Steve Corica’s Sky Blues might be teetering on the edge of finals oblivion, but it doesn’t mean the super coach hasn’t practised his acceptance speech yet.
Clearly, Sydney FC are still in with a chance, as the race to A-League Men glory heats up.
Last night, after a blistering goal from teen sensation Gerang Kuol, Central Coast secured their place in finals football by beating the Brisbane Roar at Moreton Daily Stadium.
Somewhere south of the boarder, Ante Milicic was probably grabbing his passport. The Macarthur manager narrowly missed out on challenging for the championship.
Having made public his intention to coach in Croatia, the Bulls’ mentor seemed to have lost some of his gleam recently, which might have affected team morale.
Currently five A-League Men teams are locked in to compete for silverware. One spot remains, being contested by two clubs, each from separate nations.
The question is: are you a Wellington or Sydney FC supporter?
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Mathematically, if the Phoenix choke in their final two matches then the Sky Blues have a chance, provided they win against the Victory and Roar.
Although it is Melbourne’s final game of the regular season, so Tony Popovic’s men would dearly enjoy conquering another Big Blue, and trying to take the premier’s plate.
If Steve Corica’s team fails, however, it means no Sydney club will be represented in the top half of the table.
How this could affect streaming metrics is yet to be seen. It can only be assumed Channel 10 will not be thrilled.
Potentially, Australia’s most populated city will miss being showcased on football’s biggest stage. Does this finally mean an end to the infamous east coast bias?
Or will Sydney’s luck continue, equating to a larger number of Paramount subscribers being pleased?
Such is the conspiracy theory behind the metropolis narrative, where heaven and earth are moved to suit bigger clubs.
Keep in mind, for such a grand occasion to occur, Wellington would have to lose to Western Sydney and Melbourne City, which is still perfectly viable.
Call them underachievers, but the Wanderers have only lost one match during their last five appearances.
With Sydney FC striker Bobo announcing his retirement at the end of the season, a fairytale finish for the Brazilian writes itself nicely into the history books.
The audacity of success follows Sydney FC like an expensive perfume.
Don’t be surprised if they bounce forward.
Hudddo
Roar Rookie
Called it.
Garry
Roar Rookie
One of those games.. WSW probably 'deserved' to at least draw but form is form, like Sydney they havent been able to get results all season. Bittersweet result for me.. Gr8 WSW lost, Gr8 Phoenix made the 6..BUT Sydney gone..the football gods have spoken! BTW I dont see what Ziggy did wrong this season..one of the best last year but struggled for game time. I suspect he might be one with covid issues.
Grem
Roar Rookie
That was a good game last night - the result wasn't known until the final whistle blew. WSW had a few hits on the posts at the end - it would have been a nervous night for Wellington fans. Now for the necessary rebuild that Sydney have to do.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Congratulations to Wellington Phoenix who are through to the A-League finals. The top six is set in stone. The Wanderers somehow lost, even with ball possession at around 70% & superior shots at goal (I blame the “winners” curse of Ziggy Gordon). Sydney FC, unfortunately, do not get a chance to contend for silverware, based on the above results. The Sky Blues can still happily wind down the season with a Big Blue win this weekend. Success will see Melbourne Victory starved of the Premier’s Plate. With that in mind, the winner will either be Melbourne City or Western United instead.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Kamsoba’s flourished far more at Sydney, as compared to Victory, especially in the first half of the season. He was a pleasant surprise when arriving at FC.
Garry
Roar Rookie
:silly: .. no its a comment on the ridiculous comment Sydney doesnt 'deserve' to make the 6..look at their performance stats v Phoenix's... they fully deserve to make the 6 BUT thats a low bar for Sydney.. do we deserve to win the comp ? ..no way but make the 6 it could happen aka Victory in earlier years. If Phoenix make it - and at this stage theyre favs - then they would deserve it more because they got the pts. The rebuild will take place regardless.
