Sure was - I just saw a reply of our disallowed goal. Our original header that beat the goalie was going straight in but was blocked out by an outstretched arm (Hemed again I think). Was 110% a penalty! Guys we were robbed.
Felt to me like the mistake from Sail, who has been one of our most inspirational player, mentally knocked the stuffing out of us. Till that point in the 2nd half I thought we were looking good.
These defensive errors are a real worry.
I did wonder about our keeping depth. Class is permanent, but form dips happen. But let’s be honest we really could have got something there and if we get Sotirio back likely will get points out of those kinds of games. Piscopo didn’t come right. The goal had to come from someone like Old, McGarry, Lewis or Waine…or Laws… and it nearly did. There will be some goals from them. Not sure what I think about Sail coming up. Goal difference could be a thing, but also Sail is huge and I like the intent. One extra goal against may not be much, but if it’d be great to be 5 points from 3. Fair enough risk?
Guys we played well and were on the wrong end of two shocking refereeing VAR 'decisions' - I can't beleive that they missed
A - the blatant handball that stopped a goal from the header before the subsequent flurry that got our eventual goal by Laws - that was then disallowed disallowed. It was obvious. Justice was not served
B - Hemed shoved his marker out of the way really obviously and the space made allowed his 'goal' - how the VAR missed it god only knows
We lost cause var and the ref have an agenda against the nix.. clearly
I can't explain why but lets just say that it certainly did not help. The VAR has only one job they have to do - surely if we all can see it (and even the Aussie commentators) then the VAR can as well with all the slo-mo, rewinds and replay optionss....
We barely created anything of note to win the game.. that’s football, sometimes these things go against you, we never complain about refs or var when we win but all of a sudden it’s VAR fault when we lose..
Gordinho
alon222
We lost cause var and the ref have an agenda against the nix.. clearly
I can't explain why but lets just say that it certainly did not help. The VAR has only one job they have to do - surely if we all can see it (and even the Aussie commentators) then the VAR can as well with all the slo-mo, rewinds and replay optionss....
Firstly, Ibini was standing inside his own goal so basically, he put all of the Phoenix players onside. How was that disallowed??
Secondly, how did VAR did not notice that push from Hemed to Elliot? VAR clearly not doing what it is there for.
Pretty frustrating as well. We didn't create clear cut chances to win the game.
Piscopo is definitely not living up to the hype that was building around him as "successor" to Davila. The lad clearly showing he is not able to handle the pressure.
If you didn't see the push live... check out the replay and don't take your eyes off Hemed, he literally 2 hand shoves Elliot in the back. It was easy to miss live as it was off the ball, but should of been very easy for the VAR to see if they didn't rush their decision - funny how when we scored last week they were happy to spend 5 minutes looking for a reason to rule it out.
You can see Elliot screaming at the ref when the goal is given too, he can't understand how VAR hasn't overturned it. Either the VAR is cheating/biased or they got so distracted by if the ball went over the line, they forgot to look for other things. Either way terrible from the VAR.
Hemed knows he shoved him too, which makes him come across as a dick in his celebration - but we already knew that.
Haven't seen him play, so probably in a poor position to comment, but is he the next cab off the rank from the phoenix academy production line?
Isn't he from your part of the world, ie the Naki?
I think his dad used to post on here (wave if you are watching). Proud moment for him, and family.
I'm overseas, didn't see the game (3.45am kick off here) and no match highlights I can see yet, apart from the Hemed goal. Clearly should have been disallowed. Talay rightly fuming. But sounds like VAR got it right for Laws's non goal. https://keepup.com.au/videos/id/press-conference-ufuk-talay/6285014913001
But just quickly on a glass half full note.
That WSW side on paper last night was stacked with experienced quality. All 5 visa spots used.
In contrast the Nix team had 7 Kiwi starters, and an 8th came on as a sub. A game where Ben Old by the sound of it announced himself. It was obvious that when the Nix returned to NZ last late season for that Western United game, and chucked him surprisingly into match day squad they rated him.
He'll have his ups & downs over the next few seasons Nixville, but looms already as the next exciting kid to potentially follow the Singh, Cacace line. That should excite fans alone. I was really surprised to read last week that the Academy has 20 staff. That's awesome, and a sure sign this club ain't going anywhere but up. Don't forget even 2-3 seasons ago there will still rumours of the licence being stripped, team relocating to Canberra, Campbelltown or wherever.
