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Wednesday, 09. January 2008
Back to training
By adrian_luka, 14:11
January 9, 2008
After a long period of time out of the game, due to breaking his leg while playing soccer, Reardo LUKA is back to training with South Melbourne FC.
His leg when in hospital
Facing many difficulties to recover, which were directly related to the bad job that was on his leg done by one of Melbourne’s hospitals, Reardo is very happy to return to his beloved game.
His leg nowadays
Starting light sessions yesterday January 8, he aims to be back on the field by the end of March 2008 and give his best to regain the top goal scorer position, which he lead for 2 years in a row with SMFC Youth Team.
Sincerely Reardo thanks all supporters who helped him pass this hard time and at the same time is determined to reach his ‘shattered dream.’
als-08
Tuesday, 22. May 2007
Why things are going wrong?
By adrian_luka, 19:45
Collecting and developing football players who stand undeveloped till now
Tuesday, 22 May 2007
When the new U/21 SMFC team started training at the start of 2007 FOXTEL CUP some spectators, very experienced in talent recognition of players, pointed out that the players collected to represent SMFC this year will be so far behind standards and requirements to participate and represent SMFC with dignity.
As the championship is progressing from one game to another only defeats are taking place.
So, used to seeing South’s “BLUE & WHITE” team triumphant in most of the stages through out the previous years they are very disappointed with the performance of this year’s team.
All responsibilities go to the SMFC leaders who calmly opposed and ignored warnings of “unofficial” voices and they innovated differently from the World’s structures and experiences, presenting business to surprise everyone: dismissing many previous good U/21 players and bringing in those so called ‘young talented’ players instead.
More over, they credited surprisingly and unjustly some of those new-comers to do training with the senior team even though they were not showing strength and are not able yet to show any talent in playing this game in their group age, let’s bear in mind them playing against stronger, faster and more skilful senior boys. Remember: most of the teams in this year’s competition in general have players younger than we do, who are showing real talent to be considered for senior level.
Not aiming to offend anyone, but to encourage these SMFC young players to be more open-minded, to perform and behave simple when playing this team game I wish for everyone to keep up that dream of winning what comes up in their way through their football career and not to stick in their faces Pinocchio’s nose, a tendency which we clearly see in some of them.
I strongly advise some of the players to forget dreaming Maradona’s success and play for the win rather than for personal gains.
U/21SMFC team: aiming the “Guinness World Record” book win
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South Melbourne
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1
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-
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2
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Heidelberg Utd
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Richmond
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1
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-
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1
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South Melbourne
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Essendon Royals
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3
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-
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1
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South Melbourne
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South Melbourne
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2
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-
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5
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Green Gully Cavaliers
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Oakleigh Cannons
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3
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-
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1
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South Melbourne
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South Melbourne
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0
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-
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3
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Melbourne Knights
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Fawkner Blues
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2
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-
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0
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South Melbourne
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South Melbourne
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5
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-
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1
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Altona Magic
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V.I.S
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5
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-
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1
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South Melbourne
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South Melbourne
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0
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-
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1
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Springvale White Eagles
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Whittlesea Zebras
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4
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-
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1
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South Melbourne
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ALS-07
Sunday, 29. April 2007
SMFC 5 v 1 Altona Magic SC
By adrian_luka, 23:25
Round 8: SMFC 5 v 1 Altona Magic SC
U/21 Premier league – FOXTEL Cup, 2007
Sunday, 29 April 2007
That’s the way to represent South Melbourne FC
The clash of the two bottom teams in the ladder till now between SMFC and Altona Magic ended with a 5:1 victory for SMFC boys, who recorded their first win in 8 rounds.
From the start of the game South’s boys put a lot of pressure on the opponent and the way they played today caused 5 goals and many other good chances to deepen the result.
The first chance was created in the 6th minute when # 30 missed an ideal chance for South to take the lead, but he did not show enough power to continue his action even though he was one on one with Altona’s keeper.
In the 12th minute Altona created a perfect chance to take the advantage, but the cross from the left side by # 10 was not met in time by his friends, making the ball end up on the other side of the field. In the 15th and the 16th minutes two good actions followed and Altona looked like leading the game, but Altona’s most active players, # 10 and # 8 were both not able to convert.
In the 20th minute South reacted with a swift counter attack and the ball headed by # 33, crossed from South’s right attacking side, just missed the target. One minute later, the same player did not have the strength to carry on his action successfully and Altona’s defender regained the ball easily in a very decisive moment.
It was the 39th minute when South scored the first goal after a mixed contribution by # 30 and # 33. The action started and looked like a goal by # 30, but as the ball got close to the goal line last touch was made by # 33. This goal boosted some hopes of a certain win and South’s coach optimistically encouraged his players to keep pressuring and aiming to score another goal as soon as possible. And three minutes later South’s boys scored the second goal, due to an individual run and nice finish by # 30.
