Daniel Adlung believes Adelaide United showed immense character in their 2-1 Westfield FFA Cup Semi-final victory over Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday night.
The German midfielder scored an absolute screamer with a long-range drive in what was his first goal for the Club since moving from 1860 Munich.
That strike gave the Reds a 2-0 lead after Johan Absalonsen opened the scoring earlier in the 13th minute.
Brendon Santalab converted a controversial penalty with 20 minutes remaining but it proved inconsequential as United advanced to the final and will face Sydney FC on Tuesday, 21 November.
“It was very good for us, we deserved it (the win) I think,” Adlung said, following another auspicious outing in Red.
“We played a very tough match and the opposition was very strong so in the end we are happy to win this game.”
The 30-year-old also stated he was proud to have netted a crucial goal but said he does not care who scores as long as the team wins.
“I’m happy for the team that we are successful,” he said.
“For me it doesn’t matter who scores the goals, but it was nice for me to score for sure and it’s always nice if you score important goals.”
Despite three experienced players in Ersan Gülüm, Taylor Regan and Vince Lia all absent for the clash, Adlung lauded the character in the squad to brush aside WSW.
Hear from Daniel following our @FFACup win. We're back at Coopers on Sat. You know what to do… #AUFC
🎟 BE THERE: https://t.co/ST6aHUagqN pic.twitter.com/yNRGH58kJu
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) October 26, 2017
Young centre-back Ben Warland forged a resolute partnership with Jordan Elsey in defence and was impressive in his first appearance this season.
“We missed three important players and it’s not good for us,” he said.
“But we have a good connection in the team and we have young players and they are very hungry to play.
“And we saw in the game Benny (Ben Warland), he played a very good game and everybody helped each other and that’s important.”
Adlung was delighted to be competing for silverware so early into his Adelaide career and was hopeful the team can claim a record second Westfield FFA Cup, after winning the inaugural tournament in 2014.
“It’s great to be in the final and the boys played a very successful cup season,” he said.
“And I played my first game in the semi-final so I can win maybe the trophy with two games.
“I hope so for the Club and for the supporters and for the team.”
The Reds having clocked up a number of air miles to begin the Hyundai A-League season with away trips to New Zealand, Queensland and most recently Sydney.
However, Adlung insisted the boys are physically in good shape ahead of their home clash with Melbourne City on Saturday night.
“The travel is hard because the first games we played in Wellington and Brisbane, so it was long travel,” he continued.
“But I think we have had good recovery sessions and we need this and I think for Saturday we are ready.”
Adelaide United host Melbourne City in Round 4 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Saturday, 28 October at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT.
