Tag: soccer

Roar vs Melbourne City: Defensive Struggles Loom as Brisbane Host High-Flying City

Brisbane Roar will aim to secure the elusive first win of the season when they host Melbourne City on Friday, 6 December, following a thrilling 4-4 draw with Macarthur FC last weekend. Roar vs Melbourne City kick off 7:35 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.

Read: Clare Polkinghorne Honoured as Packed Suncorp Stadium Cheers Her Farewell

Roar notches first point in a heart-stopping draw

The Roar returns to home turf with renewed determination after securing their first point of the season in a pulsating encounter at Campbelltown Sports Stadium. Head coach Ruben Zadkovich’s side showcased moments of attacking brilliance but also revealed defensive frailties in a match that swung wildly with four lead changes.

Rising star Thomas Waddingham continues to shine brightly in Brisbane’s campaign. The 19-year-old striker’s clinical first-half brace against Macarthur highlighted his growing importance to the team. As Roar prepare to take on a disciplined Melbourne City defence, Brisbane faithful will be counting on Waddingham to find the back of the net once more.

Roar vs Melbourne City

Melbourne City arrives at Suncorp Stadium sitting fifth on the ladder with nine points from five matches. While Brisbane’s attack has kept pace with City’s, matching their eight goals this season, defensive woes tell a very different story. Conceding 14 goals in just five matches—in stark contrast to City’s five—Brisbane’s backline faces a formidable challenge.

The return of experienced defender Scott Neville could not have come at a better time. Making his first appearance since recovering from an ACL injury, Neville completed a solid 65 minutes against Macarthur, offering much-needed stability to Brisbane’s defence. His return after a 312-day absence adds depth and leadership to a backline in need of fortification.

Read: Suncorp Stadium Lags Behind as Brisbane Pushes for New Stadium to Attract Top Acts

For Brisbane, maintaining their attacking momentum while finding defensive stability will be critical in securing their elusive first victory of the campaign. With home support roaring from the stands, could Friday night lights at Suncorp Stadium mark the turning point of their season?

Published 02-December-2024

Clare Polkinghorne Honoured as Packed Suncorp Stadium Cheers Her Farewell

An unforgettable night at Suncorp Stadium celebrated the illustrious career of Clare Polkinghorne, Australia’s most-capped player, as over 47,000 fans gathered to send off the Brisbane-born defender in style. Despite the Matildas falling 3-1 to Brazil, the evening was a tribute to Polkinghorne’s remarkable 18 years in international football.

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Gutierres brace sparks early drama

The match began with high intensity as Brazil’s Amanda Gutierres made an immediate impact, scoring twice in the opening 13 minutes. Gutierres showcased her class with a composed finish in the sixth minute, followed by a perfectly executed strike off an assist from Aline Gomes. The early deficit tested the Matildas’ resolve, but they remained determined to fight back in front of their home crowd.

The breakthrough came late in the first half, igniting hope among the fans. Ellie Carpenter delivered a pinpoint cross, and Emily van Egmond’s clever dummy allowed Caitlin Foord to power the ball past Brazilian keeper Natascha Honegger. The well-executed goal brought the Matildas within striking distance at halftime, energising the packed stadium.

Queiroz quashes Matildas’ momentum

However, any resurgence was short-lived. In the 52nd minute, Giovana Queiroz capitalised on an error by Alanna Kennedy to restore Brazil’s two-goal advantage. The match, which featured nearly 22 minutes of stoppage time, was marred by frequent interruptions and physical confrontations, further frustrating the Matildas’ efforts to mount a comeback.

Clare Polkinghorne farewell shines bright

While the scoreboard didn’t favour the Matildas, the evening was defined by a moment of pure celebration. Clare Polkinghorne left the pitch in the 63rd minute to a standing ovation from the Suncorp faithful, with cheers echoing in recognition of her unparalleled contribution to Australian football. Adding to the occasion, she received a pre-match tribute, including a framed jersey presented by Queensland rugby legend Darren Lockyer.

The match also marked a major milestone for Emily van Egmond, who became only the fourth Australian to achieve 150 international appearances. Moments like these highlighted the pride and resilience of the Matildas, even as Brazil’s tactical execution saw them hold on for the win.

Read: Suncorp Stadium Lags Behind as Brisbane Pushes for New Stadium to Attract Top Acts

Despite the result, the Matildas showed flashes of brilliance and will be eager to bounce back in their rematch against Brazil on Sunday, 1 December, at the Gold Coast. Polkinghorne’s farewell may not have ended with a victory, but her legacy leaves an indelible mark on Australian football.

