From a tv audience perspective I understand it... at 5pm I'm still doing things with my kids etc. By then we have had dinner etc and can settle in to watch the footy.
People like Coldplay and voted for the Nazis. You can't trust people.
Kopa and Fox promoted to squad; 2 to be omitted, though.
No Way or Elliot
Burgess and Lowry would be my pick.
Valley FC til I die?
Kopa and Fox promoted to squad; 2 to be omitted, though.
No Way or Elliot
OMG! No Way!?
I thought Burgess did well on Sunday, apart from not shooting when he had the chance
Oi Oi Edgecumbe... lets have a clean sheet
Kopa and Fox promoted to squad; 2 to be omitted, though.
No Way or Elliot
Referee: Alex King
Assistant Referee 1: Ashley Beecham
Assistant Referee 2: Andrew Lindsay
Fourth Official: Jarred Gillett
VAR: Craig Zetter
Brisbane Roar FC squad: 1.Brendan WHITE (gk), 4.Daniel BOWLES, 6.Avram PAPADOPOULOS, 7.Thomas KRISTENSEN, 8.Jacob PEPPER, 9.Adam TAGGART, 11.Eric BAUTHEAC, 13.Stefan MAUK, 14.Alex LOPEZ, 15.Stefan NIGRO, 17.Matt MCKAY (c), 19.Jack HINGERT, 21.Jamie YOUNG (gk), 22.Tobias MIKKELSEN, 23.Dylan WENZEL-HALLS, 24.Connor O’TOOLE, 26.Nicholas D’AGOSTINO, 33.HENRIQUE
Unavailable: 2.Dane INGHAM (ankle – 2 weeks),10.Brett HOLMAN (knee – TBC)
Wellington Phoenix Squad: 1.Filip KURTO (Gk), 4.Mandi, 5.Ryan LOWRY, 6.Dylan FOX, 8.Mitch NICHOLS, 9.Nathan BURNS, 11.David WILLIAMS, 13.Liberato CACACE, 14.Alex RUFER, 15.Michal KOPCZYNSKI, 16.Louis FENTON, 18.Sarpreet SINGH, 19.Tom DOYLE, 20.Oliver SAIL (Gk), 21.Roy KRISHNA, 22.Andrew DURANTE (C), 23.Max BURGESS, 27.Steven TAYLOR
Unavailable: Nil
Under Alex King we are P2 W1 D0 L1
I think Burgess and Nichols are both potential matchwinners, and both technically better than Rufer - better ball control, passing, vision and creativity, and shooting (even though both fluffed shots on Sunday). Both looked really keen to play.
Rufer's got lots of spirit, aggression and determination though, and I guess he starts again this weekend.
Hope Wenzel-Halls gets a run.
I thought Burgess did well on Sunday, apart from not shooting when he had the chance
Kopa and Fox promoted to squad; 2 to be omitted, though.
No Way or Elliot
Referee: Alex King
Assistant Referee 1: Ashley Beecham
Assistant Referee 2: Andrew Lindsay
Fourth Official: Jarred Gillett
VAR: Craig Zetter
Brisbane Roar FC squad: 1.Brendan WHITE (gk), 4.Daniel BOWLES, 6.Avram PAPADOPOULOS, 7.Thomas KRISTENSEN, 8.Jacob PEPPER, 9.Adam TAGGART, 11.Eric BAUTHEAC, 13.Stefan MAUK, 14.Alex LOPEZ, 15.Stefan NIGRO, 17.Matt MCKAY (c), 19.Jack HINGERT, 21.Jamie YOUNG (gk), 22.Tobias MIKKELSEN, 23.Dylan WENZEL-HALLS, 24.Connor O’TOOLE, 26.Nicholas D’AGOSTINO, 33.HENRIQUE
Unavailable: 2.Dane INGHAM (ankle – 2 weeks),10.Brett HOLMAN (knee – TBC)
Wellington Phoenix Squad: 1.Filip KURTO (Gk), 4.Mandi, 5.Ryan LOWRY, 6.Dylan FOX, 8.Mitch NICHOLS, 9.Nathan BURNS, 11.David WILLIAMS, 13.Liberato CACACE, 14.Alex RUFER, 15.Michal KOPCZYNSKI, 16.Louis FENTON, 18.Sarpreet SINGH, 19.Tom DOYLE, 20.Oliver SAIL (Gk), 21.Roy KRISHNA, 22.Andrew DURANTE (C), 23.Max BURGESS, 27.Steven TAYLOR
Unavailable: Nil
Under Alex King we are P2 W1 D0 L1
Kopa and Fox promoted to squad; 2 to be omitted, though.
