Auckland FC are through to the A-League semifinals are one of the most dramatic nights in the club’s short history.
Last weekend’s elimination final against Melbourne FC went right through to penalties before goalkeeper Michael Woud’s decisive save and a spot-kick from Dan Hall ticked the Black Knights over into a 7-6 win.
The focus is now shifting to a two-legged semifinal against Adelaide United – the first leg kicking off tonight at Mt Smart.
Woud told Piney that ultimately it comes down to luck a little bit, but there is still an element of strategy.
“And, y’know, lucky enough, we got it right once, which was enough on the weekend to win the game.”
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from newstalksb.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Aukland FC through to the A League semifinals. After one
of the most dramatic nights in the club's history last weekend,
the elimination final against Melbourne City went all the way
to penalties, the first twelve all successful. It was six
all before Auckland f C goalkeeper Michael Vaud produced a
decisive save. Next time for Melbourne City seventh penalty Aslanuel Fkinson.
Speaker 3 (00:44):
Pauch He's PC and touching distance of the citifinal.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Dan Hall then converted his SPOTKCK to send Auckland FC
through seven six on penalties. Now the focus shifts to
a two legged semi final against Adelaide Unit. How did
the first League is tonight from six pm at go
Media Stadium in Auckland. Michael Vaud joined us before we
look ahead to tonight's game. Michael, in terms of moments
(01:16):
in your career, where does that penalty shootout win rank?
Speaker 4 (01:21):
Yeah, I'd probably say that it'd be right up there.
Speaker 5 (01:24):
To be fair, I think I told you after the
game on SATA that had been on the wrong side
of some penalties, so to be on the right side.
Speaker 4 (01:31):
You know, it was just an unbelievable feeling.
Speaker 5 (01:33):
And to do it in front of the port, do
it at home in an elimination final, which just you know,
just made it an amazing night for everyone involved.
Speaker 2 (01:40):
In the week leading into the game. How much preparation
goes into being ready for the possibility of a penalty shootout?
Speaker 5 (01:49):
Yeah, I think in the back of my mind and
the goalkeeper, coach and the goalkeeper, you know, I guess
we always know that there's a chance to go to penalty,
so we you know, do the homework, look at you know,
all the penalties that all the players have taken recently,
and ultimately it comes down to like a little bit,
but I think there is an element of strategy to it,
and you know, lucky enough, we got it right once,
(02:11):
which was enough on the weekend to win the game.
Speaker 2 (02:14):
When a player is lining up to take a penalty,
even if you've done the prep and you think, okay,
this guy normally goes to my right, Are they intels?
Are there are there signs you look for as they're
getting ready to take it, and even as they're running
up that give you a clue.
Speaker 5 (02:28):
Yeah, I think so I think it's about you know,
their body position and sometimes where they're looking in that.
But no, I've got to say, like on the weekend,
the penalties were really you know, high level penalties and ultimately,
if the striker gets it right, you know, it's kind
of unsavable. So yeah, I felt I've thought that the
(02:48):
penalties were pretty good on the weekend, and you know,
lucky enough one does the right way and one was
in my kind of range to be able to save it.
Speaker 2 (02:56):
So as you looked up and saw Dan Hall striding
up to take the seventh one for Auckland f C,
did you have high confidence that he would get the
job done.
Speaker 4 (03:06):
Ye, hundred percent.
Speaker 5 (03:07):
And I think you know, Dan also knowing that that
one was the one that was going to win it,
I think that you know, it just lifted him a bit.
And yeah, to be honest, Pliny, it happened real quick,
everything from the penalty save. As I got back to
my kind of spot you stand as a goalkeeper, he
was already ready to take it. So yeah, it was
happened really quick, and I don't have much memory after
(03:27):
the penalty saved, to be honest.
Speaker 2 (03:29):
Just before we move on from the pens Hiroki Sarkis one.
I mean, that's a gutsy penalty, man. I mean he
misses there and you're out because of the situation. I
mean he's gone top corner.
Speaker 4 (03:40):
Man.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
What were you thinking when that one sort of hits
the bar and goes in.
Speaker 5 (03:44):
Yeah, I was holding my breath for a second because
I think the whole stadium heard it hit the post.
Speaker 4 (03:48):
And I was like, wow.
Speaker 5 (03:50):
But you know what a penalty under the pressure he had, and.
