Brisbane Roar boss John Aloisi said his side’s remarkable comeback against Wellington Phoenix will help kick-start their season after picking up their first point of the new campaign.
Roar looked destined for a heavy defeat after conceding three goals in the opening 20 minutes in Wellington, with Andrija Kaludjerovic netting twice either side of a Roy Krishna thunderbolt.
But Massimo Maccarone’s double and a poacher’s effort from Avram Papadopoulos rescued an improbable 3-3 draw for Aloisi’s side.
“We feel this is the start of the season. We showed not only midway through that first half but in the second half we completely dominated,” Aloisi told Fox Sports.
“To come from 3-0 down and should have actually won the game at the end, it shows we’re a quality side because Wellington have showed in the first few rounds that they can match it with anyone.”
Incredibly, Fahid Ben Khalfallah could have won the game for the Roar in the dying stages but the Tunisian’s strike ricocheted off the upright.
Aloisi said the result didn’t feel like a win but paid tribute to his side’s fighting spirit after such a disastrous opening.
“No because we could have won it. It feels good to come from behind because within a minute we concede a goal and within 20 minutes we’re 3-0 down,” Aloisi said.
“The boys showed great character, great resilience and played some brilliant football. That’s what this team’s about.”
Roar return to Suncorp Stadium next weekend as they play host to Central Coast Mariners.
