Queensland Roar coach Frank Farina has paid tribute to a skilful performance from Michael Zullo that saw his side triumph 2-1 over Central Coast in the second leg of the Minor Semi-Final at Suncorp Stadium.
Twenty-year-old Zullo played a major role in boosting the Roar to their second Hyundai A-League Preliminary Final in as many years and Farina was quick to lavish praise on the youngster.
“He’s got sore hands at the moment from patting himself on the back,” Farina joked, before making clear his admiration for the speedy winger’s performance.
“He was superb tonight, I thought Michael was absolutely fantastic, one of his better games for us this season.”
“Although the last half of the season he’s been very consistent, that’s what I’ve come to expect from Michael, performances like tonight.”
Zullo recently received a call up for national duty when a Socceroos squad full of Hyundai A-League players drew 0-0 with Indonesia in an Asian Cup qualifier.
Farina believed the honour served as a major lift for Zullo.
“I always think that is a confidence boost, your first national team selection,” he said.
“He got some time on the park, once you’ve got a taste, you want more of it.”
Roar skipper Craig Moore appeared to be unworried by a hurried preparation that saw the Socceroos defender arrive in Brisbane only on the morning of the match.
Moore had been in international action less than 48 hours before when he starred in Australia’s 0-0 draw with Japan in the World Cup Qualifier.
Farina said the performance was ‘outstanding’, but that he had come to expect no less from Moore.
“It’s great, but you come to expect that from Craig, because he’s the one who knows his body and knows how he is, and he was fine.”
“Three games in seven days is always a big ask, particularly factoring in an international in Japan.”
Farina was confident his side had learned enough from last year’s gutting 3-2 extra time loss to Newcastle to be a force against either Adelaide United or Melbourne Victory.
“When I first came to the club I said I wanted to create a culture here which is a winning mentality, a never-say-die, fight all the time attitude, and I think we did that.”
“We have some good experienced old heads and a lot of energetic, enthusiastic young people and we’ve got that.”
“That’s no guarantee for success, but there is a belief within the group that we can be a very good side.”
