Fear not if you missed Melbourne Victory’s A-League opener last night, as we’ve got the main talking points covered for you. The 0-0 draw against Adelaide United told us plenty about how the season may unfold for both sides.
***
Two teams that loved to play football…
Didn’t. The parallels between last night’s contest and the pair’s last meeting at Adelaide Oval (Round Two last season) were staggering. We saw an opening half ridden with error and fouls, as both sides cowered away from producing a game of football that moved at anything more than a canter. Chances fell sporadically in an improved second half, as did the tackles – again like that encounter last season – with a apparent elbow resulting in Leigh Broxham receiving his marching orders on 73 minutes. Unfortunately, we weren’t treated to the late goals we saw last year.
With Carl Valeri back in the starting XI…
Oliver Bozanic will explode. It was an incredibly promising debut from the former Central Coast Mariners midfielder as he provided box-to-box movement, mounds of energy and classy distribution throughout the contest. But you can’t help but feel the presence of an experienced midfielder alongside him breaking up the play would allow Bozanic further scope to push up the field to impact the contest. The technically gifted left-footer looks an astute replacement for departed former skipper Mark Milligan.
And after all…
You’re [Mathew Delpierre] my Wonderwall. On the day that Adelaide United unveiled Oasis as its terrace anthem, Victory showcased its very own wonderwall in defence in the form of Mathieu Delpierre. Stood firm in the moments where Adelaide threatened to explode and once again showed his experience in spades, providing a cool head and world-class distribution. His block off former Melbourne Heart striker Eli Babalj in the first class was goal-saving.
Once you’re in the A-League system…
You’re there for life. Like any good CV, the secret is getting the foot in the door and from there, the world is your oyster. It’s hard to suggest that Mate Dugandzic secured a contract with Adelaide United based on his listless performances with Melbourne City last season. On last nights showing, it looks as if he might once more play a bit-part role as he failed to find his feet nor apply a finish to Sergio Cirio’s cross in the early stages of the contest, despite his tireless running.
If there was any doubts about the NPL’s talent line…
Both Rashid Mahazi and Thomas Deng cast them aside. Mahazi certainly stuck the boot in early, leaving his impact on half the Adelaide starting XI. But once he settled into his groove, the former Northcote City man repaid the faith offered to him by Kevin Muscat with a commandeering performance in the engine room. Made countless interceptions in what was arguably his best performance of his young career, despite a nervy turnover in the 90th minute that resulted in an opportunity for Cirio. As for Deng, his 15-minute cameo saw him assist in wrestling momentum back from Adelaide after Broxham’s dismissal. He was strong aerially and put his body about to help the cause.
Plenty of star-power was on show at Adelaide Oval…
But they’re yet to dust off the cobwebs. For Adelaide, Cirio didn’t see enough of the ball, but was serviceable when he did, having seen a penalty shout turned down and a classy strike in injury-time swatted away by Danny Vukovic. Besart Berisha on the other hand had a wealth of chances, but was the victim of early season rust as he failed to capitalise on the service offered to him by the impressive Bozanic and the like. Gui Finkler looked behind the pace but still managed to fashion a great opening, forcing John Hall into a smart diving save with a stinging strike.
Melbourne Victory’s new away kit…
Is fantastic. Enough said.