GUANGZHOU EVERGRANDE v GAMBA OSAKA - ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI FINAL PREVIEW

Gamba Osaka vs Guangzhou Evergrande

It's a promoters dream. Two of the continent's biggest clubs, the reigning champions of their respective leagues, and an international rivalry that dates to a time before football.

China's Guangzhou Evergrande takes on Japan's Gamba Osaka.

It's the Asian Champions League semi final, a match that doubles as a grand final for the east side of the conference. While Guangzhou is once again topping the charts in the Chinese Super League, Gamba Osaka's form in the 2nd Stage of a complicated J-League season is simmering to dangerous levels.

Currently 4th in the J-League's combined or regular table, the Osaka club will go into the two legged tie as underdogs. Torch bearers for the once vaunted but now stuttering Japanese club competition, Gamba is aiming to bring the Champions League title to Japan for the first time in seven years. The last time a Japanese club was champion it was Gamba who tore Adelaide United apart in a one sided final. 

Led by statesman Yasuhito Endo, Gamba Osaka boasts one of the most feared attacks in the AFC, with the silky Takashi Usami and the brute force of Brazilian Patric. 

After being forced to miss the quarter final tie with Jeonbuk, Usami said, "In the next match I want to show how I can contribute to the team and help us go to the final," on the AFC Official site. 

"Guangzhou is one of the best teams in Asia and they will be coming at us hard seeking the win," he added. 

Usami was instrumental in Gamba's domestic treble last year, and the flashy attacking midfielder has truly experienced a rebirth since his Munich malaise. 

Meanwhile, Guangzhou will be looking to emulate their 2013 ACL triumph. Boosted by the recent purchase of Paulinho from Tottenham, the southern Tigers host the first leg. After ditching previous manager Fabio Cannavaro, the club went for the 'slightly more experienced' Felipe Scholari. 'Big Phil' has somehow been able to inject life back into a side that has admittedly achieved everything over the last three to four years and would be excused if motivation was on the wane. 

"Every second on the field is going to be important on Wednesday," Scholari warned, and the Brazilian implored his men to keep a clean sheet and take a lead to Osaka for the second leg. 

For punters there seems to be only one team in the first leg, as Gamba Osaka have been quoted as long as $5.50 at some betting agencies. Looking at the following stats provides good reason for the bookies and desperate to be banking on a Chinese win:

• In their quarter final tie Guangzhou dispatched of Japanese club Kashiwa Reysol by roundly drubbing the Chiba club 3-1 in the first leg in Japan.
• Guangzhou is undefeated in their last 17 matches.
• Felipe Scholari is unbeaten as manager of the Chinese club.
• Guangzhou has game breaker Paulinho.
• The Tigers also have Ricardo Goulart and Chinese international Gao Lin.
• Gamba Osaka will be without regular centre-back Daiki Niwa.
• Gamba Osaka has conceded 7 goals in their last 5 matches.

For those that like an underdog, maybe you can take some solace in these stats:

• After losing their first two ACL matches this year, Gamba have gone 8 matches undefeated.
• Takashi Usami has played 29 matches and scored 19 goals this year.
• Gamba defeated their last Chinese opponent (Guangzhou R&F) 5-nil in China.
• The Japanese club has scored the most goals in the 2015 ACL with 19 goals from their 10 matches. Guangzhou Evergrande has only managed 16. 

If forced to pick a winner I have to side with Guangzhou Evergrande, as the Tigers have too many game breakers. Gamba themselves have Usami, Patric and super sub Shu Kurata as possible match winners, but the enforced change in the back-line could be the difference. 

Enjoy what should be a two-legged feast of attacking football. 

REYSOL ROCKED BY GUANGZHOU EVERGRANDE IN ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Japan's Kashiwa Reysol have given themselves a mountain to climb in their Asian Champions League Quarter Final second leg. Just over two weeks ago the Chiba based club were given a 3-1 soccer schooling by Chinese behemoths Guangzhou Evergrande.

