Penalty-taking Wellington goalkeeper Danny Vukovic looms as the finals wildcard as the Phoenix look to do the near impossible and win the Hyundai A-League title from sixth spot.
That’s the view of former Chelsea, Manchester United and Qantas Socceroos custodian Mark Bosnich, who has been blown away by Vukovic’s form this season.
Wellington meet Adelaide United in the first knockout semi-final at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday night.
If they survive, the Kiwis would need to win a further two sudden-death matches just to reach the decider.
But Bosnich believes that with Vukovic between the sticks – fresh from scoring a penalty in his last outing – anything is possible.
“Danny’s had a great season. He’s been outstanding in a season where there’s been a lot of good goalkeepers,” Bosnich told Sportal.
“His recent form has been great and he’s going to be an integral part if Wellington are to progress any further.”
“Goalkeepers, especially in these one-off knockout type games, play a crucial part and Danny is right up among the best of them.”
“He could take Wellington beyond this first week and who knows from there.”
Bosnich was reluctant to rate the finals goalkeepers from one to six but could not separate his top four – Vukovic, Matt Ryan (Mariners), Glen Moss (Gold Coast) and Michael Theoklitos (Roar).
“They’ve all come to the fore when they’ve needed to,” he said of the quartet.
“They’ve set a real high standard for keepers across the competition and I am looking forward to seeing their work in the finals.”
“One save can turn a game.”
“They will be absolutely crucial to their teams’ chances, especially if we go to penalties.”
Bosnich forecast a Gold Coast victory at the start of the year but is wavering after Brisbane’s record-breaking run to the minor premiership.
He said: “At the start of the season I predicted Gold Coast so I have to stick with that.”
“But given the standards they have set, Brisbane have got to be favourites.”
“They’ve set a new benchmark for footballing prowess in this country.”
“We’ve got a team we can be proud of and they will be hoping to win to leave a great legacy by completing the double.”
