Tomi Juric was understandably delighted with his and the team’s performance to edge Brisbane Roar in its Elimination Final, but noted Adelaide United face an even tougher test this upcoming weekend.
Juric’s sensational first-half double propelled the Reds into what ultimately proved an unassailable lead, securing a 2-1 win.
READ MORE:
- Jakobsen discusses Elimination Final win
- Mauk: We knew it was going to be tough
- Delianov and D’Arrigo delighted after first Finals road win
It was the 29-year-old’s best outing of the season on the biggest stage to date as well and ending a five-game goalless streak.
But Juric is well aware that the stakes are even higher now with Adelaide due to tackle Sydney FC in the Harbour City for a place in the Grand Final on Saturday night.
“It was fantastic for me obviously on a personal note,” Juric said to reporters at a press conference outside of Next Gen on Monday.
“Nevertheless, it was most important for us to go through to the next round.
“We have a really difficult game for us waiting on Saturday night so I think it’s going to be a little bit harder than this last match because Sydney have been a fantastic side over the last few years in the competition, so a real test for us.”
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6258630028001
The resilience and desperation United demonstrated against the Roar to come away with the crucial victory enhanced their title credentials, according to the 41-time capped Socceroos international.
“I think we showed yesterday that we have what it takes,” Juric continued.
“And now it’s just up to us to really kick on from here and make sure we put in a good performance and give ourselves every chance of going to the next round.”
Adelaide have experienced a mixed bag of results against the Sky Blues this season, and was comprehensively beaten 4-1 in its most recent meeting.
Juric said it was important to be cognisant of all their matches against the reigning champions this year.
“We still want to keep in the back of our minds what happened throughout the season,” he explained.
“We got a win at home, we got a point away and hopefully we can kick on and make sure on Saturday we get into the final.”
The former FC Luzern striker said they will study the film closely this week and make the necessary alterations to avoid a repeat of that heavy defeat just over a fortnight ago.
“We’ll adjust a few things and look back on that game, analyse that and make sure that doesn’t happen again this weekend,” he revealed.
“It’s going to be a fine line. These games are won in moments and whoever grabs those moments I think will get into the final.”
Match details:
Saturday, 19 June vs Sydney FC
A-League 2020/21 – Semi-final
Kick-off 6.35pm ACST
Venue: Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
Broadcast: Fox Sports
Stream: Kayo Sports, MyFootball Live App
