iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Texi Smith

@texismith.com

113 followers 109 following 243 posts

Author. FIFA-accredited journalist. Photographer. Aussie. Sydney FC member Cove Heights, West Ryde Rovers 45s player, NWSFRA ref. NUFC. MC Solaar disciple. Come visit texismith.com, check out my books at www.fairplaypublishing.com.au/colle…

Posts Replies Media

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 23/09/2026

We are top of the league! @newcastleunited.com hit top spot in WSL2 with an exciting display against Sheffield United at Gateshead International Stadium. Aussies Oxtoby and Torpey doing superb work at the Toon; read all about it here at Impetus Football : impetusfootball.org/2026/09/23/t...

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 10/09/2026

Whilst, yes, it was good to be back, this was a meek performance from @sydneyfc.bsky.social when we needed to assert our authority to conquer our biggest rivals. A night where nothing went right, we would have missed the pen anyway. Read all about it here... texismith.com/2026/09/10/t...

Timid Sydney beaten in big blew

Sydney FC 0 Melbourne Victory 2 Sydney FC crumbled to a horrible defeat at home to their arch rivals Melbourne Victory on Wednesday night, beaten by the their opponents, a whistle-shy referee and a…

000

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 30/08/2026

Lovely touch by the Epping FC player on the mic at the 30W Div 1 final trophy presentation - “Flying Bats we love playing you, please stay.” Exciting finish to the game, Bats reducing the arrears with 10 to go and making a real contest of it. Season over. Congrats to Epping on the win. #football

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 19/08/2026

A bumper crowd at Fairfield Showground to see the SD Raiders' run in the Australia Cup come to an end against @sydneyfc.bsky.social. The perfect night for football. Have a read of what was an entertaining evening in the city's west. texismith.com/2026/08/19/s...

Sekine smashes Sydney FC into semis

SD Raiders 0 Sydney FC 1 A superb strike from silky Japanese import Takahiro Sekine guided Sydney FC past the stumbling block of NPL side SD Raiders at Fairfield Showground on Wednesday night. On a…

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 13/08/2026

Love this. Bring on the EFL.

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 13/08/2026

Hey, did you go to Allianz Stadium last night to see the @aleagues.bsky.social All-Stars take on Chelsea? Here's how it looked from the stands, as the visiting superstars put the A-League's best to the sword in a commanding performance. texismith.com/2026/08/13/a...

All stars get the Blues

Chelsea 3 A-League All Stars 0 The A-League All Stars were swept aside by a silky Chelsea women’s team on Wednesday night as the Sydney Cup concluded in a low-key manner at Allianz Stadium. T…

000

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 31/07/2026

texismith.com/2026/07/31/y...

000

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 31/07/2026

Look, you've probably read loads of accounts of the @fifawc26.bsky.social. Here's mine. Blessed with accreditation, partying with seasoned travellers and broadening my football experience. France 1998, Qatar 2022 and North America 2026. Many more to come. Click in the comments to read.

100

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 30/07/2026

texismith.com/2026/07/30/r...

000

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 30/07/2026

So, did you head to Allianz Stadium last night in the hope of seeing @tottenhamhotspur.com humbled by @sydneyfc.bsky.social? Did you watch it on telly? The new @aleague.bsky.social season is still a long way away, but the EPL team was pushed all the way. Match round up in the comments. Let's go...

100

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 27/07/2026

Today's the day. Spent half my life living in Aus. To say that I've embraced my opportunity to live in this wonderful diverse, multicultural country would be an understatement. Fiercely proud of my country, Aussie citizen, Australian kids and an Aussie partner. I am, you are, we are Australian!

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 05/07/2026

We were going home anyway! But how much better it would have been to be celebrating instead of commiserating. North America has been wonderful. The @fifaworldcup-x.bsky.social vibe has been outstanding, the round of 32 encounter with Egypt was a thriller. Read me now! texismith.com/2026/07/05/m...

Missed opportunity as Socceroos crash out

Australia 1 Egypt 1 (2-4 penalties) Australian football missed a once-in-a-generation chance on Friday, falling once more at the first knock-out stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a penalty shoot-…

000

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 03/07/2026

Thanks Football 360 for the opportunity to share my World Cup thoughts. See you all at Texas Live! at 7am, As was the case in Qatar, I’m heading to my final game as a fan, even though the press box has beers on tap. Carn you @socceroos.bsky.social ! football360.com.au/world-cup-da...

football360.com.au

Welcome to Texas! How Socceroos fans will enjoy the big World Cup clash, starting with 7am breakfast beers

Australian fans are gathering in Dallas for a huge Round of 32 clash in Dallas. TEXI SMITH got a little taste when Norway edged Ivory Coast.

