Collen will fit straight into the role once occuppied by Craig Moore. Collens signing is seen as a good one by Postecoglou and a clear sign that Brisbane are looking on the up and building a squad for the future.

Collen brings with him plenty of experience having played in the top flight leagues in Holland and Belgium. Collen has Champiosn League experience from his time spent with Feyernoord, and this will be invaluable to an ailing Brisbane backline.

Collen was part of the Feyenoord team which won the 2002 UEFA Cup.

“I have played UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup and have two (Belgium) caps, one friendly and one European Cup qualification match,” Collen said.

A versatile player, at home out on the right and in the heart of defence, it isn’t unusual for the 29-year-old to venture forward in search of goals.

The signing of Collen has been greetedn with much pleasure from the Brisbane fans and is a nice positive sign in what has been a few horror months for the Roar.

Collen will get the chance to strut his skills in his first outing for the Roar at home to the Newcastle Jets on 16th January.

Pieter Collen

Facts

Nationality: Belgian

Place of Birth: Gent, Belgium

Date of Birth: 20.06.1980

Age: 29

Position: Defender

Foot: Right

Height: 1.83 metres

Career

97/98 – KAA Gent (Belgium)

99/00 – Vitesse Arnheim (Holland)

2000/01 – NEC Nijmegen (Belgium)

01/03 – Feyenoord Rotterdam (Holland)

03/05 – NAC Breda (Holland)

05/07 – Feyenoord (Holland)

07/08 – VV St. Truiden (Belgium)

08/09 – SS Cambuur – Leeuwarden (Holland)

09/10 – KSK Beveren (Belgium)

International

2 Caps – Belgium

Debut – 06.09.2006

Both Brisbane’s strikers were involved in the early play with Sergio van Dijk recording the first opportunity of the match in the fourth minute, but his right-foot shot was comfortably saved by former Roar custodian Liam Reddy.
Reddy had to be on his toes again when a breaking Reinaldo slipped a ball to van Dijk in the box but Reddy kept the angled shot out.

The home side took the lead against the run of play in the 26th minute when Tim Brown nodded home a Manny Muscat cross inside the six-yard box.The goal sparked the Phoenix and they pushed forward looking for a second immediately.

The Roar’s defensive resolve was illustrated by Josh McCloughan with a perfectly timed tackle in the box on Eugene Dadi when the Wellington striker seemed destined to score.

Paul Ifill then blasted over the bar after bundling Luke DeVere off the ball in the Brisbane penalty area a minute later.The Roar began to claw back possession and with three minutes left in the half Sarota unloaded from the edge of the box and Reddy tipped the ball over the bar.

The second half started as a stalemate, with neither side able to string together decisive passes in order to work an opportunity for their respective strikers.However, Brisbane were undone 10 minutes after the restart by a contender for goal of the season when Dadi – making his debut for Wellington – performed a perfectly executed bicycle kick on the penalty spot to double the host’s lead.

Reinaldo very nearly pulled one back for Brisbane four minutes later when he got a toe to an in-swinging Tommy Oar cross, but the ball flew just over the bar.Wellington were next to score though, Dadi grabbing his second when presented with the ball on the edge of the six-yard box by a clever Paul Ifill cutback.

McKay looked to get his team back on track on 71 minutes with a run through the heart of the Wellington defence and despite being found by an Ivan Franjic cross, Reddy managed to just push his shot past the post.

Brown butchered an opportunity on 77 minutes when he was slipped in by the rampant Dadi, blasting his shot over the bar with only McMaster to beat.

Brisbane got some reward for their efforts with two minutes left on the clock when van Dijk slipped the ball inside the post from the edge of the box.

Postecoglou was philosophical following the defeat, lamenting missed opportunities – particularly in the first half.

“I felt we created enough good opportunities to win the match,” Postecoglou said. “We just let ourselves down defensively again.

“If you have a look at our whole season we’ve leaked goals at the worst time and we’ve done that again tonight.

“How do we fix that? We work harder and that’s exactly what we’ll be doing this week.”

Wellington Phoenix 3 (Tim Brown 26’, Eugene Dadi 55’, 62’)
Brisbane Roar 1 (Sergio van Dijk 88’)
Saturday, 9 January 2010
Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Referee: Peter O’Leary
Crowd: 8125

Wellington Phoenix line-up: 40. Liam REDDY (GK), 2. Manny MUSCAT, 3. Tony LOCHHEAD, 4. Jon McKAIN, 6. Tim BROWN, 7. Leo BERTOS, 8. Paul IFILL (14. Adrian CACERES 77’), 13. Troy HEARFIELD, 15. Eugene DADI, 17. Vince LIA (5. Diego WALSH 81’), 22. Andrew DURANTE (capt).

