Fenton could have been a hero. Oh well, it didn't matter.
He still could be! O Wellington is wonderful
WPM FFA Cup vs Melbourne City | Wed 5th Jan | 9:30pm | My Football (YouTube)
He still could be! O Wellington is wonderful
How overrated is Tilio!
Indeed. Colakovski is a far better talent imo
Rufer probably found his best position as CB. Played out from the back really well and was winning those aerial balls.
Man of the match for 120 mins= Pennington
Man of the penalties= PAUULLLLSEEEENNNN!!!!!!!
Man of the match for 120 mins= Pennington
Man of the penalties= PAUULLLLSEEEENNNN!!!!!!!
Been watching along all night at work and finally for the night I just want to say that that was such a committed performance, backs against the wall type stuff and we bloody well pulled it off! Extremely proud of the boys after that shellacking last weekend. To come out and be so organized and up for the fight in the face of adversity, it just makes me bloody happy to support you blokes and call myself a Wellington Phoenix supporter.
The reality is tough, we're all sure you're all giving it your best (even if some on this forum may not see it that way from time to time) - committing to an open ended stay in Aussie, time away from family, friends, partners etc etc. The sacrifice doesn't go unnoticed. Even when the performances haven't always been there, or when we've been well up shark creek on the park. It's results and performances like this that make it bloody well worth it for everyone back here, there and everywhere a Phoenix supporter calls home.
Bloody well done lads, now let's bring their farken cup back to New Zealand!
COYN! 🟡⚫🦅🦅🦅
The reality is tough, we're all sure you're all giving it your best (even if some on this forum may not see it that way from time to time) - committing to an open ended stay in Aussie, time away from family, friends, partners etc etc. The sacrifice doesn't go unnoticed. Even when the performances haven't always been there, or when we've been well up shark creek on the park. It's results and performances like this that make it bloody well worth it for everyone back here, there and everywhere a Phoenix supporter calls home.
Bloody well done lads, now let's bring their farken cup back to New Zealand!
COYN! 🟡⚫🦅🦅🦅
Glad we won, but still some big concerns for me... namely, our inability to score at the moment. Hopefully Hoops solves this issue.
Midfield still looked second best last night, even with the change. Good to see Pennington show some quick feet at times. But does not fill me with confidence.
Rufer did well generally, too many long balls, but a lack of options often dictating that. A similar positional path as Payne (Striker, Midfielder to Defender?)
Midfield still looked second best last night, even with the change. Good to see Pennington show some quick feet at times. But does not fill me with confidence.
Rufer did well generally, too many long balls, but a lack of options often dictating that. A similar positional path as Payne (Striker, Midfielder to Defender?)
Rufer probably found his best position as CB. Played out from the back really well and was winning those aerial balls.
Man of the match for 120 mins= Pennington
Man of the penalties= PAUULLLLSEEEENNNN!!!!!!!
Man of the match for 120 mins= Pennington
Man of the penalties= PAUULLLLSEEEENNNN!!!!!!!
It's too early to know if that is the case with Rufer. He played well but dived in a few times and was beaten in one on one situations.
Morning after, feels good.
Should lift the mood in the camp.
Should lift the mood in the camp.
Rufer probably found his best position as CB. Played out from the back really well and was winning those aerial balls.
Man of the match for 120 mins= Pennington
Man of the penalties= PAUULLLLSEEEENNNN!!!!!!!
Man of the match for 120 mins= Pennington
Man of the penalties= PAUULLLLSEEEENNNN!!!!!!!
It's too early to know if that is the case with Rufer. He played well but dived in a few times and was beaten in one on one situations.
Would be interesting to see how he goes against a team that likes to play through the middle with a central striker (City looked a bit toothless with their false 9 and wide attackers) and with Payne possibly still out with COVID the Jets will be a big test as Mikeltadze looks decent.
Also devil's advocate, I don't think Pennington was that great (good yeah, but not superlative) - better than we're used to with his forward passing but he's no Cam Devlin. I thought Lewis was the better of the two holding CMs, worked his ass off, found his passing range and actually managed a shot with that wand of a left foot.
I'd like to see some consistent reffing and more yellows to the opposition for persistent fouling, but I think winning the FFA cup seems way more likely.
