Brisbane Roar turned on the style against a lacklustre Central Coast to keep their slim finals chances alive.
The small crowd at Suncorp Stadium witnessed the return of the Brisbane Roar of old, attacking with fluidity and purpose against a shaky Mariners defence. Thomas Broich, a surprise inclusion, got things started by putting through striker Andrija Kaluderovic, who held off the challenge of Zac Anderson to opening the scoring.
The next two goals came from the boot of midfielder Steven Lustica, deputising for Socceroo Matt McKay. Two thunderbolts from outside the box left Liam Reddy stranded in goal for the Mariners and essentially won the game before half time.
It didn’t get any better after half time for the visitors, conceding two goals within five minutes of the restart. Devante Clut, a half-time substitute for Broich, calmly finished off a sweeping counter-attack before Brandon Borello found enough space in the box to hit his shot into the roof of the net.
The Mariners did get on the scoresheet after Daniel Bowles played the ball past his own keeper, but there was no chance of a revival. Lustica completed his hat-trick and the game’s scoring in the 79th minute, calmly finishing from the penalty spot after being found by Kaluderovic.
Roar going down swinging
After losing to Melbourne City last weekend, it looked like the Roar had lost any chance of making it into the top six. With hope fading fast, Frans Thijssen put faith in Broich, who was still making his return to full fitness.
The gamble paid dividends, with the German assisting two goals in his 45 minutes of play to set up the rout. Kaluderovic, left out of the defeat to City, sparkled up front with an all-action display while Daniel Bowles impressed in a defence shy on reinforcements due to international fixtures.
With four matches to play, the Roar are five points adrift of Melbourne City, who must play three of the top five before the end of the season. Thijssen’s side will have to play Melbourne Victory twice, but will do so with the comfort of home support.
If there is anything we have learned about Brisbane Roar over the years, it is that they will not give up until it’s over.
Mariners defence needs a reshuffle
Unfortunately it was the same mistakes made last week against Melbourne Victory which cost Tony Walmsley’s side the game. On both occasions when Lustica scored in the first half, there were far too many Mariners players caught ball watching and not protecting the space on the edge of the area. This gave the Roar midfielder too much time to pick his spot like Gui Finkler did for the Victory last week.
The return of Jacob Poscoliero to central defence could not come soon enough, with Anderson and Bosnar far too slow to play in a side that looks to press high up the field. This strategy leaves plenty of space between the defence and the goal, something that Broich exploited to help open the scoring.
Rumours are circulating that interim Walmsley could be offered the top job on a permanent basis, but he needs to show that the team is developing in both aspects of the game if he is to lead the Mariners out of their current decline.
Roar need to consider the Suncorp situation
Suncorp Stadium is a fine venue to watch football, when it is filled to a decent level. However, when there is under 7,000 spectators like last night, the venue seems cavernous and detracts from the atmosphere.
The playing surface is also showing significant wear and tear, given the Brisbane Broncos and the Queensland Reds have begun their respective seasons. If the Roar is to continue their current philosophy, a ground that caters to their style is a must.
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