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Like a swarm of bumblebees, Wellington Phoenix has swept into the A-League finals and is – remarkably – just one kick off from a place in the decider set to be played today against Sydney FC.
It has certainly been the romantic story of the season.
There is plenty to love about the Phoenix.
It might be the part its played in New Zealand‘s World Cup qualification for the second time. Or the way the Phoenix have reinvigorated the careers of its squad members, like defender Jon McKain (recently recalled to the Australian fold after an absence of more than three years), tenacious midfielder Vinnie Lia or talismanic strike Eugene Dadi. Perhaps it is that coach Ricki Herbert – who looks like he once could have been a star of Neighbours – has emerged one of the region’s finest coaches.
Most probably, it’s the way the club has lived up to its name.
There were plenty of naysayers when Wellington emerged as New Zealand’s entrant in the A-League for the 2007/08 season.
They had ample reason. The New Zealand Knights, based in Auckland, were the antithesis of the Phoenix outfit that will tomorrow run out in the A-League preliminary final.
Consistently dogged by poor results, not to mention painfully low attendances, the Knights never engaged the Land of the Long White Cloud.
It’s why the Phoenix has, quite literally, risen from the ashes.
The club has had its detractors, even now as it begins to experience onfield success.
AFC president Mohammed Bin Hamman has been a long-time critic of the right of the club, still a member of Oceania, to play in an Asian competition.
Branko Culina, coach of the defeated Newcastle Jets, admitted this week he’d rather see the Phoenix’s spot go to an Australian team.
The Phoenix hierarchy, led by unflappable owner Terry Serepisos and chief executive Tony Pignata, has always
answered criticism and speculation with a straight and composed bat.
On the field, Herbert’s side has simply got down to business. Helped by some astute signings – none more so than electric striker Paul Ifill – the Phoenix has answered in the best way possible: by a finals campaign that could end in grand final glory.
Questions over its legitimacy should it potential secure an Asian Champions League spot did not worry the 32,792 spectators that flocked to Westpac Stadium to cheer on the club’s nail biting minor semi-final over the Jets.
Skipper Andrew Durante and his men will be gunning for Sydney come kick off.
But for so long the A-League’s poor cousin, the Phoenix has already won.
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