A stunning free kick by substitute Shannon Cole salvaged Sydney FC a point in an amazing 3-3 draw with Melbourne Victory in their season-opening A-League grand final rematch on Saturday night.
The Victory appeared headed for a spectacular win after coming from 2-0 down to take the lead with three goals in seven minutes midway through the second half at the Sydney Football Stadium.
But Cole ensured Sydney took something from the first game of their title defence when he curled a spectacular free kick past Victory keeper Michael Petkovic in the 86th minute.
Sydney had appeared well on track to make a winning start to their title defence after a Kevin Muscat howler gifted Alex Brosque a first-half opener and Terry McFlynn doubled the advantage in the 53rd minute.
But from almost nowhere the Victory blew Sydney apart with young striker Mate Dugandzic inspiring a seven-minute goal blitz.
There was a touch of fortune as Leigh Broxham got Melbourne off the mark in the 66th minute, when he accidentally headed Tom Pondeljak’s cross into his own feet and into the net.
But there was nothing lucky about Melbourne’s second, with Dugandzic displaying sublime skill to bring down another Pondeljak cross and level the scores in the 68th minute.
With the 12,106 home fans silenced, the Victory didn’t stop there, with Dugandzic showing dazzling footwork and patience to set up Billy Celeski to tap in in the 73rd minute.
Sydney had an instant chance to equalise with Mark Bridge failing to beat Petkovic from close range, but it took something special from Cole after a controversial free kick was awarded when Adrian Leijer had brought down Bridge just outside the box.
The home side nearly pulled off a memorable victory with McFlynn denied in a goalmouth scramble in injury time.
Melbourne’s comeback saved further embarrassment for captain Muscat, who was having another night to forget after famously missing a penalty in last season’s decider.
The Victory captain, on his 37th birthday, was uncharacteristically dispossessed by Bridge on his own line, with a squared ball allowing Brosque to open the scoring in the 36th minute.
Sydney were impressive early on, with new marquee signing Nick Carle showing glimpses of brilliance and veteran defender Hayden Foxe going close twice with headed attempts.
Victory coach Ernie Merrick admitted some of his players were bemused by referee Matthew Breeze’s awarding of the free kick that led to Cole’s equaliser, but was thrilled with his side’s fighting spirit.
“No-one on our team knows why there was a free kick and I think ask Mark Bridge because Adrian (Leijer) didn’t know either why it was a free kick,” Merrick said.
“But the referee calls it … we should have done better perhaps.
“To know we came back and scored three goals, there’s so many positives, I didn’t really worry about it.
“Some of the decisions go for you others go against you.”
Merrick also praised Muscat for bouncing back from his early error.
“He made an error and he’s first to put up his hand, I thought Kevin had an outstanding game,” Merrick said.
Sydney FC coach Vitezslav Lavicka said it was a “very strange” game.
“I think first half we controlled the game … everything was pretty good,” Lavicka said.
“But after we scored the second goal we had a bad period, we lost concentration and one goal dropped us down and it was a very horrible period.
“I am happy that when we were one goal down, we started again to believe we could change the game.”
Farqwar
Guest
Why do you care Igor? If it's so far behind , why not just ignore it? I just don't get your insecurity, for fans of football we are just glad to have a quality comp up and running. It's good that the many young players have the opportunity to play in a professional league at home. Why does the AFL feel like it can only exist if it destroys all other codes? For what iis worth the 12 000 who turned up created an atmosphere that put 80 000 AFL fans to shame. Thats passion for you. Oh, and Sydney will be the team to beat the year. Will be dissapointed with the result but totally dominated.
princeigor
Guest
What a pathetic crowd for the Sydney v Melbourne GF replay! Only 12000 bothered to turn up and the FFA want the Government to spend billions on the soccer WC? Soccer is so far behind the AFL and NRL its not funny!
Machine
Guest
Besides that 10 minute slump Sydney gifted the opposition, Melbourne Victory were no good. I can see them being a mid table team if they continue the way they did last night.
Lu
Guest
it's not comforting to see a bald patch on your keeper.. alway get unbelievable drama and passion when sydney play victory.. nothing gets the heart pumping if only Victory v Sydney games got played at aami park.. imagine the noise.. alas we have to put up with the souless etihad stadium huge season a head Victory never say die!!!
agga78
Guest
MVDave On Petkovic he had a bad day, but the defence in front of him, did him no favours, I won't make a call on him until about round 6, we need to have a longer period to judge him, I gave Moss about 4 games to get settled in goal, but from the outset you could see he was afraid to leave his six yard box, Petkovic looks like he has a more commanding presence in the box but it is too early, at least we don't have Velahpi. Berger is a dud, he is vying with Ward as the worst player on MV list, he aint know defender and to be honest he aint a winger either.
MVDave
Guest
Agga On Petkovic...the free kick he got a full hand on the ball but it still went in...he then did a 'Musky' and gifted SFC a chance for the winner. The headed second goal, whilst Bergers mistake, Petkovic looked slow to react and none to agile in getting back. IMO he will cost plenty of goals this season if last night is anything to go on. Berger was playing as a wing back but it seems must have been under instruction not to get forward nor call for the ball! Plenty of times out on his own wide left just standing there. Agreed about the new stadium...should be great. Had a terrific atmosphere on Thursday with only 11,500 in there.
agga78
Guest
Is Musky past his use by date? Yes two years ago, add Vargas aswell What does Merrick see in Berger? Who knows, he is not a defender and Foshini should be covering Kemp Who can replace Langerack because Petkovic wont? A bit harsh he was not too bad, 1st and second goal were the defenders fault. When will MV sign a striker (Thompson did his knee in March)? They have, a Brazilan but who knows whenthe clearance will come through. Next week at the new stadium, the place will be rocking, having been on Thursday night with 11k it was a great atmosphere, double that crowd and add the whole crowd signing and we may well have the best atmosphere in Australian sport. The derby will be insane, the AFL Final is the week before and there will be more noise at AAMI park when it is packed between the Melbourne sides, football will finally show what a real derby is like.
MVDave
Guest
MV got out of jail via some brilliant skill by Mate Duganzic. Nevertheless an exciting 2nd half which adds to the growing history of memorable matches between these two foes. Some questions from the game; Is Musky past his use by date? What does Merrick see in Berger? Who can replace Langerack because Petkovic wont? When will MV sign a striker (Thompson did his knee in March)? Looking forward to the visit of 'God' to AAMI Park next Saturday where there will be a near sell out for MVs first league game at the stadium.