Perth Glory
0(1)
123
Sydney FC
0(4)
| Scored | R. Ghoochannejhad | |||
| B. Santalab | Saved | |||
| Scored | R. Grant | |||
| A. Keogh | Saved | |||
| Scored | B. O'Neill | |||
| J. D. D. P. LA3pez | Scored | |||
| Scored | A. L. Fondre | |||
| D. Djulbic |  | 116' | ||
| J. D. D. P. LA3pez | | 91' | ||
| 88' | | R. Grant | ||
| N. Kilkenny | | 69' | ||
| 55' | | S. D. Jong | ||
| S. Lowry | | 23' |
| 13 | Shots | 7 | ||
| 5 | On Target | 4 | ||
| 16 | Fouls | 19 | ||
| 8 | Corners | 2 | ||
| 2 | Offsides | 4 | ||
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 | ||
| 4 | Yellow Cards | 2 |
Perth Glory face Sydney FC at Optus Stadium on Sunday evening in the Grand Final of the 2018/19 A-League season. Join The Roar for live coverage from 6:30pm (AEST).
Tonight, Perth plays host to an A-League Grand Final for the ages.
The two best sides in the competition, going head-to-head, on the biggest stage in Australian football.
The Glory are aiming for their first Grand Final win in the A-League era and Perth boss, Tony Popovic, believes his side will ’embrace’ the challenge in front of them.
The 45-year-old is looking to end his Grand Final curse as a coach after losing three deciders with former employer, Western Sydney Wanderers.
The Sky Blues might take a slight psychological edge into the game having won two of the three fixtures this season.
Sydney had to settle for second place on the A-League ladder though.
As impressive Premiers, Glory never looked like relinquishing their lead to their challengers – something Glory boss Tony Popovic has been keen to emphasize this week.
Sydney FC Head Coach, Steve Corica, is relishing his teams underdog status, and insists his boys are ‘fired up’ as the club go in search of a fourth championship.
It has been all good news coming out of both camps this week, with neither side reporting injury concerns from last weekend’s matches.
The semi-finals produced all the drama we have become accustomed to in A-League football.
Sydney demolished their rivals – and last years’ champions – Melbourne Victory.
While Glory overcame Adelaide United (eventually) in a western shootout John Wayne would be proud of.
And as the host city, Perth is more than ready to stage it’s first Grand Final in 16 years.
As the match unfolds and the autumnal day turns to night, a warm purple glow will wrap around the magnificent Optus Stadium.
With a record-breaking A-League crowd packed inside it will be the perfect setting for the beautiful game to enchant us all over again.
Prediction
A week ago I had Perth Glory down as the champions-elect. That was before Sydney FC went and kicked a big V-shaped hole in the second semi-final. Now, I am not so sure.
I’m still swaying towards Glory. Defensively they are in better shape and have looked stronger this season. I do think it will take a moment of magic to win this final.
Perth Glory 1 – 0 Sydney FC
Join The Roar for live coverage from 6:30pm (AEST).