After this moment we saw Altona’s boys becoming more dispirited and disorientated in their actions. They weren’t creating dangerous situations in front of South’s goalie. So, the first half ended with the result 2:0 for South.
In the second half, we saw South’s coach implementing changes in their playing tactics and strategies for the first time in all rounds played so far, which were very effective in the end: # 30 (an attacker) was replaced with a defender and # 26 (a defender) was put in his preferred attacking role.
It was 7th minute of the half when # 26 scored the third goal for South.
After South’s goal, Altona responded somehow and their boys became more active in an effort to score and they later concluded in the 20th minute, with # 7 scoring.
After this moment the game passed through some calm moments and was played more in the middle of the field rather than in front of the goalies. This period did not have any good moments to mention.
In the 30th minute a goal was scored after a nice cross from the left side by # 29 and it was again # 26 who headed the ball into the top corner of Altona’s goal.
In the 37th minute Altona Magic lost one of its best chances to convert, but one of the attackers missed the target from close range.
As the game was closing today’s chapter the fifth goal was scored by # 33 on 42 minutes for South and with the result 5:1 this interesting battle between rivals ended.
In a conclusion, I should say that that’s the way to represent SMFC and our boys should always focus positively in winning other upcoming games.
Well done!
ALS-07
Sunday, 22. April 2007
CB Smith Reserve at 13:00
By adrian_luka, 21:27
FOXTEL CUP: U/21 Victorian Premier League
Sunday, 22 April 2007
Round 7: Fawkner Blues SC 2 v 0 SMFC
When SMFC players started shouting optimistically before the start of the game, everyone thought and believed that our boys will present us with a win today. ‘Unfortunately’, they lost again 2:0 against Fawkner Blues, a team of average strength.
Being very open and frank in my writing I did not like this sort of introduction from our boys, as I have always strongly supported that soccer’s real battle is not played by spreading words in the air, but by performing strongly as a team and winning the game at the end.
Our boys started today’s game somehow good, as they have usually done in previous matches played, and in the 11th minute they had a chance to score.
However, it was Fawkner that took the lead in the 14th minute after a ‘real scramble’ in front of South’s goalie. As the game progressed Fawkner scored again in the 31st minute after a shot from 25 meters, which was a very easy ball to control, but the SMFC reserve keeper did not perform well.
The second half started without any plausible moments for Fawkner, but with the changes made they seemed more than happy with the result and with the three valuable points which were taken from “White & Blue” team so easily.
South’s boys had just two good chances in this half to bring the result to a different outcome, but the attackers did not find it easy to score.
Our young SMFC team (playing in the U/21 FOXTEL competition) is each time strangely developing the skill of losing a game rather than winning it.
And to be very concise in my conclusion for the games played till now I say un-doubted that some of the U/21 SMFC players who have been selected by the coaches are not able, not skilled and not strong enough to play in such levels. In addition, I see it as a wrong judgement by some of SMFC leaders to take their talent in their own age group away and to push them up to compete against stronger players who dominate in all aspects.
ALS-07
Monday, 16. April 2007
R_6: SNFC 0 v 3 Melbourne Knights FC
By adrian_luka, 20:03
FOXTEL CUP – U/21 Victorian Premier League
Monday, 16 April 2007
SMFC 0 v 3 Melbourne Knights FC
South Melbourne FC and all its fans are very disappointed with the decision of the Football Federation Victoria to forfeit the round 6 fixture for both the senior and reserve teams against the Melbourne Knights, giving the Knights a valuable three point gift in an unjust way.
As we are informed, to look after the club interests and to adjust conclusions for order and safety regulations for both teams and their supporters rose from the previous clash between these two teams, South Melbourne FC forced to a limited entry allowing only South Melbourne FC members.
Acting on the advice and compliance of the Victoria Police, it seems to have been the right decision which was taken by SMFC leaders. And for all of us simple people, that are supporting this club with no interests of profitable aspirations, it is our duty to protect our club’s interests whatever the cost is, including missing some games.
“The arrangements for a South Melbourne FC member only game were deemed unacceptable by the FFV who dictated and wanted to impose alternative security arrangements for the fixture. The FFV insisted that the game be open to all fans which would have required 30 police, 25 security guards and 6 ground marshals at the game. South Melbourne FC would have been required to bear the cost of such security arrangements…” we read on the www.smfc.com.au.
Not going to explain any further, it seems very clear that the decision taken by the FFV is simply a sort of ‘political’ tactics and strategies to create as much difficulties as possible for this club, which is aiming for an A-League position. Spending any club’s money in a bypass way that seems legal, FFV tries to gain as much profits as possible for a cast of high ranked businessmen who are demanding to push all people only towards Melbourne Victory’s team. In conjunction with this matter the FFV from time to time looks to support some extra jobs for the Police Department and its levers, as they are for their plans the future’s helping right hand.
It is bad luck for any team in Victoria that we still follow some orders, rules and regulations which are directed by unable, unskillful and bureaucratic people.