Covid has fudgeed Talay's genune title chances the last 2 seasons (likely 3 with this one). But with this solid Aus/NZ core, plus right visa signings they will be real contenders season 2022/23. Right in the mix, with a system firmly embedded, and ability to go to any venue and dominate possession. No more down there with the likes of CCM, Welnix has got bigger ambitions than that now. To me this big investment in the Academy is a clear sign of that.
But then prior tonight you have the launch of the Club's first Women's team, who apparently played bloody well, based off such a rushed buildup and limited time together.
A real positive watershed day for the club in my view.
And I feel it in my waters, that things are happening behind the scenes with Sport NZ, and NZ Rugby, Breakers & Phoenix to get NZ teams playing Aussie teams actually in NZ, from February onwards. I'm optimistic about that, and would be fantastic to see some big crowds lift the team, complete with a new Visa 10. Fingers crossed.
Lastly hopefully something can be worked out to get some A League guys involved with the AWs at the March 2022 OFC tourney. And why not send over Old, as part of some large 30-31 man AWs group. Be great development for him, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Singh, Bell, Thomas, Wood, if just briefly. I see he was a travelling reserve to Tokyo with the Oly Whites. NZ Football future looking bright. Positive thoughts.
Oh and it still shocks me Hemed is at WSW, given their fanbase. Doing his bit for Israel/Arab relations until the next Gaza invasion. At least polarising figures like him and the Berisha's help raise the profile of the A League.
I agree with all your points, but with Hemed (I know him very well as in my line of work I helped him and his beautiful family secure a visa to Australia so we keep in regular contact) and I asked him about this, he said it doesn’t bother him, he copped so much anti semitism while playing in England and Spain that a few boos from a few angry Pro Palestine folks won’t deter him, he does a lot of amazing work for his community and many WSW fans have already acknowledged that and he’s beginning to be well liked with majority of their fans. Just thought I would clarify 😊 coochiee
YoungHeart
Wibblebutt
Van Hattum on the bench!
Haven't seen him play, so probably in a poor position to comment, but is he the next cab off the rank from the phoenix academy production line?
Isn't he from your part of the world, ie the Naki?
I think his dad used to post on here (wave if you are watching). Proud moment for him, and family.
I'm overseas, didn't see the game (3.45am kick off here) and no match highlights I can see yet, apart from the Hemed goal. Clearly should have been disallowed. Talay rightly fuming. But sounds like VAR got it right for Laws's non goal. https://keepup.com.au/videos/id/press-conference-ufuk-talay/6285014913001
But just quickly on a glass half full note.
That WSW side on paper last night was stacked with experienced quality. All 5 visa spots used.
In contrast the Nix team had 7 Kiwi starters, and an 8th came on as a sub. A game where Ben Old by the sound of it announced himself. It was obvious that when the Nix returned to NZ last late season for that Western United game, and chucked him surprisingly into match day squad they rated him.
He'll have his ups & downs over the next few seasons Nixville, but looms already as the next exciting kid to potentially follow the Singh, Cacace line. That should excite fans alone. I was really surprised to read last week that the Academy has 20 staff. That's awesome, and a sure sign this club ain't going anywhere but up. Don't forget even 2-3 seasons ago there will still rumours of the licence being stripped, team relocating to Canberra, Campbelltown or wherever.
Covid has fudgeed Talay's genune title chances the last 2 seasons (likely 3 with this one). But with this solid Aus/NZ core, plus right visa signings they will be real contenders season 2022/23. Right in the mix, with a system firmly embedded, and ability to go to any venue and dominate possession. No more down there with the likes of CCM, Welnix has got bigger ambitions than that now. To me this big investment in the Academy is a clear sign of that.
But then prior tonight you have the launch of the Club's first Women's team, who apparently played bloody well, based off such a rushed buildup and limited time together.
A real positive watershed day for the club in my view.
And I feel it in my waters, that things are happening behind the scenes with Sport NZ, and NZ Rugby, Breakers & Phoenix to get NZ teams playing Aussie teams actually in NZ, from February onwards. I'm optimistic about that, and would be fantastic to see some big crowds lift the team, complete with a new Visa 10. Fingers crossed.
Lastly hopefully something can be worked out to get some A League guys involved with the AWs at the March 2022 OFC tourney. And why not send over Old, as part of some large 30-31 man AWs group. Be great development for him, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Singh, Bell, Thomas, Wood, if just briefly. I see he was a travelling reserve to Tokyo with the Oly Whites. NZ Football future looking bright. Positive thoughts.
