Thetownend.com

It starts on 9th January, match schedule here (http://www.afcasiancup.com/schedule/en/)

There are quite a few games being broadcast on Eurosport.
http://www.live-footballontv.com/

For anyone who's interested :)

Thanks.

I know its selfishly wrong, but I hope Iraq and Australia go out at the earliest point

Actually I hope Australia go out at the earliest point anyway, regardless...

Good point!

2 weeks today is going to be epic....Kas's mob taking on Jordan...she's a game bird for sure, then in the evening Town take on Coventry.

Uzbekistan v North Korea  :)   don't suppose there's too many others who recall the wonder of Pak Do Ik, and his heroic band of comrades, in their struggle against the revisionist lapdogs of world football in 66
.
Be interesting to see how Palestine go....this is where Blatter scores, by being able to acknowledge the existence of states, whilst shunting Israel off to Europe.
 

Blatter! Blatter! - fanny batter

I beleive thye are favorites to win it - so Mas may not be back until Feb, whereas Iraq it has been said has quite a weak team so may be out early on

SOCCEROOS STARTING XI (v Kuwait): Ryan, Franjic, Sainsbury, Spiranovic, Behich, Jedinak, Luongo, Troisi, Leckie, Kruse, Cahill

9am KO I think

I cannot and will not support Australia in anything sports related.

:)

Can't seem to find a stream for this. Boo.

http://www.ifeed2all.eu/watch/311099/1/watch-australia-vs-kuwait.html

Why is this not on until 11 on Eurosport?

It KO at 9am GMT.

Yeah, they're losing 1-0 to Kuwait at the mo.

1-1 Cahill from Luongo assist.

Nice work from Mass as well, beating 3 players to get the cross in.

Vine of the goal, doesn't show much of Luongo's work

https://vine.co/v/Opdtml7Eijt

Luongo goal!

GOAL Luongo!

Good header but the goalkeeper was a little suspect

There's a better one here

https://v.cdn.vine.co/r/videos_h264high/3791FD09881165269421523079168_SW_WEBM_1420796038160b7d061a9fb.mp4?versionId=XQQSz158_166OeEAa2uFtBDHR24UD7H0

Goal mass

Having seen the goal again i amy have done the goalkeeper a disservice , in real time it looked like he should have got it but in slow motion it was out of his reach

The value is going up by the minute

If an England U19 midfielder (Grimes) can be transfered from Exeter to the Premiership for £1.75m then how much for a full international with several caps and a couple of goals?

I wish he'd stop doing so well until AFTER the window closes

Mass goal

https://vine.co/v/OpdxbIhuFv1 (https://vine.co/v/OpdxbIhuFv1)

So why is it not being shown live on Eurosport? 2 hour delay before it's on

Nearly another assist from Mass.

So the cunts on here can ruin it for those of us who intended to watch it "as live" at 11.

What did you expect when you opened a thread called 'Asian Cup'?

Pmsl

Some big match build up.....talk about what Mass and Kas have been up to....down under exiles in STFC shirts with STFC on Iraq flags draped here and there, that sort of thing  :)

What, like making assists and scoring goals perhaps?

Nah...drinking Fosters and playing beach volleyball...with a bit of surfing thrown in.

Talking of Fosters, how is it so popular over here? I have stopped drinking lager recently but before then I wouldn't touch the stuff, but in my local, the lager of choice is Fosters, is it because its cheep and cheerful?

Great ads, shit beer, it's enough for the younger generation.

Luongo coming off. Faded a bit in the second half but a good performance from him.

MOM for Mass. (Don't tell Reg)

I have a theory that there's an inverse relationship between the quality of advertising and the quality of a drink - Strongbow, Carling and Fosters all have decent ads and are probably the three worst beers/ciders available. The only real exception I can think of is Guiness, which I think is awful but I'm widely assured that I'm wrong.

Fosters is shit.

Carling tastes eggy to me.

we must be making a bit of cash with yas and mass just being there.. FIFA paid £2,500 per day per player to clubs for the World Cup so even if it's less for the Asian Cup could still be £75k+ having been that just for mass in the summer

I watched Mass' game this morning while at work. Looked like he had a great game but maybe the heat took him back abit over time.

Could we heat him up sufficiently to go back a bit over time and not give away the last minute pen v Brentford in the PO?

In my opinion, generally in England Guinness is quite bad, but in Ireland its mostly beautiful.

That reminds me of when I had a pint of Guinness in the Harvester before a home game. The barmaid just poured the Guinness into a glass, without waiting for it to settle. It was dreadful!

Someone posted on Twitter yesterday that we made $50k for Mass appearing at the WC

Clubs have to apply after the tornament for a compensation payment fifa set aside $x to compensate clubs depending on how far in the tornament a player goes

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B66SdxbCQAAs0WE.jpg)

Highlights and match report here:

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/football/asian-cup-2015-socceroos-beat-kuwait-4-1-after-fighting-back-from-a-goal-down/story-fnqk652f-1227180133978?nk=c75b276bf77c2950cac010062d453db6 (http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/football/asian-cup-2015-socceroos-beat-kuwait-4-1-after-fighting-back-from-a-goal-down/story-fnqk652f-1227180133978?nk=c75b276bf77c2950cac010062d453db6)

Quick thinking saw Ivan Franjic throw in to Luongo, who combined skill and League One physicality to outmanouvere two defenders and drive into the box.

Davutovic’s man of the match: Massimo Luongo (Australia)

Age 22, Luongo showed he has a far brighter future than England’s third tier. The fleet-footed midfielder was creative and direct, assisting the first and scoring the second goal.

Shut yer noise, Davutovic.

Yeah for any scouts checking out fans forums to see our opinion of him, he's fucking hopeless normally.



(There that should sort it)

Luongo is on the back page of most Aussie papers, and has been doing morning TV interviews as well. He's not doing a very good job of keeping a low profile.

So, if we got enough for Mass that enabled us to purchase both Turnbull/Stephens (if they wanted to, of course), would that be acceptable?

Definitely.

Yeah, that'd do for me, too

not for me. not a massive fan of turnbull, im also a believer that in the bottom 2 divisions a cb position is one of the easier places of a team to fill. just my view

I was basing it on us being in the Championship

Really !! Interesting that we all have different opinions.
Turnbull ihas been very impressive in my eyes. Better than Stephens for most of the season however Stephens recently is getting back to his best. Could have been his illness that effected him earlier in the season.
Looks fitter and stronger now.
Both play well together.