ALS-07
Sunday, 01. April 2007
R_5: Oakleigh Cannons 3 v 1 SMFC
By adrian_luka, 09:42
Round 5: Oakleigh Cannons 3:1 SMFC
Friday, 30/3/2007
It is still not enough…
As the Springvale White Eagles SC, a debutant club for the first time, till now are remaining on the top of the ladder and showing good performances and the right tempo to be involved in the battle for the title, the ‘Blue & White’ players are still holding their club’s famous name at the bottom of the ladder.
SMFC boys played their fifth game of the competition today loosing again 3:1 against the home team Oakleigh Cannons, at Jack Edwards Reserve.
In general, the game was nice to watch as both teams created chances and gave the spectators many plausible moments. It’s for the fact that both teams are Greek and that for many years these teams have been strong rivals also.
It was Oakleigh’s team that signaled the determination to win this game and in the first 15minutes some players’ powerful shots were enthusiastic, but missed by a bit off the target.
South Melbourne, on the other hand, was doing well in those 15 minutes and the team had two very clear chances to take the lead but the attacker possessing the ball did not show the ability and skill to convert both of them, or at least one of those chances.
Then, in the 20th minute Oakleigh Cannons’ boys scored their first goal, which came up after a mistake was made by a SMFC defender trying to dribble in his zone and the ball taken from him by one of Oakleigh’s attackers was sent with his left foot into the back of the net.
Five minutes later, it was Daniel Vasquez for South that equalized after a ‘bullet’ fired from 35 meters that found the Oakleigh keeper napping and the result ended 1:1 in the first half.
In the second half, it was Oakleigh Cannons that dominated the game and from the start many good chances were missed one after another. It was in the 12th minute when a shot from distance surprisingly hit South’s net for the second time. It was actually a mistake made by South’s reserve keeper, who was playing today as the team’s first keeper is playing with the senior team later on, rather than a merit of Oakleigh’s attacker.
After scoring their second goal Oakleigh kept a lot of pressure on and in 18th and 19th minutes they had two very clear chances to easily deepen the result. However, in approximately the 23rd minute Oakleigh’s boys scored the third goal again from long distance, which seemed to be for a second time the mixture of a mistake made firstly by South’s defenders and secondly of their new keeper who did not pay attention to that shot and the ball passed through his hands. Oakleigh lost some other clear chances and in the last dying minute the ball hit the bar twice.
In the second half, just some South’s players fought to change the result, but the attempts (especially those of number 24, Sebastian Gonzalez, who is constantly the best player for U/21 SMFC) were unsuccessful. In the decisive moments, the attacking players were holding the ball unnecessarily too much and playing without fantasy with chances to score or pass it to other players in a more favorable position for scoring.
In conclusion, Oakleigh Cannons deserved the win today.
The “Blue and White” team’s followers and supporters are not happy at all with the results of SMFC till now and they rightly do not agree with the justification “… players for development” or with the expression they hear “…It is the talent that the club was able to collect for the moment”.
Everyone agrees that the SMFC boys have made huge progress compared with the previous games played, but it is still not enough to satisfy the requirements.
GO SOUTH, GIVE YOUR SUPPORTERS A WIN NEXT TIME!
ALS-07
Monday, 26. March 2007
2007 FOXTEL Cup - Round 4
By adrian_luka, 17:45
Round 4: SMFC 2 v 5 Green Gully SC
2007 FOXTEL Cup – U/21 Vic. Premier League
Sunday, 25 March 2007
“Having a young team” doesn’t mean “always losing”
The U/21 SMFC, a team which is represented in the 2007 VPL championship by U/17, U/18 and some U/19 boys, lost again this time at home against Green Gully SC with a score of 5:2.
South Melbourne suffered in all parts of the field lacking creativity, skill, and power to handle the ball and finish off many goal scoring opportunities as well. The boys seemed to be playing just to get a kick of the ball today, an ability that exists in all children playing this game, rather than passing it to each other with art and aiming to score in their pieces of play. The visitors did not carry out a spectacular display themselves, as apparently many mistakes were made, but the way they attacked was so efficient, managing to score five times and at the end go home with 3 valuable points.
The visitors opened their goal scoring account in the 15th minute, when a good run by number 15, who after putting the ball through the keeper’s legs saluted the home crowd.
Approximately 7 minutes later Green Gully saw itself gain a 2 goal advantage. This time it was # 9 who nicely chipped the ball over South’s keeper, after receiving a long ball.
South’s boys lost control of their nerves and # 32 was rightly cautioned with a yellow card and penalized with a free-kick by the referee. It resulted in a perfect goal scored by Gully to take a 3:0 lead.
Just before the end of the first half South found the way to score after a very good combination between three players. It was the best moment to mention for South with # 37 slotting through a goal. The rest of their combinations and plays were boring with many mistakes made.
