The focus in the week leading up to the Roar’s Hyundai A-League Round 4 clash with Adelaide United FC had been on Brisbane’s defence.
And John Aloisi’s team answered in emphatic style.
They banged in three unanswered goals against Adelaide United FC, but more significantly they defended like champions.
Jamie Young made several outstanding saves including a pivotal one-handed block of a Sergio Cirio shot in the 57th minute when the score was still 1-0.
Aloisi was full of pride in his post-match press conference comments.
“I am very pleased, especially because there was a lot of talk about our defence this week for a number of reasons,” he said.
“They dug in deep when they had to . . . Jado, Bowlesy, the fullbacks . . . it was good to see Stef back. I thought that Stef did well, and then Jamie Young, who was probably the happiest player out there after the game.
“He said ‘we’ve finally got that clean sheet’. (For defenders) clean sheets are just as important as goals for attackers.”
Here’s what we learned from Saturday’s victory:
This is why Matt McKay is one of our greatest Socceroos
How good was our captain in this game?
The Fox Sports TV coverage showcased his brilliant cross-field pass to Thomas Broich that led to the Roar’s first goal, and his sublime pass that delivered a goal for Brandon Borrello late in the game.
But those at the game also saw how much space McKay created for himself with clever runs and astute positioning.
Spanish import Corona had another strong game, but in this match it was McKay who took the lead in circulating the ball through the midfield and helping to create the Roar’s many scoring opportunities.
And all in front of Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou. Well done Matty!
We are blessed with two of the best goalkeepers in the competition.
Having Michael Theo and Jamie Young in our squad is an absolute strength and surely an asset envied by our rivals.
The two quality keepers, with the guidance of goalkeeping coach Jason Kearton, keep pushing themselves to new levels of excellence.
To lose a player of Theo’s quality after two rounds would be a blow for most teams, but in Young the Roar has a goalkeeper who brings the same expert glovemanship and shot-saving instincts.
Don’t ever diss our defenders
The focus for some was on the Roar defence going into this game and they answered in spades!
Not only did Young make some outstanding saves, but the back four were rock solid, brave and unbeaten.
Adelaide are a very talented side with many skilful players, but the Roar back four maintained their structure and put their bodies on the line time after time.
They were all heroes but special mention must go to Shane Stefanutto who put in an amazing 80 minutes in his first game in six weeks. Club legend!
The final word
Broich, Maclaren, Borrello . . . WOW!
