Asian Cup
Didn't think we'd every write this but …. Qatar goes into the Asian Cup Final as favourites after they defeated the UAE 0-4 in their semi-final overnight with goals to Boualem Khoukhi, Almoez Ali (pictured), Hasan Al Haydos and Hamid Ismaeil. For Ali, it means that he has equalled Ali Daei's (of Iran) 22-year record of eight goals in the Asian Cup tournament with one game left to play. Last year, he was top scorer in the AFC U-23 championship with six goals.
Hats-off to Qatar also. Putting aside how they've built a national team, when they 'won' the right to host the 2022 World Cup in December 2010, they also set a goal of making the semi-finals of this tournament so they could be considered one of the top four teams in Asia. In that respect, even if they lose on Friday – and it should be a fascinating match – they have won.
There were not many Qatar supporters in the stands at the game, because of the ongoing blockade, but plenty of celebration in the streets of Doha. At the stadium, the Emirati supporters booed during the national anthem and threw objects at the Qatari team.
Heather Reid
72 days after she was elected to the FFA Board, the Twitterverse lit-up last night with news that Heather Reid was to step down temporarily from her role as a Board member, apparently for “personal reasons”. No communication has been issued by FFA at the time of writing.
We understand Reid has had treatment for cancer and, having done so ourselves, wish her well.
Ray Gatt notes that Reid “has become embroiled” ($) in the issues around the sacking of Alen Stajcic making highly controversial comments to journalist Andrew Webster, and sending messages and tweets to members of the football community 'briefing' them on the alleged background to Stajcic's dismissal, as we have reported.
Tom Smithies also has an unconfirmed report and makes note of her “incendiary interview” with Webster, and that this “will add to the furore surrounding the game’s new leadership.”
A-League
Sydney FC
Sydney FC have signed former Iranian international Reza Ghoochanneghad ($) until the end of the season to boost their attacking depthy. Nicknamed 'Gucci', the 31-year-old is signed on loan from Cypriot club APOEL.
Tom Smithies notes that Ghocchanneghad has scored 17 goals in 44 games for Iran, including scoring against Bosnia in the 2014 World Cup. He emigrated to the Netherlands at an early age and represented them at youth age groups before becoming a full international for Iran in 2012.
Melbourne City
There could be a hitch in the signing of Jamie Maclaren for Melbourne City, with Hibernian under no obligation to release him as he is on a loan deal, and with his home club Darmstadt reportedly seeking a transfer fee. Maclaren is home in Australia.