Played in front of 42,102 at Sydney FC’s home ground of Allianz Stadium, a battle was waged between the two best teams of the season.
One striving to complete a fairytale, the other – wishing to achieve what has continually alluded them.
The grand final between Western Sydney Wanderers and Central Coast Mariners would mesmerise through colour, sound and an acute tactical awareness to which execution would be vital.
The southern, eastern and western stands were beautifully filled with the colours of red and black.
The vibrant colour seemed to ooze ever so candescently whilst the atmosphere would shake the stadium to its very foundations.
My television set showed the emotion and passion of football and as I sat watching in awe, knowing we were once again experiencing another historical achievement in Australian football.
Not to forget the travelling contingent that was the Mariners fans, yellow and blue, crammed into the northern stand. Their efforts reminiscent of the Wanderers only prior visit to Allianz Stadium when it was Red and Black that crammed into the northern stands.
The first 45 minutes served up precisely what we thought a battle of epic proportions. A perfect corner was set directly for the pack and veteran Patrick Zwaanswjik would rise above to collect his first goal of the season for the Mariners, and what a moment it was.
Not only was the 44 minute goal the opening to the match but it was the first time the Central Coast Mariners had scored in regulation time in a grand final.
The complexion of this match could have been different though had a penalty been awarded to the Wanderers for a handball.
Referee Peter Green had the best view in the house and unfortunately would miss a vital call – no surprise though given another season of up and down refereeing.
Both sets of fans would remain boisterous and although a million flares were thrown, some would argue that it added to the carnival occasion, though we can be hopeful that common sense prevails in future.
With the second half awaiting, the Mariners would come out of the sheds with one thing on their mind: don’t choke.
Being their fourth attempt at a grand final win, the last thing the Mariners would have wanted was to let up from their intensity.
Based on first half proceedings the Wanderers would need to place more emphasis on key positional awareness.
Ibini, McGlinchey and McBreen were continually creating in roads in the Wanderers defence, something which wasn’t commonly associated with the typically stingy defence of the Wanderers.
Shinji Ono and Nikolai Topor-Stanley were kept awfully quiet throughout the first half and thanks to the wonderful adaptation from Graham Arnold, the Mariners found a way to effectively penetrate the goal area.
Covic was kept busy and if it wasn’t for some slow reactions to crosses and chances, the half time score could have potentially resembled a massacre.
Second half: The second period showed early glimpses for the Wanderers, but without any slim chances converting, the Mariners took control of possession. Time and time again the Mariners hunted for a killer blow. Finally, through willing determination to win the ball and a bit of luck, a penalty was given to the Mariners after Jerome Polenz played a ball with his hand.
There would have been some nervous mariners fans as the whole season penalties had not been their cup of tea, but this match had its own plan and through a composed and well struck strike from Daniel McBreen the Mariners would go 2 – 0 up in the 68th minute.
The Wanderers supporters were clearly not pleased but got on with life and continued to support even harder and louder.
A sight to behold – the Poznan – with roughly 30,000 happy to join the party and create a football moment to remember.
No matter what the Wanderers took to the Mariners, with a late passage of play having some 88% possession in a five to 10 minute period, nothing was going to stop the Mariners from claiming the Championship on their fourth attempt.
It may not have had your gripping, edge of your seat finish like the previous three grand finals but it was probably the most tactical and football focused final we have ever seen.
Full time result:
Western Sydney Wanderers 0
Central Coast Mariners 2
The Wanderers will live to fight another day and now have something more to strive for. As for the Mariners, there is only one thing left to accomplish – the ACL Championship,
If there is one thing this season has taught us, its that the fighting spirit burns bright and football in Australia has never looked so beautiful.
Congratulations Central Coast Mariners!
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