A-League: Grand Final High Drama
Posted by Jasper Reed in A-League, Adelaide, Melbourne Victory, Referees | 21 February 2007
The second season of the Australian A League was completed on Sunday with the Grand Final, played in front of a domestic record crowd of 55,000, and one of the most extraordinary games ever played
Melbourne Victory, who finished top during the home and away season, played host to Adelaide United, who finished second. The convoluted finals series included a 2 legged major semi final between the arch rivals, with Melbourne winning the right to host the final thanks to a last minute winner by Englishman James Robinson. Adelaide was then forced into a play off against Newcastle last weekend, winning a penalty shoot out after which coach Kosmina had a much-publicised spat with referee Matthew Breeze. Kosmina was banished to the sidelines for the showpiece final, whilst Breeze had a touchline seat as 4th official.
Games between Adelaide and Melbourne are much anticipated, the teams epitomising the hatred between the 2 cities in all walks of life. This incident, from a league meeting in October, is typical of the spite between the 2, with Kosmina and Victory captain Kevin Muscat central to the plot.
Played in 38 degrees and pouring rain, the Grand Final was never a contest. Missing regular left back Matthew Kemp due to suspension, Adelaide was terribly exposed at the back. Melbourne took control and coasted to a 2-goal lead, with Archie Thompson scoring twice. After 39 minutes, Adelaide captain Ross Aloisi, already on a yellow card, was sent off for elbowing Victory’s Grant Brebner, and the game was over. Thompson completed his hatrick before half time, and ended up with the first 5 goals of a 6-0 win. The Victory also hit the woodwork 3 times in the second half and spurned chances for fun in a humiliating display.
Adelaide reacted during and after the game with a display of petulance rarely seen. True, they were subject to some horrendous decisions (goals 4 and 5 appeared to be well offside) and were denied a goal for no apparent reason. However, there can be no excuse for the implosion; defenders Michael Valkanis and Angelo Costanzo agitated for a walk off after the 4th goal (both were booked) and visibly abused both referee and linesman. Striker Carl Veart referred to the officials as ‘3 blind mice’ during a post match press conference, whilst Aloisi (brother of World Cup striker John) also criticised the referee during both the official presentation ceremony and post match interviews for what he considered to be a harsh sending off. Kosmina muttered about 'dark forces bing at work, whilst rumours continue that Aloisi and Valkanis came to blows in the change rooms after the game, much like Aloisi and guest player Romario a few months ago.
The post match controversy overshadowed an extraordinary display by Melbourne and in particular Thompson. The ex PSV and World Cup striker achieved a feat unlikely to be matched anywhere in the world. Scoring 5 goals in a showpiece final, after going goalless during the finals series. All the talk though, was of the ‘park like’ Adelaide team. As an Adelaide fan I can say the sending off was justifed. Adelaide were embarrassed and outplayed, with any perceived referring errors being irrelevant.
The aftermath for United has been swift. Valkanis is facing a 6-week ban, Aloisi and Veart huge fines. The team has been pilloried for off field poor sportsmanship and on field conduct by its own fans.
The future for coach Kosmina, seen as instigating the ill discipline that has cost Adelaide dear this season, is uncertain. Disliked by all outside of Adelaide, and now many within it, the Australian assistant coach may well be the 5th (of 8) A League coaches to lose his job.
During the medal presentations Kristian Sarkies, scorer of the 6th and final goal in injury time, kissed the forehead on the Prime Minister John Howard. On any other day, that may have appeared strange…
Comments
Great article Jasper, wish I could have seen the match. I hope the final this week end won't be so controversial, unlikely to be 38 degrees, could be wet tho'.
Like the bit about the 3 blind mice - very funny!
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