Oh and it still shocks me Hemed is at WSW, given their fanbase. Doing his bit for Israel/Arab relations until the next Gaza invasion. At least polarising figures like him and the Berisha's help raise the profile of the A League.
Really enjoyed most of that. Despite the result the Nix are a really good team to watch. Different than last year when the team relied on (Cammy D, mostly) winning the ball in midfield and scoring after a slick transition, or a on a bit of Davlia magic. Now we have the front four and the two CM's finding space between the lines, and making quick decisions to move the ball on quickly in the half spaces - at times we look unstoppable with the ball, the opposition is chasing ghosts. Uffie is one hell of a coach.
Piscopo is getting marked and kicked out the game, must be frustrating for him. Needs another player either in the front 2 or on the opposite flank to take the heat off from him a bit, and he'll come right. Not experienced enough to carry a team by himself when there's a target on his back. Hooper is looking fantastic in his newly found role linking up play, but we really need him closer to goal.
Also wtf has happened to our corners? I actually expect us to create a chance every time we take one.
I'm sure Hemed's not a bad guy. Just a passionate Israeli. And that's always going to polarise some.
Doesn't hurt A League's profile, to have some talked about characters in it. He spoke fondly, if very briefly on his time at Nix in sideline chat.
God some of those female Paramount presenters are very average though. I'm all for increasing female reporters in sport, but fudge don't be token. Earn it. To be fair the Paramount male match commentator is also shark. He hasn't earnt it either. Hopefully they all improve, new broadcaster and all that.
Considering our team is so young we're actually playing pretty well. Defense is solid enough. Midfield can string some passes together and actually dominate a game. Remember a few years ago no Phoenix team was good at the ball - now we look to dominate with a decent passing game.
All thats missing is goals up front and we will easily make top 6. Maybe sign a striker next year?
Hemed shove on Elliot. Player across the complain all the time for every little stupid shark and wave their arms theatrically constantly for every throw in they don't get and then when something seriously is happening the referee is not listening, why would he? I liked the new Japanese WSW player, he was a gentlemen and always gave the ball back to our players. We lost the game because we did not scored when we had all the ball.
Thises to quite a few of the above comments. Reno hasn't fired yet this season, hopefully its not because he thinks he's the star now. While Old did well, I was still very surprised when it wasn't him subbed, it was Lewis. Good on Sail for going up for the corner, we were trying to grab a goal. It probably doesn't matter too much if we lose by one or two, although we didn't deserve to, against a very strong team on paper. We needed Sotirio's impact. I thought both fullbacks made really good contributions and must have covered many km. Well done Nix boys (and girls), you played some good football.
While the loss hurts, it was a good game and we could have ended up at least drawing it if not winning it, if early chances were taken. The Paramount studio punters were generous in their assessment and felt that we simply faded away rather than being beaten. And fair enough, WSW finished much stronger in the end, there was no denying that. My own thought is that it will take some time before Piscopo knows how to play alongside Hooper. In contrast, David Ball impressed me again with his selfless approach to the team play. Piscopo is a talented young player, but in previous season he was surrounded by the likes of Hemed, Taylor and Davila, which made him a bit more humble. I get it that he is probably not feeling like an understudy now, but with that claim comes responsibility. Personally, I never thought I would live to the day when I would say "our team is not the same without Sotirio", but what do you know, that day has arrived.
While the loss hurts, it was a good game and we could have ended up at least drawing it if not winning it, if early chances were taken. The Paramount studio punters were generous in their assessment and felt that we simply faded away rather than being beaten. And fair enough, WSW finished much stronger in the end, there was no denying that. My own thought is that it will take some time before Piscopo knows how to play alongside Hooper. In contrast, David Ball impressed me again with his selfless approach to the team play. Piscopo is a talented young player, but in previous season he was surrounded by the likes of Hemed, Taylor and Davila, which made him a bit more humble. I get it that he is probably not feeling like an understudy now, but with that claim comes responsibility. Personally, I never thought I would live to the day when I would say "our team is not the same without Sotirio", but what do you know, that day has arrived.
I’m more pissed about the shove on Fenton when the ref gave up at the end of the last season. Didn’t see the shove and it’s effects so clearly in this game, tbh. As for the Hemed thing- goal scoring record, unbeaten record, half a season of nothing, only particularly political and religious celebration we’ve had, trying to get Ball to break contract possibly, and scoring against us to break our unbeaten run. Not a bad guy, but ya know, not David Ball neither. Take your pick. Should have stayed with us and filled his boots on Wednesday!
