Tuesday night’s Docklands match against Japan looms as a crucial battle.

Ahead of the first game of the season tonight, George Stogiannou looks at how the current 10 teams are shaping up for the new A-League season.

While A-League expansion doesn’t appear to be likely any time soon, the SMFC president believes the club is ready, as of now, to go straight into the A-League.

Second half goals to new Victory signings Marco Rojas and James Troisi settled the tie in the A-League team’s favour.

The Greek-based club is starting to make its mark following league successes and two successive strong Dockerty/FFA Cup runs.

Bentleigh Greens will be attempting to make it through to the FFA Cup semi-finals for the second time in three years when it hosts A-League powerhouse Melbourne Victory.

The Australian team of 13 competitors collected 37 medals, including individual gold medals for female sparring to Marcia Tsiros and Linda Wise.

In many ways, Sunday’s come from behind 3-2 win against the Saints illustrated once again the qualities of Tolios’ squad.

On the back of the women’s double-title success.

Sofia Sakalis scores the Golden Boot.