Reds have more than point to prove
Adelaide United FC goes into tomorrow night’s Hyundai A-League Major Semi Final 2nd leg against Melbourne Victory at the Telstra Dome with more than just a point to prove.
The Reds head into the clash staring at a two goal deficit after the 1st leg at Hindmarsh last Saturday, but still with a firm belief that a comeback is achievable.
Heading to a stadium where The Reds do not have the greatest record, Coach Aurelio Vidmar and his team venture to the Telstra Dome hoping to end a four match losing streak against Melbourne, and the United boss is confident his side can win the tie and host the Hyundai A-League Grand Final.
“We know it-s a difficult task and a massive challenge over there but we-ll go out there with the right frame of mind and you never know, you peg one goal back and there-s always a good opportunity that you might get another one,” Vidmar said.
“Everyone will probably think it-s a foregone conclusion really (that Melbourne will go through) and if that-s what they want to think that-s fine. They (Melbourne) are in a very good position but hopefully we can change that and put them under pressure.”
Adelaide United welcomes back defenders Robert Cornthwaite and Cassio for the return leg after suspension and injury respectively, the duo replacing the injured Kristian Sarkies and Michael Valkanis in the squad of 16.
Speaking after the squad-s final training session before departing for Melbourne, Cassio knows the commitment that is required in turning United-s finals fortunes around.
“We need to go onto the pitch with passion and with heart, and we will try to win,” the Brazilian said.
“We can do it. They (Melbourne) did it here 2-nil and we can do it at the Telstra Dome as well.”
Vidmar has hinted that he could tinker with his line up, as United goes in search of the goals it needs and tries to add to just the six goals it has scored away from home in the Hyundai A-League so far this season. The Reds gaffer also added that his team would go into tomorrow night-s match against the Victory with the same approach it took into the 1st leg.
“We-re aggressive and we want to be aggressive and that-s the way you-ve got to play the game so nothing is going to change,” Vidmar said.
“It-s obviously a difficult task getting two goals back but if we just sit back and wait we probably won-t get too much success so we-re going to still have to be in a good attacking frame of mind.”
“We need to know that we-ve got to go out there, and it doesn-t matter what game it is, we need to go out there with the right frame of mind every week and try and win a game.”
A 2-0 score line in Adelaide-s favour will send the game into extra time and then penalties (if required) to determine the winner, while a 3-0 or 3-1 result will be good enough to get The Reds through to the February 28 Grand Final and see them host the season decider.
Tomorrow night-s match will also be a fundraiser to assist those affected by the devastating bushfires in Victoria. Donations will be accepted at the ground prior to, during and after the match, while the Victory is also aiming to raise a further $40,000 by offering player mascot positions, giving kids between 8 and 13 the chance to walk out with a player from either side.
A minute-s silence will be observed before kick off to remember victims of the bushfires, while all Victory and Adelaide players and officials will wear black armbands as a mark of respect.
Kick-Off is at 7.00pm (ACDT) and the match can be seen LIVE on Fox Sports 3 and heard on 92.7 Fresh FM.