With the first half coming to an end the referee signaled 3 added minutes as a result of many pushes and slight injuries and during the last seconds of the first half Gully missed a very good opportunity to deepen the result, after a big mistake was made by # 32 of the home team.
The second half started with a balance of possession, but in the 18th minute of the second half a goal was scored by Gully when a South defender gifted the ball to a Gully attacker, 4:1.
After that moment South’s young players behaved in a ‘hot blooded’ manner with the referee doing a serious thing by criticizing South’s # 37 and red carding # 32 for rough play and use of bad language. This usage of the bad language was apparent in some of South’s players and the spectators did not like it. Some serious measures should be taken by the club’s leaders clearly stating that this sort of behavior is not to be repeated next time or at any time.
In the 38th minute of the second half Green Gully scored again from a free kick and the score was 5:1.
In the dying minutes of added time a player that for most of game was confused and unsafe in his playing role scored South’s second goal.
Green Gully deserved the win bringing forward many question marks of the players selected by South.
Until now, the ability, skill and power that is required to compete with dignity is missing and no-one is convinced that with the current team South can be serious title contenders. The way some young players are performing lets us understand that this year the U/21’s will not satisfy its supporters and if this continues the SMFC in general. The talented player is who plays for the team and gives for the team. Till now this is lacking and is showing with the results so far. The development of these players as is justified is not an excuse, as the spectators want wins as well.
ALS-07
Saturday, 17. March 2007
R_3: Essendon Royals 3 v 1 SMFC
By adrian_luka, 17:38
(U/21 Victorian Premier League)
Friday, 16 March 2007
Another loss for South’s boys
(It’s time to care for supporters as well)
Essendon Royals did not find it easy to score the first goal even though they dominated today’s game against the young South Melbourne FC team. Only bad refereeing at the crucial times pushed most of Essendon’s experienced matured players to find that magic key that brought them a triumphant 3:1 victory.
It was the seventh minute when the first chance was shaped by one of Essendon’s attackers, but South keeper Mladen Tosic denied it with a lovely save.
Then it was South Melbourne that counter attacked and after a perfect cross from the right side, Jonathan Ioannou easily headed the ball in, 1:0 for South.
Two minutes later, a free kick was accorded in Essendon’s favour but it did not change the result as the ball went just over the bar.
Essendon continued the pressure and as the minutes passed the game started to be more and more attractive. Essendon was so desperate to equalize but ‘luck’ was not on their side: some shots were off target and in some other cases the attackers were ‘engaged’ with other ideas… Consequently, they did not finish the job properly.
While South on the go created two of its best chances to deepen the result in the first half in the 26th minute, the attacker did not have the right speed to convert the lovely pass to score a second goal and in the 31st minute where one of South’s defender got the ball a few metres before halfway, dribbling player after player did not succeed with Essendon’s last defender stripping the ball off him at the end. From many points of view, this action would have probably been a goal for South if the ball had been switched to another South player ahead of him and in a better position before reaching the Essendon’s last defending player. Concisely, we face that expression where “…idea is only an idea and no-one should be stopped from the initiative to say it”. Bad luck boy! In general you did well despite it appearing as selfishness in that particular scenario.
After the 32nd minute, as one of South’s players went out bleeding, we saw South’s boys playing with 10 men, which pushed Essendon to attack more frequently and create some good chances: in the 37th minute a strong shot just touched the cross bar; in the 38th minute after a ‘battle’ in South’s keeper’s zone Essendon came so close to scoring and in the 43rd minute a big mistake by South’s keeper released Essendon’s attacker onto an empty goal but he kicked the ball off target.
The second half started with two pieces of play setup nicely by Essendon, which were not finalised, both saved by South’s keeper.
It was the 3rd minute when surprisingly the referee pointed for a penalty kick in Essendon’s favour. Essendon’s attacker and South’s defender were both running for a 50/50 ball. It was South’s defender that was firstly brought down by Essendon’s player and then he himself went down as well. The penalty kick was converted and Essendon equalized 1:1.
Then, when we reached the 8th minute again we saw the linesman did not raise his flag as two of Essendon’s players caught clearly offside. As the main referee allowed the action to continue it resulted in another goal against South.
Rightly, “…but not justified by …of conduct”, some South’s players protested for this un-justice and two of them were cautioned with yellow cards.
Both teams made changes to bust the game, but the replacements did not make any difference.
As the second half progressed it showed some different ‘characteristics’ of play for both teams. Essendon gained full support of the referees at every moment and attacked aggressively to discourage the visitors. While we saw South’s players going down and down every minute passed and ‘chatting’ with referees till the end of this game.
I confidently can say that all events which occurred through out this second half were dictated ‘strictly with authority’ and ‘in conformation with regulations’ by referees, which showed some moments of bad understanding of regulations, improper knowledge in solving some tough and tricky situations and (adding on the top of it) I say that none of the referees in today’s game were not experienced enough to be suitably referee soccer game at this level. Nevertheless, the Victorian Football Federation - Refereeing Section, gave them a job and they finished the job (FULL STOP)
Essendon scored the third goal with merit and this interesting game ended 3:1 in Essendon’s favour.