Video interview here.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/asian-cup-2015-soccceroo-massimo-luongo-among-australians-in-transfer-shop-window/story-fnqk652h-1227180632752?nk=6ee1add37ddba6bd9a9df899ac416299 (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/asian-cup-2015-soccceroo-massimo-luongo-among-australians-in-transfer-shop-window/story-fnqk652h-1227180632752?nk=6ee1add37ddba6bd9a9df899ac416299)

Strange, I think he's been our most consistent player this season. Like him a lot, Good defender and great on the ball.

Don't worry. The BBC are not covering it, so hardly anyone in this country will know what's happened unless you've been watching the games on Eurosport.

Before we get too excited i assume Spurs will be entitled to a substantial percentage of any value that is generated, do we know how much?

I have a vague memory of it being thought to be as hight as 40%, and a quick google others have stated 40-50% . There was also mention that we didn't actually pay £400k for him, and that fee only becomes payable if we sell him..

Was Jed in charge when we signed him?  Anything is possible.

Little bit of relief if our home game with Bradford City is called off cos of the FA Cup  - one less game without Mass and Kasim

Do England U21's have any games before the cup finishes? We could have a call off for that if Swift gets called up.

What am I reading?

There's been quite a few responses similar to this so I guess the matches that I have seen this season (only around 7/8) I have obviously picked the ones where I haven't been that Impressed by him. Going by the reaction he has obviously been very good in the majority and if that is the case then fair enough.

Read a few articles on the game and Luongo's performance, Aussie press seem to view him as the replacement for Tim Cahill and that they're in safe hands.

This interview isn't the best read for us, though to be fair he was probably just answering he questions he was asked....

http://www.goal.com/en-au/news/7501/2015-asian-cup/2015/01/12/7857112/socceroo-set-up-better-than-spurs-luongo-hails-elite

To bad fair, I'd expect the Aussie set up / funding to be somewhat better than sn1!

He obviously doesn't fancy holland then.

Anyone watching Yas? If so, how's he getting on?

Yep, I've got it on.  He's doing fine (in a dull match).  He has had plenty of the ball so far and has used it pretty well.

Well, it's littered with nasty fouls that's for  sure.

Very little quality on show and the sort of game it will be hard for Yas to stand out

Kasim is easily Iraq's best player. He created probably the game's best chance so far. Commentators keep mentioning Town.

There have been so few shots on goal, it's just like watching Man U.   :D

Anyone got a link? Preferably acestream.

Not acestream but this one is working:

http://www.ifeed2all.eu/watch/312025/1/watch-jordan-vs-iraq.html

Thanks

It's like watching the old Wimbledon - but without the finesse

In the book, Yas

Cracking quality feed here...thanks FH.

http://cdn.livetv.sx/webplayer2.php?t=liveall&c=udossa6836stenvs&lang=en&eid=278825&lid=262198&ci=224&si=1

No wonder Kasim is such a star over there.....the quality of the football is very poor, about L2 level IMO.

It's worse than that I reckon.

Got to be the worst game I've seen for years

I was being polite :D it is poor, Kasim showing a few good touches and almost set up a goal just then but it is poor quality in general...both teams although Iraq are slightly better than Jordan.

Shows why there is a very limited number of clubs that Kasim could go to and be able to show his best.

He'll be with us for quite a while

Jordan are playing football like Ray Wilkins, their coach, used to...everything is sideways.

Good, innit? I hope it's the same quality later tonight.

Iraq seem to be playing Kasim in a much more forward role that we do, for us he sits at the back in front of the defenders and breaks up play and starts attacks, he seem to be the main attacking midfielder for them, very different role.

Not getting many touches.

It's the worst kind of hoofball

The commentator seems to be calling him Yazoor Kaseeeeem :D

Yay we got a mention! and Yas scores!

KASIM GOAL!

Yaaaaas 1-0

Yay, goal Yas.

Goooooallllll. YASSER

GOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLL  KASIM!   :D

Best player on the field according to the comms :)

2 games - 2 MoMs!

Kasim injured :( in a naughty challenge. But fit enough to carry on :)

Not really...

Yasser Kasim of Swindon Town  :D

Game has livened up since the goal.

Silly sending off for Jordan. They are poor, Iraq deserve this.

Iraq left back looks good with some quality crossing on him, maybe yas can tap him up.

Fiery fuckers, aint they

There is no love lost!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhurgham_Ismail

He looks handy, good overlapping fullback.

That dive  :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

Was fantastic.

Game over, probably the worst international game I have ever seen.

Yas played very well and is probably MoM.

Our boys are doing well.

(http://thechive.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/bhf4a0.gif)

Just like that!

I'm both equally delighted and pissed off at this.

Ditto.

 :nod:

Bollocks, I got bored with it just before he scored. Anyone got a clip of the goal?

On balance, I think I'm happy that they're doing well.  Hopefully the lads back home can take a bit of inspiration from them for tonight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0D1Hv7j1kI

Cheers for the link

Oooh, I'd Bette check this and see if my WiFi can stream quick enough. Don't fancy getting up in the middle of the night for nothing. Cheers.

Think you are right. Even in full pessimist mode they are at least driving up their value..

Hopefully they will see staying at Swindon until the end of the season (at least) isn't going to harm their international career.

Does mean we aren't likely to get them back quickly though, and when we do there had to be a risk they are knackered.

Well chuffed they're doing well. It reflects really well on what STFC are trying to do. Get younger players or discards with real talent and polish them. It won't do any harm for their transfer fees and opens up a bigger market to sell to. It won't do them any harm and it won't do any harm when it comes to attracting players to the club. All in all a very good deal for STFC and it must be said does give a cynical old git like me a warm inner glow.

It's going to do wonders for our prospects of recruiting young talent in the future.

It is certainly raising the profile of the players and our club.

And hopefully the rest of the players can put on a show tonight on Sky.

I'm sure it'll be mentioned that both players have both scored in the opening games of the Asian Cup...and both got MoM in their respective games.

Our profile in Thailand must now be massive....presumably you wear the shirt when out and about?

You think they'll know?  ::)

Coops will probably let them know in his pre-match interview, whilst mentioning why they are not playing.

My shirts are fucked. Some stupid cunt put them in a hot-wash despite my specific orders not to.

I don't know if it's had much affect on our profile out here. Thailand aren't in it so I don't know if there's much interest, there doesn't appear to be.

Well judging by twitter, the Aussies are loving us.

Spill the beans then for us non social media types

Aussie commentators gushing about us. Mentioning us so much that one girl said they're gonna play take a shot every time stfc are mentioned during the next Aussie game. Couple of different Aussie journos raving about our boys.

https://twitter.com/afcasiancup/status/554675269307334656

To get my OptaNemo on:

After 8 games, STFC players have won man of the match awards in 25% of Asian Cup games. Performance.

The one with the big tits ?

No you are thinking about Akinfenwa....different thread.

