A club that claims they will win the A-League premiership on debut – and undefeated – clearly does not do low-key.
But even cocky newcomers Gold Coast United surprised with their reaction to an upset 2-1 win over underdone English Premier League outfit Fulham at Skilled Park.
It was a gutsy effort by the A-League new boys – led by Socceroos star Jason Culina – to come back from a 16th-minute Danny Murphy strike and clinch the win with two goals in the final 10 minutes.
The club’s billionaire owner, mining magnate Clive Palmer, and extrovert coach Miron Bleiberg tried to keep the win in perspective – but failed spectacularly.
“We have made history for Australian soccer,” Palmer said.
“A big thank you to Jason (Culina) for doing more than he had to do to make sure Australia showed the Pommies that we do have a good club team and can match them at any level.”
Described by Palmer as “the Muhammad Ali of soccer”, Bleiberg added: “I think we did a big favour and credit for the A-League as a whole (by beating Fulham).
“The A-League will be taken more seriously than ever before and that’s credit to our boys.”
At least Bleiberg made an effort to keep a lid on things.
“Can I be allowed a rare moment of modesty?” Bleiberg said.
“Had we played Fulham in three or four weeks, I don’t think we would have beaten them.
“I know Clive is almost as happy as if he had bought BHP or Rio Tinto but we shouldn’t get carried away – this is just part of our preparation.
“I would swap this win for any in the future A-League.”
Bleiberg praised the “character” of the team for coming back from 1-0 down, saying the early signs were good for his still relatively new group of players.
“We are a new club, and with the kindness of Mr Palmer with his private jets and the trips he has organised we started as a team and we are now a family,” he said.
Sitting between Palmer and Bleiberg at the post-match press conference, Socceroos star Culina tried to bring a level head to proceedings.
“It’s a friendly match. We won it but there is still five weeks to go in our preparation,” he said.
“And Fulham is only early in their preparation.
“They have only been training for four or five days – we can’t get too carried away.”
It may be too late.
Fulham – featuring Socceroos keeper Mark Schwarzer – also take on Melbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night and the Glory at Perth next Wednesday.
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