ALS-07
Saturday, 10. March 2007
2007 FOXTEL Cup-U/21 VPL, Round 2: Richmond 1 v 1 SMFC
By adrian_luka, 11:09
Friday, March 9 2007
For more information : www.football.resultsvault.com.au
Our boys are getting there
(U/21 Fox-Tel Cup: Richmond supported by senior players, SMFC only by their keeper)
In many aspects, it was a domination by Richmond's boys in the clash with South Melbourne today at Kevin Bartlett Reserve. Only luck and excellent form shown by South's keeper Mladen Tosić saved South from being beaten considerably.
It was South Melbourne that attacked first as the game started creating two good chances, but both missed as a result of a lapse of concentration by the attacking line.
Then, it was Richmond that reacted swiftly with an outstanding counter-attack in the 13-th minute creating an excellent opportunity to take the lead. But, the player with the number 30 on his back, after dribbling three South's defenders, 'blasted his gun' off target.
One of South's attackers missed a perfect chance to score in the 15-th minute, but his good idea to volley went way too far off target. Again a perfect chance to take the lead was missed by # 34 for South as he kicked the ball off target with a non-professional kick. The best chance for South was created on the 29-th minute when player wearing the # 24 shirt hit the cross bar after a nice header.
However, with chance after chance, Richmond dominated the first half, not only winning it 1:0 but leaving behind some wonderful moments as well:
22-nd minute (# 35 deviated the ball by mistake sending it over the bar while it was on the goal line); 32-nd minute (a powerful shot by # 33, but a brilliant save by South's keeper denied it); 34-th minute (a lovely combination to reach South's goal zone and # 35 concluded with the right ability. So, 1:0 for Richmond); 40-th minute (a strong shot on target, but a perfect ball accumulation by South's keeper).
The second half kept somehow that tempo of chances created, but not as clear as those in the first half. The physical tempo fell and both teams showed some moments of confusion in sorting out their actions. The game again was dominated by Richmond so despaired to score for the second time and deepen the lead. Playing aggressively they created some dangerous moments but all their chances were wonderfully solved professionally by Mladen Tosić, South's keeper who signed with the senior team for 2007. On the other side of the coin, South defended well not to cop another goal. Apparent was the play of Dean Pyle, South's defender and captain for this team who did his best to stop the Richmond players from extending the lead.
In the second half, South made its second change in the attacking sector, equilibrating the situation after the 30 minutes of play. Semir Zulić, the new player who was badly injured last year and now is still recovering after a knee operation, did very well on his part left putting huge pressure on Richmond's tall defenders.
In the last dying minute South scored a nice goal by # 33 and equalized the game.
In conclusion, the attacking sector was the weakest link of the South team today, not skilful and not fit enough in this game. The attackers missed some clear and very easy chances to score. In general, the midfielders did not show power and lacked playing with art. The only sector to fulfil its duty was the defending one.
In my point of view, if some players that are covering the wrong sectors for their skills and abilities that they possess would be put in the proper positions or in the right sectors, our "White and Blue" boys would compete in this championship with dignity and will bring up their games more efficiently each time.
Despite South equalizing, Richmond deserved the honours today and accordingly its supporters were disappointed with the draw.
The referees' judgements in some cases were wrong, or 'blinded', and in some other cases their decisions were called late. In one case, the referee correctly pointed for an indirect free kick as the keeper caught the ball out of the 16 metre box, but some seconds later he changed his decision as one of the linesmen had wrongly flagged for offside.
ALS-07
Sunday, 04. March 2007
2007 FOXTEL Cup-U/21 VPL, Round 1: SMFC 1 v 2 Heidelberg
By adrian_luka, 13:22
Started the 2007 FOXTEL Cup in Victorian Premier League
Sunday, 4 March 2007
U/21 South Melbourne FC start the new season with a loss
U/21 South Melbourne FC presented this year with a new team with players mostly coming from the U/17 competitions. As a result, they started the 2007 FOXTEL Cup season with a loss 2:1 against Heidelberg United SC, even though the game was in balance with chances created by both teams and for the mistakes recorded by them as well.
The first good chance to take the advantage belonged to South’s boys in the 7-th minute, when a South midfield player hit the interior of the cross bar and the referee continued the game although the ball clearly passed the goal line. Again South’s boys missed a very ideal opportunity to be in the lead in the 12-th minute, but two attacking players did not show the skill required and hesitated at the right moment to “kiss Heidelberg’s net”.
Then, it was Heidelberg that got the initiative and a mistake by South’s defenders, and the keeper’s hesitation allowed the opponents to score with number 10 putting the ball into the back of the net, taking the lead 1:0 in the 15-th minute. After 5 minutes it was again number 10 for Heidelberg that scored the second goal after a “here you are” ball passed once more by a South defender.