I think there might have been a bit of Sunni-Shia going on

Iraq play Iran next game, now they hate each other!

Iraq play Japan next...but Iran and Iraq could meet each other in the quarters.

Ah sorry, I thought I heard them say that on the commentary earlier, my bad, but that would be a heated exchange!

Japan or Australia should really win this competition, having watched the game this morning it really is a very low standard.

I didn't see all of the broadcast, but a fair old chunk and didn't hear any mention that 2 of our better boys were away starring in a major international tournament.

Did I miss any mention?

Sky mentioned it once that I heard.

Mentioned it right at the end, no mention of their goals or performances though.

I'm pretty sure they did. It may have been pre-match KO.

They mentioned that Yas scored and that they both got man of the match.

Didn't watch the pre-match stuff, was trying to find a feed/stream online whilst the virus checker had heart failure!

I thought they mentioned at one point that they both scored  :hmmm:

They mentioned that both scored and that Mass was MoM for the Aussies.

They didn't mention it again.

Who fucking cares what they said   :D

Probably in the first 17 minutes I missed then....

Thank god I found a feed then, otherwise it would have actually been a very boring game for me to watch.

On Foxtel during the "after match interviews" after the Iraq game

Heard....

"Yes, Swindon Town NOW dominating the Asia Cup............Yes Swindon Town"

Fuck, tears came to my eyes !!!

COYMRS   :)

On the perceived wisdom that WHU won the '66 World Cup, could it be conceivable that little "lowly" STFC win the Asia Cup?

That fantastic January night in 1967....yes, Swindon were the World champions.

Well in my eyes they were !!!

COYMRS

Mass on again at 9.00

Blimey, Oman look pretty good

Less than 6 minutes into the game and first mention of "Swindon".

Luongo just had a hand in the opening goal. His corner was headed down by a teammate before McKay stroked it in. Not quite an assist but he's looking good again.

The second was definitely Luongo's assist though!

A proper 'assist' now though!   :)

Subbed on 51 with Cahill. Commentators said another very decent performance, 3 nil and game over. Rest time

Good STFC coverage in the Guardian today, mentioning us going top of L1 and bossing the Asia Cup at the same time

http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jan/13/asian-cup-daily-swindon-town-bossing-tournament

First, let me introduce myself. I'm an Australian in Sydney, but grew up in the West Country a long time ago
 
Luongo, known well to you guys...but not so to the Australian football community, is having a great impact on the squad. I just returned from tonight's game. He played a more balanced 51 mins tonight (his first 20 mins of the Kuwait match he was a headless chook) and provided the assist.
 Let it be known, one the great assets he brings to the Aussie squad is his 'league one' approach to tackling. Yes, its but wayward, but in this squad ...it shows great determination.

He is not the best thing since sliced bread...but he is drawing opponents in and releasing the ball well and with a national team lacking depth, its good to have him on board.

During a TV interview, I'm convinced he has picked up a touch of west country twang in his accent too.

You obviously are not missing your two players over here, great win over Coventry and top of the table, more importantly above City.

Hey there.

Lurked on the forum for the past couple of days, and particularly this thread. Thought I'd sign up to discuss the Asian Cup and of course Mas.

He's pretty much the toast of Australia at the moment. Had always read he had talent but we've never really been given the opportunity to see it aside from a couple of friendlies.

Just a few thoughts on the tournament, the Socceroos, Mas and what he offers us.

As one poster noted after watching a game the quality of many Asian teams is quite poor. I think the comment was made about the Iraq v Jordan game. I watched it and it was pretty scrappy.

That was two of the poorer teams however. And while you often have an entertaining contest, the quality of football is not that high.

What you have when one of those poorer teams plays one of the powerhouses of Asian football -- Japan, South Korea, Australia or Iran (the teams that were at the WC in Brazil) -- is a situation where the minnow will play with 11 men behind the ball and park the bus Mourinho-at-Anfield-from-last-season style.

When you have two powerhouses playing each other, you typically get much better football. So the upcoming game that will decide who tops our group -- South Korea or Australia -- will likely be a lot better. Still, it won't be Germany vs Spain.

However, despite the fact that many Asian teams are quite poor, we've often struggled to break them down when they play ultra defensive football. And they've often been adept at hitting us on the counter or nicking a goal from a set piece.

However, our tactics at the moment and with players like Mas we're breaking them down with ease.

We're playing with a single striker, but with a series of mobile attacking mids/wingers who are all rotating and causing mischief. Making runs and pulling defenders out of position. Our full backs are also overlapping and providing attacking outlets as well.

Testament to this threat-from-anywhere-strategy is that we've scored 8 goals in two games this tournament and all have come from different players.

The best of these attacking mids so far has been Mas. He is picking up the ball between the lines and playing incisive little balls as well making runs behind the lines (with and without the ball) and he is tracking defensively. He's proving a nightmare for the Asian defences. It seems like he's everywhere.

I'd love to know how this compares with what he does at Swindon?

In the first game he obviously got MoM with his assist and goal and general great play. If he had of played the full 90 vs Oman he may have got the MoM for this game too. His assist was real quality and his general play couldn't be faulted.


He was subbed off very early, with Cahill. Though as you can probably tell this wasn't because of poor perfomance. To the contrary. Postecoglu, our coach, has said that he wants to rest and rotate players early in the tournament to keep the whole squad fresh.

And I think it's a testament to how well he's considered that he came off with a player considered to be our most important. Timmy Cahill.

Anywho. You've got a new Swindon fan and I hope you guys can stay in an automatic promotion spot till the end of the season. And I hope Mas can help keep you there. And in the summer land you a big transfer fee as he makes the move to the Premier League (as he looks like he has the quality).

Haha Bennyh, beat me to it.

Were you at the game tonight?

G'day Bennyh.

I have to say tackling is probably the last attribute I'd say Luongo has, so its interesting you picked up on it in a positive way!

Personally I think he has a lot of improving in him still to come. When on form and confident, as has been the case for the last couple of months, he is a real asset. You've identified his drawing the opposition and releasing the ball as one good thing, but he can also carry the ball up the field too, and the quality is there in his passing to open up defences.

Being critical I'd say an off form Luongo wanders around and doesn't contribute much to a game! But consistency comes with experience, and it is already showing. He'll be off to a higher level sooner rather than later.

PS. Please can you get knocked out so that we can have him back sooner. Thanks.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jan/13/asian-cup-daily-swindon-town-bossing-tournament

So good we needed it twice

When you look at the stupid fees paid on the back of World Cup performances for bizarre players that nobody has ever heard of if say Australia do go on and win based on transfer history someone would probably pay a massively inflated fee for Luongo if he was playing for some obscure foreign team.  They would obviously think with us in league 1 the fee should be less but it really does beg the question that if you base his value on past Premier League transfer dealings just what is he worth? It's really difficult to guage as obviously its pretty rare for a league 1 player to make an impact on an international tournament....

