Adelaide United winger Craig Goodwin fronted the media on Tuesday and spoke about that free-kick, Sydney FC boss Graham Arnold’s recent comments and the Reds’ ripper record against the Sky Blues.
On why they have such a good record against Sydney FC
“I don’t really know what to put it down to. Playing against Sydney it’s always definitely a bigger game than usual when it’s during the [regular season].
“All the players are always up for it. This Saturday it’s very different, a semi-final.
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“We do have a good record but it’s going to be a completely different game really as it was against Brisbane on Friday. Hopefully we can put in a good performance and continue that record on Saturday night.”
On Graham Arnold’s comments Adelaide have been lucky against Sydney this season
“In the last game maybe a little bit but then again people say you make your own luck. Sydney couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net and we did once.
“To say it was luck I wouldn’t say that. Eugene [goal-keeper Eugene Galekovic] had a fantastic game that day and they didn’t put the ball in the back of the net.
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“In the other three games [including the Westfield FFA Cup] I thought we played very well. I wouldn’t say it’s luck.
“They are a good side. We might have rode our luck but we weren’t lucky.”
On if that record gives them a mental edge on Saturday
“Yeah maybe a little bit but in the finals it’s very different.
“Form really goes out the window, it’s about who turns up on the day and doing the job.
“All the boys have the belief [to make the Grand Final]. We know on our day we can beat any team, it’s just a matter of going out there and being able to do it.”
On biggest dangers in Sydney FC side:
“They’ve got some fantastic players in [Marc] Janko, [Alex] Brosque and [Bernie] Ibini. If we’re to have a good game, obviously we’ll focus on ourselves but we’ll have to nullify their effect on the game.
“Janko’s been finding the net regularly and Ibini is starting to do that now as well.
“It’s going to be a tough game, we need to focus on what areas they’re good at and try to stop them.”
On his stunning free-kick against Brisbane
“It was one of those ones where as soon as I hit it, it just felt right off the boot.
“I’m very happy it found the back of the net in such a big game.”
On chance to host grand final if City beat Victory:
“It would be amazing. We haven’t hosted a grand final yet so if that was to happen it would be amazing for the club and the city as well.
“First we have to focus on Sydney and get through this round.
“I will be [barracking for City]. Then again having to play Victory in the grand final would be fantastic as well.”
