A lot can happen in a matter of days in the football world - this sentence is even more relevant during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.
The situation in Australia demonstrates that perfectly.
Just a few days ago, we reported that the Australian A-League decided condensing their schedule in an attempt to finish the competition quicker. However, according to reports, the league will announce its shut-down on Tuesday. Only one of the two scheduled Monday matches took place. On the other side of the globe, Nicaraguan football is going strong, producing a goal-fest in the Managua derby.
Australia - A League
Newcastle Jets - Melbourne City
The two sides each made three changes from their respective Friday matches line-ups. For Newcastle manager Carl Robinson, one proved to be right on spot: Returning striker Nick Fitzgerald finished off nicely from inside the box after receiving an amazing through ball by Dimitri Petratos. In response, City assistant manager Patrick Kisnorbo made his own move: In the 70th minute, two of his in-game substitutes combined: Florin Berenguer headed home a nice cross by Craig Noone.
This affair was decided by a Newcastle screamer: In the 78th minute, Bernie Ibini-Isei laid off a soft ball to Steven Ugarkovic, who hit it from 25 meters past goalkeeper Tom Glover. A great goal, but perhaps aided by some good fortune.
An emotional tribute took place in the 86th minute, as Jets second-string goalkeeper Glen Moss has entered the game. For the 37 year old New Zealander, it would possibly be his final game. His career highlights include playing in the 2009 Confederations Cup and being called up for the Kiwi’s 2010 World Cup squad. 2-1 to Newcastle in full time, in what seems to be the last hurrah for Australian football for the near future.
Nicaragua - Primera Division Clausura
Managua FC - Juventus Managua
Football in Nicaragua is proceeding as normal for the moment, although games are played behind closed doors. The country has only two known cases of Coronavirus so far. On Monday evening, the main event was the derby of capital city Managua.
Managua FC are the 2018-19 Apertura winners and this season’s Apertura runner ups. In the current Clausura, they are well above their city rivals, and the quality differences were evident in this derby as well. The two stars of the show were Nahun Peralta and Mexican Carlos Felix (playing against his former club): Both scored braces, as Felix assisted twice, and Peralta once. 4-0 after 55 minutes.
The final scoreline was a bit flattering for Juventus, as they managed to get two goals back after Managua goalkeeper Erly Mendez was sent off in the 76th minute. With no substitutions left, defender Chirstiam Quinto had to take his place between the posts, and conceded two goals. 4-2 was the final score.
The league is now going on the normal “international break”, as planned in the original schedule. It will be interesting to see in what situation the country will be in the beginning of April, when matches are planned to resume.