Adelaide United secured their inaugural A-League Championship with a thrilling 3-1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers in front of an electric Adelaide Oval atmosphere on Sunday.
Third time’s a charm. After two previous unsuccessful grand final appearances, United finally reached immortality at the third time of asking and giving this proud football state its first national football title since Adelaide City’s 1994 triumph in the National Soccer League (NSL).
Bruce Kamau’s clinical finish, a sumptuous Isaias free kick and a stoppage time strike from Pablo Sanchez, ultimately rendered Scott Neville’s power-drive inconsequential to complete a remarkable double.
Kamau opened the scoring on 22 minutes; his perfectly timed run saw him quickest to react to Marcelo Carrusca’s incisively whipped cross to rifle home from close range.
It was the second fastest goal in an A-League grand final, only behind Archie Thompson’s 20th minute strike in the 6-0 demolition of Adelaide in 2007.
Isaias made it 2-0, producing a mesmeric curling free kick, nestling right into the top left corner and leaving gloveman Andrew Redmayne rooted to the spot.
The second-half saw the Wanderers control proceedings, and they were rewarded courtesy of a fabulous strike from an unlikely source in Neville.
The right-back combined with Brendon Santalab, whose audacious flick invited Neville to continue his run and fire with the outside of his foot past Eugene Galekovic.
However, any chance of the match going to extra-time were put to bed when super-sub Pablo Sanchez appeased the home supporters with a clinical finish; precipitating scenes of jubilation amongst the capacity crowd of 50,119 .
Formations
There was little surprise when Guillermo Amor named an unchanged line-up for a fifth straight week. It meant usual mainstay Tarek Elrich would start the affair on the bench, with speedster Bruce Kamau retaining his place on the wing. Craig Goodwin was again deployed at left-back, while Isaias anchored the midfield behind Carrusca and Stefan Mauk.
Adelaide United starting XI: Galekovic; Marrone, McGowan, La Rocca, Goodwin; Isaias, Mauk, Carrusca; Cirio, Djite, Kamau
Meanwhile, Tony Popovic also went with the same XI that overcame the Brisbane Roar last week. Mitch Nichols was allowed to feature, despite being cited for an offensive gesture in last week’s semi final win over Brisbane Roar. Dario Vidosic remained on the bench, while Dimas and Andreu screened the WSW back four.
Western Sydney Wanderers starting XI: Redmayne; Neville, Alberto, Topor-Stanley, Jamieson; Dimas, Andreu, Nichols; Castelen, Santalab, Bridge
Isaias the engine in Adelaide’s midfield
The Spaniard was again at his exceptional best, dictating the match from his deep lying position. The former Espanyol footballer is the main cog in a well-oiled midfield unit. His ability to read the game is second to none and he is just as effective with the ball as he is without it. Isaias was industrious as always and committed several interceptions to block the passing channels. The 29-year-old also orchestrated things from midfield, instigating Adelaide’s attacks and also ensured he provided defensive cover. To encapsulate a stunning individual performance, he will remembered for scoring an absolute pearler of a free kick which rendered Redmayne to the role of a spectator.
A MUST SEE 2nd goal! It’s @isaias_sc8 the set-piece specialist! @AdelaideUnited 2-0 @wswanderersfc #ALeagueGF
https://t.co/5P0PnL5DzE— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) May 1, 2016
Mitch Nichols nowhere to be found
Before the game, the fact Nichols was handed a reprieve so he could play in the decider was perceived as a huge boost for Popovic. However, it was a birthday to forget for the 27-year-old. Not only did his side lose the clash, he was withdrawn after 56 minutes because he was unable to stamp his authority. Nichols rarely touched the ball and was unable to impose himself as the Reds midfield and defence pressed high, applying pressure on the opposition attack. An askew cross during the first stanza, summed up his rather miserable outing in what was an extremely fruitful campaign in which he scored 10 league goals.
POPULAR ARTICLES
Guillermo Amor: We deserved to win final
How Twitter reacted to Leicester City’s 1-1 draw away Manchester United
In Pictures: Adelaide United claim maiden A-League championship [GALLERY]
Long balls worked a treat
One of Adelaide’s and Amor’s many strengths this season was their proficiency to adapt to different situations. Under their predecessor, Josep Gombau they were synonymous with refusing to alter their tactics and philosophy no matter the circumstance. Although, the discerning Barcelona legend Amor, realised this caveat and tinkered the system. Although, it came at the expense of eight long winless rounds, it clearly paid dividends and that short-term pain can lead to long-term gain. Sunday’s encounter proved no different.
Adelaide did appear to show a tendency to kick the ball long up the park under minimal pressure – but it was a tactic that ultimately worked. The Reds won a majority of the second balls as Popovic pointed out during the post-match press conference and in frustration was critical of their playing style; stating “they didn’t play football”.
Adelaide United conclusion
What incredible rollercoaster season it has been for the Reds – riding the emotional highs and lows. As mentioned earlier, winless after eight rounds and bottom of the table, no one in their wildest dreams would have envisaged them to bounce back the way they did. After going on an impressive, club record 14-match unbeaten streak, many were inclined to feel Adelaide’s momentum was over and that they perhaps in the end peaked too early.
Champions , champions ole ole ole !!! pic.twitter.com/fmhIJ5j4Lp
— Marcelo Carrusca (@chelocarrusca) May 2, 2016
Obviously, that was not the case and they went on to lift the Premier’s Plate and the Championship to conclude one of the A-League’s most entertaining seasons since its inception. The challenge now once the dust settles would be to retain the majority of the squad and try and defend their trophy next year.
Western Sydney Wanderers conclusion
A third grand final appearance in four years is a truly extraordinary feat, for a club that was only established in 2012. While, it was another disappointing outcome for side with one of the most passionate fan bases in Australian football, WSW can be proud of their achievements. Popovic made wholesale changes over the offseason last year, clearing out 17 players as a result of a woeful season, due to their success in the Asian Champions League.
His tough decision was vindicated as they finished in second place in the league standings, a point behind Adelaide and without their foreign marquee in Federico Piovaccari for virtually the entire year. Yes, they did not lift the trophy, but they can take some solace that the Central Coast Mariners lost three finals, before winning on their fourth attempt. However, for now it is a case of so near yet so far.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
