2011 A-League Grand Final
Encyclopedia
The 2011 A-League Grand Final was the sixth A-League Grand Final taking place on 13 March 2011 at Suncorp Stadium
. It was the final match in the A-League
2010–11 season
, played between premiers and runners-up .
Both teams had periods of quality position and created chances, however the game remained scoreless going into halftime. Brisbane Roar midfielder Mitch Nichols
went closest for the home side in the first half, hitting the crossbar following a corner from Thomas Broich
. Central Coast Mariners captain Alex Wilkinson
came closest for the Gosford side only for the ball to be cleared off the line by the opposing captain, Matt McKay
.
For the majority of the second half, the Mariners were put under a lot of pressure as the Roar pushed forward searching for a goal, forcing Mariners goalkeeper, Matthew Ryan
, into a number of saves. The Mariners, defended resiliantly and were able to exert some pressure of their own through young substitute Bernie Ibini-Isei
, whose fierce shot was well saved by Roar goalkeeper, Michael Theoklitos
. Ibini-Isei was nearly put through one-on-one with Theoklitos in the dying seconds of the second half, only for referee Matthew Breeze to whistle for the end of 90-minutes just as the pass to Ibini-Isei was played. As the scores were deadlocked at 90 minutes with both teams failing to grasp their chances, the match was destined for extra time.
Central Coast started the first half of extra time the better of the two sides and were threatening the Brisbane goal. This pressure brought reward for the Mariners in the 96th minute, with Ibini-Isei winning a corner after Theoklitos could only deflect the young strikers' shot behind. The resulting corner saw a Mariners' header well saved by Theoklitos, only for the ball to land in front of striker Adam Kwasnik
, who scored the first goal of the game despite the efforts of Matt McKay on the goal line. Seven minutes later, Kwasnik was the provider for the Mariners' second goal of the game. After being put through on goal with only Theoklitos to beat, Kwasnik had his shot blocked, however the striker managed to regain the ball and pass to an unmarked Oliver Bozanic
who managed to score despite efforts on goal line from the Roar defence.
As the first half of extra time ended, the Roar appeared beaten, with the Mariners holding what appeared to be a comfortable two goal lead into the final period of the game. In contrast to the start of the first half of extra time, the Roar were the ones pushing forward as they chased a goal that would give them hope. Their reward came three minuted from full time. Roar captain, Matt McKay's lobbed pass to Jean Carlos Solórzano
, who's first time chest control gave him space he needed to find a pass to Thomas Broich who set up Henrique
to side-foot the ball into the Mariners' goal. The Roar sensationally equalised with barely seconds to go through Roar midfielder Erik Paartalu
. Young Roar substitute Rocky Visconte
won a corner for the Roar when Mariners substitute striker Daniel McBreen
's clearance went behind the goals. Thomas Broich's corner was met by Paartalu's strong header which completed the comeback and sent the game to a penalty shootout.
The shootout was taken in front of the Brisbane Roar home end, with the Central Coast Mariners to take the first penalty kick. Veteran Mariners' and Maltese
international midfielder, John Hutchinson
took the first kick, which he converted, taking a deflection off Roar goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos. Brisbane Roar right back Ivan Franjic
stepped up first for the Roar and duely converted his penalty, sending Mariners' goalkeeper the wrong way. Mariners' captain Alex Wilkinson and the Roar's goalscoring hero Erik Paartalu both converted their penalty kicks taking the score to 2-2. Mariners' striker Daniel McBreen then struck his shot well to the right of Theoklitos, however the Roar goalkeeper was equal to it and palmed the shot around the post. Roar captain Matt McKay then took his penalty successfully, giving the Roar a 3-2 advantage. Right back Pedj Bojic took the Mariners' fourth penalty kick. Bojic's powerful strike looked destined for the top left hand corner of Theoklitos' goal, however the three time A-League Goalkeeper of the Year pulled off a stunning one handed save to palm the ball over the bar and deny the Mariners for a second time in the shootout. With the score at 3-2 and the Roar still having two penalty kicks in hand, this mean that the next penalty kick for the Roar would be enough. Brisbane's Brazilian
winger Henrique stepped up and converted his penalty kick, beating the Mariners' keeper and Joe Marston Medalist
Matthew Ryan to seal Brisbane Roar's first ever A-League Championship.
