A return to the VPL

I had my final exam of the semester (and of my course!!!) on Wednesday, so I had this weekend pencilled in a while ago as one when I would go to a VPL match. Richmond played on Friday night, but I was feeling a bit under the weather so I missed it. Partly because I was heading out to Heidelberg vs. Melbourne today anyway.

I'm now back home, still wearing my overcoat, scarf and hoodie (not in that order) despite the heater being on at home! Gotta love football in the winter - I always wonder how many A-League "fans" would come to the football if we played in winter instead of summer. And today wasn't even raining!

I watched the second half of the reserves (under-21s) and then the seniors. I have to say, that I much prefer to watch the youngsters. I think it's because I don't expect as much from them as the seniors, and there's a lot of talent on display. There's also a lack of thinking on display... but the kids are young and they'll learn. Hence why I forgive them for silly mistakes but not the seniors.

The seniors match wasn't great, but it wasn't woeful either. Somewhere in between. Melbourne was all over Heidelberg, and even though Heidelberg had chances they lacked a striker who could do something with those chances. Considering the financial woes Heidelberg have been in, perhaps they just can't afford one?

Not much else to say, but I have another few weeks of fun up my sleeve before my final semester. I'm thinking about training with my local club for a bit and get a few more VPL matches up my sleeve. Apparently Melbourne Victory have some friendlies - I've been so into uni and exams (and Holland's run in Euro) that I have no idea what Melbourne are up to these days.

Though I was aware about the Home End Membership fiasco. I know I said I was going to downgrade to GA this season, but I've ended up renewing my Gold membership.

Half-time: Iraq 1, Australia 0

While Schwarzer was off his line it's not just his fault that we're currently down 1-0. As a team game, the blame must be shared - why was Mohamed allowed to shoot with so much time?

Unfortunately Slater and Hill are so focused on Schwarzer being off his line that the TV audience who have no idea about football will go on to not realise the importance of applying pressure - i.e. reducing the amount of space and time an opponent has such that they cannot perform.

Mohamed's shot was perfect, but a little bit of pressure could have been enough for it to sail over the cross-bar or for it to be hit short and safely into Schwarzer's arms.

P.S. Could someone please give that crowd member wearing an MV top a yellow shirt? Kthnxbai.

General musings

I submitted my final assignment of the semester so I have a few spare moments where I can reflect on recent goings-on in the football world.

1. I miss coaching. I really do. I was teaching microbiology this semester at uni, which was enjoyable and made me realise that I like the teaching/coaching opportunities that I've had so far. I swear that I will be back next season!
   
   
2. Australia's defence. Ouch. Painful. Lucky. We are the lucky country with a very lucky national team.
   
   That being said, what on earth is Beauchamp doing in the middle of our defence line? I'm sure he's asleep. He's also struck me as being very awkward - he's not fluid in his motions and when combined with his 'slow' head makes for very painful viewing. I cannot wait for Neill to come back, and not for the purpose of swooning. This World Cup stuff is very serious, and I simply cannot relax to the point of trying to find eye-candy on the field. Until Neill gets back, could we PLEASE have Vargas? Please Pim, put Roddy on for Beauchamp.
   
   Though Harry does make it easy when he gets up to his old tricks. *Sigh* I used to have the biggest crush on him in high school. Was completely mute when I had a chance to meet him, we played a one-on-one and he nutmegged me. Oh the shame! I was also taller than him and that was weird in itself. Meeting your football idol and he's shorter than you. But that was a long time ago and I know I've grown.
   
   I don't remember if I had a chance to rave about Carney when the Socceroos played in Melbourne. I was probably swooning over the cool and calm of Moore... but he's transformed from one of the better soccer players in the A-League into a footballer. It's really nice to see that Australia can still produce some talent.
   
   
3. There are no Melbourne Victory matches in the pre-season cup that are in Victoria. >.<
   
   
4. Home end membership. My plans to downgrade from Gold to GA so I can randomly bump into people and hang out with a new mob each week were foiled. So now I'm back to the Prawn Sandwich Area.
   
   I am/was considering Platinum, but I wonder why the middle bay of seats in the Platinum area is not reserved for members. What a joke! I'd lobby, but I suspect that if the masses can't get their way in the GA area, no-one's going to care what some delusional female in her mid-twenties has to say. Actually, perhaps if I say that I am going to sit perhaps they will give me 5 seconds of consideration...
   
   
5. I miss playing. My knee doesn't hurt this winter, so I'm trying to get fit again. It's difficult. Mentally more than physically.