Match Pictures | Matches: 2022 – 2023
Trivia
- KO: 08:45 (UK time);Thursday
- Sydney Super Cup
- Match Played in Allianz Stadium, Moore Park, NSW, Australia.
- First match of Celtic tour. Homecoming for Ange Postecoglou; Aaron Mooy is away with the Aussie World Cup squad.
- Scotland lose 2-1 in friendly v Turkey. Celtic players not released for this game as not mandatory.
- Ex Celt Jim McInally resigned as Peterhead manager. He leaves the club after 11 years and was the longest serving manager in the SPFL.
- Celebrating 135 years of the Legacy of Brother Walfrid. Anniversary Mass in St Augustine’s Coatbridge on Friday at 7pm. All faiths and none made more than welcome to Celebrate Mass with Bishop Keenan.
- Front page of the Tokyo edition of Nikkan Sports: Japan’s national team head coach for the next cycle with Ange Postecoglou considered the frontrunner.
- Reports: Celtic expect bids for Josip Juranovic in the January transfer window after talks over a new contract stalled
- Hibs: Jimmy O’Rourke passed away – a bona fide Hibs man, club legend, and an integral part of Turnbull’s Tornadoes. RIP
- For the first time in the nine-year history of the World Golf Awards, Scotland has been awarded the ultimate accolade of ‘Best Golf Destination in the World.’
- Ex-Celt Jason Denayer called up to Belgium squad at last minute as cover as an injury replacement
- Euros: Hampden Park shortlisted for Euro 2028 bid by the UK & Ireland.
Summary
“Our job is to play our football and hopefully give them something to get excited about.”
Ange
“It’s not that I’m ignorant to this kind of stuff. These things always happen. It’s just not the way I’m wired. I love what I’m doing. I’m so passionate about this football club & achieving success. But I haven’t yet achieved what I want to achieve”
Ange on speculation over Japan national team role
“No mate. I am not a violin player. We get on with it. They probably are tired. So what? The game was today it is not tomorrow.”
Ange
Review
Money.
Sunshine.
Wee break.
However, does this match signal that Ideguchi and Abildgaard won’t make it into the long-run with Celtic? A decent chance for some second string players to get a game, but mixed bag with few of them making enough of a strong case for them. Result must be taken in light of that the players have come thru a heavy schedule and with all due respect this was the least important match. The travelling fans though deserved better.
Not that homecoming that Postecoglu wanted but still some good atmosphere for the locals.
CelticBhoy of KDS:
The result itself is irrelevant being a friendly and it was good to see some of the young boys such as Lawal on the brink of first team, however the bigger picture is another ton of missed chances friendly or not it’s becoming an issue. And in bigger games will continue to be our shortfall.
Then on top of that the fact that a good half dozen players at least are of no use to us going forward and should be shown the door if we are to develop over the next 12-18 months to the level Ange aspires.
All in all a decent exercise hopefully a better performance and result against Everton on Sunday then we can get the lads off for a week before we build upto the return in December.
MichaelCollins of KDS:
Just back from the match.
Great day out but the performance from the team was appalling. I get that it’s a friendly and the result doesn’t matter but if it’s all about getting minutes for players who don’t get a game normally then why
not play a bounce game at Lennoxtown or go and play a German 3rd division team.
Losing to an A league team is embarrassing and playing a second string team in the first half and no recognised striker in the second half was just shambolic.
Loads of people spent a lot of money coming from all over Australia, New Zealand and Asia to watch that and the performance from the players and coaching team just wasn’t acceptable.
I’d honestly rather the team didn’t come here at all if they are not going to take it seriously.
Teams
Celtic:
CELTIC: Siegrist, Ralston, Welsh, Starfelt, Bernabei, Abildgaard, Turnbull, Ideguchi, Abada, Forrest, Kyogo.
Subs: Bain, Taylor, Haksabanovic, Jota, O’Riley, Roberston, Hatate, Lawal, Vata.
Siegrist, Ralston, Welsh (Lawal), Starfelt, Bernabei (Taylor), Abildgaard (O’Riley), Ideguchi (Hatate), Turnbull (Robertson), Furuhashi (Vata), Forrest (Jota), Abada (Haksabanovic).