style="font-size: 90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center">
CENTRAL COAST MARINERS:
|
GK
20
Matthew Ryan
RB
4
Pedj Bojić
CB
18
Alex Wilkinson
(c)
CB
6
Patrick Zwaanswijk
LB
3
Joshua Rose
DM
8
Rostyn Griffiths
CM
14
Michael McGlinchey
CM
11
Oliver Bozanic
AM
22
Mustafa Amini
CF
19
Matt Simon
CF
23
Adam Kwasnik
Substitutes:
FW
2
Daniel McBreen
MF
7
John Hutchinson
DF
16
Trent Sainsbury
FW
24
Bernie Ibini-Isei
GK
30
Paul Henderson
Manager:
Graham Arnold
Suncorp Stadium
Lang Park is the original name of the site located in the Brisbane suburb of Milton, Queensland, Australia, now occupied by the major sports facility known by its sponsorship name, Suncorp Stadium...
. It was the final match in the A-League
A-League
The A-League is the top Australasian professional football league. Run by Australian governing body Football Federation Australia , it was founded in 2004 following the folding of the National Soccer League and staged its inaugural season in 2005–06. It is sponsored by Hyundai Motor Company...
2010–11 season
2010–11 A-League
The 2010–11 A-League season is the sixth season of the Australian football championship since its establishment in 2004. The home and away season began on 5 August 2010 and concluded on 13 February 2011. The addition of brought the total number of teams to 11...
, played between premiers and runners-up .
The match
In front of a crowd of 50,168, a record for both Brisbane Roar and football in Brisbane, it would be the home side who would lift their first A-League title after an enthralling match that would eventually be decided in a penalty shoot out.Both teams had periods of quality position and created chances, however the game remained scoreless going into halftime. Brisbane Roar midfielder Mitch Nichols
Mitch Nichols
Mitchell Ian "Mitch" Nichols is an Australian football player for the Brisbane Roar of the A-League.-Brisbane Roar:...
went closest for the home side in the first half, hitting the crossbar following a corner from Thomas Broich
Thomas Broich
Thomas Broich is a German football player with Brisbane Roar in the Australian A-League as an attacking midfielder. A documentary about Thomas Broich, titled "Tom meets Zizou" was released in 2011, after 9 years in the making....
. Central Coast Mariners captain Alex Wilkinson
Alex Wilkinson
Alexander Wilkinson is an Australian football player. He is currently plays for Central Coast Mariners in the A-League...
came closest for the Gosford side only for the ball to be cleared off the line by the opposing captain, Matt McKay
Matt McKay
Matthew Graham "Matt" McKay is an Australian football player who plays for Scottish Premier League side Rangers and the Australia national team....
.
For the majority of the second half, the Mariners were put under a lot of pressure as the Roar pushed forward searching for a goal, forcing Mariners goalkeeper, Matthew Ryan
Matthew Ryan
Matthew Ryan is an American alternative country singer-songwriter. Ryan has also collaborated with Neilson Hubbard to form the band Strays Don't Sleep...
, into a number of saves. The Mariners, defended resiliantly and were able to exert some pressure of their own through young substitute Bernie Ibini-Isei
Bernie Ibini-Isei
Bernie Ibini-Isei is a Nigerian-Australian football player who plays for the A-League club Central Coast Mariners.-Club career:...
, whose fierce shot was well saved by Roar goalkeeper, Michael Theoklitos
Michael Theoklitos
Michael Theoklitos is an Australian football player for the Brisbane Roar.-Early career:Theoklitos made several appearances in the Australian National Soccer League before moving away to Blackpool in England as a youngster, where he only played three games due to an injury sustained shortly after...
. Ibini-Isei was nearly put through one-on-one with Theoklitos in the dying seconds of the second half, only for referee Matthew Breeze to whistle for the end of 90-minutes just as the pass to Ibini-Isei was played. As the scores were deadlocked at 90 minutes with both teams failing to grasp their chances, the match was destined for extra time.
Central Coast started the first half of extra time the better of the two sides and were threatening the Brisbane goal. This pressure brought reward for the Mariners in the 96th minute, with Ibini-Isei winning a corner after Theoklitos could only deflect the young strikers' shot behind. The resulting corner saw a Mariners' header well saved by Theoklitos, only for the ball to land in front of striker Adam Kwasnik
Adam Kwasnik
Adam Kwasnik is an Australian football player. He currently plays as a striker for the Australian A-League club the Central Coast Mariners.-Club career:...