Kashiwa went behind barely five minutes into the match courtesy of an own goal from defender Suzuki. The captain was first to a well weighted free kick from Huang Bowen, but a miscalculation meant his header found the back of the Reysol net.

For the next thirty odd minutes the home team went punch for punch with Evergrande, but they were stunned by a 40th minute pearler from Paulinho (catch it on the link). The Brazilian import played his first match for Guangzhou in July, after parting ways with Tottenham Hotspur in the EPL off season. The implausible nature of the goal meant Guangzhou's 2-nil half time buffer was buttressed by an emotional factor.

Gao Lin added his name to the score sheet in the 58th minute with his first goal of the 2015 Champions League. His was an angled header off a short corner, lobbed in by none other than Huang Bowen. The goal sent the vast contingent of away fans into raptures. Gao Lin acknowledging the away end in celebration.

Fortunately for Kashiwa there would be a postscript. Kudo's desperate effort to get to a deflected corner giving the Sun Kings a tiny ray of hope going into the second leg.

In the other quarter final in the east zone, Japan's Gamba Osaka travelled to Korea to face Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. The Japanese club have had an indifferent season domestically after taking out the treble in 2014.

However, Gamba's efforts on the continental stage have been of strong contrast. In their first leg against Jeonbuk, the Kansai based club were able to eke out a nil all draw despite being on the wrong side of lopsided possession and shooting stats (55% - 45% & 12 - 6).

Despite the encouraging result, Gamba Osaka will still have to be on their guard this coming Tuesday as any draw apart from 0-0 will see Jeonbuk advance via the away goals rule. The glow green Korean outfit have been ultra consistent both domestically and in the Champions League, and it's hard to see them being denied. [Check 1st leg highlights here]

For Australian viewers, Alex Wilkinson will likely suit up in the centre of defence with Jeonbuk. The Aussie international has been a regular starter in what has proven to be a tough environment for Australians in the past.

SUNS HOPING TO ROCK A-LEAGUE CHAMPIONS IN FFA CUP

Iwamoto & Murayama of Rockdale City Suns

On Tuesday night (1st September) in the FFA Cup Rockdale City Suns take on A-League champions Melbourne Victory. The match is set to be a watershed moment for the club, and a number of it’s semi pro players. 

While the Suns club is home to a number of men with A-League experience, there are also a host of ambitious young players looking to take the next step in their soccer careers.

Waseda University (Japan) graduate Takuya Murayama is one of those men. The 28 year old has been a regular with the Suns since 2012 and sees Tuesday night’s clash with Melbourne Victory as one of the biggest games of his career. 

Murayama said, “We believe we are capable of competing, and we may be the team that surprises in the Final 16,” of the FFA Cup. The Osaka native’s comments come on the back of Rockdale City’s disappointing NSW Premier League season. The Suns finished sixth, and out of a place in the end of season finals. 

Though the right back has been used in midfield at times in his Rockdale City career, any attacking forays against a full strength Melbourne Victory outfit would be fraught with danger. It’s likely that Murayama will be dealing with marauding Tunisian Khalid Ben Khalfallah. [For more on Takuya Murayama, grab the current edition of JSOCCER magazine]

Now under the guidance of player/manager Paul Reid, the Suns will line up as $17.00 outsiders and despite being hosts, the Sydney club has been forced to play the match at nearby Jubilee Oval. Regular home Ilinden Park (Bicentennial Park) failed to meet FFA ground lighting criteria. 

When quizzed on the matter, Rockdale City’s Japanese import noted the ground issue as a setback as A-League players would have struggled with the Ilinden Park surface, particularly after a full season of NSW Premier League action. 

In the Suns favour is the disparity in ‘knowledge of the opponent’ between the sides. Due to the NSW Premier League receiving very little video/television coverage, the big guns from Melbourne will know very little about their opponents. On the other hand, the home team have an intrinsic knowledge of A-League stars such as Berisha, Thompson, Finkler and the aforementioned Khalfallah. 

Additionally, former Newcastle Jet Marco Jesic and A-League journeyman Dylan Macallister will add more top level experience and know-how for the team’s big moment. 

