Scoreless draws often spark some of the most divisive debate in football.
There was high expectation among fans leading into the Hyundai A-League Round 5 one-versus-two clash between Sydney FC and Brisbane Roar FC at Allianz Stadium on Friday.
Many strong views have been expressed over the weekend in the wake of the 0-0 result, but let’s put it into perspective.
Our boys travelled to the competition leaders and came away with a point. As our captain Matt McKay said: “That’s not too bad”.
The result kept us in second place, still just a point behind the Sky Blues.
Head Coach John Aloisi, his coaching staff and the players will be back on the training paddock this week preparing for a whole different type of game against Perth Glory at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, 15 November (4pm kick off).
Remember, it’s another fantastic double header with our Westfield W-League team also taking on Perth Glory in the early game (1pm kick off).
Your admission includes both games. To secure your tickets, click here.
Here’s what we learned from our Round 5 scoreless draw:
Our defence can match the best in the league
Sydney FC Head Coach Graham Arnold has made no secret that he has concentrated on building a strong defence as he see that being the key to success.
Well if the Sky Blues are some sort of defensive benchmark in the league then Brisbane Roar just passed with flying colours.
Jade North was outstanding, Shane Stefanutto always delivers, youngsters Jack Hingert and Daniel Bowles continue to shine and goalkeeper Jamie Young was strong and safe.
Just as significant, when we lost the ball, everyone chased back. That’s the big difference between this season and the last. We defend as an 11-man unit.
It was our first consecutive clean sheet in over a year. Well done Roar!
Our foreign players need protection
It has been a worrying statistic for several season now . . . our international marquee Thomas Broich is the most fouled player in the competition.
Just as concerning was the treatment dealt to our new Spanish signing Corona (above) in this game. One tackle, in particular, in the first half was crude and callous.
Broich and Corona have both played at elite level and bring wonderful skills and entertainment to the Hyundai A-League.
Match officials must take a strong stance to ensure they are not hacked out of the game.
Our supporters are among the best in the league
The official attendance at Allianz Stadium on Friday night was 12,857 – for a one-versus-two clash.
For our first two home games this season (against Central Coast Mariners and Adelaide United), Brisbane Roar drew 25,178 fans (that’s a 12,589 average across both games).
This Sunday at Suncorp Stadium, it’s a double header against Perth with the Westfield W-League game at 1pm and the Hyundai A-League clash at 4pm (not forgetting our boys play their Foxtel Youth League game against Melbourne Victory at Cleveland Showgrounds on Saturday, 3pm KO).
Let’s don the Orange this weekend and continue to show the rest of Australia that the Roar is back. Book your tickets here.