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 01/07/2026

Another exciting FIFA World Cup game in an amazing venue. This time everyone was here to see Erling Haaland score, and whilst it wasn't the pick of the bunch, his goal was certainly crucial. What an afternoon in Dallas, hope you're all enjoying the action! #worldcup texismith.com/2026/07/01/i...

It had to be you. Haaland the difference.

Cote d’Ivoire 1 Norway 2 Norway survived a fantastic open second half in Dallas to advance to the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup, shutting out Cote d’Ivoire thanks to Orjan Nyland’s incred…

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 29/06/2026

Come and read some fiction. Surprise yourself!

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 29/06/2026

The knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup is underway, and forgive me for gushing about it, but Los Angeles Stadium is one beautiful venue to watch football. Danny Rojas in the crowd, this truly was a Ted Lasso moment for Canada, leaving it to the very last. #worldcup texismith.com/2026/06/29/t...

The round of 32 experience : late joy

South Africa 0 Canada 1 Stephen Eustaquio fired Canada into the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup with a goal in added time to break a tense and unimpressive deadlock in Los Angeles. The incredible…

000

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 26/06/2026

We're going to Dallas! Mission accomplished as Tony Popovic's green and gold army did enough and sent the @socceroos.bsky.social through to the knockout stages for the second successive FIFA World Cup. You could tell it meant so much to the Aussie coach! #worldcup texismith.com/2026/06/26/p...

Popa’s progress : the grind is real

Paraguay 0 Australia 0 Australia marched into the knock-out stages of the FIFA World Cup with a battling draw in Santa Clara confirming second spot in Group D and an exciting trip to Dallas. A game…

000

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 20/06/2026

Party atmosphere in Seattle ends with qualification secured for the @usmnt.ussoccer.com for the round of 32 in their home FIFA World Cup. On the contrary, worrying signs as the Socceroos endure an error-laden first half to go down 2-0 with a whimper. Onwards we go! texismith.com/2026/06/20/p...

Popa’s Juneteenth nightmare ends in limp defeat

USA 2 Australia 0 Master tactician Tony Popovic was left contemplating his selections as the USA romped to a two-goal half-time lead against a hesitant Socceroos team, and there was no magical anti…

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 19/06/2026

A proud soccer nation, Canada pumped their fans with belief in a dismantling of Qatar in their second group stage game of the FIFA World Cup. This was a sporting occasion not to be missed, and for those in the stadium, football may have changed forever... texismith.com/2026/06/19/a...

A seminal moment in Canadian soccer history

Canada 6 Qatar 0 Vancouver’s unbelievable FIFA summer continued on Thursday with the host nation Canada welcoming previous hosts Qatar to BC Place for a crucial second pool game. The home team were…

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 16/06/2026

The warm-up game for Friday's blockbuster World Cup fixture between hosts @usmnt.ussoccer.com and the @socceroos.bsky.social. Arguably the biggest football game in Seattle, ever; I have a feeling it will be eclipsed by the weekend. Thoughts from Seattle Stadium... texismith.com/2026/06/16/r...

Red Devils and Pharoahs light up Seattle

Belgium 1 Egypt 1 Belgium rescued their opening fixture of the FIFA World Cup with Egypt, playing their joker midway through the second half to bring instant dividends. A bullet of a finish from Em…

000

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 14/06/2026

On the ground in Vancouver. The joy and celebration that brings football fans together every four years cannot be underestimated. This is the FIFA World Cup and the @socceroos.bsky.social were brilliant, on the streets, in the stadium, on the field. Next stop Seattle! texismith.com/2026/06/14/a...

And that’s why we go to World Cups

Australia 2 Turkiye 0 The Australian invasion of Vancouver brought Granville Street to a standstill as thousands of football fans bedecked in green and gold showed the locals just what the FIFA Wor…

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 10/06/2026

A bit more like it. @thematildas.bsky.social shrugged off their no show in Newcastle to exact revenge against Mexico, but not without a fight. The same fragility in defence was on show, but decisive action from coach Joe Montemurro put that right. A win is a win... texismith.com/2026/06/10/i...

Imperfect Matildas get the job done

Australia 3 Mexico 1 A generous Matildas defence weathered a rocky first half and an early second-half scare at Commbank Stadium to finally put Mexico to the sword with a direct attacking finish to…

000

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 07/06/2026

Uh oh, we're in trouble. A trip to Newy to see @the-matildas.bsky.social beaten by Mexico on a night where little went right. Our nation's favourite sporting team with a performance to forget; luckily we have Tuesday night to repair the damage right away. #australia texismith.com/2026/06/07/s...