Substitutes not used: 18. Ben SIGMUND, 20. Reece CROWTHER (GK).

Yellow cards: Troy Hearfield (68’), Liam Reddy (89’)

Red cards: Nil

Brisbane Roar line-up: 20.Griffin McMASTER (gk), 3.Luke DEVERE, 5.Josh McCLOUGHAN 7. Michael ZULLO, 8. Massimo MURDOCCA (6. David DODD 80’), 9. Sergio VAN DIJK, 11. REINALDO, 14. Adam SAROTA (19. Isaka CERNAK 64’), 15. Matt McKAY (capt), 21. Tommy Oar (12. Matt MUNDY 66’), 22. Ivan FRANJIC.

Substitutes not used: 1. Matt HAM (GK).

Yellow Cards: Reinaldo (89’)

Red Cards: Nil

Moore asked to quit the club two days ago through Football Manager Thiago Cruzin in order to secure a short-term European deal to further his World Cup 2010 ambitions.But today chief executive Peter McLennan revealed Moore’s demands for Postecoglou to be axed meant the split would now be permanent.

“During discussions with Craig over the past eight weeks he made it clear he was unhappy working under Ange Postecoglou at the club,” McLennan said.

“On at least two occasions during that time Craig issued me with the ultimatum that either Ange went or he went.

“Clearly over recent weeks the club has begun to move in a new and exciting direction and the bottom line is that no individual is bigger than the club.

“It is regrettable Craig won’t be a part of what we believe will be a bright future. We have complete faith in what Ange is seeking to achieve at the club and he has everyone’s full support.”

With Moore’s departure Brisbane will now turn its attention to securing Hyundai A-League finals football this season and the recruiting program for next season, including the search for a marquee player.

McLennan added: “As a club we have always maintained we would support Craig’s ambitions in regards to the World Cup, the only difference in his departure is we had hoped he would return following the tournament.

“We thank Craig for his contribution to the Roar and wish him the best of luck with his future endeavours. Like every Australian football fan we hope he has an outstanding World Cup in South Africa.”

Moore was today in Dubai training withe Socceroos ahead of next week’s crucial Asian Cup qualifier against Kuwait. He has been strongly linked with a move back to Scotland – where he played with Rangers – to join Perth-based St Johnstone.

Brisbane looked sprightly early on and Tommy Oar put them into the lead after 10 minutes. Oar turned on to his right foot and sent a shot curling into Danny Vukovic’ left hand corner. Twenty minutes late Sergio Van Dijk sent the ball into Vukovics other corner with a fantastic left footed shot from outside the box to send the visitors to a two goal lead. The Mariners seemed to be dazed as there was no real urgency in there play. Craig Moore gave them there chance when a poor back pass led to Nicky Travis slotting him an easy placed shot to give the Mariners some hope and peg the score back to 2-1.

After the break, the Mariners were changed team and started looking for ways back in to the game. The Roar looked tired, as the effects of playing their third game in a week seemed to be taking its toll on the players. Fatigue and cramps were starting to show on the Roar players as the Mariners kept pestering the opposition goal. The Mariners pulled it back to 2-2 when Dylan Mcallister latched on to a free kick to head home.

The Mariners looked good to press on and go for the win as the game progressed. The Roar were not going to sit back however and let the game get away from them. They played well defensively and were holding on for the point. As the game was drawing nearer to full time, the Roar won a free kick from about 30 yards out. Michael Zullo sent in the freekick and Matt Mckay latched on to a poor clearance to slot the ball home and give the visitors the three points.

It was a good performance, but the Roar will surely be wondering why they were made to play so many games in a short space of time with small breaks in-between each game. Coach Ange Postecoglu will be happy with the result as are the fans and hopefully the win will give Brisbane a chance to get back on track to make the finals. With Brisbane playing their next home game on January 16th December, the next few weeks promises to be a challenging time on the road and this victory will be more than welcomed.

