Glen AtwellMelbourne Victory defeat Adelaide United...
August 27th 2006 23:49
The kick-off was delayed. The queues snaked along Swanston Street. Traffic turned into chaos. It’s been seven long months since Olympic Park entertained Melbourne soccer fans and the A-League put on an unforgettable show.
More than 15,700 fans bustled their way into the season opener to see Melbourne Victory defeat Adelaide United 2-0 on Friday night.
The Blue and White Brigade were in full voice, and even the 75 Adelaide fans who made the pilgrimage managed to cause an audible stir.
Fox Sports stepped up their coverage considerably; Simon Hill was enthused and entertaining behind the microphone. It seems the A-League’s x-factor has finally arrived.
Everything worked. The pitch looked good, the players looked good and even the fans smelt good.
But perhaps most impressive was the standard of play. Archie Thompson had moments of brilliance and Victory Brazilian imports Alessandro and Claudinho inspired. Adelaide could not contain the spontaneity and drive of the Melbourne midfield and failed to penetrate the resolute Victory defence.
Victory captain Kevin Muscat blasted the first goal of the A-League season after team-mate Alessandro was brought down by United defender Richie Alagich – leaving referee Matthew Breeze with no choice but to point to the spot for a penalty kick.
Adelaide dominated possession in the first ten minutes, but a nervous Melbourne start soon synthesised and the transfer from defence to attack became effortless as the match progressed.
Claudinho ensured Melbourne would collect the first three points of the season after nailing a deflected ball into the back of an unguarded net.
Adelaide, the pre-season cup victors, could not control the Victory’s talented recruits and were far from organised at many times throughout the match.
It’s time to get excited about Australian soccer. The culture is coming and the A-League is beginning to look and feel good. Version 2.0 is all promise.
Melbourne Victory 2
(Muscat 29 (pen), Claudinho 77)
Adelaide United 0
Melbourne Victory's Blue and White Brigade celebrated victory in style. Photo: www.a-league.com.au
More than 15,700 fans bustled their way into the season opener to see Melbourne Victory defeat Adelaide United 2-0 on Friday night.
The Blue and White Brigade were in full voice, and even the 75 Adelaide fans who made the pilgrimage managed to cause an audible stir.
Fox Sports stepped up their coverage considerably; Simon Hill was enthused and entertaining behind the microphone. It seems the A-League’s x-factor has finally arrived.
Everything worked. The pitch looked good, the players looked good and even the fans smelt good.
But perhaps most impressive was the standard of play. Archie Thompson had moments of brilliance and Victory Brazilian imports Alessandro and Claudinho inspired. Adelaide could not contain the spontaneity and drive of the Melbourne midfield and failed to penetrate the resolute Victory defence.
Victory captain Kevin Muscat blasted the first goal of the A-League season after team-mate Alessandro was brought down by United defender Richie Alagich – leaving referee Matthew Breeze with no choice but to point to the spot for a penalty kick.
Adelaide dominated possession in the first ten minutes, but a nervous Melbourne start soon synthesised and the transfer from defence to attack became effortless as the match progressed.
Claudinho ensured Melbourne would collect the first three points of the season after nailing a deflected ball into the back of an unguarded net.
Adelaide, the pre-season cup victors, could not control the Victory’s talented recruits and were far from organised at many times throughout the match.
It’s time to get excited about Australian soccer. The culture is coming and the A-League is beginning to look and feel good. Version 2.0 is all promise.
Melbourne Victory 2
(Muscat 29 (pen), Claudinho 77)
Adelaide United 0
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