After yet another traumatic week in the short, yet turbulent history of Sydney FC, there was finally a football match to distract attention from the boardroom. After 9 rounds of inspid, passionless displays, John Kosmina finally roused the league’s glamour club from their stupour.
A thrilling 3-2 win over the table topping Mariners was the ideal start for the coach many at Sydney love to hate. If things continue this way, the SFS faithful may have to start hating to love Kossie.
For sheer bloody-mindedness and will to win, it’s hard to go past Kosmina. As Adelaide coach he dragged his limited squad to an inaugural minor Premiership, and followed it up with a grand final appearance in Version 2. It often wasn’t pretty, but it was highly effective. Now after Branko Culina’s promise of attractive, swaggering football floundered on the rocks, Sydney long suffering support just want results. And Kosmina could just be the man.
The fans certainly think so after Sunday’s display. Over 17000 made the effort to turn up, 5000 up on last week’s clash with Adelaide. Doubtless the appearance of a World Cup hero in John Aloisi had an impact, but for many of the sky-blue clad fans, it was the hope of a response to the new coach; and thats exactly what they got.
As an attacking force, Sydney looked irresistible. The attacking quartet of impressive debutant Bridges, Corica, Juninho and Brosque, were at times devasting, and for the first 45 minutes, the Mariners were submerged by wave upon wave of Sydney attack. And despite the squandering of a penalty in the second half, and the expected Central Coast comeback, Sydney held on to re-ignite their title ambitions.
It is this area of the game that perhaps impressed the most. In the face of an onslaught from the Mariners, the previously fragile defensive structure, and team confidence held out. For all Kossie’s faults, he has always had a winning mentality. Now it’s Sydney FC’s turn to be moulded into a winning unit, that reflects their coach. It’s going to be quite a ride.
Showing posts with label Sydney FC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sydney FC. Show all posts
Monday, October 29, 2007
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
A Galaxy of Stars?
It's been announced in the last 24 hours that Sydney FC will be receiving football royalty in November with Los Angeles bringing their galaxy of stars to Telstra Stadium for a friendly with the inaugural A-League Champion.
A deal negotiated by Sydney FC, the FFA and the state government has apparently been made, with a sell out crowd expected, and free-to-air coverage expected by Channel 10 (all for just $2 million dollars to the AFL broadcaster). But all deals are dependent on the appearance of the new number 23 for the Galaxy. Yes Mr Beckham is the reason for all the hullabaloo, and while any interest in football in Australia is welcomed, there are concerns that this may alienate more fans that it attracts.
Both Sydney FC and LA Galaxy are very much small fry in the big bad world of football; 2 teams from countries that have never really accepted the world game. And Beckham apart, you'll be pushed to find any players recognisable to the average Joe on the street, from either team.
But the opportunity is here for both sides to spread the gospel. Any match with Beckham involved attracts massive attention, especially in the Socceroos new stomping ground of Asia. And on the back of Sydney FC's Asian Champions League campaign, there is the potential for the club to tap into a whole new market.
On the field though, the hopes for a contest worthy of the occasion are not high. The Galaxy need Beckham's creativity and personality to lift them away from the foot of the MLS Western Conference. The blend of young US players and ageing overseas stars has not yet reaped rewards for LA's Canadian coach Frank Yallop. Similarly, Sydney FC have been beset with recruitment problems. As things stand new coach Branko Culina has 17 players (minus the 2 at the Asia Cup) for the season. Salary cap restrictions and the failure to secure a marquee signing have left the A-League's perennial crisis club, well....in crisis. And these factors do not bode well for a rip roaring attractive match up.
There's no doubt that Beckham's arrival in Sydney will bring fans through the door on November 27. The biggest challenge facing both clubs, is to ensure that they return.
A deal negotiated by Sydney FC, the FFA and the state government has apparently been made, with a sell out crowd expected, and free-to-air coverage expected by Channel 10 (all for just $2 million dollars to the AFL broadcaster). But all deals are dependent on the appearance of the new number 23 for the Galaxy. Yes Mr Beckham is the reason for all the hullabaloo, and while any interest in football in Australia is welcomed, there are concerns that this may alienate more fans that it attracts.
Both Sydney FC and LA Galaxy are very much small fry in the big bad world of football; 2 teams from countries that have never really accepted the world game. And Beckham apart, you'll be pushed to find any players recognisable to the average Joe on the street, from either team.
But the opportunity is here for both sides to spread the gospel. Any match with Beckham involved attracts massive attention, especially in the Socceroos new stomping ground of Asia. And on the back of Sydney FC's Asian Champions League campaign, there is the potential for the club to tap into a whole new market.
On the field though, the hopes for a contest worthy of the occasion are not high. The Galaxy need Beckham's creativity and personality to lift them away from the foot of the MLS Western Conference. The blend of young US players and ageing overseas stars has not yet reaped rewards for LA's Canadian coach Frank Yallop. Similarly, Sydney FC have been beset with recruitment problems. As things stand new coach Branko Culina has 17 players (minus the 2 at the Asia Cup) for the season. Salary cap restrictions and the failure to secure a marquee signing have left the A-League's perennial crisis club, well....in crisis. And these factors do not bode well for a rip roaring attractive match up.
There's no doubt that Beckham's arrival in Sydney will bring fans through the door on November 27. The biggest challenge facing both clubs, is to ensure that they return.
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