Latest news with #RoyWard
Sydney Morning Herald
5 days ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
Socceroos v Japan LIVE: Australia chase vital World Cup qualifying win in Perth
Go to latest What the Socceroos need to do to qualify Roy Ward The Socceroos can't qualify tonight but a win will all but assure them of second place in the group and a spot on the plane to North America in 2026. Going into the last two games of the group C qualifying, Japan has locked top spot and a World Cup spot while Australia, Saudi Arabia and, mathematically, Indonesia but are chasing the second automatic berth. The Socceroos are best placed to take second spot due to their record and their commanding nine-goal lead over the Saudis in goal difference. Saudi Arabia plays Bahrain early on Friday morning. Even if the Socceroos lose tonight and Saudis win both games, they will need two enormous goal-scoring efforts to get ahead of Australia on goal difference and they've only scored four goals in their previous eight qualifiers. With some help from here is how the scenarios for the Socceroos: Socceroos make it if: AUS beat JPN and SA lose or draw with BAH. AUS draw with JPN, SA lose to BAH and IND lose to CHN. If the Saudis and Australia both get the same result, their clash in Jeddah early on Wednesday morning will likely decide the group but both nations drop either or both game, then it will open the door for Indonesia to qualify in second place but they will need two wins and for Australia to lose both games Socceroos fans will be hoping for a positive result and some pleasant news upon waking up on Friday morning but time will tell. 8.04pm Vince Rugari with the latest on the lineups for tonight By Vince Rugari Good evening, folks. Huge night ahead. The team sheets are out, and it's pretty much as expected from Socceroos coach Tony Popovic. Alessandro Circati comes straight into the starting XI in the middle of Popovic's back three. In the absence of the injured Jackson Irvine, it's Aiden O'Neill and Ryan Teague entrusted with running the midfield - both have played well for the national team, but never together. And up front, Brandon Borrello gets the nod at striker with Martin Boyle and Connor Metcalfe the inverted a strong side for the Socceroos - and Japan's, too, is formidable. And that's factoring in the 14 changes to their squad since the last international window, having already clinched World Cup qualification. Only two members of their starting XI, tonight's captain Daichi Kamada of Crystal Palace and Union SG's Koko Machida, are in the double digits in terms of caps. There are a couple of debutants in there, too, with most of their big guns on the will be strong, of course, and will be looking to impress their coach and press their World Cup selection claims. But they will also lack a bit of cohesion, so there's a real opportunity for the Socceroos to capitalise if they're good enough. 7.58pm Will the Socceroos qualify for World Cup- and if so, when? 7.58pm What the Socceroos need to do to qualify By Roy Ward The Socceroos can't qualify tonight but a win will all but assure them of second place in the group and a spot on the plane to North America in 2026. Going into the last two games of the group C qualifying, Japan has locked top spot and a World Cup spot while Australia, Saudi Arabia and, mathematically, Indonesia but are chasing the second automatic berth. The Socceroos are best placed to take second spot due to their record and their commanding nine-goal lead over the Saudis in goal difference. Saudi Arabia plays Bahrain early on Friday morning. Even if the Socceroos lose tonight and Saudis win both games, they will need two enormous goal-scoring efforts to get ahead of Australia on goal difference and they've only scored four goals in their previous eight qualifiers. With some help from here is how the scenarios for the Socceroos: Socceroos make it if: AUS beat JPN and SA lose or draw with BAH. AUS draw with JPN, SA lose to BAH and IND lose to CHN. If the Saudis and Australia both get the same result, their clash in Jeddah early on Wednesday morning will likely decide the group but both nations drop either or both game, then it will open the door for Indonesia to qualify in second place but they will need two wins and for Australia to lose both games 7.58pm Good evening Hello and welcome to our live blog for the AFC World Cup qualifier between the Socceroos and Japan. I'm Jonathan Drennan and I'll be taking you through all the major moments as the Socceroos chase a win in their vital qualifier against rivals Japan who have already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the winner of this group. It's almost 20 years since Socceroo's star John Aloisi scored a crucial penalty in the playoff shootout in Sydney against Uruguay to send Australia to their first World Cup in 34 years. Tonight in Perth, the Socceroos have the perfect opportunity to create another golden memory for Australian football fans. Kick off is 9.10pm AEST, looking forward to this.