Edit: One final thought, don't think its been mentioned yet; Sutton had the very highly rated Nabbout in his pocket for most of the game.
Watched the replay on YT this morning! What a boost for the team! This was very important for the spirit and mentality. With Piscopo, Hooper and Sandoval hopefully joining the squad over the next week or so things could be looking up. Here's hoping
Rufer probably found his best position as CB. Played out from the back really well and was winning those aerial balls.
Man of the match for 120 mins= Pennington
Man of the penalties= PAUULLLLSEEEENNNN!!!!!!!
Man of the match for 120 mins= Pennington
Man of the penalties= PAUULLLLSEEEENNNN!!!!!!!
It's too early to know if that is the case with Rufer. He played well but dived in a few times and was beaten in one on one situations.
Imagine Payne picking up a call from Uffie: "Yeah hi Tim, there is good news and bad news. Good news is, we know where to play Rufer...."
My God, I watched the National League games and I realised that Alex Paulsen had something special
My God, I watched the National League games and I realised that Alex Paulsen had something special
What an awful penalty shootout.
Congratulations to Paulsen and a win is a win. Sorely needed.
Congratulations to Paulsen and a win is a win. Sorely needed.
Rufer probably found his best position as CB. Played out from the back really well and was winning those aerial balls.
Man of the match for 120 mins= Pennington
Man of the penalties= PAUULLLLSEEEENNNN!!!!!!!
Man of the match for 120 mins= Pennington
Man of the penalties= PAUULLLLSEEEENNNN!!!!!!!
It's too early to know if that is the case with Rufer. He played well but dived in a few times and was beaten in one on one situations.
Imagine Payne picking up a call from Uffie: "Yeah hi Tim, there is good news and bad news. Good news is, we know where to play Rufer...."
Payne to RB or Payne/Rufer or Payne to DM? What does it mean for Laws?
It really just confuses things I think! We’re still short a Devlin/Riera. Laws/Payne/Lewis/Rufer/Pennington seemingly can only fill two places to Uffie’s satisfaction.
I've always said Rufer is a CB if anything and McGarry is a winger, not a LB. Hopefully we use them in that way going forward. McGarry is a good option off the bench against tiring legs.
Our pen taking order was baffling, but glad it worked out. Paulsen is the man of the moment and has showed a lot of maturity.
Our pen taking order was baffling, but glad it worked out. Paulsen is the man of the moment and has showed a lot of maturity.
Does anyone else got the impression that Paulsen benefitted from that exposure to penalties at Adelaide? Someone commented here that this time Paulsen watched the ball and not the man, and that this helped in this shootout.
I do not know enough about goalkeeping so experts like Doloras may want to comment on this.
I do not know enough about goalkeeping so experts like Doloras may want to comment on this.
Just to get things into perspective City were without McLaren, otherwise this is their best top notch team.
The Nix held them.
It certainly says that if these guys could pull out a similar performance against other teams, the results are there for the taking.
The Nix held them.
It certainly says that if these guys could pull out a similar performance against other teams, the results are there for the taking.
TVNZ sports news tonight said that Phoenix won against "Covid depleted Melbourne City", without mentioning our own squad holes. I thought that was poor, unless I misheard it.
TVNZ sports news tonight said that Phoenix won against "Covid depleted Melbourne City", without mentioning our own squad holes. I thought that was poor, unless I misheard it.
Typical of the TVNZ Boofheads. Rugby rules in their world. I was surprised they even bothered showing it to be honest.
TVNZ sports news tonight said that Phoenix won against "Covid depleted Melbourne City", without mentioning our own squad holes. I thought that was poor, unless I misheard it.
You heard correctly. TV 3's item was better and gave the sense that this was an excellent win.
TVNZ sports news tonight said that Phoenix won against "Covid depleted Melbourne City", without mentioning our own squad holes. I thought that was poor, unless I misheard it.
And against the might of the City Football group. Relying on a lot of recent academy graduates and players who, without disrespect, would struggle to make the bench at City for one reason or another.
Ehh, w*><$rs.
I've followed, Pennington, Cleur, Armenakis and Piscopo since the 4 were in youth set ups in Italy.
I think that there's misunderstanding about Pennington's level. He's not a Devlin, who's basically a physical midfielder. Pennington is clever and patient tackling, good passing, good ball control and he covers more ground than anyone.