Goals:(Kyogo 23)
Assists:
Sydney City:
20. Thomas HEWARD-BELLE (GK), 8. Paulo RETRE, 10. Joseph LOLLEY (12. Patrick WOOD 86’), 11. Róbert MAK (25. Jaiden KUCHARSKI 61’), 18. Diego CABALLO (5. Connor O’TOOLE 61’), 19. Adrian SEGECIC (16. Patrick YAZBEK 61’), 22. Max BURGESS (21. Alexander PARSONS 69’), 23. Rhyan GRANT, 26. Luke BRATTAN (28. Jake GIRDWOOD-REICH 69’), 27. Adrian VLASTELICA (33. Dejan BAKRDANIKOSKI 74’), 29. Aaron GURD.
Unused Subs: 30. Adam PAVLESIC (GK), 31. Oscar PRIESTMAN, 32. Kealey ADAMSON, 34. Hayden MATTHEWS.
Goals:(Mak 25, Burgees 60)
Assists:
Ref:
Att: ~half-full of 42k stadium.
Articles
- Match Report (see below)
Pictures
Match Links
Articles
BBC
Celtic beaten by Sydney FC despite Kyogo opener
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Published
It wasn’t the start to his homecoming tour that Ange Postecoglou was hoping for as Celtic opened their Australia trip with a 2-1 defeat to Sydney FC.
A Hoops side captained by James Forrest took a first-half lead in the Sydney Super Cup friendly when Kyogo Furuhashi deflected Alexandro Bernabei’s drive from distance into the net.
But A-League side Sydney – who had twice hit the woodwork at 0-0 – were soon level through Slovakia midfildier Robert Mak.
And despite Celtic, who brought on the likes of Jota, Matt O’Riley and Sead Haksabanovic at the break, having the better of the second half, they were sunk by a terrific strike from Max Burgess at the Allianz Stadium.
Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic party derailed Down Under but positives remain during Sydney homecoming – 3 talking points
Michael Gannon – 2h ago
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Ange Postecoglou didn’t quite get the homecoming party he was hoping for as Sydney FC surprised the Hoops in an entertaining friendly clash, writes Michael Gannon Down Under.
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Kyogo steered in an opener for Celtic Down Under but Robert Mak hit back for the hosts within a couple of minutes and Max Burgess struck a sweet second half winner against the run of play. Postecoglou didn’t get the win he wanted on home soil – but his side was involved in a good show that gave the Parkhead gaffer some food for thought.
He didn’t have his World Cup stars or a few injured aces, but he still sent out a strong side in this Sydney Super Cup opener. There were chances for the likes of midfielders Yosuke Ideguchi and Oliver Abildgaard, as well as keeper Benji Siegrist. The latter showed again he’s a more than solid backup for Joe Hart, while the jury will remain out on the other pair.
Robert Mak of Sydney celebrates scoring in the Sydney Super Cup against Celtic
Robert Mak of Sydney celebrates scoring in the Sydney Super Cup against Celtic
© Getty Images
Usual suspects such as Kyogo and Jota produced the usual goods, while young guys Scott Robertson and Rocco Vata enjoyed run outs. It was more entertaining than most friendlies and a few more of the locals might regret missing out.
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The Celtic end was packed and there were Hoops fans all around the rest of the ground. But the Sydney FC diehards didn’t seem too fussed. In fact, they seemed a bit miffed at the cost of the tickets, given the ultras banner in the standing section that said, ‘$80 – Get FKD’. Celtic were determined to give their fans some value for their dingo dollars.
It was never going to be proper full throttle, but there was still a bit of zip to the game as Sydney were also out to make an impression. Stephen Corica’s side might be midtable in the A-League but they’ve got some pretty decent players, who caused the Hoops plenty problems.
They arguably should have been ahead when Celtic struck the opener. Mak and Joseph Lolley both scudded the bar and Benji Seigrist stuck out a finger to divert a Rhyan Grant dig.
But the Aussies soon learned what plenty of sides in Scotland know all too well. Celtic can be lethal at times. Kyogo managed to fire his side in front when he sneakily used his chest to redirect Alexandro Bernabei’s low drive into the net.
It was a cute finish but the advantage didn’t last. Celtic were having issues down their left flank. Abildgaard seemed a bit too keen at times and was guilty of going walkabout, leaving Bernabei exposed and Carl Starfelt having to shuffle across to help out.
It led to those two efforts against the woodwork and again at the goal when Lolley found the gap to send Mak racing in behind and he did well to hold off Stephen Welsh before neatly tucking away.
