebranded City face their biggest test yet – Victory and their Berisha-inspired strike-force in front of an expected crowd of 45,000 rowdy Melbourne fans.

Iain Strachan

Preview: Adelaide United v Perth Glory

A-League leaders Perth Glory make the trip to South Australia aiming to claim all three points at the expense of an entertaining Adelaide United, with the Reds determined to ensure the visitors don't have it all their own way on Sunday.

Iain Strachan

Victory's Valeri mocks David Villa departure

Carl Valeri has done his best to stoke the embers of the cross-city rivalry ahead of this week's derby, suggesting Melbourne City's loss of David Villa for over a month of the season was a classic case of 'buyer beware'.

Iain Strachan

David Villa leaving Melbourne City early

Melbourne City confirmed star David Villa will leave Australia after the fourth round of the A-League season, with a return date in doubt.

Iain Strachan

David Villa rescues City against Jets

David Villa was the saviour again for Melbourne City on Sunday, scoring the equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw for the second game in succession, this time at home to the Newcastle Jets.

Iain Strachan

Preview: Adelaide v Victory

There is no love lost between Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United, and the neutrals will be tuning in too with a potential cracker of beautiful A-League football brewing at Adelaide Oval .

Iain Strachan

Preview: Melbourne City v Newcastle Jets

Spanish superstar David Villa makes his starting debut as Melbourne City host Newcastle Jets at AAMI Park on Sunday.

Iain Strachan

A-League Preview: Perth Glory v Brisbane Roar

This is a tricky one to call. Perth look a much tougher prospect these days, especially as midfield anchor Royston Griffiths - under done on his return to the A-League last season - now has the benefit of a full pre-season behind him.

Iain Strachan

David Villa to start against Jets

John van 't Schip says Spanish great David Villa will be given his first start in a Melbourne City shirt against the Newcastle Jets on Sunday.

Iain Strachan

Qatar 0-1 Australia: Mounting crisis or work in progress?

A disappointing Middle East stint has raised a few question marks... But is it panic time?

Iain Strachan

Socceroos humbled by Qatar

A Khalfan Ibrahim goal condemned Australia to a 1-0 defeat against Qatar on Wednesday, leaving Ange Postecoglou with plenty of questions to answer ahead of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.

Iain Strachan

Preview: Socceroos v Qatar

The Socceroos will hope to combine their newfound defensive solidity with a cutting edge up front when they tackle Qatar in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Iain Strachan

Victory thump Wanderers in A-League opener

Melbourne Victory buried their opening-night hoodoo in emphatic fashion at Etihad Stadium on Friday, thumping Western Sydney 4-1 to register their first Round 1 win since 2006-07.

Iain Strachan

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