At work
Roar Rookie
Is this a comment for the sake of a comment?? :silly:
Football is Life
Roar Rookie
Where I come from, people are sick and tired of Sydney. The decisions always go Sydney's way, the luck goes Sydney's way. Nobody likes the Schumacher effect. Personnally, the spray that Corica gave in the media presser after the GF, has had me hoping that A) Sydney miss the finals and B) that Corica is bound for some quality Centrelink time. The arrogance and indignation were jaw-dropping and suggested one thing, that Sydney believe the game revolves around them. Wrong!!!
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
I think your deluded like all those people who gave Ninkovic player of the year last year. Ninkovic is extremely well liked no doubt, like Broich, Castro where no one acknowledged these players obvious decline as seasons went on and every single commentator and pundit has this issue. Narsingh reluctant to tackle, reluctant to press, reluctant to shoot there doesn;t seem to be a lot of desire there anymore and his record reflects that, 6 years since his last decent season. You dont gamble on older players improving in the future if your sensible. Kosta Victory fans have always disliked him , whether he is likeable or not is irrelevant. Performance wise he has been the second best player behind Brosque in the history of the A-league. Goals, assists, pressing, runs, tracking back, ball winning he does it all but he is getting on. Injury+ age its too much of a risk to keep him if Phoenix offer him big dollars.
Garry
Roar Rookie
Penha would be a great pick up!
Garry
Roar Rookie
Agree with some disagree with a lot..for starters no way Kosta was ever our best player, not even close..and of course Ninko shouldve been signed and depending on cost would still be good value going forward. Corica as a coach debateable but yes Kamsoba & Burgess are playing well. Narsing is a strange case- on cv he is gr8 but he is reluctant to tackle & since looking ok early hasnt made an impact. Im inclined to give him another year [depending on cost!] as often imports struggle their first year. Talbot again is another strange case to me.. he has been good value but seems to me to waste the opportunities created a lot.
Garry
Roar Rookie
WHOEVER deserves 6th spot will get it & whoever doesnt will deserve that too. Phoenix have been poor lately.
Garry
Roar Rookie
Wrong .. we're all very keen on it happening (tho Phoenix is my 2nd team). However we accept that a big reset is required going forward.
Brendan
Roar Pro
If the Sydney derby can once again fill the stadiums, it’ll be gold. Extremely possible considering FC’s glittering new home at Moore Park.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Sydney thrashed Central Coast 5-0 a few weeks ago, so there’s still gas in the tank. However, their swift return from the ACL will test their legs. I’m looking for the Wanderers to have a huge game (against Phoenix), considering that Rudan stated player’s contracts were on the line.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Sydney’s got solid foundations, but the establishment can certainly be refurbished. The name (or brand) alone is worth millions. Even their Opera House crest is iconic, recognised around Australia. Although their on-field results are questionable, as a potential investor (or new owner), I’d be confident in sinking my money into the Sky Blues. It’s an image issue - the illusion of Emerald City.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Keep in mind, for the first dozen rounds, Macarthur were always in the top four. You’re right though, the Bulls ran out of steam. Valentino Yuel had some marvellous games for the Jets, & I’m surprised they didn’t go further.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Certainly, head coach since 2018. Impressive considering the couple of seasons other managers only get (at a single club). Plus, a premiership & two championships for Corica.
josh
Guest
I don't think there'd be a roof by the end of the match. I couldn't watch though, the stress would end me.
Grem
Roar Rookie
Unlikely- Wellington may lose both, but given Sydney's inconsistency and lack of goal scoring means they'll get 4 points at best. I do support Sydney, but I support football more so I will enjoy the finals no matter who is there. Missing this year is OK because it will make next year even sweeter whe they're back - bigger and better than ever. It will be the beginning of a new dynasty where hopefully The Wanderers are also more competitive as well. Just imagine that a Sydney v West Sydney grand final. It would rate through the roof.