Central Coast Mariners 2 (Nicky Travis 35’, Dylan MacAllister76’)

Brisbane Roar 3 (Tommy Oar 10’, Sergio van Dijk 21’, Matt McKay 90′+1)

Saturday, 19 December 2009

Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford

Referee: Alan MILLINER

Central Coast Mariners line-up: 20. Danny VUKOVIC (GK), 4. Pedj BOJIC, 5. Brad PORTER, 12. Matthew LEWIS (21. Ahmad ELRICH 68’), 14. Michael McGLINCHEY, 15. Andrew CLARK, 16. Nigel BOOGAARD, 18. Alex WILKINSON (capt), 19. Matt SIMON, 22. Nicky TRAVIS, 23. Adam KWASNIK (11. Dylan MacALLISTER 66’).
Substitutes not used: 1. Andrew REDMAYNE (GK), 3. Shane HUKE
Yellow cards: Pedj Bojic (90’)
Red cards: Nil

Brisbane Roar line-up: 20. Griffin McMASTER (GK), 3. Luke DEVERE (5. Josh McCLOUGHAN 45’), 4. Craig MOORE (capt), 7. Michael ZULLO, 8. Massimo MURDOCCA, 9. Sergio VAN DIJK, 13. HENRIQUE (17. Mitch NICHOLS 75’), 14. Adam SAROTA, 15. Matt McKAY, 21. Tommy OAR (23. Tim SMITS 86’), 22. Ivan FRANJIC.
Substitutes not used: 1. Matt HAM (GK)
Yellow cards: Matt McKay (47’)
Red cards: Nil

I have never seen so many Liverpool football shirts in one location in Brisbane, or rather Australia, before. At one point during the game, some of the Brisbane fans were chanting you’ll Never Walk Alone and Robbie Fowler chants. It made me realise that some of the 11,000 crowd watching the game, had only come for one reason and one reason only, to watch Robbie Fowler play. Disregard the fact that he is now drawing to the end of an illustrious career, or that he is playing for a team that were struggling to get more than 2 passes together at times. Fowler had drawn many fans to the game, and it underlines what a marquee player should be.

When the draw was released for the season, I automatically looked for the first game NQFC was playing against Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium. The day was marked from the start of the season as the one game, if it only be one, that I will go watch this season. It was all about watching the man that Liverpool fans call ‘God’. If nothing else goes right for NQFC this season, then it is the signing of Robbie Fowler that is the only thing that they did get right. The marquee signing is someone who gets signed outside the salary cap. The reason for this is to allow clubs that opportunity to sign a star player, someone who will raise the profile of the game in Australia, someone who will bring the fans to the stadium and produce good performances. Not since Dwight Yorke has the A-league found this man. Robbie Fowler has filled the role perfectly.

He has scored some fantastic goals already this season. Despite his age, his first touch and vision on the field are still of a high standard. He is undoubtedly the reason many fans are going to watch NQFC play this season. Many of the other teams have failed to get the marquee signing correct. Some clubs have not even taken up the option of using the marquee signing. Of the noticeable marquees, Roar has Craig Moore, Perth has Mile Sterjovski, Gold Coast has Jason Culina and Sydney has John Aloisi. Sterjovski has been well below par. For someone who is considered a certainty for the Socceroos in the world cup, he has struggled to perform against some of the A-league players. He has not had the impact, both on and off the field, as would have been expected of someone who has just returned to play from England, still has some years left in him, and is a Socceroo.

John Aloisi is past his used by date. Many still hold him in high regard, but after a shocking first season with the sky blues, he has performed much better this year, but has failed to make that impact that is required of a marquee. He is inconsistent and very easy to read on the field. It is hard to believe that he has played in the major leagues in Europe. He shows no signs of having played at a high level and is sometimes one step behind some of the defenders he comes up against. Jason Culina has done well to bring the glamour to the Gold Coast. Still part of the Socceroos squad and with plenty of years left in his career, his decision to come back to Australia now, has baffled quite a few people. He has shown his experience on the field and is still a cut above most of the a-league players as a player. Off the field, he has not drawn the crowds to the stadiums in numbers that would be expected of a marquee.