It was in the 25-th minute when South boys scored their first goal of the new season, after a good shot by number 37.
In the first half, South Melbourne recorded its best chances at 7, 12, 25, 35 and 42 minutes when in two cases the ball hit the post and in the other chances created the shots were not hit on target. If some young players would have a little bit more experience ‘smelling’ the right time to pass or kick the ball, and if they would have determinedly the sense of collective play, I say that the U/21 South Melbourne team has a chance to be the champions at the end of the season.
On the other hand, Heidelberg created its best moments at 15 and 19 minutes, where they scored in both cases, and 10 and 25 minutes where they were so close to deepen the advantage already created. The visitors from Heidelberg finished the first half 2:1 in their favor.
As the game progressed in the second half we saw both teams playing a more physical game rather than a clever and an attractive one. From time to time the game recalled the first half’s mistakes. However, we saw some moments of aggressive play with some lovely passes in the second half.
Reaching the conclusion of this game, we congratulate the new team for the effort showed despite losing and wish them victory in the future.
ALS-07
Saturday, 17. February 2007
Which one will be crowned "Australias Best Soccer Team"?
By adrian_luka, 23:26
Last year Merrick was criticized, and now Kosmina’s turn
I should say, that some authorized writers in the media are totally influenced by guidelines given by the big bosses involved in the business of politics, sports and other activities and some other non-authorized writers or critics write articles just to have their names written or mentioned somewhere in the papers or on the Internet.
This first group, of writers do not have their own opinion in any sort of event, especially when the right opinion should be given when something so called ‘bad’ occurred. As a big boss speaks first his main idea about a scenario which happened then an article comes up by a writer in conformation with the instructions given by the boss. At the end, those writers just “count both the money they earned and the articles they have written during a year”. I think the diplomas they possess are just “as colourful as the nature of a chameleon” and the articles they write “are unstable in the way the wind blows in their minds”.
In contrary, some blog writers are not influenced by anyone, but are totally incompetent especially in sport feelings and without any further assessment they give their own ‘definitions’ for a sportsman or a coach as something not disputable.
“Merrick should be replaced…” “He is not…” I have read last year for Melbourne Victory’s coach Ernie Merrick. Is Merrick nowadays the coach that expects to crown his team with the highest Australian football title and medallion? Isn’t he?
“Kosmina is an idiot….” “He is not … and blla, blla blla” I read today for Kosmina. Is Kosmina another finalist coach that fights for this title to his team? Isn’t he?
I have already given my opinion by writing in a comment:
“Why our lives are filled with so many different colors from each other?”
It is because: somebody is a politician, someone a solicitor, and someone works as a driver and someone else as a fisherman... someone goes to army to kill or be killed and someone enjoys working as a policeman... I work as a car park attendant.
Kosmina and Merrick are both very respected coaches and I do not see anything wrong in their behaviors on the stadium or even on the ground, even if there would be, let's say, a ‘punch’. Not really...
I see in them and even in the players just those natural reactions and necessary expressions that this World game must have, especially when you are totally passionate and devoted and are in love with it.
Go both teams and give us and Australia your best show to remember as a finale and do not take any note that the media spreads around and of those that none competent writers say.
ALS-07”
Sunday, 11. February 2007
A note to The Australian Football Federation
By adrian_luka, 01:55
Saturday, 10 February 2007
South Melbourne FC the Winner of 2007 Hellenic Cup by merit
The Hellenic Cup has always been an interesting page for the Greek Soccer in Victoria. As a tradition it continues to give the Greek contribution in the development of Australian football in general.
At John Cain Memorial Park, Northcote, a wonderful simple opening ceremony with both the Australian and Greek flags flying and the execution of both national Anthems playing while teams got on the field created a lovely atmosphere that spectators always like and want to see. In today’s final it was again Oakleigh Cannons SC, the winners of 2006 Hellenic Cup and South Melbourne FC, the Runners-Up in 2006.
The first 15 minutes of the game were somehow boring as both teams played with high balls, with no smooth actions and with many mistakes in all sectors. It was more like a ‘deal to buy’ something in the shop which you liked at a glance rather than ‘paying straight away’ that thing you have planed before to buy and came in for. The wind blowing from some directions and the hard ground’s surface contributed somehow in this bad start of the game.
However, for the rest of the game the teams unveiled slowly but harmoniously their best individual characteristics and both teams created some good chances to take the advantage.
In the first half and in some minutes of the second half, it was South Melbourne that dominated. South’s boys actions were well set in a collective play, but attackers at the final stages did not find the right tune to make their ‘music heard loudly’. While Oakleigh’s boys were defending carefully they attacked dangerous from time to time with Juan Nilo, one of the most dangerous Oakleigh players in this game.