Published 30-November-2024

Brazil Challenge Awaits as Matildas Head to Suncorp Stadium

A month after their first victory over Germany in 19 years, the Matildas return to Suncorp Stadium this Thursday, 28 November, at 8:00 p.m. to take on football powerhouse Brazil.

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Celebration match for local hero Clare Polkinghorne

The fixture carries special significance as veteran defender Clare Polkinghorne prepares for her final international window in front of her home crowd. Notably, the last time Australia faced Brazil on home soil, Polkinghorne kicked off the scoring in a 3-1 victory for the Matildas.

Adding to the occasion, vice-captain Emily van Egmond stands poised to earn her 150th cap, which would make her just the fourth Australian footballer to reach this milestone.

Matildas squad shuffle

Interim coach Tom Sermanni has made several squad adjustments ahead of the Brazil encounter. The Matildas will compete with a 34-player squad following the withdrawal of WSL midfielders Katrina Gorry and Clare Wheeler due to injuries sustained in recent club matches.

Gorry suffered a shoulder injury in the same game she opened her scoring account for West Ham with a brace; Wheeler, on the other hand, sustained a lower leg injury playing for Everton in the Merseyside derby.

Manchester City forward Mary Fowler has also pulled out of the upcoming matches against Brazil and Chinese Taipei, citing a need to rest and recover after a hectic playing schedule.

World Cup hero Cortnee Vine remains unavailable, having announced an indefinite break from football to prioritize her mental health. Vine, whose penalty secured Australia’s historic World Cup semi-final appearance, continues to manage the challenges that have accompanied her rising profile.

The extended roster reflects strong domestic talent, with 16 players currently competing in the A-League Women competition. Notable returns include Alex Chidiac, Emily Gielnik, and Chloe Logarzo, all recalled following impressive domestic form.

Milestone victory over Germany

The Matildas head into this international window buoyed by their historic 2-1 victory over Germany in October—their first triumph against the European powerhouse in 19 years.

Despite an early goal from Germany’s Selina Cerci in the fifth minute, the Matildas showcased resilience and tactical evolution under interim coach Tom Sermanni. Kyra Cooney-Cross delivered a stunning 35-yard strike to equalise before halftime, followed by Clare Hunt’s first international goal which secured the triumph.

Read: Suncorp Stadium Lags Behind as Brisbane Pushes for New Stadium to Attract Top Acts

Following the Suncorp Stadium opener, the Matildas will rematch with Brazil at the Cbus Super Stadium in Gold Coast on 1 December. The team will then travel south for two matches against Chinese Taipei in Melbourne and Geelong on 4 and 7 December, respectively.

Published 25-November-2024

Roar vs Sydney FC: Brisbane Hunt for Glory in Home Opener

Brisbane Roar will seek redemption in their home opener this Friday, November 1, as they face Sydney FC looking to recover from their season-opening defeat. Roar vs Sydney FC kick off 6:35 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.

Read: Metallica to Rock Suncorp Stadium for First Brisbane Show in 12 Years

Opening day setback

The Roar began their 2024/25 campaign with a 2-0 loss to competition newcomers Auckland FC at a packed Go Media Stadium. An eighth-minute own goal from debutant Harry Van Der Saag set the tone, with Logan Rogerson’s 75th-minute strike sealing the result for the hosts.

Despite the setback, the match showcased promising signs for the club’s future, featuring seven players in their Roar debuts. Newcomers Neicer Acosta and Thomas Waddingham demonstrated their potential, forcing Auckland goalkeeper Alex Paulsen into crucial saves. The squad received an additional boost from the return of Ben Halloran, while Sam Klein’s integration added fresh tactical options to the team’s approach.

Head coach Ruben Zadkovich maintains a positive outlook despite the opening day result. “It was an even game, very patchy,” Zadkovich says. “There were some moments for us where I thought we did really well and started to control it.”

“It was a very even game but a couple of moments that went against us.”

The coach’s commitment to youth development remains a cornerstone of his strategy, evidenced by the debuts of Sam Klein and local Queensland product Ivan Ozzi. “There’s nothing better in my position than being able to reward young players that are fighting to become professional footballers,” Zadkovich notes.

Read: Proposed Changes in Milton May Lead to Fewer Parking Spots in New Developments

Roar vs Sydney FC

Brisbane now turn their attention to Friday’s crucial clash against Sydney FC, who enter the match following a 1-nil loss to Auckland FC. The fixture presents an early opportunity for the Roar to demonstrate their resilience and secure their first points of the season in front of their home supporters.

Fans can secure their tickets here to witness the Roar’s first home fixture of the 2024/25 season as they aim to get their campaign back on track against Sydney FC.

Published 30-October-2024