This year’s finals series in men’s A-League football could be one for the history books.
Auckland FC has made it through to the semifinals after a dramatic penalty shootout with Melbourne FC saw them clinch the win.
They’re now set to face off against Adelaide United in a two leg clash – the first of which is taking place tonight at Mt Smart.
Adelaide United legend and former Socceroo Bruce Djite told Piney the intensity will be high, and players will be conscious about not making mistakes since it’s only two legs.
“You’re better off finishing nil-all and going into the second leg.”
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from Newstalk zedb Auckland.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
FC against Adelaide United Go Media Stadium, six o'clock kickoff.
I've heard that ticket sales have been excellent, really really
really good. We had a by Auckland f C standards anyway,
a fairly mediocre crowd last weekend, just to tick over
eleven three hundred turning up. As I understand it, they've
(00:33):
already pre sold about fifteen for this one. There are
still tickets available obviously, so if you want to make
the decision to get along, six o'clock kickoff, so you've
got an extra hour to make up your mind. Normally
Auckland FC games kickoff at five, but it's six o'clock tonight.
But it is set to be absolutely jumping. I'd be
very surprised if that number doesn't tick over twenty thousand tonight,
which is the kind of crowd that will do a
(00:56):
game of this magnitude justice. It may well be Auckland
FC's last home game of the season if they were
to go through next week, even to the Grand Final.
There's no guarantee that they would host that Grand final.
If Newcastle will make it through from the other side
as top qualifiers. As premiers they would host the grand final.
So for Auckland FC to have another home game, they
(01:17):
would need to get past Adelaide over two legs and
hope that Sydney FC beat Newcastle in the other semi
and then the Grand Final would be here in New
Zealand in Auckland a couple of weekends from now. That
all lies ahead of us. Of course, it's a huge
pleasure to welcome in an Adelaide United legend. One hundred
(01:37):
and thirty three A League games for the club, he
scored thirty five goals, one of the Reds all time
leading goal scorers, double winner in twenty fifteen sixteen when
Adelaide won the Premier's plate and the Grand Final as well.
Former Sokkaro and now one of the sharpest football analysts
in Australia, it's Bruce Jitte who joins us. How Bruce,
(01:58):
thanks for taking the time. How much you're looking forward
to this two legged semi final playing out over the
next seven days or so?
Speaker 3 (02:05):
Oh, it's going to be cracking anytime Adelaide United in
Auckland C. Have you gone head to head. It's been
a fantastic contest and in the finals it'll be no different.
Speaker 2 (02:16):
Adelaide. I've had the week off Auckland had to survive
that dramatic elimination final, including a penalty shootout against Melbourne
City last week. From an Adelaide perspective, Bruce, how big
an advantage is that freshness heading into a two legged semi.
Speaker 3 (02:30):
I think it's a huge advantage when you consider your
opponents gone to extra time and all the way through
the penalties. I think where Auckland have stilled that raging
fire in their belly is that this is the stage
at which they stumbled and they're really going to want
the last season and they're really going to want to
(02:52):
right that wrong from an Auckland dec perspective, so they'll
be supermotivated to make sure they get to the big
dance this time around.
Speaker 2 (03:02):
The dynamics quite an unusual one. And then it's across
two legs. So lad, for example, come away from Auckland
level or even narrowly behind, would they still feel confident
heading back to what is sure to be a cauldron
at Cooper's for the second league?
Speaker 3 (03:17):
Absolutely. I think if I'd laid come away with a
draw or with a narrow defeat. When I said narrow,
I mean by one goal, no more. They would certainly
back themselves to be able to level, if not, you know,
turn the tie completely around in the second leg. They've
been strong at home. They're undefeated in about ten games.
(03:41):
There's a real belief amongst the Adelaide United squad and
the club and the state and city more broadly, which
makes them a force to be reckoned with that, as
they've shown in the in the latter half of the season.
So you know, I think Adelie will definitely go there
to win, there's no doubt about that, but they'll play
perhaps a more pragmatic game in the last twenty odd
(04:02):
minutes than what we're probably accustomed toategically manage the game.
Speaker 2 (04:08):
Adela United head coach Aton Andreoli has leaned heavily on
young South Australian talents again this season, and it's no
surprise given the fact that he's worked with many of
them through his time at the academy. How much pride
is there in South Australia and Adelaide about the club
continuing to produce and trust young local players.