No Way or Elliot
I watched Kopa at the WeeNix game, he does the opposite what Rufer does. Kopa looks slower but he does all the right things, is in the right spot to intercept he almost scored. Rufer is very energetic but a lot of his stuff is just fluff. I still like to see Kopa in a real game.
Kopa and Fox promoted to squad; 2 to be omitted, though.
No Way or Elliot
I watched Kopa at the WeeNix game, he does the opposite what Rufer does. Kopa looks slower but he does all the right things, is in the right spot to intercept he almost scored. Rufer is very energetic but a lot of his stuff is just fluff. I still like to see Kopa in a real game.
So a game in our National League isn't a "real" game?
https://thejourneyfan.blogspot.co.nz/
New Zealand Football Media Association Website of the year 2015 & 2016
Rufer did more than fluff - he made a lot of good tackles and dropped in the line well to recieve the ball. His passing was uninspiring (safe) but I'm ok with that. With more confidence this will probably progress.
Kopa and Fox promoted to squad; 2 to be omitted, though.
No Way or Elliot
I watched Kopa at the WeeNix game, he does the opposite what Rufer does. Kopa looks slower but he does all the right things, is in the right spot to intercept he almost scored. Rufer is very energetic but a lot of his stuff is just fluff. I still like to see Kopa in a real game.
So a game in our National League isn't a "real" game?
C'mon! Sure those are real games, that's why I watched them. I mean a game on his skill level.
I've already seen at least two posts already Kopa basically being out of the team and as good as gone - how ridiculous. We've only played a game so far, how can people say this?
Sure, he may well be out of favor with the gaffer, but he's a pro (who's played at higher level than arguable anyone else in the team) and he'll work hard to earn his spot back.
Also, what happens in Mandi or Rufer get injured or suspended?
It's way too early to call anything - heck, for all we know Lowry could end up being the regular RB in the team, there's a whole season ahead of us still!
Rufer did more than fluff - he made a lot of good tackles and dropped in the line well to recieve the ball. His passing was uninspiring (safe) but I'm ok with that. With more confidence this will probably progress.
If your happy with this, I'm not. I expect more and import spot should give us much more from our midfield. I expect more midfield domination, better long balls some fancy through balls and dangerous free kicks.
I've already seen at least two posts already Kopa basically being out of the team and as good as gone - how ridiculous. We've only played a game so far, how can people say this?
Sure, he may well be out of favor with the gaffer, but he's a pro (who's played at higher level than arguable anyone else in the team) and he'll work hard to earn his spot back.
Also, what happens in Mandi or Rufer get injured or suspended?
It's way too early to call anything - heck, for all we know Lowry could end up being the regular RB in the team, there's a whole season ahead of us still!
Agree. It's about using our resources as smart as we can. Being a physical league, injuries do play a big role in how teams go.
Kopa's background suggests he should be a better DM than Rufer. Other options there being like Nichols is not really an outright DM. Maybe he just needs a bit of a shift in attitude and to bring more fight to his game. That would explain why Rudan has treated him the way he has so far. I certainly hope Kopa can be the player worthy of that import spot.
Rufer did more than fluff - he made a lot of good tackles and dropped in the line well to recieve the ball. His passing was uninspiring (safe) but I'm ok with that. With more confidence this will probably progress.
If your happy with this, I'm not. I expect more and import spot should give us much more from our midfield. I expect more midfield domination, better long balls some fancy through balls and dangerous free kicks.
I thought Mandi showed some really good touches and vision from midfield. Obviously not 100% match fit yet, but I see good potential there.
The Polish Ekstraklasa is one of the lower-ranked leagues in Europe, and comparable to the A league in playing strength, according to two sources.
No surprise that a fringe Ekstraklasa player struggles in the A league, while Spain tier 2, and Eredivisie players do well, as does a strong English third tier player.
Kopa didn't stand out for me for the Weenix, nor Way (nor Stensness). Elliott (RW) and Kumsuz (CAM / false 9) did.
Spare DMs - Nichols filled in last week. Burgess looks physically equipped to play there and would probably jump at it.
I'm not saying sack Kopa now but his first job is to recover full fitness and prove himself at Handa level. Rudan's said team selection is all about performance - not sentiment or reputation.
Rufer did more than fluff - he made a lot of good tackles and dropped in the line well to recieve the ball. His passing was uninspiring (safe) but I'm ok with that. With more confidence this will probably progress.
