PREVIEW: ADELAIDE UNITED V LIVERPOOL
Liverpool roll into Adelaide July 20 to play Adelaide United in a sold out Adelaide Oval (53,000 capacity).
One of these teams is nicknamed "The Reds". They're from a marginalised city which struggles economically and is regularly ridiculed by the elitists of the country. They were in the doldrums for a while, playing boring, ineffective football, until revitalised by a Spanish coach who brought with him a new playing style and an influx of technically gifted Spanish players. The other one is... badoom tish.... Liverpool FC.
The qualityI remember when Fowler came to play in Australia, judgement of people who watch both A-League and the English leagues was that we were League Two to League One standard. I think we've improved significantly since then to the point we're probably around the standard of a good League One side. Don't expect quality, but expect a fight.
The seasonIt was all in all a good season for Adelaide United. We won the inaugural FFA Cup at home in front of a full house. After spending most of the season in the top three, we slumped to 5th after losing the last two games, but were moved to 4th after Perth Glory were demoted for salary cap violations. Because finals series are a tradition in Australian sport, our league ends with a playoff series. 4th is (just) good enough for a home final, which we won, before being dispatched in the semis by a superior Sydney FC side. But I doubt you'll find an Adelaide fan complaining too much about the year. We were pretty good and we were entertaining as hell to watch. In one home game I attended, we dispatched a hapless Newcastle Jets 7-0, equalling the previous biggest ever A-League victory, 8-1 by... oh, that was us too.
The coachJosep Gombau is ex FC Barcelona youth team coach and brought some of Barcelona's style to a dreary A-League filled with hoofball merchants. He has brought with him not only some talented Spanish players, but a lot of passion. One would think it would be tough to come from a club like Barcelona - if only the youth team - to a place like Adelaide where football is not the most popular sport. But Gombau's passion for winning at the club is obvious in every game. I remember one game a season or two ago, where drawing or winning was essential to our finals chances. We were losing 1-0 and a man down after a series of unbelievable refereeing decisions. The mood in the crowd was by far the ugliest I've ever seen. When we scored to equalise, Gombau ran onto the pitch and did a kneeslide in front of the goal scorer. In a suit. It wasn't for show. That's just who he is.
Players to watch1. Eugene Galekovic (GK, captain)
Generally considered the best keeper in the A-League and a fixture in the Socceroos squad (though not first choice). Galekovic, like Gombau, wears his heart on his sleeve. If he's pissed off you will know it. Also, he's pissed off about 95% of the time when the ball goes in his net. A good all-rounder with decent shot stopping, good positioning and good distribution. Fan favourite.
9. Sergio Cirio (striker)
One of Gombau's original imports, he won club player of the season this year, slightly controversially ahead of Tarek Elrich. A technically good and versatile player who frequently drifts out to the wings rather than playing as an out and out striker.
19. Awer Mabil (RW)
Born in Kenya's infamous Kakuma Refugee Camp and came to Australia at a young age. "Gogomabil", as he's sometimes known, is a huge fan favourite. His sheer drive and enthusiasm when he gets on the pitch is infectious, even if the finishing and decisionmaking sometimes doesn't live up to the bluster. He's a Jordon Ibe type figure - young and raw, but giving his all at all times.
21. Tarek Elrich (RB)
Now getting regular callups for the Socceroos, a dependable and versatile player.
10. Marcelo Carrusca (AM)
Another technically strong player playing in a typical no. 10 role, responsible for much of the side's creativity.
So who are you cheering for?As both an Adelaide and Liverpool fan, I just want a good game with a lot of good goals. If it was a serious game, I would be cheering for Adelaide. Given it's a friendly, I get to see Adelaide play many times a season and am more looking forward to Liverpool.
Prediction?Entertaining game I hope, but Adelaide should get firmly squashed. I'm thinking 4-1 Liverpool.
