Vidmar pleased for Brazilian duo

Adelaide United coach Aurelio Vidmar has praised Cassio and Cristiano’s perseverance after the Brazilian duo netted four goals in the Reds’ emphatic win over Wellington Phoenix on Friday.

Both players have faced challenges in the past few weeks and responded with dynamic performances at Hindmarsh Stadium.

Cristiano was banished to the bench during the team’s games against Sydney FC and Newcastle and was not considered a certain starter in Round 14.

But he was switched on from the opening minute and scored in the 43rd and 74th minutes. Vidmar, who rested Cristiano because of fatigue and form, said the striker showed an improved approach to the contest.

“Sometimes you might need a little bit of a spell outside and have a good think about things and come back with a really good attitude, really positive mindset and when it’s like that it makes everyone’s job easier,” he said.

Cassio missed the game against the Jets with a calf injury but was back to his best against the Phoenix. Vidmar said it was an admirable effort giving the attention he received in the first half.

“After a couple of heavy knocks … it was pleasing that he got up, he dusted himself off and got on with it and that’s what we want,” Vidmar said.

“You are never going to have a day where it’s nice and easy and no-one is going to tackle, you have to expect tackles and we are really pleased he got on with the game.”

Captain Travis Dodd said the whole team’s attitude improved against Wellington.

“We had a pretty intense week on the training track and I think the thing that has been missing in the last couple of weeks is what we spoke about before the game … to go out there and show determination and the will to win,” he said.

“Perhaps it hasn’t been there as much as it should have been over the last two or three weeks but tonight it was definitely there.”

“The 50-50 tackles everyone was going in 100 per cent and giving everything. It just shows you get out what you put in.”

There’s no rest for the wicket for Adelaide United with the Reds already in preparation mode for the Club World Cup in Japan.

Vidmar said there could be exciting times ahead but only if the team maintains its game-by-game focus.

“We’ve certainly got a tough game to start off with and I know a lot of people have already started thinking a little bit further than that first game against Waitakere, but they are going to be tough.”