This was a most interesting game as it exploded in the last few minutes,
that being after 90 minutes were up. Both teams struggled hard during
normal time but there was nothing to show for it.
Canberra used the longball tactic with Michael Musitano and Marko Perinovic
being the targets. These two were able to hold up the ball until one of the
four mid-fielders arrived to help promote the situation as a threat on goal.
As for West Adelaide, they used the more constructive patient style of
build up, more like that of the South Americans, and waited for the chances
to come.
Strangely enough, it was a longball that opened up the home team such that
a low cross was met by a host of players and Cardoza slipped in what was
thought to be the winner. Some of the crowd had already left thinking this
was going to end in a draw. More were leaving seeing the inevitable loss.
Then a minute or so later, Canberra was awarded a corner and from a head-on by
Perinovic, Paul Wade made the slightest of touches to guide the ball in for
the equalizer. This was worth more than anything for the team and the club. The
team knew they had the spirit to come back and the crowd gained more confidence
in the team.
The draw was probably a fair result, but a win was needed. It'll come soon.