Adelaide United two-goal hero Sergio van Dijk admitted he won’t be changing his name to van “Strike” after the stunning 25 metre free kick he nailed in the Reds 4-1 mauling of Melbourne Victory on Sunday, but he did say it could be one of his best career goals.
Given the context of the game, Adelaide’s record 10 consecutive losses to the Victory and the intense rivalry and history between the two sides, van Dijk acknowledged the curling thunderbolt was amongst his finest efforts.
Van Dijk’s double in the drought-breaking thrashing takes him to 13 goals for the season, three clear of Brisbane Roar pair Jean Carlos Solorzano and Kosta Barbarouses, and Robbie Kruse of the Victory.
The Reds marksman paid tribute to his team-mates and United’s polished performance and warned similar displays from Adelaide are sure to continue.
“The moment, the whole atmosphere of the game, the history of the game against Melbourne Victory, yeah in total it was a good goal,” van Dijk said.
“I think we didn’t feel threatened by Melbourne and it gives us good hope. If we can play against Melbourne like this, we can play against other teams like this.”
“Of course I am happy with the two goals, that is what a striker is there for. But I think in general all over the park we were pretty sharp. I’m happy, especially with the first goal. The second goal was a little bit lucky but they count as well.”
United’s marauding left back Cassio had won the free kick after dancing past Victory captain Kevin Muscat, who received the first of his two yellow cards when he fouled the Brazilian.
Cassio also has a deadly left foot and a reputation as a set piece specialist but van Dijk admitted the two have an agreement when it comes to dead ball situations.
“When it’s closer to the box we agreed that Cassio will take it but when it’s further out I take it,” van Dijk said.
“This was a bit further and I thought maybe I’ll just smash it at goal. I think with good wind speed and a little bit of luck it went in. No, sometimes is goes in and sometimes you miss. As long as it goes in, I’m happy.”
Van Dijk acknowledged he is no stranger to special treatment, revealing he is often battered and bruised after most matches and the clash against Victory was no different.
The Reds striker has a bruised groin after colliding heavily with Melbourne keeper Michael Petkovic before the ball rebounded fortuitously off van Dijk and into the net for his second goal.
Van Dijk admitted he was lucky not to be seriously injured in the collision and he was in too much pain to celebrate the Reds fourth goal.
“It comes with the type of game I play so I can’t complain,” he said.
“Sometimes you give some, sometimes you get some and that’s the way it goes. The goalkeeper tried to get me but if I scored, then he had to get me properly or stop the ball and he missed everything.”
“I’m lucky that I didn’t get a serious injury out there. My groin is really sore and really bruised. For a win like this and a good goal, it makes it a lot easier to recover.”
“To be honest I was expecting it because when the ball went towards him I was already thinking this is going to be nasty. I expected more a knee in my upper body than studs in my groin. I tried to get up to celebrate but it was too painful.”