Rockdale City will also line up with a distinctly Japanese flavour as right back Murayama is joined by 26 year old Mitsuhiro Iwamoto. The attacker will likely take his place as a substitute in Tuesday’s subscription television broadcast. [For more on Mitsuhiro Iwamoto, grab the current edition of JSOCCER magazine.] Murayama also gave special mention to right winger Tougic Alemeddine as a player to watch in tomorrow's clash.

Catch the action from 07:30pm AEST on FoxSports or on the FFA Cup’s live streaming option (tedious registration process involved). 

MOOY STUNNERS SINK EDGEWORTH FC IN THE FFA CUP

Northern NSW NPL club Edgeworth FC crashed out of the FFA Cup last night. Taking on the A-League's richest club Melbourne City, the semi pros put in a stellar shift and could only be killed off with a free kick in injury time.

Currently leading the Northern NSW NPL, Edgeworth restored some pride for the region after locals Broadmeadow were sunk by Heidelberg last week.

Under the pump for most of the first twenty minutes, Edgeworth eventually found some rhythm against their well remunerated opponents. In the 25th minute the 2400 plus crowd were in raptures after a Kisnorbo challenge gifted the home side a penalty. Hammel's conversion from the spot had locals daring to dream.

City threatened soon after but usually through fast breaks rather than shoddy defending, and Edgeworth's ability to repel City's slick attack was a theme throughout the night. 

But when Mauk was fouled with some standard man-handling, Mooy duly punished Edgeworth. It was a taste of reality on the cusp of half time. 

However, the second half wasn't greatly different, and Edgeworth had an early chance when left back Aaron McLoughlin found the ball at his feet on the junction of the eighteen yard box. Facing just the keeper and no time to think, the defender's shot flew into row zed. 

Edgeworth continued to provide stiff opposition for the remainder of the match, ensuring no one left early despite the freezing conditions pitch-side. 

Melbourne City's new recruit Harry Novillo had Edgeworth players and fans nervous all night. It was the Frenchman who won the vital free kick in injury time that would send Edgeworth crashing out. 

Gutted by the cruel 2-1 defeat in the shadows of extra time, Edgeworth manager Damien Zane said, 

". . . I'm just so proud of them. The work they put in, and to still look dangerous . . ." 

Aaron Mooy's second stunning free kick ensured that Edgeworth pack away any FFA Cup dreams for at least another twelve months. 

ODDS STACKED AGAINST BROADMEADOW IN 2015 FFA CUP

This year Broadmeadow Magic are lining up for their second shot at the FFA Cup. After bowing out in the Round of 32 in the inaugural event last year, the Magic have been cursed by injuries, inconvenience and suspension this year.

Broadmeadow Magic are one of two Northern NSW NPL representatives in the FFA Cup, the other being competition leaders Edgeworth FC, who have drawn Melbourne City in the Round of 32.

Broadmeadow face the slightly easier assignment of Victorian NPL outfit Heidelberg United, albeit with a patched up backline. It's expected that the Magic will go into the tussle minus both regular central defenders Jon Griffiths and Josh Piddington.

Griffiths received a nightmare two game suspension last week against Michael Bridges' Lambton Jaffas. Piddington meanwhile, will have to defy the medical community by recovering from fractured ribs in less than three weeks. "I'm certainly doing everything I can do to get these bones healed as quickly as I can," the defensive hard man told the Newcastle Herald.

Speaking with Broadmeadow's co-manager Robert Virgili, there is a level of respect for the club's Victorian opponents. The former NSL club are currently second in their NPL competition, and Virgili was aware of the team's strengths through his Melbourne connections.

"They're a direct side with mobility up front," he said. But Broadmeadow will look to stifle that threat with their own strength.

Though sitting fifth in the NNSW NPL Broadmeadow are the competition's highest goal scorers. "Our strength is our attack," Virgili said. Hinting at some cautious play early, the manager was adamant that his side weren't going to simply park the bus.