Speaker 4 (03:54):
You know that just sums him up, doesn't really. You know,
the level he's played at and to have the.
Speaker 5 (03:58):
Confidence and belief to do that in a knockout penalty
is just unbelievable.
Speaker 4 (04:03):
And I guess it's a huge reason why the clubs
if you know, it's for moments like that, and you
know he delivered at the highest level.
Speaker 2 (04:10):
Let's take it back then to the end of normal time.
You won the Latin, it's almost done, and then Melbourne
City score very late to take it into extra time.
How tough was it to mentally get ready for extra
time after conceding so late and thinking we've got this
and then having it snatched away.
Speaker 5 (04:26):
Yeah, I'd be lying as though if I didn't say
it was tough. I think that, you know, we were
thirty seconds away from getting.
Speaker 4 (04:33):
It done and for it to happen and probably the
last kick of the game was tough.
Speaker 5 (04:36):
But you know, I just think it shows how resilient
we are. I think it's easy to say that, but
in moments like that, that's when you really see how
resilient you are as a team. And you know, I
think in the extra time we probably had the better
of the chances and that just showed how well we've
bounced back. But in that moment, obviously it was difficult,
and you know, we just had to regroup, which I
(04:57):
think we did well.
Speaker 4 (04:58):
And just concentrate the next thirty minutes.
Speaker 2 (05:00):
Absolutely, So after you get the job done on penalties,
did you allow yourself some time to enjoy that moment
or were immediately focused on recovery and then preparing for Adelaide.
Speaker 4 (05:12):
Yeah?
Speaker 6 (05:13):
I think you know, once parenties have done, obviously you
do the interviews and I try and you seal the
fans and give back to them a little bit, and
then yeah, I had a message after the game, and
then the next day we were in having recovery and
then you know, I think you know in sport.
Speaker 4 (05:32):
You know there's pioneer. The next game comes quicker than
you realize, and you know, yeah, we.
Speaker 5 (05:38):
Ultimately there's no point in us winning that game if
we don't if we don't come and perform on tonight's game.
Speaker 4 (05:42):
So yeah, the focus moves pretty quickly.
Speaker 2 (05:45):
Very different set of circumstances. Last weekend, when it takes
all sudden death, knockout, whatever you want to call it.
Somebody's season finishes last weekend after tonight's game at full time,
it's effectively only halftime in the tie, of course. So
what is the broad approach to the first leg the
home league?
Speaker 5 (06:04):
Yeah, I think you know, obviously with us at home tonight,
we want to we want to win. I think everyone
in the league knows, everyone in the A League knows
how hard Coopers is away from home, especially you know,
for being sold out and everything. So you know, tonight
we need to we need to win, and we need
to make sure that, you know, we take something to
Adelaide that we can at least hold on to.
Speaker 4 (06:24):
But you know it's not going to be easy. They're
a good team. The coach well, they've got a lot
of young players. So yeah, we know it's going to
be tough, but yeah, these are the games we want
to play as individuals and as a team, so we're
really looking forward to it.
Speaker 2 (06:37):
Can you talk a bit more about Adelaide United and
the specific threats that you think they'll present to you,
not only tonight but across the one hundred and eighty minutes.
Speaker 5 (06:46):
Yeah, I think Adelaide they play a good brand of football.
I think they've got some really good young players. I
just think that they've probably got better as the season's
gone along. You know, I think the last ten games
or so, they've been on a really good run. So yeah,
I think we've played them three times, two draws and
one wins, So you know it's going to be a
close game and I think, you know, with our strengths,
(07:09):
we give ourself good opportunity to win.
Speaker 4 (07:12):
The game, but you know, it's an even game, i'd say, and.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
Strengths at both ends. One of your strengths as a
team this year has been defensively. I think only Sydney
FC have conceded fewer goals than than Auckland f C.
What have been the keys to the defensive solidity of
the team this season?
Speaker 5 (07:31):
Yeah, I think defensively, we've been verked. I think it's
not been that easier at times. You know, there's been
a lot of a few injuries in the back line
and that, so that's obviously an impact on things.
Speaker 4 (07:41):
But I think, you know, we work well as a unit.
Speaker 5 (07:44):
I think, you know, first and foremost, we have really
good defenders.
