A Sydney FC team looking down the barrel of three straight losses heads north to face defending champions Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium, live from 8.00pm AEDT.
As an FC fan, thank god that Ian Crook is gone. Most of us thought he shouldn’t have been appointed in the first place, and after that embarrassing capitulation at home against our arch-rivals the Englishman graciously resigned (before he was pushed).
Speaking of under-pressure coaches, Rado Vidosic’s men were trounced by a then-bottom of the league Melbourne Heart last week and are anchored to the bottom of the table. In saying that, a win here coupled with some other results could push them as high as into the top six – not that should not be good enough for the defending champions.
The hosts will welcome back opposition favourite, the affable Besart Berisha, who revealed this week that Alessandro Del Piero is one of his footballing idols and to play against him is a dream come true. Still, we’ll see if the Albanian offers to take ADP down the tunnel for a brawl as he did with Pascal Bosschaart last year.
Speaking of the big Dutchmen, he scored his first senior goal in over 350 appearances in Sydney’s loss to Melbourne Victory on Saturday and seemed to fix Sydney’s oh so leaky defence – until the last 20 minutes when all hell broke loose.
It will be a baptism of fire for interim coach Steve Corica, with the former number 10 declaring himself out of the running for the job full time.
But this game is all about Corica, and hopefully his boys will lift for him. Join us at around 7.45pm AEDT for all the line-ups, formations and team news.
M byrne
Guest
We are back ! Had a great time at Suncorp. Congratulations to the team and coach. A few goals fell short we could have had more, four will have to do, LOL. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download it now [http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-roar/id327174726?mt=8].
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Personally, I think it bottomed out at the 1:3 loss to CCM at home where we copped a red card to boot. When the terraces are singing: "You really f&@&ed it up this time, and it's your job on the line, didn't you Fergie?" then Blind Freddie would get the hint to shape up or ship out. Although I suppose the 4:1 loss to Heart may have been the equivalent.
Bric Tamlin of the Pants Party
Guest
Oh believe me as someone who watches them week in week out the comparisions are there.Totally inept performances,fans wanted the coach gone,the chairman threatening to walk away,the club was in dissaray.It was actually a 3 all draw with Brisbane just after christmas last season that was the catalyst for the turnaround in fortunes.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Well, everyone could see they had those elbows coming ;)
Ian
Guest
on a roll here Nathan, ;-) hadn't really noticed any 50--50s going our way since at least, hmm. the Grand Final you are referring to. which was a 100-0. definitely didn't see 50-50s when Burns was hitting Murdocca and Nichols over at Perth.
Ian
Guest
don't know if you shut us down hard. it was a tight game until you scored at the death. fairly even game that one
Paul
Guest
Somehow I don't think the Glory comparisons are apt. I was at Suncorp last night and many of the SFC players looked all at sea, giving up possession easily and unable to even land a simple tackle, on many occasions knocking the ball away from an opponent only to see that opponent gather himself and get the ball back and take it further towards goal. But yes, still early in the season, still time.
Cameron
Roar Guru
From a Brisbane Roar fan, tonights final result was ideal and needed. I honestly feel for their former coach and I feel for ADP. I hope Sydney can turn it around otherwise there would be a good chance he leaves. Currently him and the whole team are being watched by football lovers who love ADP. unfortunately they aren't watching football. At least del peiro is living up to hood expectations. A hat trick would have been deserving.
Steven
Guest
As a roar supporter have to say fantastic to see ADP in the flesh and what a great performance. But it seemed like he had to make his own opportunities and the team didn't support him as we'll as they should. As for the beloved roar henrique made a few great runs but just couldn't finish. At least 1 finish would have made him man of the match. Great run n finish by berisha and franjic on defence was fantastic.
Peter Wilson
Roar Guru
As a Sydney FC fan I feel sick in the stomach. Not sure what has happened, but its not good. No confidence, no passing game, schoolboy errors in midfield and defence, marking at times non-existant, ball watching, goalkeeping errors. Its a crying shame for the league that all the good work done by Pignata and ADP to lift the profile of the game in Sydney is being undone and wasted on a team that frankly isn't up to A-League standard. I'll keep supporting SFC, but I get the feeling that ADP is fed up with the situation and busting a gut (and hamstring) for nothing. If SFC don't turn their fortunes around then ADP mightn't last the first year of his contract, which would be a crying shame and embarassment for Sydney and the A-League.
Bric Tamlin of the Pants Party
Guest
Good game and crowd.Brisbane looked back to their best and converting their possesion into goals.As for Sydney well their confidence is shot not sure where they go from here.If its any consolation to their fans the Glory were in a similair position last season,probably worse and look where we ended up.They have two home games now massive opportunity to turn their season around.
AGO74
Guest
Last week was shattering. This week was insipid. Defending atrocious. Confidence clearly does not exist in anyone bar ADP. I've always supported Emmo but tonight was hang your head in shame material. Sorry Bimbi - but wtf is bringing on a useless defender in mclenahan at half time when you are losing by 2 goals going to achieve? There was charaxhter and desire last week at least. Tonight was just terrible.
Matt Bungard
Roar Guru
A crushing win, the scoreline flattered Sydney well and truly. Truthfully it could have been more...Brisbane's only fault tonight was their lack of clinical finishing. And as I said before, it ended up being the two dubious goals that made the difference. But really, it could've been a repeat of the Mariners game. Del Piero being interviewed now and he sounds beyond despondent. Who could blame him? Sydney were well and truly beaten today and that's 14 goals in their past three matches...a disgraceful defensive display. Who knows where to go from here? Thanks for following along and enjoy the rest of the football weekend!! Be sure to follow me on twitter @TheMattBungard
MV Dave
Guest
As a neutral terrific to watch...ADP absolute genius and Raw looked decent. Sydenee need a defence, midfield, goalie and coach...not much to do then?
Bob
Guest
Good win from Brisbane - great showing from Del Pierro but not enough
Stevo
Guest
Surely there"s more? What about the fistycuffs in the tunnel?
gerry
Guest
lost a 36 quote for one goal grrrrrrr
Matt Bungard
Roar Guru
FULL TIME BRISBANE ROAR 4 SYDNEY F.C 2
Matt Bungard
Roar Guru
94th min, BRI 4-2: Broich is down tying his shoes as the game continues. Says it all really.
Matt Bungard
Roar Guru
92nd min, BRI 4-2: Bosschaart joins over half his team in the book as that slide tackle on Halloran was just a bit behind the ball. He's lucky that wasn't closer to the centre of the pitch or it would've been a certain red!