If your happy with this, I'm not. I expect more and import spot should give us much more from our midfield. I expect more midfield domination, better long balls some fancy through balls and dangerous free kicks.
Whether Kopa is playing or not has nothing do with your assessment of Rufer and how he played which I was commenting on. I expect better from our imports if the rumours are true, but my thought on Rufer are based on him and his game and I thought he did well.
Kopa and Fox promoted to squad; 2 to be omitted, though.
No Way or Elliot
I watched Kopa at the WeeNix game, he does the opposite what Rufer does. Kopa looks slower but he does all the right things, is in the right spot to intercept he almost scored. Rufer is very energetic but a lot of his stuff is just fluff. I still like to see Kopa in a real game.
That's very much in the European tradition for a defensive midfielder. Win it back, play it simple, move it on quickly.
Normo's coming home
Rufer did more than fluff - he made a lot of good tackles and dropped in the line well to recieve the ball. His passing was uninspiring (safe) but I'm ok with that. With more confidence this will probably progress.
If your happy with this, I'm not. I expect more and import spot should give us much more from our midfield. I expect more midfield domination, better long balls some fancy through balls and dangerous free kicks.
I agree.
Normo's coming home
Rufer did more than fluff - he made a lot of good tackles and dropped in the line well to recieve the ball. His passing was uninspiring (safe) but I'm ok with that. With more confidence this will probably progress.
If your happy with this, I'm not. I expect more and import spot should give us much more from our midfield. I expect more midfield domination, better long balls some fancy through balls and dangerous free kicks.
Did you expect that from Riera, because he didn't do all of that.
A good defensive midfielder who can shield, tackle, cover and make the right pass is worth their weight in gold.
Express Football Special Calling At
Fratton Park - Champion Hill - Kiwitea St
And all away grounds inbetween.
Rufer did more than fluff - he made a lot of good tackles and dropped in the line well to recieve the ball. His passing was uninspiring (safe) but I'm ok with that. With more confidence this will probably progress.
If your happy with this, I'm not. I expect more and import spot should give us much more from our midfield. I expect more midfield domination, better long balls some fancy through balls and dangerous free kicks.
Did you expect that from Riera, because he didn't do all of that.
A good defensive midfielder who can shield, tackle, cover and make the right pass is worth their weight in gold.
And arguably the best DM we've had. Certainly a crucial part of that great team of the Ernie era
Kopa and Fox promoted to squad; 2 to be omitted, though.
No Way or Elliot
I watched Kopa at the WeeNix game, he does the opposite what Rufer does. Kopa looks slower but he does all the right things, is in the right spot to intercept he almost scored. Rufer is very energetic but a lot of his stuff is just fluff. I still like to see Kopa in a real game.
That's very much in the European tradition for a defensive midfielder. Win it back, play it simple, move it on quickly.
Rufer did more than fluff - he made a lot of good tackles and dropped in the line well to recieve the ball. His passing was uninspiring (safe) but I'm ok with that. With more confidence this will probably progress.
If your happy with this, I'm not. I expect more and import spot should give us much more from our midfield. I expect more midfield domination, better long balls some fancy through balls and dangerous free kicks.
Did you expect that from Riera, because he didn't do all of that.
A good defensive midfielder who can shield, tackle, cover and make the right pass is worth their weight in gold.
I think the worry is whether we have enough creativity in our midfield in general, maybe unfair to expect that from Kopa if that's not his game, but I would have thought that with two foreign midfielders we would want a bit more from them in an attacking sense too
Normo's coming home
Looking at that Brisbane squad, we are more than capable of winning this one, COYN!
Phoenix are huge underdogs per the TAB. Nix: $4.10, Brisbane: $1.75 for a win.
Rufer did more than fluff - he made a lot of good tackles and dropped in the line well to recieve the ball. His passing was uninspiring (safe) but I'm ok with that. With more confidence this will probably progress.
If your happy with this, I'm not. I expect more and import spot should give us much more from our midfield. I expect more midfield domination, better long balls some fancy through balls and dangerous free kicks.
Did you expect that from Riera, because he didn't do all of that.
A good defensive midfielder who can shield, tackle, cover and make the right pass is worth their weight in gold.
