We Are The Reds

Once again the VAR has been an unwelcome intruder. After its trials in Germany, Australia, and France ( that I know of? ). It's now being used in many counties, although now it's being used by the MLS and its right up there with any razzal dazzle that the Yanks love so much. I'm sure that in their eyes the longer and suspenseful it goes on the better, no more songs & flares. I really don't like it, but I'm a minor pleb, so the show will go on!
I thought they'd changed the handball in the box thingo after Del Pierro's aiming at defenders hands when they were only a metre or less away and "ball to hand" was no longer punishable. Adam le Fondre was the only one who asked the ref to look for the pen, the ref was wearing blue so he ignored the silence of 21 players & gave Sydney a ball to hand penalty with the extra minutes to add to whatever theyir choice is and to disrupt the game.

Yep, a lot to like about that despite the result. The kids did alright, and look exciting overall.

The best game I can remember from Mile. Particularly off the ball, he worked really hard and ran himself into the ground. Never seen him look quite so focused and in control. MOTM for me, and I may have to stop comparing him to Theo Walcott based on that. More than happy to do so!

Strain had a 'mare, at least 3 poor passes (2 intercepted) in the first half alone, and positionally not his best night. On the bright side - he's a better player than one bad showing so not unduly worried by that.

VAR though. What is clear and obvious? As someone said, one player appealed for handball. The ref didn't look twice in real time. If he's told to stop the game, and then watch a replay over and over...how is that 'clear and obvious'?

Anyway, that's not A-League specific.

After all that excitement what's the bet the ABC game today is a bore draw?

edit - for clarity

Post match with Gertjan "60/30" Verbeek.

Based on the quality shown by teams so far in round 1 I think AUFC have much to be hopeful for.

Obviously it only round 1 but i think we may be bolters this season .

The cup run has helped us. We don't have the rust that the other teams seem to have.

You could argue that city would have won if Jamie McLaren was available.

We showed that we can beat Melbourne City with Jamie McClaren in Melbourne during the preseason. I acknowledge that they are a very good team this year under their new French coach. They, too will challenge for honours at the end of the season.

City are going to be right up there this year - I think after years of promise they're finally the real deal (i guess that's what happens when spending isn't an issue).
I think we can match it with the best this season but as for final ladder predictions who t f knows.

Ben Halloran speaks.





After the game is before the game.