Midway through last season there were calls for Pennington to head to Serie A. He was the best Serie C midfielder. The transfer window was blocked by Covid. Pennington then was out of form for part of the second half of the season. This is what dogs him, his consistency. If he's consistent he's Serie A level. The shorter Australian Season could help with that consistency. If he can maintain that level with the Phoenix then they have the bargain of the century.
I think that there's misunderstanding about Pennington's level. He's not a Devlin, who's basically a physical midfielder. Pennington is clever and patient tackling, good passing, good ball control and he covers more ground than anyone.
Midway through last season there were calls for Pennington to head to Serie A. He was the best Serie C midfielder. The transfer window was blocked by Covid. Pennington then was out of form for part of the second half of the season. This is what dogs him, his consistency. If he's consistent he's Serie A level. The shorter Australian Season could help with that consistency. If he can maintain that level with the Phoenix then they have the bargain of the century.
Just to get things into perspective City were without McLaren, otherwise this is their best top notch team.
The Nix held them.
It certainly says that if these guys could pull out a similar performance against other teams, the results are there for the taking.
The Nix held them.
It certainly says that if these guys could pull out a similar performance against other teams, the results are there for the taking.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/a-league/300490148/wellington-phoenixs-ffa-cup-rivals-melbourne-city-report-all-but-five-players-had-covid19
Where it sounds like City were really hamstrung was their match prep. Very interrupted with heaps of players isolating etc, and not having played for over 2 weeks.
Nix also had some similar issues, with Covid affecting their squad, but City had it worse. They have also just had Nathaniel Atkinson leave for Hearts.
Excellent, gritty win for the Nix. But caution before believing it means any definite turn around in form.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/a-league/127443024/shootout-star-believes-wellington-phoenix-can-go-all-the-way-in-ffa-cup
Would like to see some more coaching of our less experienced players who are taking penalties.
Many address the ball prior to the run-up with their hips open to allow them to drive the ball towards the spot they want it to go. Its a dead give away for a goal keeper to gain that extra 1/2 second of advantage. The good and more experienced penalty takers address the ball absolutely square on and never give their intentions away.
Many address the ball prior to the run-up with their hips open to allow them to drive the ball towards the spot they want it to go. Its a dead give away for a goal keeper to gain that extra 1/2 second of advantage. The good and more experienced penalty takers address the ball absolutely square on and never give their intentions away.
That sounds like the most feeble excuse I've ever heard for City. City had 3 International, quality players, that they were able to bring off the bench. Nix had academy on the bench. Real Nix players had to go 120 minutes. City were making subs at 60 mins.
The game was much tougher for the Nix squad. Throw into that travel both from Adelaide and too Melbourne for the Nix.
The game was much tougher for the Nix squad. Throw into that travel both from Adelaide and too Melbourne for the Nix.
City without Des are only halve as good. The Kisnobo headline always sounded like an excuse, why would you talk about this? Every team has the same covid issues. That maybe got in their heads.
Compared to there squad quality, they sucked and we rocked!
Compared to there squad quality, they sucked and we rocked!
Does anyone else got the impression that Paulsen benefitted from that exposure to penalties at Adelaide? Someone commented here that this time Paulsen watched the ball and not the man, and that this helped in this shootout.
I do not know enough about goalkeeping so experts like Doloras may want to comment on this.
I do not know enough about goalkeeping so experts like Doloras may want to comment on this.
I also noticed that for his first save, Paulsen was clearly moving before the kick was taken and the striker didn't correct.
I've followed, Pennington, Cleur, Armenakis and Piscopo since the 4 were in youth set ups in Italy.
I think that there's misunderstanding about Pennington's level. He's not a Devlin, who's basically a physical midfielder. Pennington is clever and patient tackling, good passing, good ball control and he covers more ground than anyone.
Midway through last season there were calls for Pennington to head to Serie A. He was the best Serie C midfielder. The transfer window was blocked by Covid. Pennington then was out of form for part of the second half of the season. This is what dogs him, his consistency. If he's consistent he's Serie A level. The shorter Australian Season could help with that consistency. If he can maintain that level with the Phoenix then they have the bargain of the century.
I think that there's misunderstanding about Pennington's level. He's not a Devlin, who's basically a physical midfielder. Pennington is clever and patient tackling, good passing, good ball control and he covers more ground than anyone.
