by Dirko » Mon Jan 21, 2008 11:13 pm
Sydney drew 2 all with Melbourne, which coughed up their chance for a top two spot. Melbourne would've been happy with the result knowing that they'd sabotaged Sydney's top two plans.
Since Culina was given the boot and Kosmina took over the reigns, Sydney's season went from woe to go, with a stellar second half of the year, and great successive wins over CCM & Adelaide at a packed Adelaide Oval, to ensure a finals spot.
Sydney take on the Queensland Roar in the Minor Semi, hiome and away, with the loser out and the winner taking on either the Jets or Mariners.
Sydney have drawn the past two games, so momentum has stalled slightly. They will need the full squad available as depth will be tested. Kosmina kicked up a fuss in regard to the Socceroos training camp this week refusing to release his players until the FFA stepped in. He was the only manager who made a fuss, and considering Newcastle have 9 players, CCM have 5 & Queensland have the one, I'm sure those teams could've made a claim also but I guess it shows the class of those teams managers.
Wether that will take some pressure or add it will be seen.
Sydney have only the 4th best attack in the league on goals scored, and the third best defence on goals conceeded, so they haven't been blown away. With Bolton in goal they have one of the best custodians in the game (behind Covic & Vukovic IMO), and a bloke in the midfield by the name of Juninho, but for me it's Brosque who hold the key. If he fires he's very hard to stop and Moore will have to be on his game to stop him.
Sydney season highlight, defeating the CCM 5 - 4 at Gosford in arguably the game of the year, and probably the game since the leagues inception.
Sydney lowlight, losing 4 - 2 against Perth in Sydney. This came after 6 weeks without a loss, and was followed by 5 weeks of the same. A huge blimp, which could've derailed the season but to their credit didn't.
Form against fellow finalists
CCM, won 2 lost 1
Queensland, won 1 drew 2
Newcastle, won three lost nil
Have the best record against all the finals teams collectively, which would put them in good stead. Drops games in which it should win, so will be interesting to watch. If not switched on will be in trouble.
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Queensland came to Adelaide to win, and sew up the Premiership. Instead they lost 2 nil, Tiatto got sent off and will miss one if not two finals, and finished the season fourth, after being top last week. Adelaide finally showed some resolve and punished Queensland in the best possible way, by ensuring they have to do it the hard way.
They have a solid defence held together by the veteran in Moore, who IMO was in good touch against Adelaide. However Reddy has a broken thumb which will keep him out of goal for another week, Tiatto is gone, McKay has a injury and so does Moore. If McKay and Moore don't get up then Queensland could exit in straight sets against the finals hardened side in Sydney.
Moore is the barometer for the side, along with Reinaldo. If the big Brazilian is waxing lyrical then they can trouble the Sydney defence. The loss against Adelaide would've taken the wind out of the sails so will be interesting to see how they go
Queensland season highlight, a 2 - 1 win over the CCM in Brisbane, which just about guaranteed them a spot in the top four.
Queensland season lowlight, losing 2 - nil against Adelaide in the final round. Cost them the premiership, the right to play in the ACL and a huge chance to get the championship...
Form against fellow finalists
Sydney lost 1, drawn 2
CCM won 2, lost 1
Newcastle lost 1, drawn 2.
CCM is the only team they have the better of this year of the finalists. The games against Sydney have been boring, and they would need to promote attacking football to have a chance. IMO no chance...
The joy of being on the hill drinking beer cannot be understated
