Football and passion are intrinsically linked. For the masses who have the game close to their heart it is often difficult to explain just how deep the connection runs, particularly when it comes to a specific club or country – or ideology for that matter. The rhythm of the game is embedded with joy and pathos in equal parts. More than any other round in the A-League season to date, those feelings rose to the surface at the weekend.
Of course, when it comes to the Big Blue clash between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory, even neutral supporters have come to expect great intensity and feeling. That paradigm shifted somewhat following last season’s Grand Final, during which the Victory bullied the Sky Blues into submission, making for a one-sided and, to be frank, rather awkward spectacle.
The test for Graham Arnold’s side in Saturday’s instalment of the rivalry would be psychological. This examination they passed with flying colours. Far from meekly being forced onto the back foot, Sydney started like a team on a mission, taking the lead through Filip Holosko after some fine lead-up work by the impressive Alex Gersbach after just five minutes.
The energy they displayed in pressing high and hard for the first 20 minutes of the second half was equally as impressive, though this time it did not result in goals. This game plan was obviously a by-product of last season’s decider, and showed that Sydney FC are mentally better equipped to handle the big occasion than they were last term. Unfortunately for Arnold, that still wasn’t enough to claim points from the old foe, as they went down 4-2.
A ruthless Melbourne Victory, led by the beast that is Besart Berisha, are a juggernaut too powerful to halt at the moment. Their four goals came as a result of belief as much as technique. Though they were aided by some questionable defensive moments and goalkeeping from Sydney, there will justifiably be no end of delight for Victory players, coaches and fans alike.
For Sydney, this latest edition of the Big Blue was bittersweet. The verve displayed throughout the 90 minutes was encouraging, but any loss to a fierce rival brings with it a strong sense of hurt.
There was pleasure without the pain across the Tasman, as Wellington fans started the round by gathering en masse to send a message to FFA about the club’s future. The showing of 13,654 fans will not in itself be enough to ensure they remain in the competition long-term, but it certainly lifted the Phoenix in an emphatic 4-2 win over Adelaide.
The Reds, meanwhile, are a side without any clear direction in their play, leaving some serious questions to be posed of new coach Guillermo Amor. Not that Wellington midfielder Roly Bonevacia showed any compassion for their plight, as his resounding brace embodied a feeling of vindication echoed across New Zealand.
Western Sydney are another side starting to get their groove back. Though controversy reigned over their second goal – which shouldn’t have stood due to Dario Vidosic being offside – the Wanderers’ 3-0 win over a limp Melbourne City was convincing.
The proverbial monkey was heaved off the back of Wanderers marquee striker Federico Piovacarri in the process, while City simply cannot shake their own hoodoo. Aaron Mooy remains the lifeblood of their side, particularly in a midfield containing a below-par Erik Paartalu. It is a problem John van’t Schip must address sooner rather than later as his star will be away again in the future – maybe permanently come January.
Is a touted guest stint from a player belonging to a sister club the answer? Having Andrea Pirlo or Frank Lampard certainly wouldn’t hurt City’s cause, but getting the squad to consistently reflect the fervour of Melbourne’s football fans remains elusive for now.
The oldest rivalry in the A-League resumed on Saturday evening, but genuine passion was sadly lacking from the Newcastle Jets and Central Coast Mariners’ encounter. Though at first glance a 1-1 draw at home isn’t a terrible result, the Jets were truly insipid. Scott Miller’s men have since drawn criticism from their own fans for showing a lack of urgency and ambition in attack. Newcastle simply have zero swagger despite their strong start to the season.
The Mariners, though, dug in and scored an injury-time equaliser. However, Tony Walmsley’s men were put in that position after misplaced enthusiasm from Jake McGing, who was sent-off for a horrible challenge on Leonardo – the latter being stretchered off as a result. Passion is one thing, letting that manifest into dangerous play another entirely.
One suspects that Jets coach Scott Miller will shake things up with a few key changes next week after offering a pointed assessment of his team’s energy, or lack thereof. “Appalled,” he said of the performance. “It’s not us. It’s not what we believe in. Individual performances need to be reflective of our structure throughout our week and our intensity through the week.”
Perhaps the most beautiful moment of passion of the weekend was saved for last, as surprise competition leaders Brisbane Roar edged out Perth Glory 1-0. After seven months slogging it out in his recovery from a knee injury, Henrique netted a second-half winner, prompting tears of happiness and relief from the player. It was a refreshingly candid reaction from a professional athlete.
It was also a fitting end to a round which had evoked great emotion and a just reward for Brisbane boss John Aloisi, who has recruited well and steered his side admirably. Ten years after making himself a household name for the Socceroos in their famous World Cup qualification win over Uruguay, Aloisi once again finds himself at the summit of football Australia.
After a weekend of highs and lows following their clubs, Australian football fans will now band together, hoping for a passionate display from the Socceroos in Bangladesh on Tuesday.
