A Paul Izzo masterclass and Kristian Opseth’s header has sealed a 1-0 win over Brisbane Roar for Adelaide United in Carl Veart’s opening game in charge as interim boss.
Opseth’s sixth minute goal proved decisive before a series of superb stops by Izzo ensured Adelaide were able to preserve the three points on the Gold Coast and begin the Hyundai A-League restart on a positive note.
In his first official match as Head Coach, Veart employed a 4-3-3 formation and handed 18-year-old midfielder Taras Gomulka his debut – the seventh South Australian to do so this season. Jordan Elsey partnered Michael Jakobsen in central defence, while Nikola Mileusnić and Ben Halloran flanked Opseth up front.
Adelaide made a fast start when McGree tested Jamie Young early following a poor clearance by the gloveman.
Brisbane had a sighter before Adelaide scored their fastest goal since April 2019. Ryan Strain delivered a sensational cross into an inviting area and Opseth threw himself at the ball at the near post to head home emphatically for his third of the campaign.
Brisbane began to control the tempo after conceding as the Reds were indebted to Izzo for two stunning saves.
The 25-year-old gloveman repelled Dylan Wenzel-Halls and then spectacularly thwarted a curling free-kick from James O’Shea.
United hit the base of the post through Mileusnić right on the stroke of half-time.
The hosts dominated the second-half too, controlling the bulk of possession but the Reds did threaten on the counter-attack and stood firm defensively.
Adelaide were sloppy at times which was expected given the four-month layoff due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, their resilience and desperation could not be faulted with their finals aspirations receiving an early boost post-lockdown.
Key moments:
6’ | GOAL! Strain delivers a lovely weighted cross into the box for the arriving Opseth to forcefully steer his header past Young.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6172975554001
23’ | SAVE! Izzo repels Wenzel-Halls’ header from close range from McDonald’s cross.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6172977628001
41’ | SAVE! Izzo makes a top-drawer save to deny O’Shea’s curling set-piece bound for the top corner.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6172978421001
45’ | CHANCE! McGree slips through Mileusnić and his one-on-one effort bobbles off the upright.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6172980047001
52’ | SAVE! Izzo rushes off his line and parries Wenzel-Halls’ attempt.
78’ | CHANCE! Blackwood rises highest and his header from McGree’s corner smacks the crossbar.
Match details:
Sunday, 19 July 2020
Hyundai A-League 2019/20 Season – Round 29
Brisbane Roar 0
Adelaide United 1 (Opseth 6’)
Venue: CBUS Super Stadium