Craig Moore has not had as a big an impact due to his position. As a defender, the job you do is not often remembered as the names of the goal scorers stick in the mind of the fans longer. The defenders are usually the unsung heroes. Brisbane fans are well aware of his contribution and his watertight work at the back. They also know that he is not expected to draw the crowds and raise the hype. Having said all that, the marquee is not just about getting someone who is a Socceroo or has played in Europe. It’s about getting the right name. Every one of the last four names mentioned above are good players. However, to a base that mainly follows English Premier League or European football, the players who are playing bit part roles in European teams are not going to draw attention as much as player who used to bang in goals for top European clubs or were the midfield generals for big teams. Big teams does not just mean champions league level, but players such as Thomas Gravesen, Christian Vieri, Laurent Robert, Henrik Larsson et al would all bring a much high level to the a-league that Australian football fans have never seen. These are just four names I can think off, but I’m sure many of you can think of other names worth throwing in to the hat.

Many people at the game at Suncorp were Brisbane fans, but they were also disappointed that Robbie Fowler did not deliver a goal. He was the major reason for many of the fans turning up to watch the game. The chance to see a man of such a high level with the droves of experience he has was not going to be missed. I remember turning to one fan and saying, “Fowler looks tired” and this was only after 15 minutes, his response highlighted everything for me, “Fowler can sit on the field for the whole game if he wants, he’s already a legend.” It just underlined for me how big a name he is. He has a great track record and was one of the most successful English Premier League players. He was a role model for many young kids and was a man many would stay up at ridiculous hours to watch. The chance to see him in the flesh does not come very often and at the end of the day, the game could have been played with the players riding elephants, but just the interest that Fowler has generated is great for the game. It’s time that clubs actually realise what the marquee signing is there for. North Queensland may not make the finals, but the interest and exposure they have received from their marquee player, has done them wonders.

Head-to-head
Played 14: Wins: Adelaide United 6, Brisbane Roar 3, Draws: 5

Previous meeting
Adelaide United 0, Brisbane Roar 2, Hindmarsh Stadium, Round 14, November 2009

Past five matches:

Brisbane Roar:
Round 13: Brisbane Roar 1, Newcastle Jets 1, Suncorp Stadium
Round 14: Adelaide United 0, Brisbane Roar 2, Hindmarsh Stadium
Round 15: Brisbane Roar 0, Melbourne Victory 1, Suncorp Stadium
Round 16: Brisbane Roar 4, Wellington Phoenix 1, Suncorp Stadium
Round 17: Perth Glory 1, Brisbane Roar 1, Members Equity Stadium

Adelaide United:
Round 13: Central Coast 0, Adelaide United 0, Canberra Stadium
Round 14: Adelaide United 0, Brisbane Roar 2, Hindmarsh Stadium
Round 15: Adelaide United 1, Gold Coast United 1, Hindmarsh Stadium
Round 16: North Queensland 2, Adelaide United 1, Dairy Farmers Stadium
Round 17: Adelaide United 0, Newcastle Jets 2, Hindmarsh Stadium

Analysis:
Brisbane Roar have had two of their high-profile players quit the club in the past two weeks with Charlie Miller landing on the Gold Coast while back-up goalkeeper Liam Reddy looks set for a stint with the Sky Blues once this season is completed.

The defections might be a distraction, and supporters are always sad to see players go, but the changes are more than likely a positive sign for Roar heading into the home stretch of the season.

Ange Postecoglou is shaping a squad for the future and has shown minimal regret with the resignations of Miller and Reddy who may have been on the outer already.

That hard-nosed and unrelenting approach from any coach is sure to get the remaining players’ attention and they’ll be keen to prove they have a future at Suncorp Stadium with a strong performance against an out-of-sorts Adelaide United.

Mitch Nichols is the first to admit he hasn’t been performing at his best but with Miller out of the picture he can really have an impact on the side.

Brisbane’s disappointment in taking a point from their 1-1 match against Perth Glory is another good sign this side is switched on and more expectant of success. Five or six weeks ago Roar would’ve taken a draw from Perth but now they want more.

At this stage Brisbane have made no change to their squad although the inclusion of Massimo Murdocca is a positive one. He’s finally put his ankle problems behind him and is sure to generate some enthusiasm for his side coming off the bench. Unfortunately the injured trio of Matt McKay, Danny Tiatto and Reinaldo won’t be available again but it may not matter against Adelaide.

The Reds were dirty when they slipped to eighth spot after losing to Fury a fortnight ago and a loss to the Jets last Saturday has made matters worse. Even the club is tired of spouting optimistic cliches and admits the only way to turn things around is to work hard and hope for the best.

United’s line-up looks set for another reshuffle with Lloyd Owusu finally dragged out of the National Youth League while Daniel Mullen, Francesco Monterosso, Shin and Michael Marrone are all an outside chance of playing too. Kristian Sarkies, who’s been one of the Reds’ better players of late, is out with a quad injury.