Speaker 4 (07:47):
I think I've got one of the best center backs
in the league with Dan Hare, and you know, good
rights are so very good.
Speaker 5 (07:56):
So I just think that, you know, big players have
stepped up at big times, and we just know that
if we can keep a cleanch sheet or you know,
defend well, then that gives us a good opportunity in
the game.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
And with those injuries and players coming in and out,
looks like I has been an out Pinaker has been
in and out. Dan's been there pretty much the whole time.
Good would write, you know, but when you have players
coming in to look, Luka Visselitch came in and started
the game, didn't he I know you didn't start that one,
but but how do you make sure that even if
players coming and out of Francis is the other one
I should have mentioned. You know that that the basic
philosophies are still the same.
Speaker 5 (08:29):
Yeah, I think that that's just how we train. I
think that you know, like Luca, I think, you know,
it is the potential to be one of the best
center backs in the A League. You know, he's got
everything at such a young age. And I just think
that the gaffer and that they, you know, they give
these young guys confidence to go out there and express
themselves and as players.
Speaker 4 (08:48):
You know, we were once young and you know, we
know how it feels.
Speaker 5 (08:51):
So just giving them confidence and belief and and ultimately
Piney that they're being picked because they're good enough and
you know there's no reason why they, you know, shouldn't
be able to do well.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
Exciting game and prospect tonight, first leag of a two
leggod semi final. Mike, Well, thanks so much for taking
the time to chat to us. Look forward to seeing
you in a few hours from now.
Speaker 4 (09:10):
Jess Bony, thanks mate, No.
Speaker 2 (09:11):
Thank you mate. Michael Voud, their goalkeeping hero in the
penalty shootout for Auckland FC last weekend, none of that
nonsense tonight, Well, it's not nonsense. It's huge drama, but
it's a very different kettle of fish. As discussed with
Michael there. It is just the first leg ninety minutes tonight.
That's no extra time, no penalties, but they carry the
score over to Adelaide next weekend or on Friday night
(09:35):
at what is bound to be an absolute cauldron at
Cooper's Stadium in Adelaide. There are no away goals in
terms of away goals counting. For more, in the event
of a drawer, whatever the score is tonight, they pick
it up, they drop it down in Adelaide, and then
whatever the score is across the two legs after Friday's
game is who goes through to the Grand Final. We
(09:56):
may have extra time and penalties on Friday, of course,
but we will not have those tonight.
Speaker 1 (10:02):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Faine, listen live
to use Talk ze B weekends from midday, or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from newstalksb.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Aukland FC through to the A League semifinals. After one
of the most dramatic nights in the club's history last weekend,
the elimination final against Melbourne City went all the way
to penalties, the first twelve all successful. It was six
all before Auckland f C goalkeeper Michael Vaud produced a
decisive save. Next time for Melbourne City seventh penalty Aslanuel Fkinson.
Speaker 3 (00:44):
Pauch He's PC and touching distance of the citifinal.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Dan Hall then converted his SPOTKCK to send Auckland FC
through seven six on penalties. Now the focus shifts to
a two legged semi final against Adelaide Unit. How did
the first League is tonight from six pm at go
Media Stadium in Auckland. Michael Vaud joined us before we
look ahead to tonight's game. Michael, in terms of moments
(01:16):
in your career, where does that penalty shootout win rank?
Speaker 4 (01:21):
Yeah, I'd probably say that it'd be right up there.
Speaker 5 (01:24):
To be fair, I think I told you after the
game on SATA that had been on the wrong side
of some penalties, so to be on the right side.
Speaker 4 (01:31):
You know, it was just an unbelievable feeling.
Speaker 5 (01:33):
And to do it in front of the port, do
it at home in an elimination final, which just you know,
just made it an amazing night for everyone involved.
Speaker 2 (01:40):
In the week leading into the game. How much preparation
goes into being ready for the possibility of a penalty shootout?
Speaker 5 (01:49):
Yeah, I think in the back of my mind and
the goalkeeper, coach and the goalkeeper, you know, I guess
we always know that there's a chance to go to penalty,
so we you know, do the homework, look at you know,
all the penalties that all the players have taken recently,
and ultimately it comes down to like a little bit,
but I think there is an element of strategy to it,
and you know, lucky enough, we got it right once,
(02:11):
which was enough on the weekend to win the game.