Speaker 3 (04:27):
I think it's huge and I think, you know, it's
best reflected in the home crowd numbers. You know, I
think they've averaged twelve thousand this season. That's a lot
more than a number of clubs in much larger jurisdictions,
much larger cities. It speaks to it's more and yes
they've been successful this season, they finished second obviously, but
(04:49):
it's more than just the results on the field. There
is a connectivity with the community. There are stories that
people have bought into. There's young South Australian talent that
people are willing to back, whether it's you know that
they're on an undefeated run or whether they're in a
(05:10):
bit of a rut. Because it's more than just the
results on the field. So it works in many ways.
And Adelaide United have stuck to that philosophy for the
best part of six or seven years now. And not
only are they transferring players overseas and that's become a
real revenue stream for them relatively consistently, but they're also
(05:32):
getting results on the field and that's turning into commercial
opportunities off the field because like all jurisdictions in Australia
are parochial, but South Australia is certainly one of the
more parochial jurisdictions in the country.
Speaker 2 (05:47):
They're fun to watch, so they scored a lot of goals,
but also something Andreoli has done as tightened them up defensively.
Think last couple of seasons fifty odd goals and both
of them only thirty six in the regular season this
time around, What has he done defensively to shore them up?
Speaker 3 (06:02):
Yeah, I think a couple of things there. You're absolutely
right that we call them them office reds, because it
doesn't matter who they're playing against, it's always some sort
of drama. In terms of tightening up the defense, I
think one of the one of the real positives has
(06:23):
been how much more solid the team is defensively, and
in large part, in my opinion, it's due to the
fact that Pereus has been out injured and Barnett is
now playing right back. Barnett players right back. He defends first. No,
he won't give you the marauding runs up the right wing,
(06:44):
but absolutely he is as safe as a bank at
the back there play simple, does his job, holds the shape.
Pereus very attacking right back. He's really a winger playing
as a right back. He was always really high and
you know that was obviously part of the strategy in
the plan. He wasn't born that off his own back,
(07:04):
but that really exposed them the last couple of years
significantly exposed Adelaide United. They'd always get hit on the counter.
You know, they were always at one defender down, the
number six was covering where they could. But they leaked
a lot of goals, as you rightly stay. But I
think seriously, with just Barnett moving into their due to
(07:27):
Paris's injury, it's allowed them to be a lot more
assured at the back. And notwithstanding Schmids is a great goalkeeper.
Speaker 2 (07:35):
Interesting analysis up front, No Luki Yvanovitch for those first
league I mean, the Adelaide have scored goals for all
sorts of places, but he's the joint Golden Boot winner
with eleven. Has read card in the last regular season
game rules them out. How much of a blow is
that to them not to have Yovanovitch tonight?
Speaker 3 (07:53):
Look fact that he has contributed a lot of goals.
What I would say though, is you know he didn't
start the last game. He came off the bench and
had a huge impact. But when you look that what
I suspect will be the Adelaide United bench in Craig
Goodwin coming back, had a huge impact off the bench
(08:13):
a couple of weeks ago against Melbourne City. You've got
Burkett coming off the bench as well. We saw him
score hat trick earlier this season off the bench, and
he's always had an impact every time he's come off
the bench, and potentially Muni's all of a sudden, you're
starting to look at a pretty, very very strong bench.
(08:35):
So there's Y'vanovitch is a loss, but you know they've
got Goodwin coming back. He'll be even fitter than he
was a couple of weeks ago. They got Mines who's
probably going to come off the bench, and they've got
Burkett who can come off the bench and cause some damage.
I think Anton will be pretty certisfied with the five
pawer off the bench. Notwithstanding there they will miss Yavanovitch's
(08:57):
impact for sure.
Speaker 2 (08:58):
From an LA point of view, I mean Auckland have
been very good defensively, second only to SYDNEYFC in terms
of regular season goals conceded. How in Adelaide United exposed
them and create chances against a pretty good defensive side
at home tonight.
Speaker 3 (09:14):
And that's you know, credit to Auckland. They're very resolute.
You know what, Steve Croker is built there in a
very very very short space of time. Clubs have failed
for ten years to build in the A League, right,
so huge kudos to everything that's happened in Auckland. I
think a different dynamic is now that and Selmo is
(09:37):
fit for Adelaide United. Very strong striker. It'll be a
great battle that that that he'll have over over in
Auckland night. And then you consider, I think the best
way for Adelaide United to expose Auckland dammage Auckland is
to playoff Anselmo if he can hold the ball up
(09:59):
and bring those attacking midfielders, whether it's Ryan White Johnny
Yaleto into the game. I think that's where you know,
Adelaida United can cause Auckland some difficulty, but Anselmo is
going to play a key role because one of the
things in earlier in the season when these two teams
(10:19):
have lockthorns, has been that Yovanovitch has largely struggled in
general play. I'm saying I'm not talking about goals or
anything like that in general, playing in the ability to
hold the ball up, bring players into the game, make
runs in behind and really stretch them. He's struggled against
(10:43):
Auckland on that score. I think a Selmo brings a
completely different dynamics. So yeah, I think, you know, and
Selmo bringing the midfielders who are dynamic, fast, you know,
agile into the game is Adelaide United's best road to success.