Importantly coach Aurelio Vidmar is back from his club-imposed ban to lead the team – that’s sure to make a difference. But there’s not much to suggest things are going to improve any time soon for last year’s grand finalists.

Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Liam REDDY (GK), 2. Andrew PACKER, 4. Craig MOORE (c), 3. Luke DEVERE, 5. Josh McCLOUGHAN, 6. David DODD, 7. Michael ZULLO, 8. Massimo MURDOCCA, 9. Sergio VAN DIJK, 12.Matthew MUNDY, 13. HENRIQUE, 14. Adam SAROTA, 17. Mitch NICHOLS, 20. Griffin McMASTER (GK), 21. Tommy OAR, 25.Luke BRATTAN

In: Massimo MURDOCCA (returns from injury)

Out: Nil

Unavailable: Matt McKAY (quad injury – 2 weeks), Bob MALCOLM (suspended – 1 week), Ivan FRANJIC (hamstring injury – 1 week), Danny TIATTO (hamstring injury – 1 week), REINALDO (hamstring injury – 1 week)

Adelaide United squad: 1.Eugene GALEKOVIC (gk), 2.Robert CORNTHWAITE, 3.ALEMAO, 4.Iain FYFE, 5.Daniel MULLEN, 6.CASSIO, 7.Lucas PANTELIS, 9.CRISTIANO, 10.Adam HUGHES, 11. Lloyd OWUSU, 12. Paul REID, 13.Travis DODD (c), 14.Scott JAMIESON, 15. Francesco MONTEROSSO, 16. Inseob SHIN, 17. Michael MARRONE, 18.Fabian BARBIERO, 19.Mathew LECKIE, 20.Mark BIRIGHITTI (gk), 21.Mark RUDAN

In: Daniel MULLEN (promoted), Lloyd OWUSU (promoted), Francesco MONTEROSSO (promoted), Inseob SHIN (promoted), Michael MARRONE (promoted)

Out: Kristian SARKIES (quad – 1 week)

Unavailable: Joe COSTA (knee – indefinite)

* Extracted from 442 Australia.

A first-half penalty from Sergio van Dijk cancelled out Labinot Haliti’s opener to share the spoils after a dominant second-half performance from Brisbane drew few clear-cut opportunities.

The match got off to a lively start as the Jets showed their eagerness with two half-chances inside the first five minutes.

Matt Thompson screwed a shot wide before Haliti latched onto a clever flick from Michael Bridges but could only hit the ball straight at Griffin McMaster from a tight angle.

On 22 minutes McMaster had more work to do, reacting quickly to keep Adam D’Apuzzo’s out of the net after the ball deflected off Ivan Franjic.

The signs were worrying for the Roar and things got worse 10 minutes later when Haliti climbed high to head the Jets into the lead from a Bridges cross.

However, the lead lasted just four minutes, with D’Apuzzo handling in the area to gift the hosts a penalty, which van Dijk neatly tucked away.

Minutes before the interval van Dijk nearly found the lead when he towered above the Jets defence to meet a Tommy Oar cross and forced Ben Kennedy into a fingertip save.

The teams continued their measured approach in the second half, but it meant little in the way of goal-mouth action, with neither ‘keeper breaking a sweat until a long-range effort from Danny Tiatto on 57 minutes kept Kennedy on his toes.

Five minutes later the Jets ‘keeper was late to punch a Tiatto cross but the ball eluded everyone else in the box and went harmlessly over the line for a goal kick.

Up the other end, Jin-Hyung Song was happy to take pot-shots from the edge of the area, first blasting a shot over the bar and then sending a low drive wide of the mark.

The Roar returned fire through van Dijk, the Dutchman getting on the end of some nice play between Oar and Mitch Nichols but his right-footer was comfortable for Kennedy.

The game opened up in the final minutes as both teams looked for a winner, but with defenders from both sides winning the crucial battles the match ended in a stalemate.

Brisbane boss Ange Postecoglou was frustrated to leave with a point after watching his team control large portions of the match.

“We certainly had enough of the ball and we moved it quite well,” he said.

“In the front third we got some good combinations but just our final pass sometimes let us down and I thought if we were a little bit sharper around the box we could’ve created some more opportunities.”

However, Postecoglou said he remained “super positive” about the Roar’s season despite the result and hoped the team could build on the draw.