Something’s come along and it’s burst our bubble

Australia 0 Mexico 1 The Matildas showed just how much work there is to come to transition from the old guard to the new wave in an unimpressive one-goal reverse at one of their favourite venues, M…

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 22/05/2026

Hey, it's Grand Final day, the A-League's big day out. Get on board, celebrate everything positive about football in Australia and let's enjoy the pinnacle of our sport as The Roar's tips and predictions comes to an exciting end at it's temporary home. Read on... texismith.com/2026/05/22/a...

A-League tipping : the Grand finale

Welcome to the final A-League tips and predictions for the 2025/26 season. What a season it has been, and based upon the season’s results and form coming into the finals, the least likely of …

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 17/05/2026

Tales of the unexpected. If you'd told me @sydneyfc.bsky.social would make the Grand Final just a few short weeks ago I would have laughed in your face. What a transformation! What a thriller in Newcastle, a sold out stadium, raucous fans, superb entertainment. texismith.com/2026/05/17/t...

The ultimate fantasy away day

Newcastle Jets 1 Sydney FC 1 (2-4 penalties) If football fans could choose a single away day experience as the blueprint for every away game, this would be very close to the top. Sydney FC supporte…

000

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 14/05/2026

Is this the season where Jets win everything? Already proven to be the best this season, is there an historic treble in the making? @sydneyfc.bsky.social fans with no room for sentiment while @adelaideunited.bsky.social entertain Auckland FC. What a weekend! #Aleague texismith.com/2026/05/14/a...

A-League tipping – semi-finals second leg : Now or never

The A-League is reaching its pinnacle, both semi-final ties poised beautifully for maximum second-leg drama, and it’s down to the away teams to remain steadfast to stop the home crowds carryi…

000

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 10/05/2026

That was really entertaining last night at Allianz Stadium, the Sky Blues giving the newly-crowned premiers a run for their money. Not sure why Campuzano was penalised right at the end for exactly the same tackle that Wilmering had made on Arslan. But hey! #finals texismith.com/2026/05/10/p...

Perfectly poised after Allianz scrap

Sydney FC 1 Newcastle Jets 1 Sydney FC’s reward for their endeavours in Melbourne last weekend was a home first-leg semi-final against newly crowned premiers Newcastle Jets. What followed gav…

000

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 08/05/2026

A super Saturday awaits as the @aleagues.bsky.social men's reaches the semi-final stage. Two absolute humdingers in Auckland and Sydney. And The Roar's tips and predictions ladder has our tipsters dead level. You simply have to watch, cancel all other plans! #football texismith.com/2026/05/08/a...

A-League tipping – semi-finals first leg : all to play for

Super Saturday is back again! Last week we had a feast of football as Auckland FC and Sydney FC both squeezed into the semi-final stage, and we now have guaranteed excitement over two weekends as t…

000

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 01/05/2026

"If you like your play-off games with added spice then this one is the vindaloo of matches." So says Andrew Prentice as he previews the Big Blue and eyes up top spot in the A-League men's tipping ladder. Flex those muscles, the finals are here. #Aleague #australia texismith.com/2026/05/01/a...

A-League tipping – Elimination finals : On a knife edge

The reward for making the top two of the A-League ladder is a week off, but that can be a poisoned chalice; any momentum built up is gone, although the extra seven days can help get players fit fro…

000

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 27/04/2026

A different view, but the last-minute equaliser still hurt. Up in the sunshine seats for @sydneyfc.bsky.social against Auckland, the new concept The Sydney Arms well worth the upgrade in terms of F&B, maybe at the expense of the proper matchday football experience. texismith.com/2026/04/27/k...

Kiwi giveaway seals Big Blue knockout

Sydney FC 2 Auckland FC 2 A late equaliser from Guillermo May saw Sydney FC throw away a home final after Alexandar Popovic had struck what looked like the winner, the result and performance a perf…

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 24/04/2026

The start of the holidays for some, but some intense jostling in the top six this weekend as the @aleagues.bsky.social men's comes to a crescendo. Come and tip with us at The Roar's temporary home and show us your skills. Another dagger in the heart from Corica? texismith.com/2026/04/24/a...

A-League tipping Round 26 : Unfinished business

How typical that Newcastle Jets got to celebrate their A-League premiership plate on a day when they didn’t play, and how their arch-rivals the Central Coast Mariners must feel having handed …

000

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 19/04/2026

Took me so long to get to this as there was so much action to cover at the @sydneyfc.bsky.social game on Saturday night. Were you there to see the Sky Blues cling on to third spot in the ladder for a day? At least there was love for Jaiden Kucharski. Welcome home! texismith.com/2026/04/19/d...