Speaker 2 (11:01):
Just to finish, Bruce, you played, as I say, a
lot of games for Adelaide, you know, a lot of
finals games. You won a Grand final. That load United
much as players. I'm sure we'll say, Look, it's just
another game. It's not as How different does finals football
feel compared to a regular season game.
Speaker 3 (11:16):
It's different, absolutely, and we'll see it on our screens.
The intensity will be very different. I'm interested in how
the teams, both teams approach it. It's two leged tie.
Is it like the buy in PSG first leg in
the semis of the Champions League which was five to
four and they both got gun ho? God wouldn't we
(11:38):
both like thet Everyone would love to see that. But
you saw the second leg of that game much more cautious.
People don't want to make mistakes, you know, very small
margins that make a difference. Do the teams enter the
game with that mindset? Tom will tell we'll know early
(12:00):
on how that game is going to play out for
the benefit of all the fans, Neutrals, Auckland fans, fans.
Let's hope for an early goal because that really opens
everything up. But yeah, I think you know, the intensity
will be high. People will be conscious about not making
mistakes only because it's two legs, so you know, you're
(12:21):
better off finishing nil all and going into the second
leg and it's a one off game. Then you know,
going hellful leather in the first game, maybe exposing yourself
at the back, and all of a sudden you two
nailed down at halftime. So you know, I'm intrigued to
see how both coaches set their teams up to tackle
this game. But mate, it's going to be a cracking contest.
(12:43):
Everyone loves finals.
Speaker 2 (12:44):
Football, YEP, can't wait for these two matches. Bruce Jitta,
great to get your analysis. Really appreciate you taking the
time to jet.
Speaker 3 (12:51):
To us enjoy the game today, Jason, thanks having me.
Speaker 2 (12:53):
On, No, thanks for joining us, Bruce, Bruce JiTT, there
Adelaide United legend these days football pundit. You can tell
just listening to him how deeply he follows the game
and how deeply invested and he is so auklandc Adelaide
United at six o'clock to night.
Speaker 1 (13:06):
For more from Weekends Sport with Jason Fine, Listen live
to News Talk zet B weekends from midday or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from Newstalk zedb Auckland.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
FC against Adelaide United Go Media Stadium, six o'clock kickoff.
I've heard that ticket sales have been excellent, really really
really good. We had a by Auckland f C standards anyway,
a fairly mediocre crowd last weekend, just to tick over
eleven three hundred turning up. As I understand it, they've
(00:33):
already pre sold about fifteen for this one. There are
still tickets available obviously, so if you want to make
the decision to get along, six o'clock kickoff, so you've
got an extra hour to make up your mind. Normally
Auckland FC games kickoff at five, but it's six o'clock tonight.
But it is set to be absolutely jumping. I'd be
very surprised if that number doesn't tick over twenty thousand tonight,
which is the kind of crowd that will do a
(00:56):
game of this magnitude justice. It may well be Auckland
FC's last home game of the season if they were
to go through next week, even to the Grand Final.
There's no guarantee that they would host that Grand final.
If Newcastle will make it through from the other side
as top qualifiers. As premiers they would host the grand final.
So for Auckland FC to have another home game, they
(01:17):
would need to get past Adelaide over two legs and
hope that Sydney FC beat Newcastle in the other semi
and then the Grand Final would be here in New
Zealand in Auckland a couple of weekends from now. That
all lies ahead of us. Of course, it's a huge
pleasure to welcome in an Adelaide United legend. One hundred
(01:37):
and thirty three A League games for the club, he
scored thirty five goals, one of the Reds all time
leading goal scorers, double winner in twenty fifteen sixteen when
Adelaide won the Premier's plate and the Grand Final as well.
Former Sokkaro and now one of the sharpest football analysts
in Australia, it's Bruce Jitte who joins us. How Bruce,
(01:58):
thanks for taking the time. How much you're looking forward
to this two legged semi final playing out over the
next seven days or so?
Speaker 3 (02:05):
Oh, it's going to be cracking anytime Adelaide United in
Auckland C. Have you gone head to head. It's been
a fantastic contest and in the finals it'll be no different.