The Age
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Age
Socceroos v Japan LIVE: Australia chase vital World Cup qualifying win in Perth
Go to latest What the Socceroos need to do to qualify Roy Ward The Socceroos can't qualify tonight but a win will all but assure them of second place in the group and a spot on the plane to North America in 2026. Going into the last two games of the group C qualifying, Japan has locked top spot and a World Cup spot while Australia, Saudi Arabia and, mathematically, Indonesia but are chasing the second automatic berth. The Socceroos are best placed to take second spot due to their record and their commanding nine-goal lead over the Saudis in goal difference. Saudi Arabia plays Bahrain early on Friday morning. Even if the Socceroos lose tonight and Saudis win both games, they will need two enormous goal-scoring efforts to get ahead of Australia on goal difference and they've only scored four goals in their previous eight qualifiers. With some help from here is how the scenarios for the Socceroos: Socceroos make it if: AUS beat JPN and SA lose or draw with BAH. AUS draw with JPN, SA lose to BAH and IND lose to CHN. If the Saudis and Australia both get the same result, their clash in Jeddah early on Wednesday morning will likely decide the group but both nations drop either or both game, then it will open the door for Indonesia to qualify in second place but they will need two wins and for Australia to lose both games 7.58pm Will the Socceroos qualify for World Cup- and if so, when? 7.58pm What the Socceroos need to do to qualify By Roy Ward The Socceroos can't qualify tonight but a win will all but assure them of second place in the group and a spot on the plane to North America in 2026. Going into the last two games of the group C qualifying, Japan has locked top spot and a World Cup spot while Australia, Saudi Arabia and, mathematically, Indonesia but are chasing the second automatic berth. The Socceroos are best placed to take second spot due to their record and their commanding nine-goal lead over the Saudis in goal difference. Saudi Arabia plays Bahrain early on Friday morning. Even if the Socceroos lose tonight and Saudis win both games, they will need two enormous goal-scoring efforts to get ahead of Australia on goal difference and they've only scored four goals in their previous eight qualifiers. With some help from here is how the scenarios for the Socceroos: Socceroos make it if: AUS beat JPN and SA lose or draw with BAH. AUS draw with JPN, SA lose to BAH and IND lose to CHN. If the Saudis and Australia both get the same result, their clash in Jeddah early on Wednesday morning will likely decide the group but both nations drop either or both game, then it will open the door for Indonesia to qualify in second place but they will need two wins and for Australia to lose both games Socceroos fans will be hoping for a positive result and some pleasant news upon waking up on Friday morning but time will tell. 7.58pm Good evening Hello and welcome to our live blog for the AFC World Cup qualifier between the Socceroos and Japan. I'm Jonathan Drennan and I'll be taking you through all the major moments as the Socceroos chase a win in their vital qualifier against rivals Japan who have already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the winner of this group. It's almost 20 years since Socceroo's star John Aloisi scored a crucial penalty in the playoff shootout in Sydney against Uruguay to send Australia to their first World Cup in 34 years. Tonight in Perth, the Socceroos have the perfect opportunity to create another golden memory for Australian football fans. Kick off is 9.10pm AEST, looking forward to this.
The Age
30-05-2025
- Sport
- The Age
Matildas vs Argentina LIVE: Johnson impresses on debut as Matildas beat Argentina 2-0 in Melbourne
Go to latest Pinned post from 10.02pm FT: Matildas 2, Argentina 0 By Roy Ward Forward Kahli Johnson scored on debut and Kaitlin Torpey found the back of the net in unusual fashion as the Matildas beat Argentina 2-0 at Marvel Stadium on Friday night with 43,020 attending the match. Johnson started on debut and added her name to the list of scorers for the national team with a headed goal late in the first half following a cross the back post. Torpey's goal came as a shock because the player was attempting to cross the ball from the right side of the box. But her cross went off her shin and directly onto the goals giving the keeper no chance to make a save. Torpey looked surprised and a little sheepish but she happily took her goal. Australia had more chances as the match went on, Argentina only had one shot on Tegan Micah's goal and that was in the 80th minute and went straight into her hands. Matildas coach Tom Sermanni, in his 150th match in charge of the team, opted against playing his three Arsenal players who only returned home to Australia on Wednesday night after winning the UEFA Women's Champions League final last week. They will hopefully get some time in Monday night's match. The Matildas finish the series against Argentina with a second match in Canberra on Monday night. 10.06pm Matildas continue to win fans By Brittany Busch No wonder the cheers from the crowd are so thunderous here at Marvel tonight – 43,020 fans have turned out for the friendly match. That's despite the game clashing with AFL premiership favourite Collingwood at the MCG, and soccer fans also selling out the A-League men's Melbourne derby grand final on Saturday. Melbourne's rectangular stadium, AAMI Park, can hold a little over 30,000 for comparison. 10.02pm FT: Matildas 2, Argentina 0 By Roy Ward Forward Kahli Johnson scored on debut and Kaitlin Torpey found the back of the net in unusual fashion as the Matildas beat Argentina 2-0 at Marvel Stadium on Friday night with 43,020 attending the match. Johnson started on debut and added her name to the list of scorers for the national team with a headed goal late in the first half following a cross the back post. Torpey's goal came as a shock because the player was attempting to cross the ball from the right side of the box. But her cross went off her shin and directly onto the goals giving the keeper no chance to make a save. Torpey looked surprised and a little sheepish but she happily took her goal. Australia had more chances as the match went on, Argentina only had one shot on Tegan Micah's goal and that was in the 80th minute and went straight into her hands. Matildas coach Tom Sermanni, in his 150th match in charge of the team, opted against playing his three Arsenal players who only returned home to Australia on Wednesday night after winning the UEFA Women's Champions League final last week. They will hopefully get some time in Monday night's match.