Defence sorted, working on the rest

Sydney FC 0 Perth Glory 0 For the third straight game of Patrick Kisnorbo’s tenure, Sydney FC shut out their opposition, but again couldn’t find a way through to get the all-important w…

000

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 17/04/2026

A handsome win for the Wanderers, City beaten in Brisbane, what other crazy scorelines are we getting this weekend in the A-League men's? Get your tips in at The Roar's temporary home of football, put your name on the line and enjoy the action. #football #australia texismith.com/2026/04/16/a...

A-League tipping Round 25 : Please let the fun continue

For a league that has been so close all season, by the end of round 25 everything could be decided – Newcastle Jets the premiers, the top six all done and the Wanderers stirring their cauldro…

000

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 12/04/2026

A scene from CommBank Stadium : "The sight of a Sydney fan weaving through the line of police officers with a tray of Stone and Woods was a juxtaposition akin to the flower power Vietnam war protests or the shopping bags of Tank Man on Tiananmen Square." #sydneyderby texismith.com/2026/04/12/n...

No love for Talay as Sydney show flare

Western Sydney Wanderers 0 Sydney FC 2 The perfect Sydney derby away day brought three precious points for Sydney FC as the decision to offload their misfiring coach was proven emphatically correct…

000

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 09/04/2026

Round 24 of The Roar Sports' tips and predictions, the tipping ladder is close, the @aleagues.bsky.social action is fierce and the excitement is building towards the finals. Can Phoenix pull off another miracle? Will @sydneyfc.bsky.social fall through the trap door? texismith.com/2026/04/10/a...

A-League tipping Round 24 : Jets’ day of reckoning

Auckland FC couldn’t do it last week; can Newcastle dispatch Adelaide United and take a giant leap towards the Premiers’ plate? The simple formula is that we’re going to run out o…

000

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 04/04/2026

And with that, the 2025/26 season comes to an end. For both teams. @sydneyfc.bsky.social travelled to Gosford needing a point to avoid the spoon, the Mariners requiring a win to make the finals. For a 0-0 draw this was superb entertainment in the closing stages. texismith.com/2026/04/04/s...

Sydney goalless and spoonless

Central Coast Mariners 0 Sydney FC Women 0 Sydney FC women’s team rounded off an incredibly poor season with a priceless point that condemned reigning champions Central Coast Mariners to a su…

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 01/04/2026

O come, all ye faithful. Five rounds remain in The Roar's @aleague.bsky.social men's tips and predictions feature, still at its temporary home, before we hit the finals series. Can you tip the untippable? Come and show us how right here... #soccer #aleague #football texismith.com/2026/04/02/a...

A-League tipping Round 23 : Finals places going fast

It’s Newcastle Jets or Auckland FC for premiers, any team from Macarthur FC down to basement club Western Sydney Wanderers can claim the sixth and last finals spot, but we know it’s not…

000

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 01/04/2026

Please remember this game without rose-tinted glasses. The @socceroos.bsky.social were 30 minutes from a very different outcome, but their knights in shining armour showed up to change the game completely. A fitting farewell ahead of the FIFA World Cup in June. texismith.com/2026/04/01/c...

Cavalry rescues Socceroos in second-half blitz

Australia 5 Curacao 1 We had been thoroughly entertained by Cameroon and China in the early evening fixture of this FIFA Series double-header; now it was time for the main event. The Socceroos look…

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 01/04/2026

Red cards, big hits, top entertainment; such a random fixture to see in Melbourne as African heavyweights Cameroon score early to ease past China at AAMI Park. A pre-cursor to the @socceroos.bsky.social farewell game ahead of the FIFA World Cup in 10 weeks' time. texismith.com/2026/04/01/d...

Double-quick Cameroon down China

Cameroon 2 China 0 A beautiful sunny day in Melbourne, there was no suggestion in the CBD that there was a football game happening this afternoon, a handful of red-shirted China fans making their w…

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 29/03/2026

What a way to end the home fixtures for @sydneyfc.bsky.social. The passion of the players, the joy at celebrating with the Cove, this was what we have been craving all season. A costly defeat for Victory in a crucial Big Blue too, but it made for an exciting game! texismith.com/2026/03/29/s...

Sydney FC, it’s you that I dream of…

Sydney FC Women 2 Melbourne Victory 1 Our Girls In Blue picked the best timing to serve up a treat for their long-suffering fans, farewelling Leichhardt Oval with a Big Blue win and a gutsy perform…

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 27/03/2026

Who turned off summer? Long pants and thick coats de rigeur at Olympic Park tonight as the @socceroos.bsky.social just about did enough to beat the Indomitable Lions. A few less fans than their visit here in 2000, a Jordy Bos winner sparing us a penalty shootout. texismith.com/2026/03/28/s...