I think the worry is whether we have enough creativity in our midfield in general, maybe unfair to expect that from Kopa if that's not his game, but I would have thought that with two foreign midfielders we would want a bit more from them in an attacking sense too
I think this is more it. Can Mikey and Roly be replaced by Nichols, Sarpreet, Burgess and Mandi? And can they be consistent and grab the momentum of a game? Who can link our wingbacks and forwards ? Who can drive us forward? The other thing is that the wingbacks are solid, but not exciting
I think it's only fair we've spent to solidify our defence after the weak spot it has been
Rufer did more than fluff - he made a lot of good tackles and dropped in the line well to recieve the ball. His passing was uninspiring (safe) but I'm ok with that. With more confidence this will probably progress.
If your happy with this, I'm not. I expect more and import spot should give us much more from our midfield. I expect more midfield domination, better long balls some fancy through balls and dangerous free kicks.
Did you expect that from Riera, because he didn't do all of that.
A good defensive midfielder who can shield, tackle, cover and make the right pass is worth their weight in gold.
I think the worry is whether we have enough creativity in our midfield in general, maybe unfair to expect that from Kopa if that's not his game, but I would have thought that with two foreign midfielders we would want a bit more from them in an attacking sense too
People like Coldplay and voted for the Nazis. You can't trust people.
Kopa and Fox promoted to squad; 2 to be omitted, though.
No Way or Elliot
I watched Kopa at the WeeNix game, he does the opposite what Rufer does. Kopa looks slower but he does all the right things, is in the right spot to intercept he almost scored. Rufer is very energetic but a lot of his stuff is just fluff. I still like to see Kopa in a real game.
That's very much in the European tradition for a defensive midfielder. Win it back, play it simple, move it on quickly.
100% agree, it was very poor, and reminded me of myself whenever I tried to play midfield. Just looked lost with the ball at his feet. However, I put that down to nerves, and he did get better as the game went on.
a.haak
Phoenix are huge underdogs per the TAB. Nix: $4.10, Brisbane: $1.75 for a win.
We were underdogs for our home game too.
Oi Oi Edgecumbe... lets have a clean sheet
Phoenix are huge underdogs per the TAB. Nix: $4.10, Brisbane: $1.75 for a win.
We were underdogs for our home game too.
But is was 18 not 30 + weather wise.
Reckon Taylor is going to half die in that heat
a.haak
Phoenix are huge underdogs per the TAB. Nix: $4.10, Brisbane: $1.75 for a win.
We were underdogs for our home game too.
But is was 18 not 30 + weather wise.
Reckon Taylor is going to half die in that heat
His last season he became famous for shoving snow off the pitch in Peterborough.
Phoenix are huge underdogs per the TAB. Nix: $4.10, Brisbane: $1.75 for a win.
We were underdogs for our home game too.
But is was 18 not 30 + weather wise.
Reckon Taylor is going to half die in that heat
His last season he became famous for shoving snow off the pitch in Peterborough.
Good at adapting to the conditions then !
Phoenix are huge underdogs per the TAB. Nix: $4.10, Brisbane: $1.75 for a win.
We were underdogs for our home game too.
But is was 18 not 30 + weather wise.
Reckon Taylor is going to half die in that heat
His last season he became famous for shoving snow off the pitch in Peterborough.
Good at adapting to the conditions then !
Wait and see how he reads crosses in a 50 knot southerly.
"At the end of the drive the lawmen arrive...
I'll take my chance because luck is on my side or something...
Her name is Rio, she don't need to understand...
Oh Rio, Rio, hear them shout across the land..."
He's also trained in Dubai so maybe won't struggle as much
End of an era. Vinnie - It's over.
If anyone cares for my inane babbling follow @iluvnix17 on the Twitter.
Expecting the Roar defenders to struggle with our speed in attack tbh.
The Polish Ekstraklasa is one of the lower-ranked leagues in Europe, and comparable to the A league in playing strength, according to two sources.
No surprise that a fringe Ekstraklasa player struggles in the A league, while Spain tier 2, and Eredivisie players do well, as does a strong English third tier player.
Kopa didn't stand out for me for the Weenix, nor Way (nor Stensness). Elliott (RW) and Kumsuz (CAM / false 9) did.
Spare DMs - Nichols filled in last week. Burgess looks physically equipped to play there and would probably jump at it.
I'm not saying sack Kopa now but his first job is to recover full fitness and prove himself at Handa level. Rudan's said team selection is all about performance - not sentiment or reputation.
He's clearly not a fringe Ekstraklasa player, he played a full season for the champions in 16/17 and the Champions League. Then was playing almost every game until his place was taken in the squad by a very good player. If he didn't choose to come to NZ, he'd be starting at a mid-table team for sure.
No first team players in the weenix team today vs Eastern Suburbs, so assume everyone (Kopa) is fit and the team selection just comes down to coaches preferences / player performances in training.