“We’ve got to go to Adelaide super positive try and get a result there too and then hopefully after the break we get some players to come back in (from injury).”

Brisbane Roar 1 (Labinot Haliti 32’)
Newcastle Jets 1 (Sergio van Dijk (pen.) 36’)

Brisbane Roar: 20. Griffin McMaster (gk), 2. Andrew Packer, 3. Luke DeVere, 4. Craig Moore (c), 9. Sergio van Dijk, 15. Matt McKay, 17. Mitch Nichols, 18. Danny Tiatto (29. Mario Karlovic 72’), 19. Isaka Cernak, 21. Tommy Oar, 27. Ivan Franjic.

Unused substitutes: 30. Matt Acton (gk), 5. Josh McCloughan, 6. David Dodd.

Yellow cards: nil.

Red cards: nil.

Newcastle Jets: 1. Ben Kennedy (gk), 2. Angelo Costanzo, 3. Adam D’Apuzzo, 4. Nikolai Topor-Stanley, 6. Ben Kantarovski, 7. Jin-Hyung Song, 8. Matt Thompson (c) (12. Jobe Wheelhouse 69’), 11. Tarek Elrich, 14. Michael Bridges (22. Kaz Patafta 76’), 17. Fabio Vignaroli, 25. Labinot Haliti (9. Sasho Petrovski 80’).

Unused substitutes: 20. Neil Young (gk).

Yellow cards: Adam D’Apuzzo 35’, Ben Kantarovski 63’.

Red cards: nil.

Referee: Chris Beath.

Crowd: 7509 at Suncorp Stadium.

*Extracted from brisbaneroar.com.au

Brisbane’s players left nothing on the pitch in another hard-fought encounter between the two sides, but could not quite find the goal to give them a much deserved point on the road.

The match started in a cagey fashion, which was probably to be expected given Brisbane fielded another new look side due to injury and suspension.

The Roar certainly had some good early opportunities, but the passing in the final third let the away side down just as they looked to have created a clear opening.

Sergio van Dijk and Reinaldo both had shots from distance in the opening 15 minutes, but both pull their efforts wide of the goal.

Mitch Nichols was next to threaten when he had a goal-bound effort blocked in the box after working himself half a gap to fire off a shot.

The young midfielder then forced a smart save from Sydney goalkeeper Clint Bolton when he got himself in front of his defender to meet a quality Tommy Oar cross and arrowed his effort towards the bottom corner.

The action then moved directly to the other end of the park where Griffin McMaster took his his first part in the match with a good low save from a Karol Kisel thunderbolt from distance.

The young Roar side were certainly on top with Oar flashing a shot centimetres wide of Bolton’s upright just past the halfway mark of the opening stanza.

McMaster then came to the rescue of the away side as Sydney broke with pace a minute later.

Mark Bridge found the ball at his feet in the box, as Luke DeVere failed to clear the danger, but McMaster had the powerful effort well covered.

Sydney immediately when close again, this time McMaster was beaten as Alex Brosque headed just wide of the goal.

The home side were turning the screws on Brisbane as they took control of the match.

Gradually Brisbane worked their way back into the contest and the match flowed from end-to-end, but while there were opportunities for both sides neither goalkeeper was called into action.

Despite a highly entertaining first half, the sides went to the break locked at 0-0.

Brisbane opened the second stanza in sluggish fashion as Sydney pushed forward looking for the opener but the Roar backline stood firm in the face of some impressive pressure.

The Roar’s injury woes continued with Reinaldo forced from the field with a hamstring injury after 53 minutes.

The home side took the lead two minutes later when Sydney’s persistence around the box was rewarded with right-foot strike from Brosque which curled into the bottom corner of the net.

Brisbane continued to battle manfully in the face of the one-goal deficit, but as in the first half lacked the killer pass in the attacking third of the park.

In a positive for Roar coach Ange Postecoglou, defender Andrew Packer made his long-awaited return to the first team following his adductor injury suffered in the opening round against Gold Coast United.

However, the Roar were further behind on 69 minutes when Kisel smashed the ball home following a cross-field pass from Brosque.

But showing the fighting spirit demanded by their coach during the week, Isaka Cernak scored his first goal in the Hyundai A-League to claw Brisbane back into the contest three minutes later.

Oar, as he had done all match, delivered a quality ball into the box and Cernak beat Sung-Hwan Byun to the cross to guide the ball past Bolton.

