Sydney FC discovered why England’s just wild about Harry when Tottenham golden boy Harry Kane put the Sky Blues to the sword before a bumper crowd of over 71,500 at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.
Kane just can’t seem to stop scoring, and the 21-year-old striker delivered the goods yet again with the only goal as Spurs downed Sydney FC 1-0 in front of a gate twice as big as they are used to at their White Hart Lane home in London.
Sydney FC saw for themselves why Kane, still fresh after a 31-goal season, is England’s young player of the year and looms as his country’s great white hope in front of goal.
After a procession of chances went begging and halftime approached, Kane made no mistake when prompted into the clear by teammate Erik Lamela.
It was one touch and bang as Kane fired a rasping, low drive past the outstretched hand of Ivan Necevski, ruining the Sydney FC goalkeeper and stand-in captain’s farewell match after a club record eight-year stint.
Kane had also scored both goals in Tottenham’s win in Malaysia on the way to Australia.
He came close to making it another double when fancy footwork won him the space for a shot that was cleared off the line by Sebastian Ryall.
Kane played almost the entire game before manager Mauricio Pochinetto substituted him after 84 minutes.
Until Kane struck the decisive blow, Spurs had promised plenty but delivered precious little.
Chance after chance went awry as Tottenham’s big names misfired in front of goal.
Argentine midfielder Lamela headed over the bar, then failed with a fancy chip that looked more like a party trick.
Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen spurned a clear-cut chance when he ballooned the ball over the bar.
Kane himself tried an early drive that failed to test Necevski, then found his first touch missing when he got on the end of a through ball, and later fluffed his lines when he failed to connect cleanly with a low, hard cross.
But despite all the dominance, the best chance of the first half fell to Sydney FC striker Alex Brosque when a defensive mix-up gifted him an open run to goal.
He danced past goalkeeper Hugo Lloris but with the goal at his mercy fired a tame shot which allowed Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen to stick out his left leg and clear off the line.
The beaten A-League grand finalists face an even sterner test on Tuesday night when they take on newly crowned EPL champion Chelsea.
Jack
Guest
They like to say it's the pinnacle I know, and whilst I thoroughly enjoy Origin, it seems to me playing New Zealand is now a more "elite" event. The Kiwis would have pasted both teams on Wednesday, just like they did their combined forces in their last three encounters. It's a shame more people don't see that, because whilst Origin is great, after the test against New Zealand this year I was very much left wanting more.
The artist formerly known as Punter
Guest
The SOO got wall to wall coverage, radio, TV & print media & lots of free tickets given away by radio stations & got 80K, while with limited coverage SFC v Spurs got 71K, maybe not that long!!!!
The artist formerly known as Punter
Guest
Glad you watched it Cochie.
mattq
Guest
surely 7 would have been hoping for better figures?
JAJI
Guest
A nice end to our season - these tours....the AFL would never in a million years get close to 160,000 in 2 days at Sydney's Olympic stadium. When is the last time AFL even hit over 50,000?
SVB
Guest
It's the pinnacle of the game mate. The pinnacle of the game!
Stevo
Roar Rookie
So whats the point of your comparision. A meaningless friendly versus an annual state v state grudge match. Apples and oranges.
Wolly
Roar Guru
SOO is held on a Wednesday though, I doubt it would get anywhere near 2.4 million if it was on a Saturday night. Tuesday's match with Chelsea would be a better one to make comparisons with.
offsider
Guest
State of origin tv ratings 2.4 million on fta.last nights football 188 000 . There is still a long way to go.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
The were only four games played last weekend.
Realfootball
Guest
Not a fan of friendly games myself. I don't go to them. Don't owe any allegiances to foreign teams.
Realfootball
Guest
Don't forget Chelsea on Tuesday is sold out - so around 160,000 to two games in 3 days!!!!!! By the way, NRL's round last week was the lowest ever. Coincidence?
Stevo
Roar Rookie
And cross promotion with MKR. Just reminded me of why I watch little or no commercial telly. Game was great tho'. Credit to both sides.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
That's correct, 188k in total (I think AZ has double counted the 7Mate figures). Sat TV #THFCvSYD Seven Syd 108k 7mate 80k (Mel 20k Bri 26k Ade 21k Per 13k) Interesting that more watched the match in Brisbane than watched it in Melbourne.
Jack
Guest
71k is impressive, but I'd thought this had actually sold out... were there no shows?
AZ_RBB
Guest
Ah makes sense. Yeah I agree. Usually football keeps you on the edge of your seat for 90mins but last night because it was just a bit of a mad monday style post season muck around it didn't quite have the same intensity over 90mins. Still close to edge of your seat stuff for the entire game.
conchie
Roar Rookie
You have got that all wrong, It is 188 all up. Seven Syd 108k …… 7mate 80k (Mel 20k Bri 26k Ade 21k Per 13k) As soccer games go it was more boring than usual.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Total 268k 108k Syd 80k Mel 20k Bri 26k Ade 21k Per 13k
Realfootball
Guest
Anyone have the ratings?
Realfootball
Guest
Indeed.