Socceroos’ welcome winter win

Australia 1 Cameroon 0 The onset of winter in Sydney gave fans plenty of warning to rug up for a Friday night in the elements, but they were warmed by the Socceroos who came good after weathering t…

000

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 27/03/2026

Curacao will be no pushovers on Tuesday night, despite having been beaten tonight at Accor Stadium. A two-goal win perhaps flattered China, but it was an entertaining game. And those shirts are not red. They look red on TV, but they're luminous orange, right? RIght? texismith.com/2026/03/28/c...

Curacao left blue as China wonder what could have been

China 2 Curacao 0 We got our first chance to see World Cup qualifiers Curacao tonight, the mysterious Caribbean nation brought to our shores by the innovative FIFA Series initiative, and the first …

000

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 23/03/2026

Who did it best? Allianz Stadium is claimed by Newcastle Jets just as Graeme Souness did at Fenerbahce. Did you miss this top of the table @aleagues.bsky.social clash and a chance to walk on the field at the end? Come take a walk as we remember the day... texismith.com/2026/03/23/o...

On-field bickering opens door for Jets

Sydney FC 1 Newcastle Jets 2 Sydney FC’s faltering attack gave under-fire coach Ufuk Talay more headaches as Newcastle Jets staged a marvellous smash-and-grab to shorten their odds of Premier…

000

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 21/03/2026

Superb final, exciting until the end, storming finish from @thematildas.bsky.social but that one moment of magic won it for Japan. The AFC Asian Cup is over. Now how many out of that 74,397 crowd will be at an A-League Women's game next week? Aye, I'm looking at you... texismith.com/2026/03/22/g...

Goal from nowhere seals Japanese glory

Japan 1 Australia 0 Australia remembered what football was all about on Saturday night. For anyone who was at the pre-game at the Royal Oak Hotel in Lidcombe or later at the Brewery at Sydney Olymp…

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 20/03/2026

You're nothing special, we lose every week. Five @aleagues.bsky.social home defeats on the bounce for the beleaguered @sydneyfc.bsky.social women's team. Yet the Cove still turns up with hope in their hearts each week. From the highest highs, to the lowest lows! texismith.com/2026/03/21/s...

Sky Blue squander as Phoenix pounce

Sydney FC Women 1 Wellington Phoenix 3 The wounded animal that is Sydney FC women’s team gave us a first half of hope and endeavour on Friday night at Leichhardt Stadium, but it all came cras…

000

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 19/03/2026

So, you think you know something about the A-League, do you? Six more men's games to tip this weekend and it's not getting any easier; you know that the Bulls will win away in Auckland, won't they? Come have a look at what The Roar's tipsters have gone with this week. texismith.com/2026/03/19/a...

A-League tipping Round 22 : Clear your Saturday night

Are we down to a two-horse race for the premiership? After Sydney FC dropped down into the chasing pack and Auckland FC exacted revenge for their two home defeats to Newcastle Jets, it certainly lo…

000

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 18/03/2026

"...if the Matildas win this one, they’re going to pull off something special at Stadium Australia that the country will be talking about for years to come." Only heavy hassling will put off the Japanese this Saturday. Read on! #asiancup #final texismith.com/2026/03/18/j...

Japanese juggernaut unstoppable… until Saturday.

South Korea 1 Japan 4 Sydney relies on good weather to host a good event, but as many weddings, birthdays and beach parties have seen sunshine replaced by late afternoon rain on a balmy autumn day,…

000

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 17/03/2026

A cost of living crisis, interest rates up, petrol prices through the roof, what's the first thing we'll all cut back on? The so-called glamour club of the A-League? Not good enough, @sydneyfc.bsky.social. Thank our lucky stars for @the-matildas.bsky.social to save us. texismith.com/2026/03/18/i...

Interest rates plummet at Allianz

Sydney FC 0 Melbourne City 1 Sydney FC took the mood of a nation and sprinkled it with urine in a most unacceptable performance on St Patrick’s Day at a half-shut Allianz Stadium on Tuesday n…

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 17/03/2026

The Matildas vs Anna Black. Not your ordinary children's story, this is the coming-of-age of a youth player from Sydney's suburbs, finding her way into the @aleague.bsky.social and making a name for herself with the national team. Via @fairplaybooks.bsky.social - ebook, paperback and audiobook.

Texi Smith @texismith.com · 15/03/2026

The Shed Bar?