Paul Izzo conceded Adelaide United rode their luck at times on their way to a 1-0 win against Brisbane Roar on Sunday night.
The goalkeeper delivered a tremendous performance, conjuring eight incredible saves to keep the Roar at bay as United provisionally climbed into sixth spot on the table.
The narrow triumph coincided with interim boss, Carl Veart’s, first game in charge and ended a run of four matches without a win before the enforced break due to COVID-19.
Izzo’s best save arrived in the 41st minute when he scrambled to his right at full stretch to tip wide James O’Shea’s free-kick heading for the top corner.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6172989428001
“It was just a bit shifty I reckon, like the way he (O’Shea) was looking at me,” Izzo told Fox Sports after the game about anticipating where the ball would land.
“He had a good angle and I know he has a good free-kick as well so I had a bit of gamble and luckily it paid off.”
The 25-year-old felt fortune was on Adelaide’s side, but believed they have plenty of time to rectify a few issues and improve defensively.
“We can count ourselves pretty lucky as well tonight,” he said.
“But for confidence-wise I think in the past we probably would’ve lost that game.
“It’s obviously good that we got the win and have time in between the next to kind of fix those little gaps we’re leaving.”
Prior to the match, Izzo revealed as a Childhood Cancer Association ambassador, he would be pledging $20 for every save he makes until the end of the campaign.
The gloveman, who raised $160 at CBUS Super Stadium, discussed the reason behind the kind-hearted gesture and encouraged others to get behind the cause.
That's one spectacular save for @P_izzo. 👏
One of eight saves and $160 for @childhoodcancr association. 👊
🎥: @FOXFOOTBALL#AUFC #BRIvADL pic.twitter.com/wlkMuSLXMe
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) July 19, 2020
“Childhood Cancer Association are a charity that relies on donations,” he explained.
“They don’t really get government funding and obviously with all the COVID-19 stuff that has happened, they’ve had events they’ve had to cancel.
“And unfortunately, they’re missing out on a lot of donations and money, so I just thought at least I can do a little bit and try and help out and get the initiative out there.
“And maybe other people will see it and they’ll get behind it as well and help support a charity that does so much for kids and also the families that are looking after the children as well.”
Adelaide United face Wellington Phoenix in Round 26 of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season on Saturday 25 July at Bankwest Stadium. Kick-off is at 4.30pm ACST. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports, ABC, Kayo Sports and the MyFootball Live App
