Day: December 18, 2002

Wednesday, 18 December 2002 12:00 AM

A surprise victory over Australia’s cross Tasman rivals has seen Fiji, a footballing minnow nation top Group B and set up a two-legged affair with the Young Socceroos beginning with a clash this Saturday afternoon at Bob Jane Stadium.

An aggregate victory over Fiji and Australia will qualify for the Under 20 Youth World Cup being held the United Arab Emirates from 25 March – 16 April 2003. Australia who easily accounted for their Group A is currently residing in Melbourne in preparation for the crucial encounter.

A young Socceroo victory will definitely cap off what has been a successful week for Australian Soccer with FIFA announcing that Oceania will have direct qualification to the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Former Back-to-Back South Melbourne Championship coach and current Young Socceroo coach, Ange Postecoglou with the assistance of Victorian Institute of Sport coach Ernie Merrick, is carrying out his training sessions at a familiar Bob Jane Stadium. His squad has been training quite well and is looking forward to clash against Fiji.

“Training has been good. We didn’t have the proper training facilities in Vanuatu but the boys have been working hard throughout the campaign. The players are keen to get stuck into the next two matches”, says Postecoglou.

South Melbourne has three youngsters in the squad, Murdocca, Lia and Baird who are all fighting for a spot in Saturday’s squad. All three players took part in the qualifiers with Vince Lia scoring in the second match against Papa New Guinea.

“The South Melbourne boys are going well. They all played a part in the group matches and will definitely play a role at some stage of the two qualifying matches against Fiji. I am very happy with them”, says the Young Socceroo coach.

Don’t forget to watch Australia’s brightest stars as the Young Socceroos take on Fiji this Saturday at Bob Jane Stadium. The squad will immediately travel to Fiji for the second leg, which will be played on Monday 23 December. Kick off for Saturday’s first leg at home is at 1.30 PM.

Wednesday, 18 December 2002 12:00 AM

Two players on contrasting ends of the football career, showed why they are worthy of selection in South Melbourne’s talented squad. Last Sunday Ibraimi was vibrant upfront and the magical Trimboli showed again why he is one of the NSL’s most famous players.

Trimboli maybe 33 years of age and heading towards the end of his career, but on Sunday he proved his worth and stamped that the number 9 guernsey is still a danger in the South Melbourne squad.

“Trimmers” as known by his teammates, had an outstanding match against the Kingz scoring a double, taking his tally to 113 career goals. Trimboli was substituted to the wild applause of the fans, which were acknowledging his fantastic match winning performance.

The Team of the Century inductee has only started a handful of matches this season. He has spent much time on the bench as his experience has been used in the later part of matches. Trimboli is pleased with his performance but emphasised the importance of the team continuing their good form.

“I am happy with the way I performed on Sunday but more delighted with the three points. We have been playing very well of late and need to continue our good form in the New Year”.

“We have a very good squad with all players competing for a spot in the first eleven. Training has been very intense which shows a healthy competition within the squad”, says Trimboli

Young prospect Ibraim Ibraimi showed the faithful on Sunday what a great talent he is displaying some good touches, creating and getting on the end of some promising chances. Playing in only his second NSL game, the 18 year old partnered Peter Buljan after coming on for the injured Coveny.

“I thought I played quite well. At the end of the match I felt tired as I have not yet adjusted to the pace of the game”.

“It feels great to play alongside Trimboli. His passes are outstanding and it’s like dream to play with quality players such as Trimmers”, says Ibraimi

Wright’s tactics have paid dividens as he has given all his players a chance at some stage of the season. He has successfully blended in a mix of youth and experience, which has excited the faithful at Bob Jane Stadium this season.

Players such as Baird, Lia, Murdocca and Ibraimi just to name a few, will be carrying the future pride of South Melbourne while experienced campaigners Trimboli, De Amicis and Clarkson who have shared many successes at the Club, will be out to nurture and teach their young talented teammates.