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  • EgejskaMakedonia
    Senior Member
    • Jan 2010
    • 1665

    Originally posted by Phoenix View Post
    I don't think there's any other sport in Australia that can compete with the emotion that the World game can generate.
    Whether its the massive draw card of the EPL giants or a critical WC qualifier, the atmosphere is always electric.

    Football is well and truly the sleeping giant of sport in this country, forget for a moment the full house signs in Melbourne and Sydney over the past week for Man U and Liverpool, if you want a glimpse of the potential this game has in this country, just get down to a venue that's hosting junior football. Every weekend there's dozens of games being contested by both boys and girls from around 5 years and older.
    The grass roots support of this game is phenomenal, so big in fact that most junior sides just haven't got enough facilities and coaches to keep up with demand.

    If the logistics around these issues are ever overcome, football will be a juggernaut in this country.
    I think most of the foundations are there to support a very strong top-tier Football league in Australia, however there will always be a number of factors that cannot be changed in our favour. Grass roots Football in this country has never been stronger, and no doubt some stars of the future will be produced from this investment. Unfortunately the sheer isolated location of Australia as well as their time-zone difference will be a major obstacle in our nation every forming a league that is on par with the best (England, Germany, Spain, Italy). Whatever talent we produce is short-lived, and soon enough they are heading overseas for greater exposure, more money, and enhanced opportunities. The only time they will re-surface in Australia is for International matches, or close to retirement (as we've seen with a number of Australian A-League players).

    The money and international exposure isn't quite there yet. There is not incentive for the world's best players to come here. Playing in Europe often allows for easy access to home, due to the close proximity. It'd be a big step for players to move across the world and settle in Australia. Until these factors are addressed, I can never see Australia having a national league anywhere near the standard of a select few European leagues. It'd take a huge effort to break this cycle.

    Hosting the World Cup would be a great start. That'd give us the exposure we need and show to the world that we love our sports. It'll mark Australia on the Football map. Giving the 2022 WC to Qatar was criminal. It's another testimony that for a nation to be successful in Football, they need money, and lots of it. Everyone knows that a world cup here would have a massive turnout.

    I really hope that when Australia does obtain the WC rights, Macedonia qualifies. That'd be one hell of an experience, being able to go and watch both Australia and Macedonia on the biggest stage.

    Comment

    • Phoenix
      Senior Member
      • Dec 2008
      • 4671

      Originally posted by EgejskaMakedonia View Post
      I think most of the foundations are there to support a very strong top-tier Football league in Australia, however there will always be a number of factors that cannot be changed in our favour. Grass roots Football in this country has never been stronger, and no doubt some stars of the future will be produced from this investment. Unfortunately the sheer isolated location of Australia as well as their time-zone difference will be a major obstacle in our nation every forming a league that is on par with the best (England, Germany, Spain, Italy). Whatever talent we produce is short-lived, and soon enough they are heading overseas for greater exposure, more money, and enhanced opportunities. The only time they will re-surface in Australia is for International matches, or close to retirement (as we've seen with a number of Australian A-League players).

      The money and international exposure isn't quite there yet. There is not incentive for the world's best players to come here. Playing in Europe often allows for easy access to home, due to the close proximity. It'd be a big step for players to move across the world and settle in Australia. Until these factors are addressed, I can never see Australia having a national league anywhere near the standard of a select few European leagues. It'd take a huge effort to break this cycle.

      Hosting the World Cup would be a great start. That'd give us the exposure we need and show to the world that we love our sports. It'll mark Australia on the Football map. Giving the 2022 WC to Qatar was criminal. It's another testimony that for a nation to be successful in Football, they need money, and lots of it. Everyone knows that a world cup here would have a massive turnout.

      I really hope that when Australia does obtain the WC rights, Macedonia qualifies. That'd be one hell of an experience, being able to go and watch both Australia and Macedonia on the biggest stage.
      EM, the problem that I see with your view is that it's possibly falsely based on a belief that the European leagues will continue to dominate world football.

      I think your view if Australia is too isolationist.
      Consider the prospect of an Australia that can position itself within the 'Asian Century'...this is the fastest growing region on the planet, a growth that is only just started to gain momentum.
      With economic growth and consumer prosperity, the leagues of Asia (all within our time zone) will have the economic pull to attract the worlds most prestigious football talent.

      I believe that one day, the 'Champions League' will be known as an Asian championship, contested by the best club sides in Asia.

      Comment

      • EgejskaMakedonia
        Senior Member
        • Jan 2010
        • 1665

        Originally posted by Phoenix View Post
        EM, the problem that I see with your view is that it's possibly falsely based on a belief that the European leagues will continue to dominate world football.

        I think your view if Australia is too isolationist.
        Consider the prospect of an Australia that can position itself within the 'Asian Century'...this is the fastest growing region on the planet, a growth that is only just started to gain momentum.
        With economic growth and consumer prosperity, the leagues of Asia (all within our time zone) will have the economic pull to attract the worlds most prestigious football talent.

