Gui Finkler denied Western Sydney Wanderers a win with a stunning strike in the dying seconds at AAMI Park on Saturday night as Melbourne Victory claimed a 1-1 draw.
The Brazilian magician curled a free kick past Ante Covic into the top corner, cancelling out Brendon Santalab’s 71st minute opener to ensure both sides shared the spoils in a pulsating A-League clash.
Wanderers coach Tony Popovic sprung a surprise before kick-off, leaving Shinji Ono, Tomi Juric and Youssouf Hersi out of his starting side, with only Hersi named on the bench.
Despite their absence Wanderers started brightest, buoyed by loud support from their travelling fans.
After 11 minutes Nathan Coe made a fine one handed save to deny Labinot Haliti’s close range header when Jerome Polenz whipped a fine ball in.
The players didn’t adopt the brawling tactics of their hardcore fans, who had clashed in Melbourne’s CBD earlier on Saturday, instead playing high-tempo fast transitioning football.
Victory kicked into gear after 19 minutes when Kosta Barbarouses’ fine run and cross down the left flank left Connor Pain with a simple tap-in – only for him to fluff his touch.
Western Sydney’s Tahj Minniecon was particularly impressive on the left flank, going close with a curling effort on 33 minutes then leaving Jason Geria in his wake before two last gasp defensive efforts denied Haliti from in close.
Both sides traded chances to score after the break, James Troisi just missing a Pain cross and Minniecon’s effort blocked by Leigh Broxham.
As Victory’s fans gave their loudest cheer of the night for the introduction of subersub Finkler, it was the two Wanderers’ substitutes that changed the game in the 71st minute.
Hersi laid the ball off for Brendon Santalab who struck past Nathan Coe.
Victory had the ball in the net when Adama Traore, one of the best afield, pulled back for Barbarouses, only for Traore’s muscular work to be deemed a foul.
With flares alighting the away support, a Nichols effort was deflected wide as Victory desperately searched for a reply.
Hersi had two late chances to extend the Wanderers’ lead but found Coe’s feet with the first and headed high at the back post with his second.
AZ_RBB
Guest
I will be amazed if we retain both next season. Hersi seems to want to play No.10. Our decision should be based on who we have to replace them especially in the youth ranks. I think I would rather keep Hersi but he has to stay on the wings. Poppa's team on New Years Day will be interesting. I expect a full strength and a top notch performance. Still waiting for us to blow away a team this season.
Matthew Skellett
Roar Rookie
Aww shux AZ :-) Hey I was curious -read another article on the SMH site that takes the line that Hersi is "dejected" about reaching an agreement on another contract with WSW but when you watch his behaviour on match day against CCM ,he and Shinji were all smiles and seemingly carefree . So do you think this is just a media beatup or is there something to it? :-)
AZ_RBB
Guest
Brilliant!!! I've been frustrated by the fall out from Saturday night. But that is the best call I've heard from anyone this weekend haha. Violence is never a laughing matter but hopefully it can be "Red Black and Blue" just in name and past history and nothing else. I tip my hat to you sir. Assuming you came up with it? Either way, be a true westie and steal it anyway :P
Matthew Skellett
Roar Rookie
We could call it the "Red,Black and Blue " AZ ;-)
Cameron
Roar Guru
In with you Tom.
Tom Jones
Guest
No, not that part at all. That is just as bad. But bringing exploding flares into a stadium you surely cannot agree with or think that it is appropriate. How can you defend that?
AZ_RBB
Guest
I know i'm getting ahead of myself here. But wouldn't mind a week 2 semi final between these two teams at the Olympic Stadium. I would suggest a grand final, but i think Brisbane have one foot there already. Bigger than the Big Blue already?
Jorji Costava
Guest
What were the Wanderers fans doing in Victory's pub? Everyone knows that is where Victory supporters congregate. They were fishing for trouble was what they were doing. They found it alright and copped a spanking and it even made the 6 o'clock news. Stick to stirring the pot down in the Shire.
nur der hsv
Guest
The other way around, victory fans attacked wanderers supporters in the pub.
Jorji Costava
Guest
Real European atmosphere created by the fans with the various incendiaries being released. You could not see through the smoke haze at times. Bit cheeky of the Wanderers fans attempting to overtake the Victory pub in Bourke St. They were obviously taught a lesson by the Melbournites and sent packing with a few scratches to take home to Sydney as souvenirs. Wonderful finish. What a free kick by Finkler!
Allan
Guest
The RBB are at fault for being hunted down and attacked by Victory fans ? You don't have to go far on Facebook to find a Victory fan gloating about what happened.
The Auteur
Guest
Come to the Roar, Finks. We've got a starting place for you.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Under so much pressure as well! Special stuff
Tom Jones
Guest
Some on this forum won't agree, and some can'r t say it, but in other circles many fans are pissed off with the RBB for the amount of firecrackers let off let alone the fan altercations. One flare is passable. But the explosions going off during the game were ridiculous. was actually cheering for MV to get a goal. RBB needs to get off the pedestal they placed themselves on, pull their heads in and get sanctioned by the FFA that still owns them for that rubbish. Cue the "we invented the poznan because we were the first to do it in Australia'
JonJax
Guest
Very enjoyable game to watch- tactically contrasting styles, nice ebb and flow, great atmosphere in the terraces and a wonder goal at the death. Finklers goal was even better than Thursday's ADP goal.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Interesting choices indeed. How the team goes on New Years Day will be very telling. Seen the Fink goal about 20 times now and I swear you could line up 3 goalkeepers and that ball would still go in. With only 27 five game rounds our opportunities to see such magic is limited. So it means a lot more when it happens. Bring on Jan 14! Shame its a Tuesday night otherwise I would have made an effort to make the trip. next three WSW games are new years day, derby then Melbourne. Exciting times :)
Catnap
Guest
Enjoyed the game but the wanderers look ominous with their 3best players on the bench!!!!!