Friday, January 23, 2009

Melbourne Victory have one hand on the minor premiership

Melbourne Victory took a huge step towards claiming the A-League minor premiership with a 2-0 win over Wellington Phoenix at Telstra Dome on Friday night.

Victory have now completed their 21-match program and are 3 points ahead of second-placed Adelaide United, who play fourth-placed Central Coast Mariners away at Bluetongue Stadium on Sunday.

Victory have a goal-difference of +12, while Adelaide go in to Sunday's game three points adrift of Victory and with a goal-difference of +11. Adelaide must, therefore, win by two goals to pip Victory for the minor premiership.

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How lucky is Melbourne Victory striker Daniel Allsopp?

He collected a yellow card against Wellington for kicking out at Manny Muscat.

But, he could easily have been sent off for the offence.

Similarly, when he shoulder-charged Sydney FC coach John Kosmina recently, he escaped punishment completely.

Allsopp has only received a couple of yellow cards in the past three seasons, but he was mighty lucky not to receive red cards for the two incidents mentioned above.

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The decision by AC Milan's Brazilian superstar Kaka to turn down a move to Manchester City was a refreshing development in a game that seems to be ruled by money these days.

Kaka earns $10 million a season in Italy and is that country's highest-paid player.

Manchester City offered $150 million dollars to AC Milan for his services and a considerable wage increase to the player, but Kaka was content to stay in Milan and demonstrate commendable loyalty to the shirt.

How refreshing in this day and age of fleeting loyalty and million-dollar wages for mediocre players.

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