SOCCER: In his first match as full-time Socceroos coach, Graham Arnold got the win he wanted as Australia defeated Kuwait 4-0 this morning (Tuesday).
An own goal by defender Khalid Mohamed Ibrahim gave the Aussies the perfect start after 12 minutes with Apostolos Giannou, Tom Rogic and debutant Awer Mabil all finding the net in a one-sided victory in Kuwait City.
For much of the match Australia was in cruise control with Rogic in the middle of everything positive for Arnold’s side.
Arnold said he saw “a lot of positives” but one thing was lacking* — finishing.
“You can see we worked hard on our rotations*, the penetration* and the pressing*,” he said.
“We still need the icing in the cake which is the finishing. “The execution* will come. The performance was promising but we’ve still got a lot of work to do.”
SOCCER: Central Coast may have to move fast if they are to sign Usain Bolt, with a European club offering him a playing deal with no strings attached.
The Daily Telegraph understands Bolt has been made a formal two-year offer to join a top club and even play in the team’s upcoming Cup final.
The club has recently been bought by ambitious* investors* with hopes of qualifying for the group stages of the European Champions League.
Unlike his past attempts to make it as a professional player, and indeed his current “indefinite training period” at the Mariners, this deal would not require a trial.
“The ball’s still in the Mariners’ and Usain’s court,” FFA chief executive David Gallop said.
“It was great to see him do well last Friday night. He’s worked hard over the last few months and that’s great credit to him and the Mariners’ staff.
“Whether they’re ready to take that next step and sign a contract is still very much their call.”
AFL: A stand-off between Essendon and Greater Western Sydney over a deal for midfield star Dylan Shiel is set to drag on until Wednesday night’s trade deadline.
Talks between the Dons and Giants yesterday failed to break the impasse*, with the expansion club adamant Shiel, 25, is worth two first-round picks.
GWS has said it will hold Shiel to his contract next season unless the Bombers can satisfy its demands. Essendon’s best offer has been its first two selections in this year’s national draft — No. 9 and 34.
Carlton, which narrowly lost the race as Shiel’s preferred destination last week, have stayed in contact with Giants officials and are monitoring the situation.
Despite facing a salary cap squeeze, GWS has declared it is willing to keep Shiel on its list if a solution cannot be reached.
GLOSSARY
lacking: missing
rotations: moving of players
penetration: attacking
pressing: putting pressure on the other side
execution: carrying out a plan
no-strings-attached: no limits
ambitious: having a strong desire and determination to succeed
investors: people who have given money
impasse: situation that can’t be solved
QUICK QUIZ
1. How many goals did the Socceroos players score in the 4-0 scoreline?
2. How many years is the European club offer thought to be for Usain Bolt?
3. How old is Dylan Shiel?
VCOP ACTIVITY
After reading the article, with a partner, highlight all the openers you can find in blue. Discuss if they are powerful and varied openers or not. Why do you think the journalists has used a mix of simple and power openers? Would you change any, and why?
HAVE YOUR SAY: Should Central Coast sign up Usain Bolt or let him take the European club deal that would let him play immediately?
No one-word answers. Use full sentences to explain your thinking.