Where: Optus Stadium, Perth
When: Sunday 19th May 2019, 6:30pm AEST
TV: Fox Sports 505, 10 Bold, MyFootball Live App
Perth Glory squad
1.Tando VELAPHI (gk), 3.Jason DAVIDSON, 4.Shane LOWRY, 5.Ivan FRANJIC, 6.Dino DJULBIC, 7.Joel CHIANESE, 9.Andy KEOGH, 11.Brendon SANTALAB, 13.Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 16.Tomislav MRCELA, 17.Diego CASTRO, 19.Chris IKONOMIDIS, 20.Jake BRIMMER, 22.Fabio FERREIRA, 23.Scott NEVILLE, 27.JUANDE, 33.Liam REDDY (gk), 88.Neil KILKENNY
Sydney FC squad
1.Andrew REDMAYNE (gk), 2.Aaron CALVER, 4.Alex WILKINSON, 6.Josh BRILLANTE, 7. Michael ZULLO, 8.Paulo RETRE, 9.Adam LE FONDRE, 10.Milos NINKOVIC, 11.Danny DE SILVA, 13.Brandon O’NEILL, 14.Alex BROSQUE, 16. Reza GHOOCHANNEJHAD, 17. Anthony CACERES, 18. Jacob TRATT, 20.Alex CISAK (gk), 22. Siem de JONG, 23. Rhyan GRANT, 25. Joel KING
Redondo
Roar Rookie
I might be an exception but I really enjoyed the tactical battle in last night’s game, even though it was primarily a defensive battle. Both teams neutralised the other’s key attacking players really effectively. Similar last week, when Sydney isolated Honda in areas where he could do least damage. At times they let him have lots of space out on the wing, but shut him down instantly when he came inside. All up, Corica did a great job tactically in the finals. It’s taken a whole season for him to convince me. I’m hoping Sydney will buy Corica two or three quality players so he can really go for it in next year’s ACL. Sydney and Perth doing well in the ACL would have a great positive impact on the A-League.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
I don't disagree, even yesterday, SFC's quality in terms of maintaining possession was the equal of Perth's (although there were periods during the match when both sides were untidy, which we might put down to the hard surface, and pressure of a grand final).
Redondo
Roar Rookie
That’s not quite true of Sydney. They are very effective on the counter but they also play better possession football than most other teams. Victory too, but not so much in crunch games.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Watching both Victory and SFC, their thing for much of the season was to sit back and punish the errors of teams over-committing, and why not, in the A-League that's going to work against most teams because they play with a good deal of naivety.
anon
Roar Pro
Glory were gutless in extra time.
Redondo
Roar Rookie
O’Neill was pretty good too.
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
Thanks. And congrats by the way.
Jack George
Roar Guru
Sorry about the game... you can win it next season and you still won the premiers, you were the most consistent team all season.
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
Pretty much the same squad for next season plus Fornaroli. I don’t know why I’m this positive. Scary squad! I took 2 friends with me, they loved what they saw, they are considering getting a membership for next season. My job is done. Congrats to Sydney, you were better tonight. Maybe not all season but better tonight. GO GLORY!!!!
Redondo
Roar Rookie
Well my sympathy to both Jordans
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
That's the Brisbane Roar fan Jordan!!!!
Jordan
Guest
Correct. My team conceded 72 goals this season
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
Thanks mate. Enjoy the win
Redondo
Roar Rookie
I willed myself down to your level and that's what came out.
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
But his GF record is just as bad as Poppa's
Tom
Guest
Why do you need to be so personal. Why not instead argue the merits of Sydney's play.
Daniel Greenland
Roar Guru
SO... Sydney FC win the Grand Final on spot-kicks after a gruelling 120 minutes finished goalless. Perth Glory will be bitterly disappointed, especially after having a goal ruled out incorrectly in the first-half. Also tough on Brendon Santalab to miss the crucial penalty, with the final kick of his career. But it is Sydney FC's captain, Alex Brosque, in his final game for the club who will lift the trophy. Andrew Redmayne was outstanding again in goal and Brandon O'Neill also put in a magnificent performance for the Sky Blues. Well done to Sydney FC on a hard fought victory. Thank-you and goodnight!
Redondo
Roar Rookie
Back in your hole Tom
pete4
Guest
Popovic's record 0-4 in Grand finals now
Tom
Guest
Sydney anti football. Melbourne victory last year, Sydney this year. Defend, make no attempt to take the game to the opposition, knowing a league teams don't have the ability to break down teams intent on defending, wait for the team making the game to make mistake and catch them on the break. Corica just put the game back years with his tactics. A league can only flourish with teams having a go and not with how Corica et up his. Commentators praising Syneys playmaker on his defensive duties in his penalty box says it all. Horrible look on the game and horrible way to win. Who wants watch this type of game?