It was lively stuff. David Turnbull had a dig tipped over the bar by Thomas Heward-Belle, who also denied Kyogo a couple of times. It could have been about 5-5 by half-time.
The arrival of star turns such as Jota and Sead Hakabanovic after the break ensured it would continue to be lively, and, sure enough, the pair linked up quickly as the Portuguese ace headed wide.
The attacker was right in the mood and should have scored when he lashed one high into the stands. Celtic were completely bossing the second period – yet it was Sydney who went ahead when Max Burgess was allowed to cut in from the right and superbly swerve into the top corner.
The Hoops had a few chances to level but the sheer number of subs by the end left the party atmosphere a bit flat. But what can Celtic take from the game? Record Sport takes a look.
Jury out on Parkhead pair
Some Celtic stars will be looking forward to a nice break, but this Aussie trek is vital to a couple of others who should be desperate for game time. Players like Yosuke Ideguchi and Oliver Abildgaard, who both got starts in Sydney.
Ideguchi has suffered rotten luck since his arrival last January. He was crocked after being cemented on his first start – at Alloa in the Scottish Cup – and managed just 55 minutes on the pitch the rest of the season.
He then got injured again in pre-season and it was starting to look like being the answer to a pub quiz question in years to come. He looked decent enough in patches. Abildgaard has been more of a slow burner since his summer arrival from Ruban Kazan, initially on loan. The giant midfielder missed pre-season and has ben trying to play catch up ever since.
These minutes in Oz might have helped but in general play he had a bit of a shocker. Abildgaard struggled with possession, got caught out of position and still looks short of full fitness. The big fella might need to spend the next few weeks doing extra homework and the two midfielders are in danger of becoming rare Postecoglou signings who haven’t made an impact.
Watch this space
While Ideguchi and Abildgaard have work to do if they are to make the grade at Parkhead, there are plenty of signs Sead Haksabanovic is going to be just fine. The Montenegro international bagged three goals in the final two games before this trip and is increasingly looking the part.
He also missed a chunk of pre-season and had to get himself up to speed. But he is getting more comfortable – and influential – by the week. Haksabanovic has quick feet and an eye for a pass, while also knowing the way to go. There were some more positive signs in Sydney with the way he found space and carved out openings. The attacker is going to be one to watch in the second half of the season.
Worthwhile trip
The clash with Sydney FC was just one of a number of events around the city this week as Celts have been in marketing overdrive.
They’ve played a blinder with public meet and greets, open training sessions and Q&A gigs that have thrilled expat supporters and the ones who travelled over the globe.
Celtic are making good money from the Sydney Cup show and they are also touching base with the punters who usually get up at the crack of dawn to watch their team on the other side of the planet.
It’s all about expanding the brand and it’s worked a treat so far. Having an Aussie boss certainly helps but this is the kind of trip that keeps fans sweet and the tills ringing. And if the dosh helps the club continue to build then it’ll be well worth the huge journey and extra week’s graft.
Manager’s post-match interview after Sydney Super Cup opener
By Ryan Maher in Sydney
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2022/november/17/manager-s-post-match-interview-after-sydney-super-cup-opener/
Celtic kicked off the Sydney Super Cup with a 2-1 defeat against Sydney FC in the Allianz Stadium.
Kyogo opened the scoring for the Hoops, but two goals from the Australian side gave them the victory.
Speaking after the game, Ange Postecoglou said: “It was an entertaining game with plenty of goalmouth action for both teams, but we were well off it today, and to Sydney’s credit, especially in the first-half, they had the better chances and deserved to win.
“The support was brilliant as always, whether it’s back home or around the world, our supporters are passionate about the football club and they always make a great atmosphere. Unfortunately, we couldn’t reward them tonight but hopefully on Sunday.
“We’ll just recover from tonight and have a session on Saturday and prepare as we always do, and try to make sure we’ve got a good mindset, the mindset that we need to be successful.”
Hoops lose out in opening Sydney Super Cup match
By Ryan Maher in Sydney
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Sydney Super Cup
Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Thursday, November 17, 2022
SYDNEY FC… 2
(Mak 25, Burgees 60)
CELTIC… 1
(Kyogo 23)
Celtic kicked off their trip down under with a 2-1 defeat to Sydney FC in front of thousands of local and travelling Hoops supporters in Australia’s west coast.
