Queensland Roar stumbled to the top of the Hyundai A-League last night, in a tense and unfulfilling 0-0 draw with Sydney FC in front of almost 32,000 fans at Lang Park.
The result leaves Queensland, Sydney, Central Coast Mariners and Newcastle United Jets all square on 31 points, like four shy young bachelors at a country dance, hanging back in the corner, trying to find the courage to ask the pretty girl for a dance.
Which club will seize the chance, step out onto the dance-floor and take the prize? Well, there were no answers to be found tonight. Sydney, with a World Cup winner on the bench and big names all over the park, couldn't do it. They were denied early on by excellent defending from Danny Tiatto and a great save by Griffin McMaster. But after the 15th minute they barely troubled the Queensland goal.
But the Roar couldn't make it happen either. There were flashes of brilliance from Tahj Minniecon, and a couple of encouraging moments from Michael Zullo on his return from injury, but not enough chances were created to make Sydney really sweat.
Sydney started alert and watchful in a 4-5-1, with Brosque alone up front. Queensland gave a start to Scotsman Simon Lynch, in place of their suspended leading scorer Reinaldo. More exciting was the return of Zullo, but unfortunately the other Roar cub Robbie Kruse was ruled out.
Lacking Reinaldo's size and physical presence, Lynch just about makes up for it with better positioning in front of goal and better skills at holding up the ball. As we have mentioned a few times this season, the Farina-style 4-3-3 often sees the central striker isolated, and Lynch was struggling to match Popovic and Fyfe in the air anytime a long ball was played forward.
In the 8th minute Sydney gave the home crowd their first scare of the night. Corica was played through by Brosque and looked to be through on goal. But Danny Tiatto pulled off a sensational tackle to win the ball cleanly and clear the danger.
And then in the 12th minute, Brosque picked the ball up on the right wing, skipped inside a couple of challenges and lined up his favoured left foot for the shot. McMaster closed the angle and denied the Sydney man with a classy save.
So that was two clear chances to the visitors.
Queensland took a while to get into their stride. Tahj Minniecon was a handful for the veteran Brendan Renaud with pace and footwork. But with Popovic standing firm in the centre, Queensland were not making good chances.
The home team dominated possession for the whole first half. McKay and Murdocca and Tiatto probed and prodded, but the Sydney defence had shape and discipline.
Queensland's biggest shout in the first half came when Minniecon skipped past Renaud into the box, and went to ground as the fullback tackled him from behind. Mark Shield didn't see it as a penalty, and his opinion on the matter is the only one that matters.
So, no score at the break. John Kosmina was the first to ring the changes in the second half, bringing on Juninho and Michael Bridges, and moving to a more attacking 4-4-2.
Farina withdrew Zullo on the hour, to bring on super-sub Marcinho. Last week against Melbourne he had provided some real spark. Could he set this match alight and become a local hero?
The answer, I'm sorry to say, was no. The Roar were finding more space to move in front of a tiring Sydney midfield. On a hot night - it was 26 degrees - it was a matter of who could summon the energy, skill and inspiration to conjure up a winner.
McKay and Murdocca buzzed around the park like busy orange bees. Danny Tiatto strolled around the holding midfield role like a little general. But further upfield, Iain Fyfe and Tony Popovic were always in the road.
The last throw of the dice for Farina was the withdrawal of Lynch in favour of young midfielder Mitch Nichols. Marcinho stepped into the central striker's role, and had the best chance to win the game in the 85th minute. Clint Bolton could only parry a low shot-cross from Nichols. Marcinho was following up but couldn't control his volley of a high bouncing ball on his left foot.
And that was all there was.
Sydney remain undefeated away from home all season, a remarkable effort.
The Roar just hope that its good away form holds true for next week against Adelaide. The term 'crunch game' doesn't begin to come close to describe how important this upcoming last game of the season is. There is everything to play for. Glory, fame, home finals. Which club wants it most? Who can find the courage, the conviction, the determination to seize the day?