Evening Football News: Phoenix Rise, City Strike Late and Fiji Fire Up

Opening-round drama in the A-Leagues, Wallabies soul-searching and a big night in Newcastle. Here’s your Sunday evening wrap.

Phoenix mark 20 years with a win
Wellington Phoenix started their 20th A-League Men season by beating Melbourne Victory 2-1 at Hnry Stadium. Corban Piper headed the Nix in front in the 14th minute, and Charles Nduka equalised about ten minutes later. Substitute Riley Bidois then won it in the 78th minute with his very first touch, finishing a cutback from Nathan Walker. It was a winning start to Chris Greenacre’s first full season in charge.

Hayashi’s free kick sinks the Nix
Melbourne City came from behind to beat Wellington 2-1 in the A-League Women. Makala Woods put the Phoenix ahead early in the second half. Melina Ayres levelled from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute, and Momo Hayashi won it in the 87th with a direct free kick.

Sky Blues held at home
Sydney FC and Adelaide United drew 2-2 in the A-League Women. Asha Sutton and Riley Cohn both put Sydney ahead, but India Breier equalised for Adelaide two minutes from full time to take a point home.

Kiss feels the heat after the Bledisloe sweep
The fallout continued on Sunday after Saturday night’s 43-21 loss to the All Blacks in Sydney. It was the Wallabies’ 13th straight Bledisloe Test defeat, and New Zealand completed a series sweep. Coach Les Kiss said he’s still optimistic, but he admitted he isn’t sure the side can close the gap before the 2027 World Cup. Captain Harry Wilson called the performance not good enough. There was better news for Australian rugby: the Wallaroos beat Scotland 56-12, and the two sides meet again in Canberra on Friday night.

Fiji too strong in Newcastle
At the Rugby League World Cup, Fiji beat the Cook Islands 40-12 in front of 10,604 fans at McDonald Jones Stadium. Solomone Saukuru scored two tries, and Waqa Blake, Taane Milne and Jacob Saifiti also crossed. Saifiti’s try was his first in international football.

Kiwi Ferns survive a scare
Fiji’s Bulikula, playing their first Women’s Rugby League World Cup, came close to a huge upset. Fiji led 12-10 at half-time before Zahara Temara’s penalty levelled it. Leianne Tufunga then scored in the corner with about three minutes left to give New Zealand an 18-12 win.

On tonight in Europe
Leeds v Manchester United kicks off at midnight AEDT. Later on, Juventus host Lazio at 5:45am and Real Madrid face Sevilla at the Bernabéu at 6am. If you’re on United’s away-day bandwagon, the Manchester United FC Core Stripe Holdall is on sale for $57 (was $60). For an early start with Los Blancos, keep your coffee or water handy in the Real Madrid CF 750ml Aluminium Drinks Bottle for $28.

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