        I believe that one day, the 'Champions League' will be known as an Asian championship, contested by the best club sides in Asia.
        No doubt it's possible, but it will be decades before we see this happen. The cycle can be broken, but it will take considerable time. We've seen Asian sides such as Japan move in leaps and bounds when it comes to Football. If Australia can tap into the emerging Asian market, then you're right, it will speed up the process.

        Europe is the traditional source of Football, so I wouldn't want to see the Champions League shift to Asia. If anything, it'd be great to see a number of continents involved.

        I'm not sure what the support is like in China and other Asian nations, but when I went to Thailand and Indonesia, the people there are massive Football fans. They love it. It'd be great to see the game grow substantially in these areas. The talent is there, but there needs to be more investment in grass roots Football, as there is in Australia.

        There just doesn't seem to be a whole lot of interest in the A-League. Something needs to be done to generate interest. Brining in retired marquee players provides a temporary solution, but offers very little for the long-term.

        Comment

        • Phoenix
          Senior Member
          • Dec 2008
          • 4671

          EM, much will depend on how far and how quickly Asia grows in the decades ahead.
          The changes will take years to happen but Asia has a certain dynamic that has been stagnating in the West.

          It's all about the rise of the middle classes in Asia, the forces of capitalism aren't concerned with footballs historical legacies in Europe,
          sponsorship money will ultimately play its role in the rise and fall of footballing dynasties, after all this is the World Game and Asia is the fastest and biggest 'market' in the world.

          The challenge for Australian football is finding a seat at that table and being there when they serve up the eventual feast.

          The time will come when the best talent is playing for Asian club sides, the bulk of the worlds population resides in the East, throw in an ever growing middle class and fanatical football support and the rest is simply a matter of time...

          Comment

          • Momce Makedonce
            Member
            • Jul 2012
            • 562

            Apparently Macedonian club Teteks Tetovo will move to Skopje and play under a different name from next season. WHAT A FUCKING JOKE....
            "The moral revolution - the revolution of the mind, heart and soul of an enslaved people, is our greatest task." Goce Delcev

            Comment

            • DedoAleko
              Member
              • Jun 2009
              • 969

              google translate:

              Macedonian football striker in the shirt of Astra Ploiesti Romania was one of the goals for his team in last night's rematch-match by 3. qualifying round of the Europa League against Trencin Slovak (2-2), and instead celebrates giving, he went before the cameras with pre-determined T-shirt that read - "Karpalak 2001, and eternal glory."

              Astra Giurgiu-As Trencin~Gol Astra~8 august! - YouTube

              Comment

              • United MKD
                Member
                • Jul 2011
                • 547

                Great gesture by Mirko.

                Comment

                • EgejskaMakedonia
                  Senior Member
                  • Jan 2010
                  • 1665

                  So Heart managed to get Orlando Engelaar, great signing. Very strong off-season for Melbourne Heart.

                  Comment

                  • United MKD
                    Member
                    • Jul 2011
                    • 547

                    Gonna be an interesting season, most teams looked to have strengthened up.

                    Comment

                    • EgejskaMakedonia
                      Senior Member
                      • Jan 2010
                      • 1665

                      Awesome start to the new EPL season. Saw my Villa knock off the Arse at the Emirates. I was over the moon when Luna scored the sealer (excuse the pun).

                      Out of the newly promoted sides, Crystal Palace look the goods. It's going to be an interesting season.

                      Comment

                      • Momce Makedonce
                        Member
                        • Jul 2012
                        • 562

                        Originally posted by EgejskaMakedonia View Post
                        Awesome start to the new EPL season. Saw my Villa knock off the Arse at the Emirates. I was over the moon when Luna scored the sealer (excuse the pun).

                        Out of the newly promoted sides, Crystal Palace look the goods. It's going to be an interesting season.
                        Quite enjoyed seeing Villa knock down Arsenal haha. Liverpool - Aston Villa next week should be a very interesting game.
                        "The moral revolution - the revolution of the mind, heart and soul of an enslaved people, is our greatest task." Goce Delcev

                        Comment

                        • EgejskaMakedonia
                          Senior Member
                          • Jan 2010
                          • 1665

                          Originally posted by Momce Makedonce View Post
                          Quite enjoyed seeing Villa knock down Arsenal haha. Liverpool - Aston Villa next week should be a very interesting game.
                          We've got Chelski in a few hours, surely it won't be an 8-0 loss at Stamford Bridge like last season. I expect a loss from this one, even after such a positive start to the season. I'll be stoked if we can pull off a draw.

                          As for Villa v Liverpool on the weekend, I reckon we're a shot at getting all 3 points. First home game of the season, and the vibe around Villa Park will be very positive. That said, I'd probably be happy with a draw. No doubt your mob will be looking to get all 3 points.