A first-half goal from Kyogo gave Celtic the lead but they would go in at half-time level following Robert Mak’s equaliser, before Max Burgees second-half goal have the home side the victory in Sydney Super Cup.
Before a ball was kicked, Ange Postecoglou had another personal moment to celebrate as he received his award having been inducted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame.
Pleasantries over, it was time for the football and a match that, while being a friendly, Celtic were keen to win and send the thousands of Celtic fans inside the Allianz Stadium home with a smile.
The Hoops started brightly, with the captain on the night, James Forrest, cutting in from the left and having a shot blocked after three minutes. Then, in the eighth minute, the winger picked out Liel Abada inside the box but he was unable to connect with the ball.
Those opportunities sparked the A-League’s most successful side into action as they fired back with two big chances of their own.
First, Rhyan Grant forced Ben Siegrist into a superb save with a half-volley from close range on 10 minutes, and then six minutes later, Slovakian internationalist Robert Mak smashed the bar after being picked out inside the box by Paulo Retre’s cutback.
It was end-to-end as Kyogo went straight up the park and forced goalkeeper Thomas Heward-Belle into work when his first-time shot from Abada’s cross was smothered.
Alongside Mak, who started his career at Manchester City, Joseph Lolly was another in the Sydney team with experience of football in the UK, and the former Nottingham Forest player was inches away from scoring on 22 minutes as he hit the bar from the right of the box after a clearance fell into his path.
However the hosts were made to pay a minute later when Kyogo broke the deadlock. It wasn’t the most eye-catching goal the Japanese striker has and will score in his Celtic career, as the ball cannoned off his chest from Alexandro Bernabei’s long-range strike and found the back of the net.
SydneyHuddle.jpg
The opening 20 minutes was extremely back and forth and it continued in that fashion as Sydney equalised through the 31-year-old Mak just two minutes later, as he raced on to a through ball to go one-on-one with Siegriest and curled a shot into the bottom right corner.
The Celtic fans in the Allianz Stadium almost had another chance to cheer on 35 minutes. Abada picked out Kyogo at the back post after an incisive through ball from Anthony Ralston created the chance, but the Sydney defenders just got back in time to clear, with the striker inches away from poking into an empty net.
Having earned 73 caps for Slovakia and played in two major tournaments, Mak showed his abilities again minutes later forcing Siegrist into a save, with the ball ricocheting off Max Burgees and just trickling wide.
Celtic would close out an entertaining opening 45 minutes of football with another big chance for Kyogo, again picked out by Abada after tremendous footwork and build-up play by the winger, but Heward-Belle reacted well to block the shot with his legs.
KyogoGoal.jpg
For the second-half, Celtic made five changes, with Matt O’Riley, Greg Taylor, Reo Hatate, Jota and Sead Haksabanovic all coming on and looking to make an impact.
And the substitutes almost helped bring about the perfect start to the half on 49 minutes with Jota picking out Ralston, but the goalkeeper produced a fine save to keep out the defender’s poweful header.
In the melee after the save, Hatate also had a shot on goal which the midfielder claimed hit off a Sydney hand as it was stopped from reaching the goal, but the referee waved play on.
With the Celtic fans partaking in a mass Huddle, they almost missed Jota coming close on 55 minutes as he cut in from the left and curled a shot towards the bottom right corner that was tipped away by the keeper.
Celtic were on the front foot and not giving Sydney a moment to rest, but against the run of play, the Australian side took the lead on the hour mark, as Burgees cut in from the right wing to curl a powerful left-footed shot into the far top corner.
More changes were made with youngsters Scott Robertson, Rocco Vata and Bosun Lawal called on to try and grab the goal that Celtic’s play had deserved, yet after an entertaining opening 60 minutes, chances were at a premium in the final half hour.
Half-chances fell to Haksabanovic and O’Riley, but Ange Postecoglou’s side couldn’t get the equaliser. However, the Celtic fans in Australia left the Allianz Stadium still full of voice, and looking forward to the game against Everton on Sunday.
CELTIC: Siegrist, Ralston, Welsh, Starfelt, Bernabei, Abildgaard, Turnbull, Ideguchi, Abada, Forrest, Kyogo.
Subs: Bain, Taylor, Haksabanovic, Jota, O’Riley, Roberston, Hatate, Lawal, Vata.
Hoops lose out in opening Sydney Super Cup match | celticfc.com