Speaker 2 (02:16):
Adelaide. I've had the week off Auckland had to survive
that dramatic elimination final, including a penalty shootout against Melbourne
City last week. From an Adelaide perspective, Bruce, how big
an advantage is that freshness heading into a two legged semi.
Speaker 3 (02:30):
I think it's a huge advantage when you consider your
opponents gone to extra time and all the way through
the penalties. I think where Auckland have stilled that raging
fire in their belly is that this is the stage
at which they stumbled and they're really going to want
the last season and they're really going to want to
(02:52):
right that wrong from an Auckland dec perspective, so they'll
be supermotivated to make sure they get to the big
dance this time around.
Speaker 2 (03:02):
The dynamics quite an unusual one. And then it's across
two legs. So lad, for example, come away from Auckland
level or even narrowly behind, would they still feel confident
heading back to what is sure to be a cauldron
at Cooper's for the second league?
Speaker 3 (03:17):
Absolutely. I think if I'd laid come away with a
draw or with a narrow defeat. When I said narrow,
I mean by one goal, no more. They would certainly
back themselves to be able to level, if not, you know,
turn the tie completely around in the second leg. They've
been strong at home. They're undefeated in about ten games.
(03:41):
There's a real belief amongst the Adelaide United squad and
the club and the state and city more broadly, which
makes them a force to be reckoned with that, as
they've shown in the in the latter half of the season.
So you know, I think Adelie will definitely go there
to win, there's no doubt about that, but they'll play
perhaps a more pragmatic game in the last twenty odd
(04:02):
minutes than what we're probably accustomed toategically manage the game.
Speaker 2 (04:08):
Adela United head coach Aton Andreoli has leaned heavily on
young South Australian talents again this season, and it's no
surprise given the fact that he's worked with many of
them through his time at the academy. How much pride
is there in South Australia and Adelaide about the club
continuing to produce and trust young local players.
Speaker 3 (04:27):
I think it's huge and I think, you know, it's
best reflected in the home crowd numbers. You know, I
think they've averaged twelve thousand this season. That's a lot
more than a number of clubs in much larger jurisdictions,
much larger cities. It speaks to it's more and yes
they've been successful this season, they finished second obviously, but
(04:49):
it's more than just the results on the field. There
is a connectivity with the community. There are stories that
people have bought into. There's young South Australian talent that
people are willing to back, whether it's you know that
they're on an undefeated run or whether they're in a
(05:10):
bit of a rut. Because it's more than just the
results on the field. So it works in many ways.
And Adelaide United have stuck to that philosophy for the
best part of six or seven years now. And not
only are they transferring players overseas and that's become a
real revenue stream for them relatively consistently, but they're also
(05:32):
getting results on the field and that's turning into commercial
opportunities off the field because like all jurisdictions in Australia
are parochial, but South Australia is certainly one of the
more parochial jurisdictions in the country.
Speaker 2 (05:47):
They're fun to watch, so they scored a lot of goals,
but also something Andreoli has done as tightened them up defensively.
Think last couple of seasons fifty odd goals and both
of them only thirty six in the regular season this
time around, What has he done defensively to shore them up?
Speaker 3 (06:02):
Yeah, I think a couple of things there. You're absolutely
right that we call them them office reds, because it
doesn't matter who they're playing against, it's always some sort
of drama. In terms of tightening up the defense, I
think one of the one of the real positives has
(06:23):
been how much more solid the team is defensively, and
in large part, in my opinion, it's due to the
fact that Pereus has been out injured and Barnett is
now playing right back. Barnett players right back. He defends first. No,
he won't give you the marauding runs up the right wing,
(06:44):
but absolutely he is as safe as a bank at
the back there play simple, does his job, holds the shape.
Pereus very attacking right back. He's really a winger playing
as a right back. He was always really high and
you know that was obviously part of the strategy in
the plan. He wasn't born that off his own back,
(07:04):
but that really exposed them the last couple of years
significantly exposed Adelaide United. They'd always get hit on the counter.
You know, they were always at one defender down, the
number six was covering where they could. But they leaked
a lot of goals, as you rightly stay. But I
think seriously, with just Barnett moving into their due to
(07:27):
Paris's injury, it's allowed them to be a lot more
assured at the back. And notwithstanding Schmids is a great goalkeeper.
Speaker 2 (07:35):
Interesting analysis up front, No Luki Yvanovitch for those first
league I mean, the Adelaide have scored goals for all
sorts of places, but he's the joint Golden Boot winner
with eleven. Has read card in the last regular season
game rules them out. How much of a blow is
that to them not to have Yovanovitch tonight?
Speaker 3 (07:53):
Look fact that he has contributed a lot of goals.
