Western Sydney Wanderers coach Tony Popopvic praised his side’s character in overcoming the dual setback of an opening round hammering and a potentially debilitating own goal to ultimately have the better of a 1-1 draw against Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium.
Fresh off a big 3-1 home defeat against Brisbane Roar, the Wanderers were again reeling when Spanish recruit Andreu deflected an own goal in the 21st minute against a Reds line-up that appeared to be seeing off the visitors’ many dangerous forays.
Endeavouring to equalise, Popovic’s charges threw everything at the home side and finally prevailed when Andreu redeemed himself by finding the back of the net following Tarek Elrich’s errant clearance.
“We were very pleased with the performance overall,” Popovic said.
“I’m even more pleased that when you get a setback like we did with an own goal, and we could have had a couple of goals, you lose last week, the character of the players showed.
“They kept playing, kept creating.”
Reds and Wanderers all square in Adelaide
With Romeo Castelen sparkling in attack, the Wanderers repeatedly put United’s defence to the sword.
Popovic anticipates his forwards will do a progressively better job of making sides pay as the season progresses.
“We got into their box quite easily,” Popovic said.
“It’s a final pass or decision or touch (that’s missing) – but that’s coming.
“It was better than last week (against Brisbane) and it will keep getting better.
“The players will get fitter, they will get sharper and we’ll get better combinations around the box.”
Before the match, most Wanderers fans would have taken the point on offer at Hindmarsh, a venue Western Sydney hasn’t tasted victory at for almost three years.
And while Popovic was left to bemoan a prime opportunity gone begging, he was happy that his team – sitting bottom of the ladder after Round 1 after finishing second-bottom last year – at least got something out of the match.
“Disappointed not to get three (points),” Popovic said.
“But I’m pleased that the players go off with some reward for a very good performance.”