Brisbane rode their luck in the closing stages with John Aloisi – on as a substitute – missing a golden opportunity to head his side further in front.

The luck Brisbane had at one end didn’t transfer to the other when DeVere went agonisingly close to heading the Roar level from an Oar corner.

Postecoglou’s men continued to ask serious questions of the Sydney defence in the final stages of the match, launching waves of attacks.

With the final kick of the game, Ivan Franjic had the chance to grab a late point for Brisbane, but his tired effort was cleared off the line to leave the Roar frustrated.

Post-match Postecoglou lauded the intensity, desire, discipline and effort of his players.

“When players give you the effort they gave tonight, it gives you a buzz,” Postecoglou said.

“I was super proud. The boys have now set themselves a standard they have to match every week.”

Sydney FC (Alex BROSQUE 55’, Karol KISEL 69’)

Brisbane Roar (Isaka CERNAK 72’)

Sunday, 25 October 2009

Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney

Referee: Matthew BREEZE

Sydney FC line-up: 1. Clint BOLTON, 2. Sebastian RYALL, 4. Simon COLOSIMO, 6. Karol KISEL (17. Matthew JURMAN 90+1’), 8. Stuart MUSIALIK, 10. Steve CORICA (capt)( 9. John ALOISI 61’), 12. Shannon COLE, 14. Alex BROSQUE, 15. Terry McFLYNN, 19. Mark BRIDGE (23. Rhyan GRANT81’), 22. Sung-Hwan BYUN.

Substitutes not used: 20. Ivan NECEVSKI (gk),

Yellow Cards: Sung-Hwan BYUN (90+5’)

Red Cards: Nil

Brisbane Roar line-up: 20. Griffin McMASTER, 3. Luke DEVERE, 5. Josh McCLOUGHAN (capt), 9. Sergio VAN DIJK, 11. REINALDO (19. Isaka CERNAK 53’), 12. Matt MUNDY (2. Andrew PACKER 66’), 15. Matt McKAY, 17. Mitch NICHOLS, 21. Tommy OAR, 27. Ivan FRANJIC, 29. Mario KARLOVIC

Substitutes not used: 6. David DODD, 40. Vedran JANJETOVIC (gk)

Yellow Cards: Andrew PACKER (77’)

Red Cards: Nil

New coach Ange Postecoglou watched from the stands as the Roar dominated large spells of the match in terms of possession but never recovered after copping two goals inside the first 18 minutes.

The home team found themselves chasing the game after just four minutes, when a Dean Heffernan cross was headed back across goal by Matt Simon and the ball bounced invitingly off Bob Malcolm for Nicky Travis to steer home.

Five minutes later Brisbane were desperately unlucky not to net an equaliser, Danny Vukovic just tipping Sergio van Dijk’s header onto the bar after a pinpoint cross from Tommy Oar.

However, things got worse for the Roar on 18 minutes with John Hutchinson slaloming through the defence to double the lead.

Again van Dijk did his best to return fire, sending a long-range left-footer flashing just past the upright.

The hosts took control of the match from that point and had a large spell of possession but struggled to create any real openings until Matt McKay nearly profited from a goalmouth scramble on 41 minutes and volleyed narrowly wide.

Two minutes into first-half stoppage time a similar chance sat up for the midfielder with the same result, leaving the Roar with plenty to do in the second period.

The home team began the second half much like they finished the first, holding the ball and searching for an opening, which Oar found on 56 minutes with a threaded through ball for David Dodd, but the shot lacked the direction and power to trouble Vukovic.

Despite all their possession, the Roar fell further behind on 70 minutes when substitute Pedj Bojic unleashed a piledriver from long range which pinged off the post and into the net, giving Griffin McMaster no chance.

Bojic was then in the right place at the right time to foil Brisbane’s attack, clearing a van Dijk header off the line.

The Roar pushed right to the end despite the deficit and created a few half-chances but remained scoreless at the full-time whistle.

Captain Craig Moore refused to make any excuses for the defeat, blaming the defeat on a slow start.

“We’re 2-0 down then all of a sudden we decide we want to play,” the Socceroo centre back lamented.

However, he added there was still plenty of hope for the team, with the squad still to be joined by a number of key players and new coach Postecoglou.

“I’m still extremely confident we can turn things around, get on a run, start picking up points and move up the table.”