The home side will also be hamstrung by the late arrival of club legend Peter Haynes who is away on a coaching assignment in Japan. The goalscoring threat will arrive in Australia on the day of the match, just like he did for last year's FFA Cup tie with Brisbane Strikers.

On a personal level Virgili said, that a meeting with an A-League club in a full competition scenario would be the pinnacle for him.

He and co-manager Bob Naumov will need to overcome Heidelberg United for that opportunity to present itself. After winning three grand finals and two premierships with Broadmeadow Magic between 2011 and 2013, Virgil took time out, but was wooed back by the 'magic of the cup'.

Virgili was impressed by the exposure NPL clubs received last year and was genuinely surprised by the success of the FFA Cup. While Broadmeadow Magic vs Heidelberg United will not feature as the main game on Foxsports next Wednesday, there will be single camera coverage to ensure every goal is captured.

In an honest assessment of his team's hopes Virgili said, "On our day, at our best (we could win), but with them guys out it may be the difference."

Nevertheless, Broadmeadow are in with a fighting chance and they'll know that the history of underdogs doing the unthinkable is what makes cup football so magical.

NOTE: Match kicks off at Wanderers Oval (a.k.a Magic Park) 7:30pm, Wednesday 29th July. Heidelberg United fans should use the nearby Broadmeadow Station for convenient access to the ground (less than 10 mins walk).

PRESSURE ON NORTHERN NSW IN FFA CUP

This year's performance in the FFA Cup is vital for Northern NSW. After both of last year's representatives crashed out in the first round of the competition proper, there is considerable pressure on the region's teams to progress beyond the Round of 32.

Northern NSW National Premier League leaders Edgeworth FC will be extreme underdogs when they face the A-League's richest club Melbourne City in the FFA CUP Round of 32. That match a virtual write off for NNSW, the region will look to Broadmeadow Magic who have been drawn against Victorian NPL club Heidelberg United.

Broadmeadow is currently running 5th in the Northern NSW NPL, seven points adrift of in form Edgeworth FC. The Magic wont be lacking motivation after crashing out of the Round of 32 in extra time last year. The suburban Newcastle outfit hosted Brisbane Strikers and took a 1-nil lead in the 58th minute but the Queenslanders struck back two minutes later, and crushed the hosts with a goal in the 103rd minute.

Broadmeadow's opponents Heidelberg are sitting second in the highly regarded Victorian NPL, and will be favourites despite travelling to Newcastle's Magic Park on July 29th. The 'Bergers' as they're nicknamed have a couple of former fringe Melbourne Victory players in Steven Pace and Daniel Vasilevski. Heidelberg have also recruited former Southampton reserves player Luke Byles into defence, while 21 year old Kaine Sheppard, another English lower league player is top scorer at the club. Adding some more A-League flavour is Griffin McMaster between the sticks.

Though both Heidelberg and Melbourne City are expected to win, there is pressure on Edgeworth and Broadmeadow as continued failings will lead to questioning of the merits of Northern NSW being granted two automatic entrants into the Round of 32.

Already this year the NSW NPL's quota of seven entrants has been cut to five. This move has allowed the Northern Territory to gain one entrant, that being Darwin Olympic. Meanwhile, Australian NPL Champions Metro Stars SC have also gained automatic entry at the expense of the NSW NPL.

The fact that a South Australian club has the Australian NPL title, yet is only designated one automatic entrant won't be lost on many crow-eaters, and the folk at FFA should brace for maximum tweetage, if a repeat performance is acted out.

KIT FIDDLERS MAY TINKER WITH NEWCASTLE IDENTITY

Former Newcastle Jets and Newcastle Knights owner Nathan Tinkler

The recent departure of Newcastle Jets owner Nathan Tinkler has been received positively by all who care for the Hunter region club. But the exit has opened the door for some rethinking on the identity of the team representing Newcastle.

Last week A-League chief Damien de Bohun announced plans for the club to hold two fan forums (18th June & 24th June) and a business leaders forum (10th June) this month. The moves to reconnect with the local community are a great initiative as Newcastle folk definitely feel detached and ignored, in terms of the club's direction.