Forbes
16-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Psychology Of Preparation: Why Professionals Skip What Matters Most
Roy Ward, President/CEO of PREGAME®. During my two decades in medical device sales, I witnessed a stark reality that fundamentally changed my perspective on human behavior. Day after day, I observed patients receiving treatments for conditions that could have been mitigated, or even prevented entirely, with proper preparation and preventative care. Even more striking was how universal this pattern appeared, regardless of patients' education, income or awareness of risks. I also realized this observation isn't limited to healthcare. When my company began researching athletic performance, we discovered that even elite athletes—professionals whose livelihoods depend entirely on their bodies—don't always have as many convenient options or time to spend on warmup protocols as they do on recovery and rehabilitation. In business, I see the same pattern. Companies often invest millions in crisis management while underinvesting in strategic preparation. The paradox is clear: We consistently underinvest in preparation and a proactive mindset, despite overwhelming evidence of its importance. I think understanding the psychology behind this tendency is the first step toward creating meaningful change, whether in healthcare, athletics or business leadership. In athletics, research indicates that over 30% of injuries treated in sports medicine clinics are skeletal muscle injuries, many of which can be prevented through proper warmup and stretching routines. Yet, up to 24% of professional athletes retire due to injuries rather than age or performance decline. This highlights that in many cases, despite proper warmup routines administered by coaches and teams, there's still a psychological factor that's contributing to the gap in preparation. This pattern mirrors what we see in business, too. Let's look at startups: CB Insights found that 35% of startups fail because they simply don't have product-market fit. They found that's the second biggest reason startups crash and burn. And the frustrating part? This kind of obstacle could be avoided with proper research and preparation up front. Yet so many founders rush ahead without taking the time to really understand who they're building for. This repeated behavior across domains suggests deeper psychological factors at work. Factors we must understand to create lasting change. We often prioritize immediate rewards over delayed benefits, a phenomenon psychologists call "temporal discounting." This made perfect evolutionary sense when immediate threats dominated our ancestors' lives, but it can create a significant barrier to preparation in modern contexts. When an athlete faces the choice between jumping straight into performance (immediate gratification) or spending 20 minutes on a proper warmup (delayed benefit), they often naturally gravitate toward the immediate option. The same mechanism can affect business leaders who choose to address urgent emails rather than engage in strategic planning. Perhaps the most insidious barrier to preparation is the invisibility of its benefits. When preparation works perfectly, the result often looks like "nothing happened." The athlete who doesn't get injured receives no celebration. The business initiative that unfolds smoothly generates no dramatic stories. Contrast this with the visible, measurable outcomes of recovery or crisis management. The athlete who returns from injury gets praised for their comeback. The executive who saves a failing project becomes the hero. Our brains often struggle to attribute positive outcomes to preparation because the causal relationship is less obvious. When you think about it, we've created a weird reward system here—a system where the heroes are the ones who swoop in and fix problems, not those who quietly prevent them from happening in the first place. Reactive measures get all the glory and recognition, while proactive work often goes completely unnoticed. It's backwards, right? We're celebrating the more expensive, less efficient approach while ignoring the smarter, more cost-effective one. Perhaps most surprising is how experience can often exacerbate rather than mitigate preparation avoidance. Past success can create a dangerous form of overconfidence. The executive who has successfully led projects thinks, "I know how to do this," just as the veteran athlete believes, "My body knows what to do." This can create a dangerous zone where skill meets complacency, and often with costly consequences. Understanding these psychological barriers allows us to design more effective approaches to preparation. Rather than relying on willpower or awareness, we may need to redesign the preparation experience itself. The key insight from my work with athletes is that preparation must become appealing rather than obligatory. That's why I'm focused on transforming warmup from a clinical, tedious requirement into an engaging, confidence-boosting experience that athletes actually want to do. This approach translates directly to business settings. Forward-thinking organizations can build preparation into their cultures and encourage practices that trigger positive emotions rather than feelings of obligation. I've noticed some companies have created pre-project planning phases designed to make strategic thinking more appealing than reactive tasking. So here's the challenge: What's the one area in your career or business where you know you should be preparing more, but aren't? Take a minute to identify it, then ask yourself which of these psychological barriers is holding you back. Is it the allure of immediate rewards? The invisible benefits? Or maybe past success has made you overconfident? Rather than relying solely on willpower, consider how you might redesign your approach. How could you transform preparation from a draining obligation into something that actually energizes and motivates you? I think the future belongs to those who prepare for it effectively—not just because preparation is logically sound, but because it unleashes a competitive advantage and significant confidence that can enable you to hit your peak performance. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