If Australia win the tournament, teams will struggle to get Luongo to sign before the window shuts as the final is on 30th Jan

All be done through agents.

I reckon he'll stay until season's end

The window is open until 11pm on the 2nd of Feb this year, not sure why its all moved though.

Extra couple of days.

It's open for 30 days. Did it not open on the 3rd  Jan

Yes I am aware its open for 30 days but why did it not open on Jan 1st this year?

Its never been on the 3rd Jan before, ever since the January transfer window started in 2002/3.

Something to do with the FA offices being closed on the 1st and 2nd I think, so no registrations were possible.

Actually, looks like a FIFA thing. Stupid rules.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2892337/Premier-League-clubs-wait-make-new-signings-transfer-window-opens-Saturday-24-hours-Spain.html

Cheers :) I just had not heard any explanation till now.

Was the 4-1 game mass' first game on Australian soil?

Yes

Luongo has been much better at tackling this season. He's much stronger and is riding a lot of challenges that he would have lost possession from last year.

The Sydney Morning Herald is a subscription newspaper...but I think you can view a limited number of articles.

Australian Journalism talks Swindon Town !

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/swindon-town--unlikely-supplier-of-asian-cup-stars-20150114-12nvws.html

Response to further questions. Yep, I was at the game last night. A good performance by our boys, so alas, I don't think Loungo will be home soon.

Also, I know there has been transfer talk and value, and while he is getting a lot of media attention here, but the larger more cashed up clubs would be very nervous to take on a player, that as yet has yet to prove himself at higher level. In fact a club winning games at the top of the league one, heading to the Championship is probably the right level for him.

Let it be known, most are talking up Japan and Australia for the Asia Cup. I'm keeping a close eye on Iran. A team that very nearly beat Argentina in Brazil.

Agree with this. I was going to post about how I thought he had improved on that attribute but you've saved me having to do it! He seems stronger, more skillful, well just better this season!

Why isn't Iraq v Japan on Eurosport at 9.00am today?

Their coverage IS a bit erratic.  They seem to like tennis a lot.  Having to make do with the live stream.

Edit:  Having said that, the usual streams don't seem to be working for me today - without having to download adware-laden software.  So f**k that!

Here ya go http://livetv.sx/en/eventinfo/278833_iraq_japan/

Thanks, FH!  That one works for me.

Eurosport now seem to have ditched the Asian Cup for the Coupe d'Afrique des Nations....seems to be comprehensive coverage of events in Upper Volta. 

They are showing semis and final though.

Iraq lost 1-0

Good. Hopefully they'll lose there remaining group game(s) and he can come back.

I think they are likely to qualify from their group they face palestine next who have conceded 9 goals in 2 games so far and with 3 points already, they will face UAE or Iran next next in the quarters

Best hope is to have him and (perhaps less likely) Mass back for the Sheff U game on 31/1.

Japan should beat Jordan, and should Iraq beat Palestine then Japan and Iraq will go through.

Hopefully there's an Iraq-Iran derby day, if there's such a thing.

I'm inclined to think that the whole experience especially for Mass, is going to be a bit of a head fuck on returning from an Oz summer to an English winter....so it may be Cooper will have to use them carefully.

This is a good point. Yas must've struggled with playing in the snow in Walsall only to fly out to Australia for friendlies!

I guess we can afford to rest them on the bench for a couple of games, as long as we keep winning!

I mostly agree, but it would be a tricky one if they played scotland

Mass in the team again tonight against Sth Korea. The game will be played in oppressive heat. Its 32 degrees and with the stadium sheltering any breeze pitch side could be considerably hotter. The pitch isn't pretty so both sides will be happy with no injuries at the end of 90mins.
 Also, it doesn't help that a plague of moths have arrived at the stadium. I bet you don't get that at the Country ground?

Tough conditions to play in.

Lets hope Mass has another great game.

Mongs yes, moths no.

Let's hope Mass survives intact....slight dusting of overnight snow at the CG....looks set to be short lived though.

He's having another good game, so far, and seeing lots of the ball.  Quite an entertaining game between two evenly matched sides.  Still 1-0 to the Koreans though.

Iraq v Palestine 42 minutes in apparently. 0-0

Iraq have had 66% possession and 6 shots, compared to Palestine's 0!

Jordan are losing, so currently Iraq are in the QF's.

Live stream :http://www.afcasiancup2015live.com/2015/01/iraq-vs-palestine-asian-cup-2015-live-streaming-watch-online-free.html

1-0 to Iraq.

Penalty to Iraq.

EDIT: Saved!!

Iraq almost certainly through, will face Iran in the quater finals on the 23rd jan. Will imagine Kasim will be heading back after that

If both win their quarters then could line up against each other in the semis

Iran v Iraq could be a bit feisty. Please don't break Yaser!

Their friendly before the tournament got a bit feisty if I remember correctly. Iraq v Australia in the Semis would be awesome.

2-0 Iraq. Yaser involved in the build up around the box and could be credited with the assist thanks to a deft touch through ball.

The winners of the Aussies/China game will play either Japan or UAE in the semis.

Iran or Iraq will play either South Korea or Uzbekistan.

o  :hmmm:

looking at the match schedule it says:

A1 (Aus)-B2 v C1-D2 (Iraq). ah ball bags I thought aussie won the group...........yup they may have to wait to the final or 3rd place playoff.

Pretty grim reading... sorry if this has already been posted. Just spotted it. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2917071/ISIS-execute-13-football-fans-firing-squad-watching-Iraq-play-Jordan-TV-Islamist-controlled-Mosul.html

http://m.foxsports.com.au/video?v=tiny-club-behind-rising-star_1227191267832&vc=204&nk=7cb41373343782ce14a11974a478a4b3

Sales Promo for Luongo on Fox Sports. Could it be more patronising?

I suppose we are "small" though in the grand scheme of things.

I must have missed the whole Luongo looks like Bruno Mars thing, not that I would have known what that bloke looks like.

I missed the Mars thing too.

Also, in English football terms, we are a very small club.

It's all good publicity for the club. We'll probably be a tiny club with two internationals on the bench next month!

Of course we're small....just like Bristol City.

Is this a dig? I know you don't like Town fans fraternising with the enemy.

Either way, I agree :)

My mrs always tells me that size doesn't matter....

oh...

Maybe it was hearing the Swedish Chef interviewing Harry Enfield's Kevin that threw you?

I bet our sponsors are happy. They must be getting loads more coverage than they expected.