, who scored the first goal of the game despite the efforts of Matt McKay on the goal line. Seven minutes later, Kwasnik was the provider for the Mariners' second goal of the game. After being put through on goal with only Theoklitos to beat, Kwasnik had his shot blocked, however the striker managed to regain the ball and pass to an unmarked Oliver Bozanic
Oliver Bozanic
Oliver John Bozanic is an Australian football player who currently plays for Central Coast Mariners in the Australian A-League...
who managed to score despite efforts on goal line from the Roar defence.
As the first half of extra time ended, the Roar appeared beaten, with the Mariners holding what appeared to be a comfortable two goal lead into the final period of the game. In contrast to the start of the first half of extra time, the Roar were the ones pushing forward as they chased a goal that would give them hope. Their reward came three minuted from full time. Roar captain, Matt McKay's lobbed pass to Jean Carlos Solórzano
Jean Carlos Solórzano Madrigal
Jean Carlos Solórzano Madrigal is a Costa Rican footballer who plays for Melbourne Victory in the Australian A-League, on loan from LD Alajuelense. He plays as a forward.-Club career:...
, who's first time chest control gave him space he needed to find a pass to Thomas Broich who set up Henrique
Henrique Andrade Silva
Henrique De Andrade Silva is a Brazilian footballer currently playing for Hyundai A-League club Brisbane Roar. He is nicknamed the Slippery Fish.-Biography:...
to side-foot the ball into the Mariners' goal. The Roar sensationally equalised with barely seconds to go through Roar midfielder Erik Paartalu
Erik Paartalu
Erik Endel Paartalu is an Australian football player who currently plays for Brisbane Roar FC in the Hyundai A-League.-NSL:...
. Young Roar substitute Rocky Visconte
Rocky Visconte
Rocky Visconte is an Australian professional football player who plays for Brisbane Roar.-Croydon Kings:In 2005 he made his first senior appearance for local South Australian Premier League club Croydon Kings...
won a corner for the Roar when Mariners substitute striker Daniel McBreen
Daniel McBreen
Daniel James McBreen is a football player who plays for the Central Coast Mariners as a striker.-Club career:McBreen was born in Burnley, Lancashire, England but moved to Australia six weeks later after his father took up an offer to play football there...
's clearance went behind the goals. Thomas Broich's corner was met by Paartalu's strong header which completed the comeback and sent the game to a penalty shootout.
The shootout was taken in front of the Brisbane Roar home end, with the Central Coast Mariners to take the first penalty kick. Veteran Mariners' and Maltese
Malta national football team
The Malta national football team is the national football team of Malta and is controlled by the Malta Football Association. Malta played its first international game in February 1957, and began competing for qualification to major tournaments in 1962. The side's first competitive victory came in...
international midfielder, John Hutchinson
John Hutchinson
John Hutchinson may refer to:*John Hutchinson , leader in the 17th century Puritan revolt in Britain*John Hutchinson , English writer...
took the first kick, which he converted, taking a deflection off Roar goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos. Brisbane Roar right back Ivan Franjic
Ivan Franjic
Ivan Franjic is an Australian football player of Croatian descent currently playing for A-League club Brisbane Roar.-VPL:...
stepped up first for the Roar and duely converted his penalty, sending Mariners' goalkeeper the wrong way. Mariners' captain Alex Wilkinson and the Roar's goalscoring hero Erik Paartalu both converted their penalty kicks taking the score to 2-2. Mariners' striker Daniel McBreen then struck his shot well to the right of Theoklitos, however the Roar goalkeeper was equal to it and palmed the shot around the post. Roar captain Matt McKay then took his penalty successfully, giving the Roar a 3-2 advantage. Right back Pedj Bojic took the Mariners' fourth penalty kick. Bojic's powerful strike looked destined for the top left hand corner of Theoklitos' goal, however the three time A-League Goalkeeper of the Year pulled off a stunning one handed save to palm the ball over the bar and deny the Mariners for a second time in the shootout. With the score at 3-2 and the Roar still having two penalty kicks in hand, this mean that the next penalty kick for the Roar would be enough. Brisbane's Brazilian
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
winger Henrique stepped up and converted his penalty kick, beating the Mariners' keeper and Joe Marston Medalist
Joe Marston Medal
The Joe Marston Medal is an A-League award given to the player of the match in the A-League Grand Final each year. Introduced in 1990, previously the award was also given to the best player in the National Soccer League grand final. The medal is named after Joe Marston, who played for Australia...
Matthew Ryan to seal Brisbane Roar's first ever A-League Championship.