Then we reach that moment when Gianni De Nittis crossed wonderfully and it was Fernando De Moraes that sent South Melbourne in advantage 1:0. But, the faithful ‘The Clarendon Corner’ fans and South supporters did not enjoy the advantage for a long time, as a penalty accorded in the last 10 minutes of the second half in favor of Oakleigh Cannons brought the game back to 1:1. Having many advantages of his small body compared with those of big boys of South’s defenders, it was Juan Nilo that perfectly simulated a dive and the referee who was not following Juan’s action in a close look did not hesitate to point a penalty. A player was sent out with the red card for South Melbourne and as playing with ten men we see South Melbourne forced only to defend.
No changes in result were made in both extra times even though Oakleigh Cannons had a lot of pressure on South Melbourne and had some clear chances to punish the opponent. As a result the penalties were carried out. All listed players for both team executed wonderful shots, but very special points for the winning team go to the very talented veteran South Melbourne FC keeper Dean Anastasiadis who saved two penalties in a spectacular manner and giving his team a 4:2 win. If the cameramen recording the game have taken the saves in a good shot we will see those two brilliant world class saves over and over again with a lot of joy.
Consequently, The Museum of National Centre for Hellenic Studies & Research at the University of La Trobe Bundoora will warmly house another The Hellenic Cup Tournament trophy, which for the 2007 competition is won by South Melbourne FC, coached by John Anastasiadis.
By staying so far from those strange politicians’ views, that put their big noses in sport as well for their own interests, the leaders of South Melbourne FC have chosen the right attitude fulfilling the requirements of the law set in Australia, even though this club deserves more than 100% to be one of the competitors of the A-League Championships. The club is producing from time to time many stars in Australian football and again in this Hellenic Cup competition many talented players exposed lovely skills and power of the equal diagrams and notes that our highest football standards are showing in this country.
My sincere congratulation to SMFC!
ALS-07
Saturday, 20. January 2007
Hellenic Cup - Melbourne 2007
By adrian_luka, 14:27
We cannot find the words to thank you!
(To all of you that respect his football ambition)
Sometimes his name is written Ricardo and sometimes his surname Luca … but it doesn’t matter what so ever if there are misspellings of his name, as the respect and the love you have sincerely showed for our son, Reardo LUKA, in your writings is the best gift that exists on Earth.
On 18/1/2007, playing for the South Melbourne senior team in the Hellenic Cup, organized every year in Melbourne, our son Reardo was brutally chopped by the Northcote City SC goalkeeper. As the result he had a clean break through the fibula and the tibia. The damage done is huge… Now, Reardo is not only facing the pain of procedure after procedures to fix it is causing, but the most important pain is the suffering of ‘his thoughts’. The Northcote City SC keeper was his ex-team-mate and these sudden strong ‘brakes’ applied have severely hindered his dream to secure a spot in the SMFC senior team and for further professionalism.
In a nutshell, your best wishes for the quick recovery of his damaged leg make us strong as well, and being proud of his achievements we cannot find the right words to thank you for the sympathy that you all have shown for him. Many thanks to all the managing staff and players at SMFC as well for keeping Reardo so close to the team.
We have copied all your writings published in www.smfcboard.com and we gave them to Reardo…
He cried and cried non stop when he started reading the first page… Our hearts were broken into a million pieces… very bad luck for him and for us as parents as well.
But, he smiled and smiled at the end of the last page… Your support gave him a huge morale boost and he joked: “I’m making plans for 2008”.
He will keep his promise for sure and will make SMFC proud. As he likes this club he will contribute to South on and off the field until his football career ends.
From the bottom of our hearts we thank you again for your support.
The LUKA Family
Tuesday, 21. November 2006
He deserves a better...
By adrian_luka, 09:18
Tuesday, 21 November 2006
Reardo LUKA, a young talented footballer that is aiming for top levels.
The creation of the A-League, the strongest and the most professional football competition in Australia, and the participation of Australian teams in Asian Football Championships for the first time, has pushed many young talented players to aim for such levels, which will recognise each of them as an elite player for their respective group age and beyond it.
Reardo LUKA is one of those talented young players, who are looking forward to reach the top level in Australian football.
He was born in Albania on 7/11/1988 and his family migrated to Australia when he was approximately two years old.
Starting football at the early age, Reardo advanced effectively in all Victorian football stages. In 2003 and in 2004, Reardo LUKA represented two years in row Country Victoria at The National Talented Identification Championships held in Sydney. Here, he showed lovely dribbling skills, team play and ability to score goals, becoming one of the top goal scorers for the Country Victoria squad. He was awarded “2004 - R/U the Best and Fairest Player” for his squad.
In 2004, Reardo LUKA represented ‘Derby County Academy’, a Football Academy created some years ago in Victoria, in a tour for three weeks to England.
Reardo LUKA and Tomas Tolevski, another player in this squad, were the youngest players to join the team and scored the only two goals that the team produced in many friendly games played. The third goal scored for Victorian team was considered more likely as an own goal rather than scored by the attacker. Over all it was a successful tour of England.