It was the doo doo doo Massimo Luongo song. The rest of the town end just repeated that line but a few sung he looks like Bruno Mars as the next line.

It was soon realised he looked nothing like Bruno Mars but was carried on for a bit regardless. Then it just sort of stopped.
I don’t even think the generic doo doo doo 'insert a player’s name here' gets done for Mass anymore.

Idiots in the town end, trying to get atmosphere going, blah blah blah ;)

Had an epiphany in the shower this morning.


The third line originally ended in 'glee' but that's pretty gay.

If you stay you'll get a blowy off marky tee?

Pretty sure Marky prefers Kasim.

A 4-3 Aussie loss with a Luongo hat trick would be ideal.

 8)

Very dark, bad quality stream of Aus v Chi

http://www.afcasiancup2015live.com/2015/01/australia-vs-china-asian-cup-2015-live-streaming-quarter-final.html

This one may be better:

http://cdn.livetv.sx/webplayer.php?t=ifr&c=196944&lang=en&eid=284360&lid=196944&ci=224&si=1

1-0 Oz. Decent overhead kick.

I love how much the Ozzies love Cahill. There are no English players who our fans would get that excited about.

China won't be happy with that goal as it looks like their captain was on the floor clutching his face leaving Cahill the room to score.

Aaaaaand that's 2-0. Another good goal from Cahill. Cracking header from near the edge of the box.

That's Mass out of the Sheffield United game.

Boooooooooooo.

Yep, 3 days recovery might be pushing it, if they go out in the semis.

There's a 3/4 Play-Off.

Ah. That's that then.

Didn't he win Kasim to be his bitch for the day? (http://msn.mess.be/data/thumbnails/125/orneryboy_gimp_suit.gif)

with mas and gladwin out for a month seems like we will be having kas back in the nick of time.

If Iraq win tomorrow we've lost him too.

True, they are the underdogs though..

Fingers crossed he plays well and they go out. We'll need him at Bramall Lane.

agree.

Might bet on Iraq to qualify to soften the blow... losing the bet will be worth it.  :beers:

We'll do (have done) well enough so far.

We'll take care of the Blades

Nice try, we all know you were thinking 'blunt the blades' while typing that.

Different sort of game to Chesterfield though.

Hope so. They dominated us 2nd half.

Surely it's time for us to realise we have a fucking good team who are more likely than not to win games.

Is Gladwin out for a month? Just when he was starting to ooze some class too! Hopefully Rodgers can step up to the mark temporarily.

I mean more physical. We could do with Yaser for this game, but may well cope fine without him.

Apparently the scan showed a more serious injury than firs thought and he's having an op on Monday (BBC Wilts)

Stephens is an ok short term replacement for Kasim but with Swift not really able to do his stuff for more than an hour or so at the moment thought we looked bit stretched in midfield for a lot of the second half v Chesterfield. I don't think anyone is particularly convinced by Rodgers so it is a real big ask to deal with Gladwin absence as well, particularly against a pretty tough team like Sheff U, where we have such an appalling record. Best we can hope for is an Iran win v Yasser's boys.

Player ratings from ESPN http://www.espnfc.com/afc-asian-cup/2243/blog/post/2258079/australia-ratings-cahills-perfect-ten-in-qf-win (http://www.espnfc.com/afc-asian-cup/2243/blog/post/2258079/australia-ratings-cahills-perfect-ten-in-qf-win)

MF Massimo Luongo, 8 -- Who would have thought 12 months ago that Massimo Luongo would be an automatic choice for the Socceroos? The Swindon Town dynamo once again excelled with the ball at his feet, prodding and probing the Chinese defence at every opportunity. His work rate was exemplary too. It's refreshing to see a youngster to play so well so consistently.

Kasim not injured and started.

Iran 1-0 up at HT.

Iran down to 10 men.

I didn't spot it until last night, but if you have cash in a bet365 account there is a live stream. Albeit a small windowed one!

Iraq equaliser and Kasim's suspended for the Semi-Final if they get through.

Gaurentees an extended sunshine holiday.....

Kasim walking a tightrope, dived in while on a yellow. Wasn't a bad one but..

Extra time, off to work I go...

and ladbrokes. i think the majority show live sports through them. Thats how iv been watching the asian cup as dont have eurosport!

Looks like we've lost Yaser for Sheff Utd.

Iran has equalised!

Good!

kasim wins a pen in 23rd min extra time.

3-2 Iraq

3-2 Iraq, min 3rd place play off/ final for Iraq it looks like

3-3!!

Yasser puts his pen top corner. currently 5-5 on pens

Fucking hell why couldn't he miss, come on Iran

Iraq win on Pens

Iraq in the semis. Go on Yaser.

Good luck Yasser. Hopefully we dont miss you

well done and arse in equal measures

Suspended anyway

At least both players will likely be in the air flying back to the UK on 2nd Feb...Transfer deadline day !!

but available for final/3rd place playoff

 So 3/4 th place game....Yas does a Gazza on Mass, and they're both out injured .

Japan just lost on pens to UAE. Yas and co have a decent chance to make the final.

 
:o

Just imagine if that happened...

Yas v Mass...Fox Sports will be doing even more stories about us !!

Thankfully Town don't have a midweek game after Sheffield United and Yas has a game off.

I thought Iraq were playing S. Korea in the SF? Mass and co has a decent chance.

You're right, they are. I assumed the winners of the QF from the same day would play each other.

1-0 S. Korea. Not looking good for Yaser.

2-0 now. Oh dear.

Why isn't Yas playing - is he injured or banned?

Banned. Now we lose him to some pointless 3rd-4th place play off.

He'll cry off for that, surely

Doubt it. He'll have to play if picked, unless he's injured.

No final for Yaser.

Can anybody confirm the kick-off (GMT) time for Australia v UAE tomorrow? It's quoted on the Asia Cup website as 8pm, in Newcastle NSW. I make that 9am Super Swindon Time. Is that right?

Game on Eurosport live at 9am

Are we sure there is a 3/4 play off according to BBC it is semi then final

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30831285

http://www.afcasiancup.com/match-schedule

scheduled for Friday mate.

Yep....as confirmed. 

Annoyed I'll be in the car up to Sheffield when the final is on. :(

Not sure if this has been posted or not as I can't be arsed to look but it makes interesting reading if you havent read it about Mass.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/asian-cup-2015-massimo-luongo-keeping-indonesia-on-edge-with-exploits-for-socceroos/story-fnqk652h-1227192501838?nk=7861692e39e11ef396cf47115876ab78

"He’s much better than where he is now, he’s in League One and I don’t think that style suits him, but it doesn’t mean he has to leave the country" says Mark Bresciano... I assume he hasn't actually watched us play, then..

