Has John Kosmina ever slipped under the radar before? The larger than life Adelaide United coach is usually a noticeable presence but his in-form Reds have clearly snuck up on the rest of the league.
Adelaide’s 3-1 win over Wellington Phoenix at Hindmarsh Stadium yesterday was rollicking stuff, full of great goals, dodgy decisions and a penalty save that will go down as arguably the best in A-League history.
It was a thoroughly entertaining affair and though the Reds rode their luck, it moved them to within one point of current table-toppers Central Coast Mariners.
Two of the main protagonists were Adelaide’s classy imports, Marcelo Carrusca and Fabio Ferreira.
Despite touching down in Australia with an obvious pedigree following two spells at Argentine giants Estudiantes and a stop at Turkish outfit Galatasaray, among others, Carrusca’s arrival was overshadowed by bigger-name recruits.
That just goes to show the quality of players the A-League is now attracting, but after his stellar performance against the Phoenix, Carrusca has clearly shown he’s a force to be reckoned with.
His first goal from a contentious free-kick was somewhat of a fluke, but his second was all class, as the Argentine skipped past a couple of would-be tacklers before drilling a low shot inside Mark Paston’s near post.
Paul Ifill probably won’t be buying Stein Huysegems a Christmas card this year after the Wellington striker slid Ifill’s diagonal shot home despite the fact the ball already looked certain to cross the line.
Replays suggested Huysegems was level but an offside flag ruled the goal out and Adelaide made the Phoenix pay when Ferreira then drove home on the counter-attack.
The Portuguese midfielder has taken a circuitous route into the A-League after starting his professional career at Chelsea but failing to get on the pitch.
After struggling to resurrect his career back home in Portugal, Ferriera ended up at New South Wales Super League side Dulwich Hill.
Despite impressing, he was overlooked by Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers before Kosmina offered Ferreria a professional lifeline.
He’s grabbed it with both hands, scoring three goals so far this season and adding an extra dimension to the Reds with his pace and penetration.
Along with Argentine attacker Jeronimo Neumann, Adelaide’s off-season recruits have arguably been the league’s best so far and their form goes a long way to explaining why it’s Adelaide and not the likes of Brisbane Roar or Melbourne Victory putting so much pressure on the Mariners.
Yet for all the shrewd acquisitions, it was an old hand who proved he’s lost none of his spark in the final minute of the game.
Facing a penalty following a clumsy Nigel Boogard challenge, Eugene Galekovic pulled off a miraculous one-handed save from substitute Tyler Boyd, before spreading himself to deflect Boyd’s point-blank follow-up away.
It was hard not to feel sorry for Boyd, who was looking for his first A-League goal, as Galekovic’s stunning Schwarzer-esque parry ensured the game ended on a high note for the Reds.
Sadly there was a sour note for Wellington star Paul Ifill, who was allegedly racially abused by Adelaide fans during the match.
If that’s the case then hopefully the culprits are identified and banned from attending fixtures.
It’s hard to believe such a thing could even happen in 2012 but it seems some people never learn.
Kosmina seems to have learned plenty though during his time away from the A-League.
What’s more, he’s picked up several handy imports who could yet prove the difference between the Reds and a steadily consistent Central Coast side.
He may not be everyone’s cup of tea and Kosmina is sensibly keeping a lid on expectations for the time being.
But after a run of four wins from their last five matches, Kosmina and his charges can’t slip under the radar for too much longer.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
The club seems to have bit of a reputation for recruiting decent, little known players who turn out to be rather handy. It is a club that that has never been desperately in need of a marquee which allows it to manage expectations and to have players having to fight for positions. Interestingly Bruce Djite has signed up for another couple of years. It seems that Adelaide are going to have some handy depth for sometime yet.
David Heidelberg
Guest
For all the brilliance of the imports this year a large part of the U sucess has been the emergence of Osama Malik, anothe man that Kossie has gotten the best out of. He is the heart of the pssants midfield.
jbinnie
Guest
Let's not forget one important factor, John Kosmina has been around the semI-pro (NSL) & now pro (HAL) game, for more than a few years & in a long playing career has played with more than a few "imports" in his day & there is little doubt in that experience he has picked up the true value of playing with players who may just have a little edge on local product,especially when looking at the "creative" side of the game. Being John ,& being well aware of local media's love of local product,ie (Rogic) he has gone about the business of improving his squad with some very,very good talent in an extremely quiet & efficient manner.some may say "under the radar". But let's look at other teams in the HAL & we find exactly the same thing has been going on all over the country for the last 2 seasons.CCM - their defence is built around their centre-back ,a Dutchman,& Montgomery has joined from Sheffield; Mike has already listed the Adelaide quartet; Victory - the midfield has been built on Flores & a "new" Brazilian; Perth - have added Miller & Mehmet; Jets - Heskey Calvano & Ribiero,; Heart - Fred, Grella & Gerhardt; Roar - Berisha,Adnan & Broich; Sydney - ADP , Boschart & Griffiths; Wellingon,- Sanches,Hysegen &Totori; even Wests ,with their class Japeneses Ono, have learned the lesson very quickly. So the "sly old fox" is not alone in his shrewd recruitment, he has simply had a look around ,called on his vast experience as a player & coach & acted accordingly. Such a difference watching Adelaide now compared with the dour defensive unit in the Asian Cup just a few months ago. jb
Stevo
Guest
What I'm impressed with is the wylie fox Kossie and how he's gone about his business at AU. He got his coaching badge and has quietly implemented a solid playing structure that's rivalling CCM. From clown to coaching genius, Kossie has made a remarkable transformation. Now if only our JA would take note :)
Kasey
Guest
GFY ballymore you troll.
Kasey
Guest
Double post deleted
Ballymore
Guest
Much work to do to live up to another foreign Hindmarsh great - Romario.
Kasey
Guest
Read the interview Flore$ gave to Simon Hill, Coolen was a toxic presence in the AU change room. Thank God he's long gone. In Kossie we trust, Carrusca alone is worth the price of admission alone:) gem of a player. Speaking of Argentines..Carrusca > Flore$ (especially this season):)
Kasey
Guest
AU forums have gone into meltdown this morning, the vast majority of Reds fans are disgusted and embarrassed by the actions of these morons. They've let down our city and our sport. I hope the investigation finds the morons and if proven, I hope they are made an example of. There is no room for racism in society especially on the sports field.
David Heidelberg
Guest
The ACL is limited to 3+1 (Asian) so adding imports won't help in that regard.
Punter
Guest
I cannot say this loud enough as good as Broich was in his first year, this guy Carrusca is just as good. Kossie sees it. I laugh at the likes of Slater who picks their allstars 11 & he is nowhere to be seen. Watch how he plays, he is silky, this is the type of players we should try to develop as our stars & get our kids to emulate. Rojas, Flinkler, Rogic, Del Piero, Ono & Carrusa are the hottest attacking players we currently have in the A-League.
Bondy.
Guest
I'd love to know there recruiting policy its worked very well,I remember the last few weeks with R Coollen,how things have changed.
Lippy
Guest
It's disgusting the abuse Ifill copped and it marrs an otherwise good win by Adelaide.
Johnno
Guest
Imports are great for football in OZ. I wish super rugby had more. A-league has benifited, from the good balance of 5 allowed per squad, its the perfect balance. For the Asian champion's league matches I would allow more marquee guest spots too. Adelaide is certainly benefiting , quietly going about there business slipping under the radar, but having a magnificent season.