In this year, Reardo got a full scholarship with Victorian Institute of Sport and considered one of the elite players for his age in his state. With the V.I.S., he gathered a lot of unforgettable experience… He started to learn about “self-doubt” and began to lose belief in his abilities as there was no chances given to play or no belief given to him in important games, even though he was fit, able to compete effectively and dreamed a lot for such events.
Therefore, Reardo did not progress a lot in his sporting career with the V.I.S., as coach, Ernie Merrick, was developing more his older players rather than the younger ones and he was looking forward at coaching in higher levels. Nevertheless, with no doubt Reardo only progressed in gaining physical strength.
In January 2005, Reardo LUKA joined U/21 South Melbourne FC, competing in Victorian Premier League at the age of 16 years and 2 months. In this club, he found a very friendly environment, as the club’s coach, Joe Montemurro, and the leading club’s board gave him many responsibilities. Demonstrating a lot of skill in dribbling, having ability and talent supporting older players and always showing team play, Reardo created a good name for himself.
In addition, Reardo gave his best contribution for this club scoring 10 goals through out the season and was awarded the “2005 - U/21 SMFC Top Goal Scorer”.
At the end of the Vodafone Cup his team finished Runners Up in the Premier League, which was a very good result having in regard that the trunk of the team was built with young U/17players.
In 2006, Reardo LUKA continued to play for SMFC and he showed again his talent in scoring goals. He was always a leading player for scoring goals, an excellent example for his good attitude and behaviour. With his high quality of the games played, he again demonstrated lovely skills not only scoring many goals but setting up many others as well. His most important characteristic was his fighting spirit through out a game and through out the entire season.
The experience that he gathered from the tough 2005 Vodafone Cup competition, gave Reardo more strength to compete successfully even against senior players in 2006. At the end of this season, he scored fourteen goals, even though he did not play the last seven games, missing those due to a bad injury.
Reardo LUKA again, for the second year in row, finished “2006 – U/21 Top goal scorer” for SMFC and clearly, he showed his talent in handling successfully the final actions for his team. Jonathan Ioannou followed the second best scorer with eight goals.
In 2006, U/21 SMFC team showed a perfect performance in beating other strong Greek teams to bring the senior team to play the final game for Hellas Cup against Oakleigh Cannons. In addition, SMFC U/21 boys reached a wonderful result by beating the Fawkner–Whitlesea senior team, in the final of the 2006 preseason Vodafone Cup organized by the Victorian Football Federation, a competition with some of the best teams in this state.
The contribution of Reardo LUKA in all U/21 SMFC soccer activities performed has been outstanding. Unfortunately, no sort of trophy or medallion presented to Reardo for the huge achievements he reached in 2006. The club passed some harsh difficulties at the end of the season and the club’s leaders were really too busy to organize a presentation night for handing the trophies and congratulate the U/21 SMFC boys for their wonderful championship they performed through out the 2006 season.
As the preparations have already started for the next year’s ‘Vodafone Cup’ competition, which starts at the end of January 2007, the South coach, John Anastasiadis, has been satisfied by Reardo LUKA’s (who just tuned 18 years) performances and has called him to trial with his SMFC senior team with a possibility signing a contract.
Focused more now than ever, Reardo is aiming to secure a spot in this SMFC senior team and to continue playing attractive football and focus on scoring goals… to progress and reach the U/20 Australian National Team one day.
A.Gj.L.S.
Saturday, 18. November 2006
Even very good friends lie sometimes...
By adrian_luka, 09:45
Saturday, 18 November 2006
Local media…Local media!?
Nowadays more than ever, the media’s role is decisive to tell us the truth and to uncover lies…
In all our activities, media advertises articles about those who are by the football specialists recognized as elite soccer players in our country. However, media is telling us many lies as well, as "even very good friends lie sometimes".
Publishing whatever comes up only to gather some extra money or "helping a friend" concept our media is playing a negative role in our society with maybe no attention to do so. We find articles or publishment, especially those in the local branches, which have a distortion of the reality we face and very upset, we ask why it has happened.
As publishing extraordinary feats for someone as being ‘targeted by the Australian National Team’, or ‘targeted by an A-League coach’, or something like ‘his talent has attracted some foreign clubs’ etc, in the essence the reality is covered with many bad smelling flowers. Because in fact, those players in performance stand of more or less in average levels and the real talented soccer players are still standing under the darkness of the non-stop ‘eclipses’ that the media spreads.
Authorities should stop those players who themselves, or from a family member with newspaper connection, are claiming awards such as “the best and fairest player”, or as “the top goal scorer”, things that have never happened in their actual football career…
Publishers should clearly understand the responsibility they carry when publishing such private articles and they must not act unless facts and a proper authority by the club they played support the articles.
A.Gj.L.S.
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