FFA SENDING MIXED MESSAGES

De Bohun was also quoted at the ABC Australia online site hinting at a possible change of playing strip. Interviewed on 28th May, he said, ". . . in terms of the strip design, without giving anything away yet, there's a couple of things there that will give people a sense of where we're going."

This comes in contrast to the initial message to Jets fans by FFA CEO David Gallop on 21st May. In a mail-out issued to Newcastle Jets members Gallop said, "Next season (2015/16) the Club will retain the same name, colour and logos as existed in the past. The Club will play at Hunter Stadium."

David Gallop in his message to Jets fans.

In the space of seven days there's been a change of plans. What information is de Bohun privy to that FFA boss Gallop didn't have a week earlier?

Suddenly the team that sports the same blue & red as the Newcastle Knights side that competes in the NRL, needs a change.

It would seem a bizarre step from the FFA as the club has had 10,000 plus memberships for the last three seasons, despite the on field failings. 

A BRIEF HISTORY OF PROFESSIONAL SOCCER IN NEWCASTLE

But the subject of colours and playing strip is a touchy topic in Newcastle. There are some influential types championing a revival of the gold playing strip, and others that crave for a return of the traditional green, brown and white strip of Newcastle's initial NSL existence.

However, some close investigation of Newcastle's early existence in the NSL uncovers a very short 'tradition'. The famed Newcastle KB United often waxed lyrical about by FoxSports' Andy Harper, lasted only 6 and a half seasons before financial difficulties meant the team changed name to Newcastle Rosebud United (playing in green & black).

Newcastle KB United kit 1979

KB United were the team that sported the original green, brown and white strip, though the unique colours didn't equate to on field success. The club were at best mid table all through their existence to 1986 as Newcastle Rosebud United, and even the early record crowds dwindled to averages as low as 1500 in their final years, when the embattled NSL was divided into conferences.

Newcastle's next foray into the national soccer spotlight came under the guise of the Newcastle Breakers in 1991/1992. The Breakers with their blue & red strip lasted 8 seasons (absent in 94/95), up until 1999/2000. Once again the club could barely achieve a final placing above mid table, finishing 7th of sixteen teams the highlight.

Newcastle Breakers kit 1991/92

For the final 4 seasons of the poorly administered NSL, Newcastle was represented by Newcastle United. Once again the club sported blue & red; colours that were becoming synonymous with the industrial city. The latter years of the NSL saw Newcastle finally experience some success, finishing 2nd on the ladder in 2001/2002, and 4th on the ladder in 2002/2003.

When the A-League was born in 2005/06, Newcastle was present again. The Newcastle United Jets wore a predominantly gold strip with blue & red reserved for trim and shorts. Known as the Jets (a nod to the nearby RAAF Airbase), Newcastle won the A-League Championship of 2007/08.

But financial strife reared its head again. During the 2010/2011 season the club came under the ownership of Nathan Tinkler. By the next season Tinkler revived the familiar blue & red playing strip, ending the 6 seasons of gold with blue & red trim.

THE HATERS

As stated earlier the FFA is now in control of the club and they've promised to listen to the fans. While there are some who voice concern at the current blue & red playing strip, the majority are happy for the club to remain as they are. Even online fan forums where many hard-core Jets supporters congregate, have a less than overwhelming focus placed on changing the strip. Those that do argue for change, often accompany their comments with petty grievances about the city's NRL side the Newcastle Knights. 

The upcoming fan forums on 18th June and 24th June will offer a chance for the whole community to have a voice, that includes the hardcore, the families, and Novacastrians that just want a team they can be proud of.

END OF DAYS

So the story of professional soccer in Newcastle has a couple of strong themes: Financial woes and instability. As for the halcyon days of Newcastle KB United, well you can only recall them days gloriously if looking through rose coloured glasses.

The A-League is just ten years old and still building a history, a league that we may one day say possesses some traditions. Therefore any further fiddling or tinkering with of playing strips will only serve to disrupt what foundations the competition has already laid.