Aussies 1-0 up already.  Easy header from a Luongo corner.  Lots of early praise from the commentator for Luongo's contribution throughout the tournament.  

Now 2-0.

2 assists in 14 minutes. Watching it at work. They look dangerous.

From the Aussie Grauniad...

44 min: Franjic clears an Omar cross and finds Leckie is plenty of space on the right. He finds Luongo but he turns it over cheaply. It’s the first time this tournament he’s looked out of sorts. No Mas? Give him time.

Shite viewing, though

72 min: Luongo comes very close! Leckie turns himself into space, slides a ball to Luongo on the right and the Swindon Town man has time to measure a left foot curler that may have snuck inside the far post were it not for Naser’s fingertips. But no corner is given. Perhaps Naser didn’t touch it after all. Or the ref got it wrong. It happens.

2-0. Luongo makes the final.

Luongo awarded MOM again, just collected trophy from sponsors

When's the final? Is it on the box?

It'll be on the usual channels live Fox Sports and EuroSport 2.

This is fairly useful
http://www.live-footballontv.com/

9am Saturday Eurosport 2 to answer the question.

Cheers...I will be en route with Yul Briner to Blades.

Yaser starts (18 minutes in, 0-0).

1-0 to UAE

1-1 now

2-1 Iraq

Stream?

EDIT: Found one, nevermind :)

Please send the link, I couldn't find one.

http://cricfree.tv/watch/live/iraq-vs-uae-live-streaming (http://cricfree.tv/watch/live/iraq-vs-uae-live-streaming)

Cheers RF. 2-2 now

3-2 UAE

Iraq lose. Kasim comes through the tournament uninjured.

If somebody could now wrap him in cotton wool and hide him somewhere for the next 3 days that'd be great.

Apparently according to the OTIB 82ers forum we have rejected a bid of €2.5m (£.17m) from Sevilla, of course they are "in the know" as to what is happening at our club whereas we aren't.

http://www.otib.co.uk/index.php?/topic/167463-swindon-january-sales-starting-late/

One post earlier stating Luongo was on loan with us says it all.

And for those who don't like to read about what others are saying then please don't read it.

More importantly, they're going to have to reboot their clichés if we're now turning down £1.7m offers. That'll be scaring them shitless.

Also, they seem to know that any money accrued would go straight in Power's pocket.

Just like the money from Louis' sale - oh, hang on, didn't we fork out £200,000 for Beaker.

http://www.espnfc.com/afc-asian-cup/2243/blog/post/2270689/espn-fcs-asian-cup-team-of-the-tournament

I like the latest comment on there about him.


How the fucking fuck does he know what his true value is? what a twat.

More to the point, it could have been a '50K now, 200K when he scores 8 goals in the World Cup final whilst his leg is in a bowl of set concrete' type deal structure.

Exactly, and as we are in no rush for the money then we can ask for what the hell we like, all up front if we so wish and double that amount even, we are under no pressure to sell financially or because we have an unhappy player....we can take our time and get the right deal for the club and player or if we go up maybe even keep him.

Sorry, but just to pick up on the point about us not being in a 'rush for the money' which appears to be a fairly prevalent train of thought amongst a fair percentage of posters.

I'm confident we have the financial resources to see out the season and beyond into next. I'm not sure where we stand on gate receipts/attendance etc that were poignantly mentioned by MrP earlier in the season and our break even point.

While MrP is a resident of Switzerland, he doesn't appear to be an Andrew Black and he has already stated, from pretty much day one, that balancing the books is key to his Modus Operandi.

With that in mind, and I personally value Mass, around the £2.25 mark (assuming the Asia Cup results in an Australian victory), I'm not convinced that MrP wouldn't accept a deal, clearing £1m for the Town and getting the money into the club.

Having said that, either way, whether we sell or not, it's a bit of a gamble.

Ironically they probably would have accepted that

Don't forget the sponsorship amount coming in from the Aussie company this month which will help the shortfall in gate income over the last few weeks.

No proof.

I agree, it's gone very quiet on that.

Sam Morshead said on a webchat yesterday that its going to be announced next week so as not to upset some other sponsors or something.  Sam, if you're out there can you clear this up?

If he had his cock out when he told you that, he was only telling you what you wanted to hear...

Sax. Is it true that you're bumming Morshead? Be honest!

Good lord, I go away from here for a minute and come back to see all this abuse.

Flash - you're only jealous because I came all the way to Thailand to see you and didnt shag you.

I was just reporting back what Id seen yesterday.  Fuck you all Im not commenting now.

I'm taking that as a yes.

is there no end to your debauchery

Yeah bad move I've had curry and Guiness

lots of world class rolling around in the first 5

Anyone got a stream?

LUONGO GOAL!

Luongo scores a great goal  :D

Great  goal from Mass !!

Boom

LUONGO SCORES!!!

Another  500k good goal.

Well fuck me, that came out of nothing. Just when Korea looked like they might me getting on top. Great strike though.

What's that - another 500k on his price tag?

Can't find a stream anyone got one?

Great minds and all that... :nod:

It is on euro sport channel 211 on sky

https://vine.co/v/Ot6T3z7w1PB

Im at the match.....and that was a screamerrrr !

Massimo !!

411*

Commentator mentions Swindon every 2 or 3 minutes

Love the Korean Kwak - great name

Scoring the winner in a final? I think Mass' price has justifiably gone up.

Fuck.

Korea with a last minute equaliser...

DAMNIT WHY DID I SAY THAT

not sure whether I'm pleased or not. on the one hand Swindon nearly won the asia cup. on the other hand it was for Australia

Meh. Luongo's got his goal, that's all that matters.

As I said at the start of the cup - I ain't supporting Australia in no sports, fool.

Or something like that.

Makes me a little nervous, to tell the truth.  Mass' stock will never be higher than it is now...even if he helps us up in May.  I'll admit I'd never heard of the Asian Cup until a few months ago, but his performance in it will get him so much more publicity than domestic success in Division Three.

Even if Lee has already decided to keep him, for the next few days there will be a voice nagging him to sell.

Aussies are back in front now

Who scored?

Not Mass, so it's irrelevant :)

Troisi.

I've actually really enjoyed watching the Asian Cup. Some of the football's been a bit shit, as in every tournament, but it's nice to see teams who actually give a fuck.

Who got MoM? Don't bother with names if it wasn't our poster boy.

A job well done.

https://twitter.com/afcasiancup/status/561492189575135232

Is that player of the tournament? Fair play but christ the next few days will be busy.

I believe so, yes.

First time that an STFC player has got an MVP at a major international tournament since Don Rogers in the Youth equivalent of the WC, played in Holland in 1963.