What I would say though, is you know he didn't
start the last game. He came off the bench and
had a huge impact. But when you look that what
I suspect will be the Adelaide United bench in Craig
Goodwin coming back, had a huge impact off the bench
(08:13):
a couple of weeks ago against Melbourne City. You've got
Burkett coming off the bench as well. We saw him
score hat trick earlier this season off the bench, and
he's always had an impact every time he's come off
the bench, and potentially Muni's all of a sudden, you're
starting to look at a pretty, very very strong bench.
(08:35):
So there's Y'vanovitch is a loss, but you know they've
got Goodwin coming back. He'll be even fitter than he
was a couple of weeks ago. They got Mines who's
probably going to come off the bench, and they've got
Burkett who can come off the bench and cause some damage.
I think Anton will be pretty certisfied with the five
pawer off the bench. Notwithstanding there they will miss Yavanovitch's
(08:57):
impact for sure.
Speaker 2 (08:58):
From an LA point of view, I mean Auckland have
been very good defensively, second only to SYDNEYFC in terms
of regular season goals conceded. How in Adelaide United exposed
them and create chances against a pretty good defensive side
at home tonight.
Speaker 3 (09:14):
And that's you know, credit to Auckland. They're very resolute.
You know what, Steve Croker is built there in a
very very very short space of time. Clubs have failed
for ten years to build in the A League, right,
so huge kudos to everything that's happened in Auckland. I
think a different dynamic is now that and Selmo is
(09:37):
fit for Adelaide United. Very strong striker. It'll be a
great battle that that that he'll have over over in
Auckland night. And then you consider, I think the best
way for Adelaide United to expose Auckland dammage Auckland is
to playoff Anselmo if he can hold the ball up
(09:59):
and bring those attacking midfielders, whether it's Ryan White Johnny
Yaleto into the game. I think that's where you know,
Adelaida United can cause Auckland some difficulty, but Anselmo is
going to play a key role because one of the
things in earlier in the season when these two teams
(10:19):
have lockthorns, has been that Yovanovitch has largely struggled in
general play. I'm saying I'm not talking about goals or
anything like that in general, playing in the ability to
hold the ball up, bring players into the game, make
runs in behind and really stretch them. He's struggled against
(10:43):
Auckland on that score. I think a Selmo brings a
completely different dynamics. So yeah, I think, you know, and
Selmo bringing the midfielders who are dynamic, fast, you know,
agile into the game is Adelaide United's best road to success.
Speaker 2 (11:01):
Just to finish, Bruce, you played, as I say, a
lot of games for Adelaide, you know, a lot of
finals games. You won a Grand final. That load United
much as players. I'm sure we'll say, Look, it's just
another game. It's not as How different does finals football
feel compared to a regular season game.
Speaker 3 (11:16):
It's different, absolutely, and we'll see it on our screens.
The intensity will be very different. I'm interested in how
the teams, both teams approach it. It's two leged tie.
Is it like the buy in PSG first leg in
the semis of the Champions League which was five to
four and they both got gun ho? God wouldn't we
(11:38):
both like thet Everyone would love to see that. But
you saw the second leg of that game much more cautious.
People don't want to make mistakes, you know, very small
margins that make a difference. Do the teams enter the
game with that mindset? Tom will tell we'll know early
(12:00):
on how that game is going to play out for
the benefit of all the fans, Neutrals, Auckland fans, fans.
Let's hope for an early goal because that really opens
everything up. But yeah, I think you know, the intensity
will be high. People will be conscious about not making
mistakes only because it's two legs, so you know, you're
(12:21):
better off finishing nil all and going into the second
leg and it's a one off game. Then you know,
going hellful leather in the first game, maybe exposing yourself
at the back, and all of a sudden you two
nailed down at halftime. So you know, I'm intrigued to
see how both coaches set their teams up to tackle
this game. But mate, it's going to be a cracking contest.
(12:43):
Everyone loves finals.
Speaker 2 (12:44):
Football, YEP, can't wait for these two matches. Bruce Jitta,
great to get your analysis. Really appreciate you taking the
time to jet.
Speaker 3 (12:51):
To us enjoy the game today, Jason, thanks having me.
Speaker 2 (12:53):
On, No, thanks for joining us, Bruce, Bruce JiTT, there
Adelaide United legend these days football pundit. You can tell
just listening to him how deeply he follows the game
and how deeply invested and he is so auklandc Adelaide
United at six o'clock to night.
Speaker 1 (13:06):
For more from Weekends Sport with Jason Fine, Listen live
to News Talk zet B weekends from midday or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio
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