Midway through last season there were calls for Pennington to head to Serie A. He was the best Serie C midfielder. The transfer window was blocked by Covid. Pennington then was out of form for part of the second half of the season. This is what dogs him, his consistency. If he's consistent he's Serie A level. The shorter Australian Season could help with that consistency. If he can maintain that level with the Phoenix then they have the bargain of the century.
I totally agree with all the comments on the effectiveness of Rufer, Sutton and Pennington. However, the continuous effort from Sotirio, Ball, Waine and Old to press City non-stop contributed an immense amount to Paulsen getting his first clean sheet. Let's hope the same attitude prevails against the other Melbourne team that has been procured at significant expense to bring success at Victory.
I totally agree with all the comments on the effectiveness of Rufer, Sutton and Pennington. However, the continuous effort from Sotirio, Ball, Waine and Old to press City non-stop contributed an immense amount to Paulsen getting his first clean sheet. Let's hope the same attitude prevails against the other Melbourne team that has been procured at significant expense to bring success at Victory.
Yep did notice a coordinated press.
Regarding Pennington again. Sorry!
He's started 3 matches in his position this season. Western United, Avondale, Melbourne City. We have not conceded a single goal while he was on the field during those matches. I'd be surprised if you could say the same for Devlin.
Against City with the exception of Fenton's scoring opportunity, all other scoring opportunities were assisted by Pennington.
I watch these boys on Wyscout. You can select to watch only individual actions. Pennington had 33 minutes of individual actions during the 120 minutes of the game. That is extraordinary. I have never seen a player work that much in a match.
He's started 3 matches in his position this season. Western United, Avondale, Melbourne City. We have not conceded a single goal while he was on the field during those matches. I'd be surprised if you could say the same for Devlin.
Against City with the exception of Fenton's scoring opportunity, all other scoring opportunities were assisted by Pennington.
I watch these boys on Wyscout. You can select to watch only individual actions. Pennington had 33 minutes of individual actions during the 120 minutes of the game. That is extraordinary. I have never seen a player work that much in a match.
Regarding Pennington again. Sorry!
He's started 3 matches in his position this season. Western United, Avondale, Melbourne City. We have not conceded a single goal while he was on the field during those matches. I'd be surprised if you could say the same for Devlin.
Against City with the exception of Fenton's scoring opportunity, all other scoring opportunities were assisted by Pennington.
I watch these boys on Wyscout. You can select to watch only individual actions. Pennington had 33 minutes of individual actions during the 120 minutes of the game. That is extraordinary. I have never seen a player work that much in a match.
He's started 3 matches in his position this season. Western United, Avondale, Melbourne City. We have not conceded a single goal while he was on the field during those matches. I'd be surprised if you could say the same for Devlin.
Against City with the exception of Fenton's scoring opportunity, all other scoring opportunities were assisted by Pennington.
I watch these boys on Wyscout. You can select to watch only individual actions. Pennington had 33 minutes of individual actions during the 120 minutes of the game. That is extraordinary. I have never seen a player work that much in a match.
Not exactly. I'm a "cheerleader" of Italian football. I like following the Australian players in Italy.
I'm very disappointed that Armenakis is not currently playing. I thought that he was a great Australian, playing youth football with Udinese.
I'd like to see Cleur playing in the A-League as well. I don't think that he's appreciated in Italy.
I'm very disappointed that Armenakis is not currently playing. I thought that he was a great Australian, playing youth football with Udinese.
I'd like to see Cleur playing in the A-League as well. I don't think that he's appreciated in Italy.
🚨 CONFIRMED! 🚨 @gomvfc will host @WgtnPhoenixFC next Saturday, 29 January in Geelong for a spot in the FFA Cup Final! #FFACup #MVCvWEL #MagicOfTheCup
— FFA Cup (@FFACup) January 19, 2022
🚨 CONFIRMED! 🚨 @gomvfc will host @WgtnPhoenixFC next Saturday, 29 January in Geelong for a spot in the FFA Cup Final! #FFACup #MVCvWEL #MagicOfTheCup
— FFA Cup (@FFACup) January 19, 2022
Nice kick off time, excellent 👍
What time is kickoff, NZ time?
What time is kickoff, NZ time?