Which players hold the keys to winning the Championship for their side?
What a Hyundai A-League 2008 Finals Series we are set down for and predicting a winner, is well, anyone-s guess at this stage.
Unlike in the first two seasons, where there was a clear favourite heading into the finals, that-s not the case this time around. All four finalists are so evenly matched that it is really going to come down to which teams can handle the pressure of finals football on the day.
That pressure will be intense with near capacity crowds expected at most finals matches and the expectation of home fans will be enormous. Which teams and more importantly, which players, are able to handle that expectation the best, could well go a long to deciding, which team will be crowned Hyundai A-League 2008 Champion.
Each team needs those leaders on the park; who will make a difference when it matters most and show their teammates the way forward.
First up, we take a look at the Minor Semi Finals teams Sydney and Queensland and the players who could shape their teams fortunes during the finals.
Sydney FC
Juninho - There is no doubt the little Brazilian has that magic touch, that we all marveled at in his days at Middlesbrough and in Europe. It-s just that we have so far seen little of it, due to injury and fitness, which has kept his appearances and time on the park down. But there are signs that he will have a big say in the finals after starting in the final game against Melbourne and showing some of the class that makes him so special. If there anyone that can create something out of nothing, with an exquisite pass or turn, its Juninho. If there is one criticism, it-s that he hasn-t scored a goal so far this season and if Sydney is to go on and win their second Championship then he might need to get his name on the scoresheet a couple of times. His combination with Steve Corica and Alex Brosque will be pivotal for Sydney.
Alex Brosque - Playing as an out and out striker has suited Alex Brosque this year and it-s shown in his goals tally of eight. Often criticised because he is too left-footed, he showed everyone that he has a good right-foot shot with his goal in the final round against Melbourne Victory. Brosque is also one of the more skilled players in the competition and gets a lot of attention from opposition defenders. He can hold the ball up well; can create space for others and has good pace, which often leaves him with many one-on-one-s with opposition keepers. He will relish Juninho-s return to the starting team, as they have clicked in a few games this season. If on song, he will cause any defence some serious problems during the finals.
Tony Popovic - Never has the former Socceroos defender been more invaluable to his team than in the last month. The departure of Mark Rudan left a fair hole at the back and Popovic, as the most experienced defender, has lifted accordingly, with some telling displays. While his legs are aging, his brain is not and his ability to see what is happening around him and to be in the right places at the right time is uncanny. He is as tough as nails, but also one of the few defenders that can set up attacks from the back. Is rarely beaten in the air and is dangerous at set pieces. His experience is invaluable to the likes of Mark Milligan and Iain Fyfe and will be even more so come finals time. Winning Championships is just as much mental, as it is about ability, and with the likes of Popovic guiding Sydney around the park, you can bet they will be a hard team to break down.
Queensland Roar
Craig Moore - the decision by the Qantas Socceroo defender to return to play in his native Queensland has proven a fruitful one for the club, as they reached the finals for the first time. It was a bad start to the season for Moore; sent off in his first game for the club, but since then has proved his value. Going into the last round they led the competition, a testament to his influence on the squad this season, but Danny Tiatto-s dismissal and the teams subsequent loss to Adelaide saw them drop to a disappointing 4th. Moore though showed his class and despite playing injured, soldiered on and led by example. His experience and control at the back, means that Queensland is always going to be a hard team to play against and for that matter beat. Like Popovic for Sydney, he is a natural leader and brings out the best in the young players around him and this season, Queensland have a few young players. The biggest worry for coach Frank Farina, is that Craig is not 100% fit and is getting nursed through training just to right for games. However on the field, you know you will only get 110% from the veteran defender and most forwards will know they have been in a battle.
Reinaldo - often maligned because he doesn-t always score the goals he should, the Brazilian front man is a key player for Queensland. This was never more evident then against Sydney in the club-s last home game, when Reinaldo was missing and the team-s attack looked disjointed. In fact, the way Queensland play revolves around the tall and powerful striker, where he can hold the ball up; bring other players into play and then get into the box to get a look at goal. He compliments the three young, exciting wingers - Michael Zullo, Robbie Kruse and Tahj Minniecon, very well and is not afraid to try things. Also gets about and makes a lot of run off the ball. However its goals that Farina is looking for most and his six goals should be more like 10 if he had shown a little more composure in front of goals. Certainly will provide nuisance value in the penalty box, but what Queensland will want most from him is a goal or two.
Matt McKay - many loyal fans of Queensland Roar will say Matt McKay is the heart and soul of the club. A local lad, he has been there from day one and is a key player in the engine room for the Roar. His energy and enthusiasm for the cause are on display every week, a fact recognised by the national coaches, by his selection for the Qantas Socceroo training camps. Although playing as a predominantly left-sided midfielder, it-s not surprising that many of the Roar-s attacks come through him. Is always thinking positive and its also not surprising that he scores his share of goals as well, which might be crucial in these finals. With such a young attack, McKay-s experience (although he is not that old himself) will be crucial in these games, if Queensland is going to advance through to the Grand Final.
