WPM Semi Final Leg 1 vs Melbourne Victory | Sun 12th May | 6:00pm | Sky Sport 3

Blairinho

This Saturday's return leg has to be the biggest soccer match in NZ since the 2010 WC Qualifier.

The AWs 1st leg against Peru in 2017 was also very big, plus of course the Ferns win over Norway at a packed Eden Park last year.

Marto

That lineup was put out to chase a draw. We got that.

We need to be way more attacking in WLG. Kosta, Kraev, Salas and Zawada all need to start.

Why do you say that when we all know that YOU know that would be suicide. 
It'll be the same starting 11 next week with a 3-0 win.

anaveragestem

Marto

Outpost

InsulinMachine

Pennington and Payne are piss poor today

Proving two people have two different perspectives I think Pennington has been very good! 

At the back yes, he's been gold, but has been very waste full in their half.

for me Pennington has been best on the park today. Kungfu Panda would be seriously creaming himself right now. Not sure how anyone could think he's had a bad game - I reckon that's just Pennington bias

I don't believe Pennington is ever the best on the park. I've never said that. I've only looked at stats. With Pennington starting over a period of time, at worst we're 1.8 ppg at best we're 2.1 ppg.
Without him starting, at worst we're 1.25ppg at best we're 1.6ppg

This is over a long period of time now. You have to be pretty knuckleheaded not to realise that there is something to these stats.

Its actually crazy how good our defence is nowadays I don't even get nervous that we'll concede a soft goal like other seasons.
I've watched a lot of the championship this season being a Leicester fan and Surman would fit in super well at a championship side no doubt he really suits the teams in that league especially a team that wants to play a low-block.

newzealandpower

Marto

That lineup was put out to chase a draw. We got that.

We need to be way more attacking in WLG. Kosta, Kraev, Salas and Zawada all need to start.

Salas was under an injury cloud and didn't do that well once he came on. He's sort of lost the shine he in the first 2-3 games. Love his intensity, technique and stamina, but with Payne fit and Nico in good form, I'm glad he didn't start.
Zawada...well of course I'd always like him to start but Chiefy and his staff are best placed to see if he's more likely to do damage from the start or as a sub 

Salas is a player who can do things that others can’t though. If the teams are even or stalemated that might be a point of difference. I’m looking back positively to the game when he created two chances by beating the press at RB and set either Pennington or OVH away..? 

But yeh, not sure I’d like him starting. I wonder if we’ll see Al-Taay. Again many many vital contributions this season. 

Actually I don’t care how it happens, as long as it does!

Blairinho

This Saturday's return leg has to be the biggest soccer match in NZ since the 2010 WC Qualifier.

Football

Blairinho

ClubOranje

Blairinho

An away goal is king, and not letting them score at all is even better.

Away goals count for jack.
Scoring more than them across 2 legs is all that counts

True, and unless it's nil-all on Saturday then we have to score more than them! I'm not sure my nerves will hack it if we're not three-nil up with time almost up.

The away goals tie breaker is not being used.  1-1 at 90 minutes on Saturday (or 2-2, in fact any score draw as well as 0-0) and we go to extra time.

0-0 not the prettiest of games but exactly what we needed coming into a 30k+ crowd at Sky. If Victory thought their 17k was noisy and tough to play in front off then we as fans need to make ourselves heard.
Victory for all their 19 shots had nothing! most from outside the box asnd nothing really to test Paulsen. Like most of our away games we had a few shots and Victory managed to quash them pretty well. It is going to be tough to get passed Izzo in the form he is in. 
I can see us starting the same XI this saturday, with Zawada brought on to steal a goal at the end (70+). But I reckon we can do this in the 90. 

Haven't told the misses yet but after that, looks like I've got no choice but to make a trip to Wellington next weekend.

" I don't recall watching 4 games between 2 teams in a season, where there has been so little between them. It's almost bizarre how much they cancel each other out. "

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That's a relief. The away goal rule was cruel. When did this change happen?

Blairinho

That's a relief. The away goal rule was cruel. When did this change happen?

FIFA removed it a couple of seasons ago I think.

theprof

Blairinho

That's a relief. The away goal rule was cruel. When did this change happen?

FIFA removed it a couple of seasons ago I think.

No, I believe it still holds at World Cup level, but UEFA removed it a couple of years ago and AFC removed it starting this season. (source)

Doloras

theprof

Blairinho

That's a relief. The away goal rule was cruel. When did this change happen?

FIFA removed it a couple of seasons ago I think.

No, I believe it still holds at World Cup level, but UEFA removed it a couple of years ago and AFC removed it starting this season. (source)

right you are!

coochiee

Blairinho

This Saturday's return leg has to be the biggest soccer match in NZ since the 2010 WC Qualifier.

The AWs 1st leg against Peru in 2017 was also very big, plus of course the Ferns win over Norway at a packed Eden Park last year.

Yep, I'd put both of those ahead of this weekend's fixture.

