In the (self-dubbed) newbie derby, Gold Coast have been defeated by a rampant North Queensland Fury side. Robbie Fowler lead the team from start to finish, getting on the scoresheet twice. The defeat has added to the horrible week that the Gold Coast have suffered, including a 6-0 whitewash by Wellington, and a huge condemnation by the public over club owner Clive Palmer's (right) decision to cap crowds at 5,000 to save money.

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1. can Brisbane be competitive this year (competitive = top 4)?
2. if they aren't, how big will the crowd be by year's end?
(note that Brisbane had the 2nd biggest crowd last week and Gold Coast with Culina and Smeltz only had 4,500).
3. Where will they play next year? Click to continue reading...

Adelaide United vs Melbourne Victory

Hindmarsh Stadium

What will be a very tough encounter, on the basis of revenge. Adelaide losing in the finals of last season hurt, and will be out to challenge for the title this year. Adelaide so far have been underperforming, but only just however their performances are deserving of a better placing.

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Bragging rights to GC. Be interesting to see crowd numbers. Most seemed to be Sydney fans.
Smeltz is on fire with 2 goals.
How do they do it for the money? Click to continue reading...

Gold Coast have put together an amazing squad. Probably better than any other team. How have they done it with the salary cap and rules?
Well they do have a few journeymen who were cheaper. And clearly Jason Culina (outside the cap) has made a lifestyle choice. But apart from that, it has been done because most of the squad is for sale and on its way somewhere else. Click to continue reading...

They Think It's All Over... reacts to Wellington Phoenix's disappointing opening game defeat to Newcastle in upbeat fashion. Click to continue reading...

I wonder what Jason Culina is thinking. I think is getting a little concerned.
He gave up a spot at a very professional club with a great reputation and a guaranteed spot in the Socceroos for the World Cup 2010. He was even warned not to do it by the coach of the Socceroos. But I understand he spoke to a wide range of people involved in the A-League and they reassured him. Click to continue reading...

(Iraq-N. Zelanda 0-0)
IRAQ (4-4-2) - K. Mohammed; Mohammed Ali, Basem, Ali Hussein, Salam, Basem; Mahdi (67' Salih), Nashat, Hawar (46' M. Fareed), Karrar; Imad (56' A. Alaa), Younus. Ct: Bora Milutinovic.
NUOVA ZELANDA (4-1-3-2) - Moss; Scott (85' Mulligan), Sigmund (71' Boyens), Vicelich, Lochhead; Elliott; Brockie (68' Christie), Brown, Bertos; Killen, Smeltz. Click to continue reading...

They think It's All Over... gives All Whites coach Ricki Herbert som advice following their defeat to South Africa in the Confederations Cup. Click to continue reading...