The famous RBB (Red & Black Bloc) played their part as the 12th man Photo: efcs01
The Western Sydney Wanderers are through to the A-League Grand Final after beating Brisbane Roar 2-0 on Friday night. A capacity crowd at Parramatta Stadium saw the home team knock out the reigning Premiers and continue their golden run with another stellar performance.
The game started off with both teams playing at a high tempo. But it was evident that Western Sydney was sharper than Brisbane in every department and in the 16th minute, the Wanderers extra zip brought the Brisbane defence undone. A low cross from Mark Bridge found Dino Kressinger from 5 yards out who backheeled past goalkeeper Michael Theo to give their side a 1-0 lead.
The rest of the half continued to see Western Sydney dictating more of the play as they continued to look dangerous whenever they were in possession.
The second half started with more open and entertaining play. Western Sydney’s discipline continued to be a thorn in the side for Brisbane Roar coach Mike Mulvey.
In the 71st minute another Wanderers attack found Shinji Ono with the ball at his feet just outside the Brisbane box. With a swift, curling, dipping shot Shinji wrote himself into the history books thanks to a goal for the ages that saw Michael Theo glued to the spot as he watched the ball sail into the back of the net for a 2-0 score to Western Sydney. Cue in the celebrations by the Wanderers fans.
The happy occasion was soured though as an exuberant challenge from Youssouf Hersi saw him earn a second yellow card that reduced the Wanderers to 10 men.
Western Sydney ran out 2-0 winners and will now host the Grand Final in their inaugural season, aiming to complete one of the greatest stories ever seen in Australian sporting history.
Western Sydney Wanderers 2 (Dino Kressinger 16′, Shinji Ono 71′)
Bribane Roar 0
Man of the match: Shinji Ono
Crowd: 19,369
