Time for kids to make case for Russia
IT was great to see the new Socceroos boss hit the ground running since his announcement last week.
He doesn’t have a huge amount of time to take in the A-League with the World Cup only four months away but he did manage to make it to three games on the weekend. With some bright young talent on display, in particular, Daniel Arzani from City, Riley McGree from the Jets and Joshua Brillante from Sydney FC this is the perfect time to impress and try and get themselves on the plane to Russia.
Football is a game of opinions and styles and Van Marwijk certainly has his, stating that he will coach the Socceroos his way. I can’t wait to see what this wily old fox pulls from his bag of tricks.
■ One of the best feelings, as every footballer will tell you is putting the ball in the back of the net. The crowd erupts, teammates going crazy, pure ecstasy really. The exact opposite is felt when somehow you manage to score, but in your own goal, commonly referred to in football as an ‘oggie’. And I have to say this weekend, a good mate of mine Dino Djublic scored and absolute cracker of an own goal with a diving header straight past his stranded keeper Liam Reddy. I’m not sure what was going through his mind at that point in time but definitely one for the blooper reel.
■ It’s been a long and painful journey for the good old Jets faithful who turn up every home game and provide amazing support. The win over the Victory, bar any major catastrophe means they’re almost certain to make the finals series. After a cleanout of dead wood, and the recruitment of former player Joel Griffiths into the staff as well as super coach Ernie Merrick, the club is back to where it should be.