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.
Clouds roll away but questions stay
Michael Lynch Australia might have made heavy weather of qualifying for the World Cup, but in the end all that matters is that Holger Osieck's men got there.
Soccer
Well done Socceroos, but improvement is needed
Michael Lynch On paper, it looks as though qualification had been achieved in straightforward fashion. But Australia must make changes to be competitive at the World Cup.
The return of soccer's rainmakers
Michael Lynch The Socceroos could once again be the totemic team around which the whole sport coalesces.
Football
Mate against mate in dash for Mori's record
Michael Lynch Effervescent, exuberant, an essential cog in the Socceroos' scoring armoury, he is a man who produces goals at regular intervals and celebrates in his own inimitable style whenever he does so.
Soccer
A winner, no Archie-bargy
Michael Lynch Effervescent, exuberant, an essential cog in the Socceroos' scoring armoury. He is a man who produces goals at regular intervals and celebrates in his own inimitable style when he does so.
Soccer
Socceroos fans can at least dare to dream
Michael Lynch Tuesday night's must-win clash with Iraq in Sydney should hold no terrors.
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
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.
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...
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...
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
Victory managing director to step down
Michael Lynch Melbourne Victory's managing director Richard Wilson, a founding board member and investor in the A-League's biggest club, is to step down from the position he has held for two and a half years.
Soccer
Socceroos warm up with '12th man'
Michael Lynch Is Australia ready to fall back in love with the Socceroos?
Soccer
Kewell must be fit for Heart start
Michael Lynch Heart operations boss John Didulica says talks with former Leeds and Liverpool star going well.
Soccer
Veteran coach may help Phoenix rise again
Michael Lynch As Phoenix coach, Ernie Merrick faces a fascinating challenge.
Soccer
New brigade hit by blowback
Michael Lynch The game of soccer was reformed in Australia a decade ago, but not without casualties.
Soccer
Kewell may return to Melbourne (Heart)
Michael Lynch Harry Kewell's probable return to the A-League will further intensify the Melbourne derby, and extend his tenure in the spotlight.
Soccer
Ferreira and Dilevski among four cut loose by Victory
Michael Lynch Marco Rojas was the man Ange Postecoglou didn't want to lose, but he flew the Melbourne Victory coop on Thursday when the Kiwi international, who won the Warren Medal as the A-League's player of the...
Soccer
Revolving door a hurdle for title-winning sides in player stakes
Michael Lynch After grand final success, clubs can find it hard to retain players.
