How your team fared in the Hyundai A-League semi finals, who made the headlines and the best from Twitter.
How your team fared in the Hyundai A-League semi finals, who made the headlines and the best from Twitter.
Western Sydney Wanderers Booked back-to-back grand final appearances with a well-deserved 2-0 win over a tired Central Coast to get some revenge for last year’s decider. Winger Youssouf Hersi was the star, scoring the opener in the first half before setting up the match-sealer for Iacopo La Rocca 10 minutes from the end. Hersi, who was the heartbreak story of last season after missing the decider through suspension, made amends with another tireless performance, while the defence looked assured throughout the 90 minutes.The only concern is an ankle injury to two-time championship winner Mark Bridge, who is a “big doubt” for the grand final according to coach Tony Popovic.
Central Coast Mariners Their title defence came to an end after a courageous defeat at Pirtek Stadium. After only arriving back in Sydney on Friday after an ACL clash in Japan this week, the Mariners were always going to be up against it but gave a good account of themselves. In the end the fresher and fitter Wanderers were just too good. The pace and mobility of Bernie Ibini, Mitchell Duke and Nick Fitzgerald looked like causing the home side problems early on but once Wanderers went ahead through Hersi it was always going to be a bridge to far for Phil Moss’ troops. The defeat brings the curtain down on the glittering career of former Socceroos attacker Mile Sterjovski.
Brisbane Roar Have given themselves a chance to complete the double and an incredible season with a gritty 1-0 win over Victory at a slippery Suncorp Stadium. Striker Besart Berisha, who is joining Victory next season, showed his future employers just what they are getting with a sublime run and finish to settle the outcome and book their spot in the decider. But Mike Mulvey’s troops had to survive a late onslaught to get there. Goal-keeper Michael Theo, who was a spectator for large periods, was called on to make three brilliant saves at the death to keep Victory out, while skipper Matt McKay was in the right spot at the right time to clear Archie Thompson’s effort off the line.
Melbourne Victory Were made to pay for a momentary lapse in concentration at the back that allowed Berisha to grab the winner. But Victory will be left wondering how they didn’t at least force extra-time after missing a couple of great chances at the death as well as having a penalty claim waved away in stoppage time. Skipper Mark Milligan, who was involved in the challenge for the penalty, was immense for the visitors and looks to be in good nick heading towards the World Cup. Young defender Nick Ansell was also impressive for Victory but the attacking quartet of Archie Thompson, James Troisi, Gui Finkler and Kosta Barbarouses were well shackled for much of the 90 minutes.
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Bridge injury threatens grand final spot
The 28-year-old limped off with an ankle injury and left Pirtek Stadium in a moon boot. Bridge would appear long odds to recover in time to take his spot against Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium which would be a cruel blow not only on him but the Wanderers side.
Hersi’s redemption?
The Dutchman missed last year’s decider due to suspension but will get a shot this time around after inspiring the Wanderers to victory over Central Coast. Hersi, who is rumoured to be joining Perth Glory next season, was a constant threat to the Mariners and was involved in both goals in a man-of-the-match performance.
Berisha haunts Victory
The Albanian will be Melbourne Victory’s marquee player next season but he put an end to their grand final hopes with a trademark goal at Suncorp Stadium. He will love to go out with a championship medal, with Roar chasing their third title in four seasons.
Header Muscat fuming
The Victory boss was irate with referee Strebre Delovski at full-time, believing his side should have had a penalty in stoppage time that could have saved their season.
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