Then out of 24 teams England beat Spain 4-0 in the final with a brace from the Don....Pepe Reina's old man was between the sticks for Spain....Harry Redknapp was setting them up.

I'd be telling him to go on a bender for a couple of days, so he's incapable of coherent thoughts, and unable to write his signature.

Unless he is back here before 11pm Monday - which he will not - he will be unable to have a medical for any prospective buyer..

He aint going anywhere, guys - yet!

Feeling a bit sick at the inevitable consequence for STFC on the playing side but this success couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.  

Congrats Mass...we're all proud of you

Tis the 21st Century, he could have a medical anywhere, and if someone was really serious they would b booking their flight tickets now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXH1joKaIsc

Nice finish.

Yes good post, we're all worried about losing him, when the main fact is that he has done his club, country, and himself and his family proud, and all of us supporters as well.

the inevitable might be delayed

Mass on Asian Cup Official site is reported as saying:

Luongo’s form has seen him attract attention beyond English League One side Swindon, but with the transfer window in England due to close soon after the completion of the AFC Asian Cup, he will be setting his sights on achieving success with his current club upon his return to Europe.

“I think, in the back of my head, this transfer window is not something that I'm going to be involved in,” he says. “I’ll maybe have to wait until the end of the season and that’s fine by me because Swindon’s a great place and we’re on the verge of something bigger as well.

“I can worry about this (the AFC Asian Cup) and hopefully win the final and then go back there and get promoted. It would be one of the biggest years for me ever, so I think that’s what I'm going to focus on rather than pushing for a move.

“I definitely don’t want to push for one because if it’s the right move then it’s supposed to be.”

I really, really don't think he's going anywhere before the transfer window slams shut. Please stop worrying your pretty little heads.

By staying, he has a real chance to enter his name in the list of Swindon greats.  And unless he's a complete arsehole (which he isn't), that will mean something to him.

If Mass goes, it will be because a bigger club than we are comes in with an offer that neither he or we can refuse.  It won't be because he's been pushing to leave.  Sounds like he wants to finish the job.

And if we go up, you never know...

He'll be here for the rest of the season. He'll also be here next season considering we'll be in the championship. FACT!

FUCK YEAH!

Not quite so sure about next season TBH.

I could imagine one of the 3 clubs promoted to the PL being interested

On the bright side, if he stays until summer and we do go up it gives us even more bargaining power.

Doesn't it make ya all warm and fuzzy...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upuWEGNqO2I#t=63

Nice. Another million on the price tag?  :hmmm:

We can but hope, has to be raising his stock. Gotta be up to £4m now ;)

TBH, we'd probably need that sort of money to strengthen the team overall when we go up.

He could've missed shaking hands with Blatter though.

We'd need to strengthen, yes. But don't underestimate the number of very average sides in that division. I've watched a fair amount of Championship football this year and a lot of the mid-table sides have been poor. Plus we'd receive £4-5m extra simply for going up, massively increasing our spending power.

For me, the key would be to secure some of our loanees on longer term deals, with two or three additions on top. All hypothetical for now though!

Watched a bit of Brentford v Boro this lunchtime - not impressed with either side TBH, seeing as both are close to the top.

We'd be a bit of a Huddersfield next season, I reckon

One down....

Postecoglou on Luongo: "When I first saw him at #STFC I thought 'why wasn't he playing for Barcelona or Real Madrid'?"

There's time yet!

He practically is.

You old romantic you. I would think the average player couldn't give a flying fuck about this. Its  not like we look after them very well is it?
Luongo should be so proud of himself....as should we. The lad has exceeded all expectations.

Some more photos here including Mass taking a selfie :

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/article-2934149/Australia-1-South-Korea-0-half-time-Asian-Cup-final.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490

Just back from my local pub in Sydney, watching the match with a mix of ex-pats and Aussies. Everyone we'll pleased with the result, but also amazed with the the wonder from Swindon Town.

For the first time in the eight years I have been here, people in Sydney know who we are (everywhere we go, people want to know.....).  Got my wife to drive up with my STFC shirt at half time.  I would have worn in out earlier, but it was bloody sweltering today!!

If I hadn't had to work today, I would have got a ticket and been wearing it in the ground tonight..

So pleased for the boy. I hope he stays next season to help us in the Champinship, but if not, then bloody we'll done.  There is a whole continent down here who loves him.  Tomorrow's papers will prove the fact.

Go Mass!!!

8)

If the board act sharp, there might well be opportunities for a bit of marketing out in Oz. Sell a few thousand Luongo shirts and it pays for another loanee next season.

They should release a 50/50 - Town/Aussie shirt with Mass on the back. Does he wear the same number for both sides?

No.

Okay...

Superb for Luongo, he will certainly have a good career in the game.

I'm sure he will breath a sigh of relief after reading that..

One thing's for sure, he'll be buzzing to return to Swindon following a month in Australia.

Brilliant.

The commentary went as follows:

' Massimo Loungo...and the Swindon Town man has stuck one in the bottom corner'

I was at the game, as I have been all the Australia games. I'm not sure what he does for you boys week in, week out. But at the national level, he has been a revelation. No one player has had impact on one team like he has. The talk of the terraces,  the street and front and rear page news in the press, he has become a national treasure.

I can guarantee you guys, you now have a few million extra fans keeping an eye on Swindon Town each week.

Finally, as I was brought up near you guys, I have shared with my fellow Aussies around me what Mass experiences on weekly basis. Youtube vid clips galore have been shared with fan groups....and the magic roundabout has fans intrigued.

Oh yea, my father was a Gashead all his life, he'd be over the moon if you guys got one of the automatic promotion spots and the City didn't.

We'll all be watching.....GOOD LUCK !

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/afc-asian-cup/player-of-the-asian-cup-massimo-luongo-says-all-he-needed-was-the-right-environment-to-shine-20150201-132yp6.html

I thought Luongo looked a lot sharper after his return from the World Cup. If we can keep him then hopefully his ability will be potentiated further by this tournament and his success there. I expect he will be tightly marked and singled out now, but it should give other players more room.

A friend who is an armchair/premier league fan reckoned Luongo and Kasim should fetch £5m between them at least. I laughed at the naivety,  but £3.5m would be plausible if and when we do sell.

This is really a fantastic time to make some money on the back of Australians going Luongo-crazy.

You must be mad si, I and a lot of others I'm sure would be very disappointed if that's all we got for the two of them.