Doloras

theprof

Blairinho

That's a relief. The away goal rule was cruel. When did this change happen?

FIFA removed it a couple of seasons ago I think.

No, I believe it still holds at World Cup level, but UEFA removed it a couple of years ago and AFC removed it starting this season. (source)

The AFC made the right call, I believe. Look, we know why the away goals rule was introduced - to prevent away teams from turning up and stonewalling for a draw - but it often came down to sheer, cruel luck in how it was applied.

Take yesterday for example. So, that great opportunity we had early, when the ball was played across the goal with several of our players unable to get a decisive touch on it, was wasted. But our intent was positive, we set out to score. The game finished 0-0.

Then, say, the Victory have a similar chance on Saturday and are lucky enough to score (even with a deflection off a defender, or some other fluke) and the game finished 1-1, then they're off to the GF and our fans are left both bemused and devastated.

Right.
*Paulsen.
*Payne.

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Just back from Melbourne. Great noise made by all the folks in the away end - well done. It really upset the South End Vuck supporters, one of whom went ballistic when we cheered Nicko off. Their supporters were as frustrated as their players. Great effort by the boys. Proud to have been there.

Typhoon

Just back from Melbourne. Great noise made by all the folks in the away end - well done. It really upset the South End Vuck supporters, one of whom went ballistic when we cheered Nicko off. Their supporters were as frustrated as their players. Great effort by the boys. Proud to have been there.

they're not gonna enjoy 21000+ Nix fans turning up then are they, compared to maybe 300ish Vic fans?

Back today. Awesome atmosphere in the away bay, thanks to everyone who joined in and made it a blast. We looked and sounded awesome on TV. Imagine the scenes if we had scored a goal! 

Melbourne as a city absolutely thriving, every bar/restaurant/cafe packed. Streets are packed, People up early and out late exploring the city. And they are sports mad. Makes a 16k crowd at the victory game very disappointing. 

Locals fans we chatted to wanted at least a 2-0 lead going into this weekend, so they will be sweating at 0-0. 
Congrats to the boys for a gutsy effort away from home, bring on Saturday night! 

anaveragestem

Marto

anaveragestem

Marto

Outpost

InsulinMachine

Pennington and Payne are piss poor today

Proving two people have two different perspectives I think Pennington has been very good! 

At the back yes, he's been gold, but has been very waste full in their half.

for me Pennington has been best on the park today. Kungfu Panda would be seriously creaming himself right now. Not sure how anyone could think he's had a bad game - I reckon that's just Pennington bias

Roly beasting Nico today. 

A midfield of Rufs and Roly on current form would be unstoppable.

Good God no, we had Ugarkovic who is similar to Roly - great on attack and doesn't work back at all - how did last season go? Also I noticed Roly misplaced many passes tonight, he wasn't great - most of them went to Ruf or Pennington

Roly is not a defensive midfielder. He wore a number 4 shirt for us because they told him that was the only one available, unless he wanted a 44. Yes I am making this shark up, but you can get my point.
Roly is a fine player but he is effectively an out and out AM, like David Ball but still able to unleash a thunderball shot.  If we were to have him back it would be at the expense of someone like Ball or Kraev, or  - perish the thought - Old.

You gotta realise that Marto says things just to get a reaction from me. And post match after too many glasses, I can't resist. I've got to shut up, I know it.

kungfu panda

You gotta realise that Marto says things just to get a reaction from me. And post match after too many glasses, I can't resist. I've got to shut up, I know it.

You should change your name to Kung Fu Pennington

kungfu panda

You gotta realise that Marto says things just to get a reaction from me. And post match after too many glasses, I can't resist. I've got to shut up, I know it.

Nah, talk more please. You're one of my favourites. I would like to subscribe to more Pennington content, thank you!

Mainland FC

anaveragestem

Marto

anaveragestem

Marto

Outpost

InsulinMachine

Pennington and Payne are piss poor today

Proving two people have two different perspectives I think Pennington has been very good! 

At the back yes, he's been gold, but has been very waste full in their half.

for me Pennington has been best on the park today. Kungfu Panda would be seriously creaming himself right now. Not sure how anyone could think he's had a bad game - I reckon that's just Pennington bias

Roly beasting Nico today. 

A midfield of Rufs and Roly on current form would be unstoppable.

Good God no, we had Ugarkovic who is similar to Roly - great on attack and doesn't work back at all - how did last season go? Also I noticed Roly misplaced many passes tonight, he wasn't great - most of them went to Ruf or Pennington

Roly is a midfielder in name only. He wore a number 4 shirt for us because they told him that was the only one available, unless he wanted a 44. Yes I am making this shark up, but you can get my point.
Roly is a fine player but he is effectively an out and out AM, like David Ball but still able to unleash a thunderball shot.  If we were to have him back it would be at the expense of someone like Ball or Kraev, or  - perish the thought - Old.

Roly came to us as a Defensive Midfielder and we converted him to an Attacking Midfielder.

