Winners
The Football Community
In the wake of one of the most terrifying and devasting few weeks, the community has been unified in raising funds and awareness for Australia’s bushfire and drought appeal.
The players union (PFA) announced they will donate 1000 dollars for every goal scored in the A-League and W-League, while players like Matt Jurman and Ellie Carpenter intend to donate $20 and $5 respectively for every pass they complete.
Moreover, the effort of the many brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives to protect their fellow Australians and wildlife during this time should not go unnoticed – for they have given hope to many people around the country.
Tom Pope
The Port Vale FC striker made headlines when he tweeted how he would score 40 goals a season if he was coming up against Manchester City’s John Stones every week.
Well, as things would turn out Pope would have the opportunity to put his money where his mouth is and as it so happened – Pope scored Port Vale’s one-and-only goal.
They may have lost 4-1 but the scenes post game were priceless with several City players waiting for Pope post-game to take selfies – everyone except John Stones it seems.
Robbie Kruse
It was well and truly the Robbie Kruse show at AAMI Park on Sunday.
Without Ola Toivonen leading the lines, the Victory needed someone to stand up and deliver – enter Robbie Kruse.
The Socceroo opened the scoring in the ninth minute before providing two assists later in the match, earning the man of the match performance and guiding Victory to consecutive wins for the first time this season.
Losers
Watford FC
The third round of the FA Cup galvinises plenty of interest, especially when Premier League sides are drawn lesser-known teams.
This was the case when League One outfit Tranmere Rovers visited Vicarge Road to take on Watford. The Hornets jumped out to a three goal lead in the first half and appeared to have their place in the fourth round booked – or so they thought.
With 25 minutes to play, the League One outfit scored three goals to draw level and take the tie to a replay.
FC Barcelona
While the Catalan giants did not lose, they missed the opportunity to extend their lead on top of La Liga when Espanyol substitute Wu Lei scored an 88th minute equaliser in the local derby.
Barcelona now sit equal with Real Madrid on 40 points after Los Blancos defeated Getafe 3-0.
To make matters worse for Barcelona, they lost Dutch defender Frankie De Jong after he was sent off for the first time in his career.
Everton
The Toffees just can’t seem to catch a break when playing their neighbours.
For the second time this season, Everton has fielded a near full strength team against a second-string Liverpool and for the second time this season have been unable to get the job done.
This time it was in the FA Cup, with 18-year-old Curtis Jones breaking Everton hearts with a 71st minute wonder goal to eliminate the Toffees from the tournament.
