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Phoenix's Paul Ifill celebrates - Source: Photosport -
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The Wellington Phoenix have thrilled the country with their dramatic run through the A-League playoffs. Tipped by many to be genuine wooden spoon contenders, they have probably even exceeded their own expectations in reaching the penultimate game of the season.
Now only the minor premiers Sydney FC stand in their way of a place in the grand final.
tvnz.co.nz assesses the possibilities.
Why Sydney will win: The minor premiers will be full of
confidence and feel like they have the psychological edge on the
New Zealand based side, having beaten them on all three occasions
this season. They boast the meanest defence in the league, and have
only conceded one goal to the Phoenix in over 270 minutes of
football.
Steve Corica, Alex Brosque and John Alosi are probably the best
forward line in the competition. Electric on the counterattack they
are also able to dominate midfield possession and play a more
structured game.
What they say: "Even though they're saying it's a one-off game and anything can happen - psychologically in the back of their minds they know they haven't been able to beat us this year." - Sydney striker Alex Brosque.
Why Phoenix will win: Ricki Herbert's team have built real momentum, and come to Sydney on the back of a five match winning streak. They will genuinely believe they are a much improved side to the team that has lost three times to Sydney this season, and they are certainly seem to have increased attacking options and more defensive cohesion. And Ricki Herbert has found the right midfield blend with Manny Muscat, Tim Brown and Vince Lia in the engine room.
What they say: "Saturday is just another away game for us and I think if we play to our best we are the better team to be honest all over the park and individually." - Phoenix defender Troy Hearfield.
Tale of the tape:
August 30, 2009 Sydney 2 Phoenix 0
November 1, 2009 Sydney 3 Phoenix 1
December 12, 2009 Phoenix 0 Sydney 1
Verdict: Sydney will be match hardened, coming off three
intense battles against the Melbourne Victory. They did appear to
tire badly in extra time last Sunday though and the Phoenix will
take heart from that. Sydney should dominate possession and will
look to attack on the flanks, targeting the sometimes flaky Tony
Lochhead and converted defender Troy Hearfield.
Sydney will aim to mark Paul Ifill out of the game and don't be
surprised to see a physical approach in an attempt to rile the
English import. The Phoenix have developed a real resilience and
you can depend on them to fight until the end. Ricki Herbert has
become a gambler in the last few months and will know he has to
take a attacking approach.
Prediction: Tough to call. But the likely scenario is
that Sydney will be a bridge too far for the Phoenix in this
campaign. Dreams die hard, and it may again be an extra time
battle, but the suspicion remains that the Australian side will
have too many guns for the Wellington team.
Can the Phoenix win? Add your opinions/messages of support
to our messageboard below
Add a Comment:
Post new commentpetersa said on 2010-03-12 @ 18:23 NZDT: Report abusive post
Steve Corica is retired bro, Sharpen Up!
razbra said on 2010-03-12 @ 15:15 NZDT: Report abusive post
@piglet- Respectability? Really. AB's are again currently ranked at 1 in the world, doesn't get much more respectable. I bet like everyone else after the second T20 vs Aus you were all over the Black Caps too. The only lacking area of respectability in NZ Sport is the fickle nature of its fan base. Good on the Phoenix. Not because the Cricketers are losing or the AB's missing a trophy. Just plain old well done for doing well!
cargocult said on 2010-03-12 @ 13:42 NZDT: Report abusive post
Piglet! pheonix have every chance, this is football anything can happen, and in saying that when that's the case and phoenix are a good footblall side it can happen. and who cares about the all blacks even if they do win it, what would happen is we would have clapping heard for the whole night.
Piglet said on 2010-03-12 @ 12:54 NZDT: Report abusive post
They have about as much chance as the Black Caps have of winning the next one dayer against Australia or the All Blacks of winning the World Cup - but go the Phoenix - they have brought some respectability to NZ sport