Lets change the subject. The thing that I'm looking forward to most at the moment is following the futures of Paulsen, Surman and Old. I would love them to stay in Wellington but I think they've got great things ahead of them. Not sure about any of them having the right to work in the UK or Europe. It'll be a real shame if they don't, I'd love to see all of them in the Championship and maybe in future in the Premier League 🤞.

kungfu panda

Lets change the subject. The thing that I'm looking forward to most at the moment is following the futures of Paulsen, Surman and Old. I would love them to stay in Wellington but I think they've got great things ahead of them. Not sure about any of them having the right to work in the UK or Europe. It'll be a real shame if they don't, I'd love to see all of them in the Championship and maybe in future in the Premier League 🤞.

Surman has a UK passport so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him end up in the Championship. He’s got Welsh family, could be a good signing for Cardiff, Swansea or Wrexham.

Is actually a Welsh website I came across that monitors potential Welsh internationals and they had Surman on there. Better get him cap tied in June

coochiee

Is actually a Welsh website I came across that monitors potential Welsh internationals and they had Surman on there. Better get him cap tied in June

Jesus, isn’t that brilliant! 

Gone are the days we’d scrounge every European website looking for some remote connection to NZ in the 6th division youth sides. 

Now teams with recent major European tournament experience and with the heritage of Ramsey, Bale, Giggs and Bellamy scout us to see if any of our players can play for them! 

We may need a new "Hands Off Our Surman" campaign, banners, street marches, stakeouts of the nonexistent Welsh Embassies, etc

Mainland FC

We may need a new "Hands Off Our Surman" campaign, banners, street marches, stakeouts of the nonexistent Welsh Embassies, etc

 
Really into a side alley now, but anyone had dealings with Jasper Fforde? 
Was Surman sighted at that only Welsh pub in the Southern hemisphere? Is it still there? 
What’s his TV status?

Am I the only person who's never seen this Victory pre game show before. Say what you like about the VUC supporters but this is very cool. Wonder if she is going to Welly?

She nailed it AGAIN 🎻🔥 @gomvfc violinist @EvngelineViolin delivered her best pre-game show yet in the Semi-Finals!

Sound up 🔊🔊🔊#ALM #MelbourneVictory pic.twitter.com/Jvhls4Z2Q1

— Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) May 13, 2024

https://www.facebook.com/gomvfc/videos/1368927253629063

coochiee

Am I the only person who's never seen this Victory pre game show before. Say what you like about the VUC supporters but this is very cool. Wonder if she is going to Welly?

She nailed it AGAIN 🎻🔥 @gomvfc violinist @EvngelineViolin delivered her best pre-game show yet in the Semi-Finals!

Sound up 🔊🔊🔊#ALM #MelbourneVictory pic.twitter.com/Jvhls4Z2Q1

— Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) May 13, 2024

I've been lobbying for her to perform at the Ring of Fire but have been told off by people that say that there is local talent that is as good (yet to see evidence of this) and that she can't wear a MVC top if she does perform (she can wear whatever the f she wants as far as I'm concerned, she has the performance aura rarely seen and I could see her unite the stadium-goers in a hugely positive way).

Don't think she will be coming although she did engage with my tweets to her.

To be fair the biggest game in the history of Wellington Phoenix FC, is not when you want to do the opposition a favour by making them briefly think they are back at AAMI Park.

But a regular season game at the ROF why the fudge not. The Nix are in the entertainment business after all.

Imagine her doing a violin version of Tequila in front of the yellow fever. That would be brilliant. Everyone joining in with a roar of Zawada at the end!!

I see she normally does weddings, so maybe someone can help the Nix out by scheduling their nupitals the day before or after, a home game at the ROF.

Violin girl was great as a novelty but she couldn't even bring a new tune to the semifinal. We can surely find someone in the wider Wellington region who could do a better job at entertaining the crowd than hearing her do the exact same thing yet again. 

Yeah, stupid idea to ask someone who's associated with Melbourne Victory to play at our home semi final.

Plenty of local talent, Wellington is the home of two professional symphony orchestras and multiple music schools. But we shouldn't try and imitate them, just do our own thing.

imanixsupporter

Violin girl was great as a novelty but she couldn't even bring a new tune to the semifinal. We can surely find someone in the wider Wellington region who could do a better job at entertaining the crowd than hearing her do the exact same thing yet again. 

It's a VUC theme song. They sing it every time they score a goal.

That's the beauty of this type of performance, the same song week in week out, performed by a concert violinist (admittedly this seems a new twist on the riff) and 15,000 musically challenged football fans belting it out in unison. It's the fans knowing the lyrics well, and joining in that makes it the great watch it is. It's now been viewed 2 million times on You Tube, so they seem to have hit on something.

The song is 'Seven Nation Army' by the White Stripes. Put together by Jack White in a sound room at a Melbourne pub, on an Aussie tour. The Corner Hotel, in Richmond literally a stone's throw from AAMI Park.

Nice bit of trivia that, didn’t realise he penned it in Melbourne!