                          Comment

                          • The LION will ROAR
                            Senior Member
                            • Jan 2009
                            • 3231

                            Schalke fans fight with German Police over Macedonian flag
                            Thursday, 22 August 2013

                            Schalke 04 faced off against Greek PAOK in a Champions league match. Fighting ocurred between Schalke 04 fans UGE and German police when the Macedonian flag was displayed. Police attempted to take the flag, however UGE fought back and kept it. Schalke 04's UGE and FC Vardar fans "Komiti" have formed a brotherhood of sorts. Komiti fans have already attended some of Schalke 04 Bundesliga matches.





                            Кинеското Министерство за одбрана ги нарече чиста измислица тврдењата на некои странски медиуми, дека Кина распоредува воени сили на границата со Северна Кореја. Министерството за одбрана, ова го изнесе во соопштение, објавено на неговата веб страница.





                            Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
                            Last edited by The LION will ROAR; 08-22-2013, 06:41 AM.
                            The Macedonians originates it, the Bulgarians imitate it and the Greeks exploit it!

                            Comment

                            • DedoAleko
                              Member
                              • Jun 2009
                              • 969

                              VIDEO: Riot police attack Schalke fans for unfurling Macedonia flag during PAOK clash


                              Schakle fans faced an angry backlash from pepper-spraying, baton-wielding police on Wednesday night after they unfurled a Macedonia flag during their side's Champions League clash with PAOK Salonika.

                              The home side were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw in the play-off at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen.

                              But the main talking point was the police reaction to the flag, designed to antagonise the visiting Greek fans who are renowned for their hatred of the Eastern European country.

                              Hundreds of officers piled into the Schalke section to remove the flag. The heavy-handed response left some fans in pain.

                              The club later accused police of being unnecessarily tough with their fans.

                              'This deployment, however, was completely disproportionate. We cannot approve any of this, nor do we have any understanding for it,' said Schalke board member Peter Peters in a statement.

                              'Fans in the north tribune had unfurled a banner of "Komiti Skopje", the ultras of (Macedonian club) Vardar Skopje who are friends of the Schalke ultras,' the club said.

                              'According to police it was a case of agitation.'
                              On the field, meanwhile, PAOK thrived on their reprieve by UEFA, having already lost this month to Metalist Kharkiv who were then disqualified for fixing a Ukrainian league match in 2008.

                              The Greek side earned a draw when former Chelsea winger Miroslav Stoch levelled midway through the second half to cancel out Peru forward Jefferson Farfan's perfectly placed low shot for Schalke.

                              Schalke's misery was complete when Farfan was taken off on a stretcher with an ankle injury.

                              For coach Jens Keller, initially brought in on a temporary basis late last year but given a new deal after the team's good finish to the season, the early pressure is nothing new.

                              'Obviously we are not satisfied with the results but we had that kind of pressure last season as well so nothing unusual there,' said.

                              'What we will have to see is whether we will have enough fit players for the weekend and for next week's (return leg at PAOK).'

                              izvor: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...=feeds-newsxml


                              This is from S04 official site:

                              google translate

                              S04 sentenced totally disproportionate police action

                              There were abspielten the game against PAOK Salonika in the north curve horrific scenes on Wednesday (21.8.): A police operation with batons and pepper spray was the dramatic highlight an evening of mutual provocations of both Fanlager. The last and most serious escalation level was 04 however justified from the perspective of FC Schalke in any way.
                              First of all: The use of the police was not matched with the leaders of the club, he still would have been even rudimentary required or approved by them. The facts that led to his execution: In the North stand fans had a banner of "Komiti Dusseldorf" the Ultras of Vardar Skopje presents that are friends with the ultras of the Royal Blues. According to police, this banner has fulfilled the offense of sedition.
                              By this banner the fans of PAOK Salonika felt provoked massive. The situation escalated in the away section, the Greek followers threatened to "attack" on the north curve and thus to bring about a match being abandoned. However, should be mentioned the fact that previously firecrackers and pyrotechnics were ignited in the away section and also hung several banners also provocative messages.
                              Appeals and demands of the police, Skopje banners to show it is no longer in the north end, but the trailer did not perform a row. What was the drastic consequences outlined above. "This mission was totally disproportionate. We can absolutely do not approve of this and bring not this the slightest understanding of "board member Peter Peters condemned the action. "We see, therefore, an urgent need for discussion. This incident has to be worked absolutely. "

                              izvor: http://www.schalke04.de/de/aktuell/n...--10-213-.html
                              Last edited by DedoAleko; 08-22-2013, 11:19 AM.

                              Comment

                              • DedoAleko
                                Member
                                • Jun 2009
                                • 969

                                Seems Komiti managed to take a banner from paok fans : )

                                Last edited by DedoAleko; 08-22-2013, 11:32 AM.

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