Brisbane Roar head to Sydney next weekend before returning to take on the Newcastle Jets at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, October 30 at 7.30pm.

Brisbane Roar 0
Central Coast Mariners 3 (Nicky Travis 4’, John Hutchinson 18’, Pedj Bojic 70’)

Brisbane Roar: 20. Griffin McMaster (gk), 4. Craig Moore (c), 5. Josh McCloughan, 6. David Dodd (29. Mario Karlovic 79’), 9. Sergio van Dijk, 11. Reinaldo, 15. Matt McKay, 16. Bob Malcolm (3. Luke DeVere 23’), 18. Danny Tiatto (19. Isaka Cernak 70’), 21. Tommy Oar, 27. Ivan Franjic.

Unused substitutes: 30. Matt Acton (gk).

Yellow cards: Craig Moore 71’.

Red cards: nil.

Central Coast Mariners: 20. Danny Vukovic (gk), 2. Matthew Crowell, 7. John Hutchinson (6. David D’Apuzzo 80’), 8. Dean Heffernan, 14. Michael McGlinchey, 16. Nigel Boogaard, 17. Chris Doig, 18. Alex Wilkinson (c), 19. Matt Simon, 22. Nicky Travis (4. Pedj Bojic 61’), 23. Adam Kwasnik (11. Dylan Macallister 73’).

Unused substitutes: 1. Andrew Redmayne (gk).

Yellow cards: Matthew Crowell 28’, David D’Apuzzo 86’.

Red cards: nil.

Referee: Peter Green.

Crowd: 7434 at Suncorp Stadium.

Ange Postecoglu: This is the name that is being heavily tipped to get the job. The ex National Youth coach and failed Panachaiki (yeah, I’ve never heard of it either) manager. Now he is not my favourite. He failed as the youth coach with loses to teams such as Laos and a much weaker China. With Panachaiki, he lasted 8 months before getting told to go home. Now he did have some success, in the old NSL with South Melbourne. He won consecutive NSL titles in 87/98 and 98/99 as well as the Oceania Club Championship. However, the A-league is a different cup of tea and the man has no good enough experience to lead a club that has aspirations to win. He failed in his attempts with the youth team and when asked the tough question wanted to sweep it under the carpet (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6u8LoGpvKk). The man has no real direction for the club (or any clue about himself rather) and not very convincing with his style and talk. Not liked by the Roar faithful much and definitely won’t be a popular choice

John Kosmina: Has had experience in the A-league having coached Adelaide United and Sydney FC. He led Adelaide to a Minor Premiership and Grand Final loss, all more credible than Postecoglu so far. He did not have as much success with Sydney FC, but many of his players performances never helped his cause. He does have credible A-league experience and no nonsense man, someone who could put up and hopefully put straight the problem with big headed players.

Paul Okon: Assistant to Miron Bleiberg at Gold Coast United and also part of the Elite Coaching Program. While he hasn’t managed a major team as yet, he is still young. He has had stints with the Italy Olympic squad and PSV Eindhoven. That in itself speaks volumes for exposure and in learning new things to bring to a club. He is a man liked by many and would probably be welcomed with open arms by the Roar faithful. Whilst he has a lot to learn, his connection with the players is very strong and he has a very cool and level headed way of doing things.

Rado Vidosic: Been the assistant at Brisbane Roar since the start of the A-league. Was appointed Roar youth team coach last season when the youth league was inaugurated. Has been appointed caretaker manager in the interim, but should he be given his chance? He has had enough time to learn what the Roar want to achieve and where we ant to be. Not much can be said on his young coaching career, but with not much a of chance given, maybe this could be his break.

Other: This is personally my favourite option. Melbourne Heart (the newest members of the A-league from next season) have appointed Ajax Amsterdam assistant, John Von Schip as there inaugural manager. He has got be one of the biggest names to come and coach in the league. With the amount of experience he will have gained being an assistant at such a prestigious club, it can only be invaluable. The Roar may argue that they do no have enough funds, but maybe this is just what is needed to get the funds going again. A big name foreign coach with some invaluable experience would encourage the fans to come back to the stadium and spend their money. A higher quality manager could entice bigger names to come and play for the club and it will only mean more fans wanting to see them. This is the road I hope the roar take and would please many fans.

Whilst the decision is said to be made in the next 24-48 hours, im just hoping the Brisbane board do not go and stuff up everything. Maybe taking their time and getting the right man could be the best option, but its no time to start messing up our team.