Dare to hope? You think the Aucks will come back strong, but Heidelberg’s belief must be high.
Underestimating Heidelberg. Against the other A league teams Heidelberg beat, they went up a level after scoring and gaining momentum which led to Heidelberg dominating them.
They have been the more energetic and aggressive team and it will go up after that goal and I don't think Auckland are hungry enough.
Am I mean to be delighted - nah! Heidelberg you legends! Bet that result has popped a few fan ego balloons....welcome to realities of Football AFC. Something we know all too well.....
ananaveragestemBullionGordinhoHalf a Pint+6Jazzy Jeff, KiwiMancunian, LG, mjp2, Oi Oi Edgecumbe, WanderingSheep
7 months ago
Woud is just poor under pressure, gets too hesitant. Has plenty of ability otherwise, so unfortunate he hasn’t been able to fix a big shortcoming.
In saying that Heidelberg have played tactically perfect all cup, and that was no coincidence. Great through balls timed perfectly to open up Auckland. Gee you’d think scouts will be licking their lips with the roster.
The first goal was a Woud mistake, but it simply hastened the inevitable game result, I think. On the face of it, Auckland would likely have lost it in the extra time instead as the Bergers simply had greater match fitness. Apart from Eliot I did not see anyone in the white shirt likely to last 120 minutes. And let's not underappreciate John Anastadiadis, either. Guy has a future. Heidelberg would have won against Sydney FC, if it was them and not Auckland winning the game last week.
Hope the coaching staff were taking notes on a possible way to break Auckland down. Mind you not so sure we have the players with the nous or skill to deliver the pass or finish it.
Hope the coaching staff were taking notes on a possible way to break Auckland down. Mind you not so sure we have the players with the nous or skill to deliver the pass or finish it.
The defence-splitting pass to Asahi Yokokawa for the second goal was excellent.
Edit: and Yokokawa also provided the killer pass to Juach for the first goal. Who would have thought there was such midfield talent available in Japan :-)
Hope the coaching staff were taking notes on a possible way to break Auckland down. Mind you not so sure we have the players with the nous or skill to deliver the pass or finish it.
The defence-splitting pass to Yokazawa for the second goal was excellent.
So was the one for that last chance some of their play was great and easy to see which team was well into their season.
The first goal was a Woud mistake, but it simply hastened the inevitable game result, I think. On the face of it, Auckland would likely have lost it in the extra time instead as the Bergers simply had greater match fitness. Apart from Eliot I did not see anyone in the white shirt likely to last 120 minutes. And let's not underappreciate John Anastadiadis, either. Guy has a future. Heidelberg would have won against Sydney FC, if it was them and not Auckland winning the game last week.
AFC will be much more solid with Pijnaker back. Sakai is nowhere near as good at CB as he is at RB. Dont know how good their other CB options are
Edit: I'll also note that Woud made a crucial intervention in the first half and while he did have a second half shocker, i think it might be somewhat on AFC in signing such a high quality "understudy" in Sail. Way to make a keeper insecure about his position. Maybe some keepers thrive on that but doesnt look like Woud does
So the Final will be hosted in Melbourne then, will they put it on at AAMI Park? As surely Football Australia will consider Heidelberg's (or Avondale's if they also make it) ground too small for the Final right?
If that’s the level Ott’s playing at there’s no way he’d drop down to play in the A league…
LOL.... well played martinb
The only thing not mentioned about the positives of the OFC announcement- it would be nice to see Christchurch give Auckland a lesson or two or 4 or even 5 nil…I would enjoy that.
Well that result has made my day. Go the Bergers. Big pat on the back for their coach. They are well organised, disciplined and tactically astute. Wish the Nix would play like that. Privilaged FC 0 Bergers 2. Love it
Don't worry about the score, the end result is the same as what happened to the Nix. A LOSS. Welcome A League Premiers (As often referred to as by the commentators) to the Cup. Which is worse? a struggling near the bottom of the A League table losing to a very well drilled Heidelberg side or the current A League Premiers losing to Heidelberg? Now perhaps they might stop rubbing our noses in it.
Full credit to Heidelberg. They played good football and deserved all the wins against A League opposition. Their coach used their players to a decent game plan. Not much messing around back and forth across the back line or sitting back and waiting for the opposition to come forward in the hope of a quick counter attack.
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!
DolorasHalf a PintInsulinMachineMainland FC+2Simon B, WanderingSheep
7 months ago
Puts WSW and our loss to the Heidleberg team into perspective, they just beast the top of the Aleague. It would be amazing if the final had no Aleague teams involved, Avondale could be the second finalist if the Jets dont show up tonight.
BananasHalf a PintInsulinMachineLG+1Oi Oi Edgecumbe
7 months ago
theprof
Puts WSW and our loss to the Heidleberg team into perspective, they just beast the top of the Aleague. It would be amazing if the final had no Aleague teams involved, Avondale could be the second finalist if the Jets dont show up tonight.
Certainly hope so. It's time an amateur team wins the cup!
The first goal was a Woud mistake, but it simply hastened the inevitable game result, I think. On the face of it, Auckland would likely have lost it in the extra time instead as the Bergers simply had greater match fitness. Apart from Eliot I did not see anyone in the white shirt likely to last 120 minutes. And let's not underappreciate John Anastadiadis, either. Guy has a future. Heidelberg would have won against Sydney FC, if it was them and not Auckland winning the game last week.
Definitely with you on Anastasiadis.
He was an assistant for Aloisi for 4 seasons at Western & can recall him being highly rated by local pundits at that time. Would expect his name to be thrown around again the next time an ALM gig comes up.
The 'bergers pace up front to me was the crucial factor. It felt like most of the big chances came from them going fairly direct, putting the ball behind an advanced Elliott and their forwards getting to the ball before CB could get over to cover.
The 'bergers pace up front to me was the crucial factor. It felt like most of the big chances came from them going fairly direct, putting the ball behind an advanced Elliott and their forwards getting to the ball before CB could get over to cover.
I am not an expert on football tactics, but I know a fast, direct attack with accurate passing and good ball control, when I see one. It was a joy to watch. But consider they have not lost a single goal against over the last several rounds. How good is that. Yes their keeper is good, but their defence held up well.
+3
+1