Marco Kurz believes his side was the “lucky winner” as Adelaide United produced a scrappy 1-0 win against Lions FC in the FFA Cup 2018 Round of 16 at Perry Park.
The Reds were far from their scintillating and free-flowing best on Wednesday night against the Queensland outfit, but Craig Goodwin’s goal just past the half hour mark sealed progression to the Quarter Finals.
Kurz insisted his team were rather fortunate to come away with the victory after Lions made it extremely difficult for United to boss proceedings.
“I think today we’re the lucky winner,” Kurz told Fox Sports after the game.
“The Lions played very well, very aggressive with a lot of pressure on our defence line.
“And we had the luck and congratulations for the boys from the Lions but for us it was important to reach the next round.
“But the game was not our best.”
However, Kurz refuted suggestions his side’s underwhelming performance was due to fatigue as a result of a heavy workload the players have experienced in pre-season.
“No in the pre-season it’s normal,” he said.
“We trained the last couple of days only once and a lot less.
“And in these games you either win or lose with your mind and we’re not sharp enough today.
“The Lions were sharper and then you saw the result.”
And we're off to NSW to face @apialeichhardt in the Quarter Finals. #AUFC #FFACup #MagicOfTheCup pic.twitter.com/oyHocauVzk
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) August 29, 2018
Adelaide did improve in the second stanza, particularly just after the re-start.
Though they could not capitalise on a guilt-edge chance thanks to an awkward bounce denying Goodwin to complete his brace and kill off the match.
Kurz said he expected his team to help themselves to a few more chances with Lions pushing to restore parity.
“When you know the opponent have to score a goal for the equaliser they gave us a bit of space,” he said.
“After half-time we can score the second goal but when I saw the 90 minutes we’re today the lucky winner.
“But I think in the next round nobody will speak about it.”
And despite the overall frustrating display, the Reds did win a game of football after all.
Kurz said ultimately that is all his side were focused on and the fact they now play another competitive match before the start of the Hyundai A-League season.
“Exactly, that was our goal,” Kurz stated.
“We’re not happy with the performance but we reached our aim and that’s in the end what’s important.”
Adelaide travel away to New South Wales club APIA Leichhardt Tigers in the Quarter Finals of the FFA Cup at a date to be confirmed, following last night’s live draw.
