Michael Lynch
Michael Lynch, The Age's expert on soccer, has had extensive experience of high level journalism in the UK and Australia. Michael has covered the Socceroos through Asia, Europe and South America in their past three World Cup campaigns. He has also reported on Grands Prix and top class motor sport from Asia and Europe. He has won several national media awards for both sports and industry journalism.
The return of soccer's rainmakers
Michael Lynch The Socceroos could once again be the totemic team around which the whole sport coalesces.
Soccer
Kruse the man of the hour
Michael Lynch All players have one moment, or one game, where they announce themselves, making such an impression that their place in fans' affections is guaranteed.
Soccer
Fast-track Traore to Socceroos
Michael Lynch Beleaguered Prime Minister Julia Gillard took to the Twitterverse in the wake of the Socceroos' 4-0 mauling of Jordan to congratulate the team – prompting one wit to respond by urging her to rush...
Michael Lynch
Socceroos on brink of World Cup berth
Michael Lynch Australia is so close to a third consecutive World Cup appearance that it can almost taste it. But Holger Osieck, its phlegmatic German coach, is right to remember the old adage that there’s many a...
Football
Kruse, Bresciano play to the whistle and strike all the right notes to set up a victory they had to have
Michael Lynch Australia know if they beat Iraq in Sydney next Tuesday night, they can pack their bags and get ready to samba.
Soccer
Rousing rout has Jordan in need of a miracle
Michael Lynch It's the first rule that boys and girls are taught when they begin playing soccer in the under sevens: play to the whistle. Jordan didn't, Australia did.
Soccer
'We haven't crossed the finish line', says Osieck
Michael Lynch Socceroo boss Holger Osieck allowed himself a smile of celebration after his team's 4-0 mauling of Jordan.
Football
We're not across the finish line yet, warns Osieck
Michael Lynch Socceroos boss Holger Osieck allowed himself a smile of celebration after his team's 4-0 mauling of Jordan - but then warned the Australian public and his players that there can be no room for...
Soccer
Socceroos look for wintry advantage
Michael Lynch Socceroo coach Holger Osieck has found a practical use for Melbourne's infamously cold, showery winter weather, requesting that Etihad Stadium's retractable roof remain open during tonight's crucial...
Football
No time for losers with a World Cup spot on the line
Michael Lynch So how did it come to this? Australia could, by Tuesday night, be all but out of World Cup calculations.
Few believers, but Jordan keep the faith
Michael Lynch Jordan have never been this close to World Cup qualification before, and the team that will run out against Australia at Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night believes destiny could be on its side.
World Cup
Socceroos know the score to make it to Rio
Michael Lynch So how did it come to this? Australia could, by tonight, be virtually out of World Cup calculations. But at least Holger Osieck's men have their destiny in their own hands.
Soccer
Jordan hopeful of big upset over Australia
Michael Lynch Jordan has never been this close to World Cup qualification before, and the team that will run out against Australia on Tuesday night believes destiny could be on its side this time.
Soccer
Jordan coach slams surface for World Cup qualifier
Michael Lynch The coach of Jordan has slammed the surface of Etihad Stadium ahead of tomorrow night's crucial World Cup qualifier against Australia.
Football
One-track mind: Cahill urges Socceroos not to fall for Jordan's tempo trap
Michael Lynch It's all about Australia. The Socceroos shouldn't waste too much time worrying about Jordan, and instead should focus on their own strengths and advantages.
Soccer
Jordan game will make or break us, says Cahill
Michael Lynch It's all about Australia. The Socceroos shouldn't waste too much time worrying about Jordan, and instead should focus on their own strengths and advantages.
A-League
Victory in negotiations with Karagounis
Michael Lynch Melbourne Victory is poised to sign Greek national team captain Giorgios Karagounis to lead the team's assault on the 2013-14 A-League title.
Soccer
Socceroos' ageing warriors
Michael Lynch The sun is setting on Australia's golden generation. The next nine days will determine whether darkness settles on their international careers by mid-June, or the sun sits above the horizon for a...
Goalposts have moved in Asia
Michael Lynch Be careful what you wish for. Australia's move into FIFA's Asian Football Confederation seven years ago was greeted as a triumph and the best route for the game's development.
Soccer
Socceroos feeling the Asian heat
Michael Lynch Be careful what you wish for. Australia's move into FIFA's Asian Football Confederation seven years ago was greeted as a triumph and the best route for the future development of the game.