Speaker 2 (02:14):
When a player is lining up to take a penalty,
even if you've done the prep and you think, okay,
this guy normally goes to my right, Are they intels?
Are there are there signs you look for as they're
getting ready to take it, and even as they're running
up that give you a clue.
Speaker 5 (02:28):
Yeah, I think so I think it's about you know,
their body position and sometimes where they're looking in that.
But no, I've got to say, like on the weekend,
the penalties were really you know, high level penalties and ultimately,
if the striker gets it right, you know, it's kind
of unsavable. So yeah, I felt I've thought that the
(02:48):
penalties were pretty good on the weekend, and you know,
lucky enough one does the right way and one was
in my kind of range to be able to save it.
Speaker 2 (02:56):
So as you looked up and saw Dan Hall striding
up to take the seventh one for Auckland f C,
did you have high confidence that he would get the
job done.
Speaker 4 (03:06):
Ye, hundred percent.
Speaker 5 (03:07):
And I think you know, Dan also knowing that that
one was the one that was going to win it,
I think that you know, it just lifted him a bit.
And yeah, to be honest, Pliny, it happened real quick,
everything from the penalty save. As I got back to
my kind of spot you stand as a goalkeeper, he
was already ready to take it. So yeah, it was
happened really quick, and I don't have much memory after
(03:27):
the penalty saved, to be honest.
Speaker 2 (03:29):
Just before we move on from the pens Hiroki Sarkis one.
I mean, that's a gutsy penalty, man. I mean he
misses there and you're out because of the situation. I
mean he's gone top corner.
Speaker 4 (03:40):
Man.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
What were you thinking when that one sort of hits
the bar and goes in.
Speaker 5 (03:44):
Yeah, I was holding my breath for a second because
I think the whole stadium heard it hit the post.
Speaker 4 (03:48):
And I was like, wow.
Speaker 5 (03:50):
But you know what a penalty under the pressure he had, and.
Speaker 4 (03:54):
You know that just sums him up, doesn't really. You know,
the level he's played at and to have the.
Speaker 5 (03:58):
Confidence and belief to do that in a knockout penalty
is just unbelievable.
Speaker 4 (04:03):
And I guess it's a huge reason why the clubs
if you know, it's for moments like that, and you
know he delivered at the highest level.
Speaker 2 (04:10):
Let's take it back then to the end of normal time.
You won the Latin, it's almost done, and then Melbourne
City score very late to take it into extra time.
How tough was it to mentally get ready for extra
time after conceding so late and thinking we've got this
and then having it snatched away.
Speaker 5 (04:26):
Yeah, I'd be lying as though if I didn't say
it was tough. I think that, you know, we were
thirty seconds away from getting.
Speaker 4 (04:33):
It done and for it to happen and probably the
last kick of the game was tough.
Speaker 5 (04:36):
But you know, I just think it shows how resilient
we are. I think it's easy to say that, but
in moments like that, that's when you really see how
resilient you are as a team. And you know, I
think in the extra time we probably had the better
of the chances and that just showed how well we've
bounced back. But in that moment, obviously it was difficult,
and you know, we just had to regroup, which I
(04:57):
think we did well.
Speaker 4 (04:58):
And just concentrate the next thirty minutes.
Speaker 2 (05:00):
Absolutely, So after you get the job done on penalties,
did you allow yourself some time to enjoy that moment
or were immediately focused on recovery and then preparing for Adelaide.
Speaker 4 (05:12):
Yeah?
Speaker 6 (05:13):
I think you know, once parenties have done, obviously you
do the interviews and I try and you seal the
fans and give back to them a little bit, and
then yeah, I had a message after the game, and
then the next day we were in having recovery and
then you know, I think you know in sport.
Speaker 4 (05:32):
You know there's pioneer. The next game comes quicker than
you realize, and you know, yeah, we.
Speaker 5 (05:38):
Ultimately there's no point in us winning that game if
we don't if we don't come and perform on tonight's game.
Speaker 4 (05:42):
So yeah, the focus moves pretty quickly.
Speaker 2 (05:45):
Very different set of circumstances. Last weekend, when it takes
all sudden death, knockout, whatever you want to call it.
Somebody's season finishes last weekend after tonight's game at full time,
it's effectively only halftime in the tie, of course. So
what is the broad approach to the first leg the
home league?
