Major Semi Final; Preview
Posted by Jasper Reed in A-League, Adelaide, Sydney FC | 8 February 2006
Major Semi Final; Adelaide Utd v Sydney FC (Hindmarsh Stadium Adelaide, Sunday)
Perceived wisdom is that in a 2 legged tie it is advisable to play the second leg in front of your own fans. Which is why, given the choice afforded to it as the league's top side at the end of the home and away round, Adelaide raised a few eyebrows by electing to play the first leg of its major semi final at Hindmarsh and travel to Sydney for the second game. It's a typically unconventional move by coach John Kosmina, the man tipped to be the next Australian national coach, albeit not the very next coach of Australia. His thoughful preparation has guided Adelaide to its surprise position of strength going into the finals, and his reasoning in this instance has some merit. After 2 consecutive games on the road, first in New Zealand and last week in the harbour city, his troops could use a week's break from the away game and all that goes with it. However, given that all 3 games between these two have been decided by a goal, there is the very real prospect of extra time at the end of the second game, to be played in Sydney's considerable back yard.
Sydney will be hoping that they have recovered from thier own jet lag, having won in the past 2 weeks to end a run of poor results since the World Club Championship. They will be bouyed by the thought of a trip to Aussie Stadium for the second leg, and the suspicion that Adelaide have peaked too soon, having not lost in 9 games before last week's clash. If they can contain Adelaide early they can certainly go home with the tie in thier hands.
Tip; Adelaide to win 1-0, with a knife edge scenario to follow in a week.