2010–11 finals series
Match details
| style="font-size: 90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> | BRISBANE ROAR: | ||||
| GK | 1 | Michael Theoklitos Michael Theoklitos Michael Theoklitos is an Australian football player for the Brisbane Roar.-Early career:Theoklitos made several appearances in the Australian National Soccer League before moving away to Blackpool in England as a youngster, where he only played three games due to an injury sustained shortly after... |
|||
| RB | 5 | Ivan Franjic Ivan Franjic Ivan Franjic is an Australian football player of Croatian descent currently playing for A-League club Brisbane Roar.-VPL:... |
|||
| CB | 2 | Matt Smith Matt Smith (footballer) Matt Smith is an English-Australian professional football player, currently playing with the Brisbane Roar in the Hyundai A-League... |
|||
| CB | 23 | Milan Susak Milan Susak Milan Susak is an Australian football player who plays as a defender for Adelaide United in the A-League.- Club career :... |
|||
| LB | 4 | Shane Stefanutto Shane Stefanutto Shane Stefanutto is an Australian football defender who plays for .-Club career:Stefanutto trained at the Queensland Academy of Sport before playing for the Brisbane Strikers in the defunct National Soccer League from 1998–2004, before transferring Lillestrøm S.K. in Norway... |
|||
| DM | 6 | Erik Paartalu Erik Paartalu Erik Endel Paartalu is an Australian football player who currently plays for Brisbane Roar FC in the Hyundai A-League.-NSL:... |
|||
| CM | 17 | Mitch Nichols Mitch Nichols Mitchell Ian "Mitch" Nichols is an Australian football player for the Brisbane Roar of the A-League.-Brisbane Roar:... |
|||
| CM | 15 | Matt McKay Matt McKay Matthew Graham "Matt" McKay is an Australian football player who plays for Scottish Premier League side Rangers and the Australia national team.... (c) |
|||
| RW | 7 | Kosta Barbarouses |
|||
| LW | 22 |  Thomas BroichThomas Broich Thomas Broich is a German football player with Brisbane Roar in the Australian A-League as an attacking midfielder. A documentary about Thomas Broich, titled "Tom meets Zizou" was released in 2011, after 9 years in the making.... |
|||
| CF | 9 |  Jean Carlos Solórzano |
|||
| Substitutes: | |||||
| MF | 8 | Massimo Murdocca Massimo Murdocca Massimo Murdocca is an Australian football player who plays as a right or central midfielder for the in the A-League.-Club career:... |
|||
| FW | 10 |  HenriqueHenrique Andrade Silva Henrique De Andrade Silva is a Brazilian footballer currently playing for Hyundai A-League club Brisbane Roar. He is nicknamed the Slippery Fish.-Biography:... |
|||
| DF | 12 | Matt Mundy Matt Mundy Matt Mundy is an Australian football player who currently plays for Brisbane Roar.-Club career:He made his A-League debut for the Brisbane Roar on 4 October 2008 against Sydney FC.-Honors:With Brisbane Roar:... |
|||
| FW | 14 | Rocky Visconte Rocky Visconte Rocky Visconte is an Australian professional football player who plays for Brisbane Roar.-Croydon Kings:In 2005 he made his first senior appearance for local South Australian Premier League club Croydon Kings... |
|||
| GK | 20 | Andrew Redmayne Andrew Redmayne Andrew Redmayne is an Australian football player. He currently plays as a goalkeeper for Brisbane Roar.-Club career:... |
|||
| Manager: | |||||
| Ange Postecoglou Ange Postecoglou Angelos "Ange" Postecoglou is a former Australian football player and manager of Brisbane Roar.-Club career:Postecoglou played 193 games from 1984 to 1993 for South Melbourne in the National Soccer League, where he was involved in their 1984 and 1990–91 titles, the latter as captain, before moving... Joe Marston Medal: Matthew RyanMatthew Ryan (goalkeeper) Mathew Ryan is an Australian football goalkeeper currently playing for A-League club Central Coast Mariners.-Club Career:... Assistant Referees: Ben Wilson and Brad Hobson Fourth Official: Strebre Delovski Strebre Delovski Strebre Delovski is an Australian association football referee in the A-League.He previously officiated in the Illawarra Premier League and during the A-League off-season has been refereeing in the NSW Premier League competition... |
|||||
Matthew RyanMatthew Ryan (goalkeeper)
Mathew Ryan is an Australian football goalkeeper currently playing for A-League club Central Coast Mariners.-Club Career:...