@SamMorshead_: Mark Cooper says Massimo Luongo is the 'David Beckham of Australia' and values him at at least £5million: http://t.co/FgSJeTSwRK #stfc

Agreed. Playing in any international tournament, scoring in the Final of that tournament and being voted MVP of said tournament ups the ante massively. It alerts teams in the top flights in all the leagues in Europe. The whole dynamic changes. If Ray Hardman or Brian Hillier were still in charge then no doubt we would flog him off for 1.5 million and some tracksuit tops just prior to the Window closing. However, I trust LP to take full advantage of the situation*  :nod:





*Edit - 'in the Summer' I should have added. The deal will be done in our own time on our terms. I'm sure of that.

Spot on,

... and we still can't think of a song for him!

massiiiimo, wooooooooao, masimoooo, he won the asia cup, he's going to fuck you up

He's magic you knowwwww, you'll never get past luongooooo

La la la la la luongo! (La Bamba)

and?

What was your brilliant suggestion again?

Masssss-iiiii-mo, ooh, ooh, ooh oh,
Lu-on-go, ooh ooh ooh oh,
He won the Asian Cup,
He's gonna take us up
Masssss-iiiii-mo....

(Wrote it out, then saw Batch's comment, oh well).

A little interview with our Mass.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/asian-cup-2015-socceroos-show-off-newly-acquired-silverware-to-hundreds-of-fans-in-sydney/story-fnqk652h-1227203956555

just thought I'd follow your example when other people make posts.

Do do do massimo luongo
Do do do an oz his only flaw

To do the conga

Luongo ooooha
Luongo ooooha.
He won the Asia Cup
He's back to take us up.....

Repeat.

Ok, I'll start someone off...

We've got Mass Luongo!
He's not from The Congo!*
He's from the Oz!
He plays for us!

(Ok, really quite naff, but hopefully someone can do better...I'd really hope so!)

*I put "Luongo" in a rhymer app and it came up with "Congo", "Bongo" and "Longo"...not a lot of choice there!

I want to hear a chant using The Four Tops' seminal 80's hit, 'Loco in Acapulco', replacing Acapulco with Mass Luongo.

Thank you and goodnight.

 :bye:.

What the fuck are you dribbling about, you retard?

And my second effort...you can see a common them here, I think...

We've got Mass Luongo!
This here is his song-o!
He's worth 5 mill!
He's bloody brill!

Well, here's my weak effort. Not exactly endorsable by John Betjeman but short and simple and sing-alongable. To the tune of " What shall we do with the drunken sailor"......

Go..Go..Go..Luongo
Go..Go..Go..Luongo
Go..Go..Go..Luongo
Massimo Luongoooo...

(clapping gradually introduced).

I'll get me vest.

To the tune of 'Tie me Kangaroo down sport':-

We've got Massimo Loungo
He's the new Aussie King
We've got Massimo Loungo
He's the new Aussie King
And king of Swindon

To the tune of Waltzing Matilda

We all love Loungo
We all love Loungo
We all love Loungo
He' our boy.
And he runs, and he shoots, and he scores another wonder goal
We all love Loungo
He's our boy.

I love Luongo...
And if it's quite alright..
I love Luongo..
He makes your team look shite...

 ::)

That's more like it, I could go with that, nice one.

 :-[

This one....if he stays

That's not bad, but here's my tweak on it...
Mass..Mass..Mass..Luongo
Mass..Mass..Mass..Luongo
Mass..Mass..Mass..Luongo
Massimo Luongoooo...

(clapping gradually introduced).

flows much better with 5 Mass's on each line

That could work you know! Well, it works in my head!

There are a lot of factors such as promotion would boost value but entering the final year of a contract lower it. But I reckon £2.5m-£3m for Luongo and Kasim is worth more to the team than what we can fetch for him which I can't see being more than a million. I mean the up-front value.

What we want and what we're offered are two different things and we always over-estimate a player's worth but I'm happy to be wrong. I'd be even happier to miss out on a few million now and keep the players who can make the difference to our season and beyond. I think we'll keep Luongo this transfer window unless we're offered silly money.

If Luongo is still here tomorrow (please let him be, my lads gonna be gutted if not), how can we sweat our prized asset, as they would say in Dragons Den.  Both for the Oz & local market
 
That investment from the Aussie company will look a bit of a bargain for them with some photos of Mass, which as he's still in Oz shouldn't be too difficult.

But is there anything else, the half and half shirts are a non starter as I think that the Aussie ones are Nike. 

Its time to start Brainstorming which I think you are now allowed to use again!! 

How come Australia were even in the Asia Cup?

They used to be in the Oceania group.

Welcome to 2005.

Exactly ,where the nearest team in quality to them are probably Pitcairn Island...  They went into the asian umbrella a few years back to gain more competition, most of their business dealings are with Asia, so made sense that way as well

I though it was easier for them to qualify for the World Cup being Asian, because they avoided the South America qualifier playoff.

That as well, even though after the Aussies won the play-off against the Uruguay in 2005, the last time they competed in Oceania, FIFA decided to change this and now the South American side who finishes fifth and has to play off now has to play off against an Asian side.

Oceania now has to play off against a Concacaf country. (New Zealand against Mexico last time.

So, it's another FIFA fix then

Pitcairn Island, is one weird place....home to a handful of Polynesians and descendants of Bounty mutineers, where inbreeding and paedophilia was an an accepted practice, until they discovered they were under the jurisdiction of British law, and various convictions ensued.

The islanders claimed that by burning the Bounty, meant that they were no longer subjects of the British Empire, and therefore not living under British jurisprudence....with most of the 20 odd male inhabitants banged up, they'd be struggling to put out a team.

Corrected :)

The 7 members of the Oxford grooming gang, recently jailed probably thought this was the case.

Yaser bigging up Luke Williams in this article

http://sandalsforgoalposts.com/2015/02/09/yaser-kasim-we-defied-the-odds-during-the-tournament/

Interesting.

I like this bit, whatever it means.... Luke Williams, who preaches a tiki-taka inspired style of  play  :hmmm:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiki-taka

I keep misreading this thread title as the Aslan Cup, and thinking it's something to do with the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. I'm not sure if that mildly annoys or amuses me.

At first, I had the same problem, which I put down to advancing age....

Think it's definitely down to that Reg, in both cases!

I've got words now for another verse.

He takes the ball and moves it swiftly
beats a player with feet so nifty
shoots and scores cos he's so deadly
massimo luongo

and back we go

There was a couple of half-hearted Massimo Luongo songs from the TE on Saturday. Can't remember what they were mind you.

Anywhere you go, you always take Luongo with you

If you shorten his first name to Mo, I am sure it opens up all kinds of lyrical avenues 'No Limits by 2Unlimited' which is already in use for the Thompson brothers springs to mind.

I'm not quite there, but something involving Status Quo's Rocking all over the world...

And I like it, I like it, I like it, I like it
I li-li-like it, li-li-like
Mass ii mo, passin' all over the world

Or similar.