Speaker 5 (06:04):
Yeah, I think you know, obviously with us at home tonight,
we want to we want to win. I think everyone
in the league knows, everyone in the A League knows
how hard Coopers is away from home, especially you know,
for being sold out and everything. So you know, tonight
we need to we need to win, and we need
to make sure that, you know, we take something to
Adelaide that we can at least hold on to.
Speaker 4 (06:24):
But you know it's not going to be easy. They're
a good team. The coach well, they've got a lot
of young players. So yeah, we know it's going to
be tough, but yeah, these are the games we want
to play as individuals and as a team, so we're
really looking forward to it.
Speaker 2 (06:37):
Can you talk a bit more about Adelaide United and
the specific threats that you think they'll present to you,
not only tonight but across the one hundred and eighty minutes.
Speaker 5 (06:46):
Yeah, I think Adelaide they play a good brand of football.
I think they've got some really good young players. I
just think that they've probably got better as the season's
gone along. You know, I think the last ten games
or so, they've been on a really good run. So yeah,
I think we've played them three times, two draws and
one wins, So you know it's going to be a
close game and I think, you know, with our strengths,
(07:09):
we give ourself good opportunity to win.
Speaker 4 (07:12):
The game, but you know, it's an even game, i'd say, and.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
Strengths at both ends. One of your strengths as a
team this year has been defensively. I think only Sydney
FC have conceded fewer goals than than Auckland f C.
What have been the keys to the defensive solidity of
the team this season?
Speaker 5 (07:31):
Yeah, I think defensively, we've been verked. I think it's
not been that easier at times. You know, there's been
a lot of a few injuries in the back line
and that, so that's obviously an impact on things.
Speaker 4 (07:41):
But I think, you know, we work well as a unit.
Speaker 5 (07:44):
I think, you know, first and foremost, we have really
good defenders.
Speaker 4 (07:47):
I think I've got one of the best center backs
in the league with Dan Hare, and you know, good
rights are so very good.
Speaker 5 (07:56):
So I just think that, you know, big players have
stepped up at big times, and we just know that
if we can keep a cleanch sheet or you know,
defend well, then that gives us a good opportunity in
the game.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
And with those injuries and players coming in and out,
looks like I has been an out Pinaker has been
in and out. Dan's been there pretty much the whole time.
Good would write, you know, but when you have players
coming in to look, Luka Visselitch came in and started
the game, didn't he I know you didn't start that one,
but but how do you make sure that even if
players coming and out of Francis is the other one
I should have mentioned. You know that that the basic
philosophies are still the same.
Speaker 5 (08:29):
Yeah, I think that that's just how we train. I
think that you know, like Luca, I think, you know,
it is the potential to be one of the best
center backs in the A League. You know, he's got
everything at such a young age. And I just think
that the gaffer and that they, you know, they give
these young guys confidence to go out there and express
themselves and as players.
Speaker 4 (08:48):
You know, we were once young and you know, we
know how it feels.
Speaker 5 (08:51):
So just giving them confidence and belief and and ultimately
Piney that they're being picked because they're good enough and
you know there's no reason why they, you know, shouldn't
be able to do well.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
Exciting game and prospect tonight, first leag of a two
leggod semi final. Mike, Well, thanks so much for taking
the time to chat to us. Look forward to seeing
you in a few hours from now.
Speaker 4 (09:10):
Jess Bony, thanks mate, No.
Speaker 2 (09:11):
Thank you mate. Michael Voud, their goalkeeping hero in the
penalty shootout for Auckland FC last weekend, none of that
nonsense tonight, Well, it's not nonsense. It's huge drama, but
it's a very different kettle of fish. As discussed with
Michael there. It is just the first leg ninety minutes tonight.
That's no extra time, no penalties, but they carry the
score over to Adelaide next weekend or on Friday night
(09:35):
at what is bound to be an absolute cauldron at
Cooper's Stadium in Adelaide. There are no away goals in
terms of away goals counting. For more, in the event
of a drawer, whatever the score is tonight, they pick
it up, they drop it down in Adelaide, and then
whatever the score is across the two legs after Friday's
game is who goes through to the Grand Final. We
(09:56):
may have extra time and penalties on Friday, of course,
but we will not have those tonight.
Speaker 1 (10:02):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Faine, listen live
to use Talk ze B weekends from midday, or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio
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