Pedj Bojić Alex WilkinsonAlex Wilkinson
Alexander Wilkinson is an Australian football player. He is currently plays for Central Coast Mariners in the A-League...
(c)
Patrick ZwaanswijkPatrick Zwaanswijk
Patrick Zwaanswijk is a Dutch professional footballer currently playing for Central Coast Mariners as a central defender.-Club career:Zwaanswijk played for 11 seasons in the Dutch Eredivisie including 5 years with NAC Breda....
Joshua RoseJoshua Rose
Joshua Rose is an Australian football player who currently plays for the Central Coast Mariners.-Club career:...
Rostyn GriffithsRostyn Griffiths
Rostyn John Griffiths is an Australian football player who currently plays for A-League team Central Coast Mariners.-Club career:...
Michael McGlincheyMichael McGlinchey
Michael Ryan McGlinchey is an association footballer currently playing for A-League club Central Coast Mariners....
Oliver BozanicOliver Bozanic
Oliver John Bozanic is an Australian football player who currently plays for Central Coast Mariners in the Australian A-League...
Mustafa AminiMustafa Amini
Mohammad Mustafa Amini is an Australian football player currently playing for the Central Coast Mariners on loan from Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga. He was signed from the AIS team which played in the 2009-10 Youth League season...
Matt Simon Adam KwasnikAdam Kwasnik
Adam Kwasnik is an Australian football player. He currently plays as a striker for the Australian A-League club the Central Coast Mariners.-Club career:...
Daniel McBreenDaniel McBreen
Daniel James McBreen is a football player who plays for the Central Coast Mariners as a striker.-Club career:McBreen was born in Burnley, Lancashire, England but moved to Australia six weeks later after his father took up an offer to play football there...
John HutchinsonJohn Hutchinson (footballer)
John Hutchinson is a Maltese-Australian football player. He currently plays as a central midfielder for the Australian A-League club Central Coast Mariners...
Trent SainsburyTrent Sainsbury
Trent Sainsbury in Perth, Western Australia, is an football player currently signed to the Central Coast Mariners.-Club career:He grew up in the hills district and graduated from Muirfield High School in North Rocks....
Bernie Ibini-IseiBernie Ibini-Isei
Bernie Ibini-Isei is a Nigerian-Australian football player who plays for the A-League club Central Coast Mariners.-Club career:...
Paul HendersonPaul Henderson
Paul Henderson is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. A left winger, Henderson played 13 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs and Atlanta Flames...
Graham ArnoldGraham Arnold
Graham James Arnold is a former coach of the Australian national football team. He was appointed to work as an assistant to Frank Farina in 2000. The two replaced Raul Blanco, who was the interim coach in charge after Terry Venables decided not to renew his contract with Soccer Australia after...
| Hyundai A-League 2010-11 Winners |
|---|
 |
| Brisbane Roar First Title |
Match statistics
| Brisbane | Central Coast | |
|---|---|---|
| Attempts at goal | 21 | 15 |
| Attempts on target | 12 | 7 |
| Attempts off target | 8 | 8 |
| Attempts - woodwork | 1 | 0 |
| Keeper saves | 1 | 7 |
| Ball possession | 57% | 43% |
| Corners | 11 | 6 |
| Fouls committed | 4 | 11 |
| Offsides | 1 | 4 |
| Yellow cards | 0 | 0 |
| Red cards | 0 | 0 |
See also
- 2010–11 A-League2010–11 A-LeagueThe 2010–11 A-League season is the sixth season of the Australian football championship since its establishment in 2004. The home and away season began on 5 August 2010 and concluded on 13 February 2011. The addition of brought the total number of teams to 11...
- List of A-League champions
- 2010–11 Brisbane Roar season2010–11 Brisbane Roar seasonThe 2010–11 season was Brisbane Roar's 6th season in the A-League. On Friday 4 February 2011, Brisbane Roar were confirmed as Premiers with two games remaining in the regular season. The seasons' Premiers Plate is the first piece of silverware for the club and meant automatic qualification for the...
- 2010–11 Central Coast Mariners season2010–11 Central Coast Mariners seasonThe 2010–2011 season will be the Central Coast Mariners 6th season running since their inagurial season in 2005–2006. Their new manager will be former Socceroos coach Graham Arnold who was appointed manager after Lawrie McKinna was moved to another department at CCM headquarters.-2010–11 Senior...