The three goals in the match were all exemplary of the beautiful game of football, with two sumptuous crosses and one convincing header.

Victory’s positive opening 30 minutes proved key, as they created a two-goal buffer that the Roar simply couldn’t overcome.

(And to round out Spanish Week in the A-League, let’s rate the players using Spanish numbers…)

Brisbane Roar

Jamie Young – Nueve (9)

The Roar’s goalkeeper exemplified yet again the positive impact that good form has on a player. Young made three very impressive saves (with one from point blank range), maintaining a somewhat positive morale within his team throughout the match. He couldn’t do much to stop the two goals scored against him.

Jack Hingert – Cinco (5)

It was a fairly quiet game for Hingert, as he failed to make a significant impact on the flow of the match and movement of the ball. The second half brought about some clumsy moments for him. Overall he was solid, but far from outstanding.

Jacob Pepper – Cinco (5)

Another quiet player in this match, Pepper didn't make any serious mistakes, however, there were elements of his play that were sloppy. He did his job, but not enough to push his team towards a win.

Daniel Bowles – Seis (6)

He showed great defensive awareness in the backline, setting a positive example for his teammates. Bowles’ clearances were helpful throughout the game, although, he wasn’t always convincing in his actions.

Connor O’Toole – Cinco (5)

Not many Brisbane players dominated the match, and O’Toole followed this trend. His runs while on the ball were consistently good. He did lose possession too easily on occasions, though.

Matt McKay – Ocho (8)

Tonight saw a confident performance from McKay, as he was reliable in the midfield. His assist (a perfectly weighted pass from the left flank) was the unexpected catalyst for Brisbane’s only goal, and his positive contributions were consistent throughout the match. He did, however, miss a chance to score in the first half.

Petros Skapetis – Seis (6)

The former Stoke City youth player was very active, but not cutting edge. After sixty-seven minutes, he was substituted, as Aloisi looked for a new player to spark goal-scoring opportunities and counter attacks. 

Mitchell Oxborrow – Cinco (5)

Sloppy at times, Oxborrow just performed his job, but failed to change the game. His impact was neither negative nor positive.

Ivan Franjic – Seis (6)

Constantly moving for the sixty minutes he was on the field, Franjic made positive contributions, mainly on the right wing. He saw a fair bit of the ball in the first half, but he will be remembered for a very questionable decision to attempt to chip the keeper, failing to convert a clear chance.

Massimo Maccarone – Seis (6)

The Italian’s second half goal was made more difficult than it needed to be, but nevertheless, he scored. For the majority of the match though, Maccarone lacked pace, which ensured that the defenders kept him at bay.

Fahid Ben Khalfalah – Siete (7)

Overall, this was a respectable performance from the thirty-five year old, with plenty of good movement (on and off the ball).  His first half air swing was a moment to forget, however…

SUBS

Rahmat Akbari – Seis (6)

Akbari displayed great skill, but didn’t significantly contribute to the outcome of the match.

Thomas Kristensen – Seis (6)

After more than four months on the sidelines due to injury, the Dane returned on the field for the Roar as a substitute. He knocked the ball about well, but failed to create a goal scoring opportunity.

Daniel Leck – Cinco (5)

The teenager must have thought he was at the library, being very quiet during his time on the field. His influence was minimal, but he didn’t cause damage, either. 

Melbourne Victory

Lawrence Thomas – Siete (7)

Victory’s goalkeeper was very calm and kept a cool head for the full ninety minutes. Overall, he didn’t have much to do, but a fumble which lead to a nervous moment in the goalmouth during the second half was his only lowlight.

Jason Geria – Seis (6)

Some decent runs where made along the wing, with no pivotal moments arising from Geria’s actions. Some aspects of his play where sloppy, but generally, it was a solid performance.

Thomas Deng – Siete (7)

A defensive worker in the background, Deng performed his role well. He was tough, and didn’t let much phase him.

Rhys Williams – Nueve (9)

Composed at the back, Williams was particularly strong at tackling, preventing any chances from the Roar. His primary contribution, of course, was his bullet-like header to open the scoring – a great goal and a great performance from the Victory defender.

Leigh Broxham – Seis (6)

Broxham played a quiet forty-five minutes, making no serious mistakes. He was bullied off the ball at times, which gave the Roar some possession, which they ultimately failed to capitalise on.

 

Matias Sanchez – Seis (6)

The Argentine was a worker for Melbourne consistently sourcing the ball and moving it around. However, his work didn’t amount to much.

Carl Valeri – Siete (7)

Valeri’s play up and down the wing was noticeable, contributing to Victory counter attacks. A true team player, he consistently added to his team’s attacks. 

Kosta Barbarouses – Ocho (8)

There were very little negatives about Barbarouses’ performance, with a nice first half goal, tapping in a sumptuous cross from Leroy George. He made a number of positive attempts on goal, utilising his speed effectively. His crosses were also particularly good this match.

James Troisi – Ocho (8)

The Socceroo was very clever on the ball, a constant threat for the entire ninety minutes. His through balls were dangerous, keeping the Roar defence on their toes (and often, catching them cold).

Leroy George – Ocho (8)

Like Troisi, George was also very smart on the field throughout the game. His assisting cross from the left flank was placed with precision and with the perfect amount of pace. That contribution is enough to earn a positive rating itself.  However, he failed to run and meet a tap-in opportunity, and was slow with some decision-making.

Besart Berisha – Cinco (5)

Brisbane Roar did very well to contain the Albanian, who failed to make an influence on the game. His movement was linear, lacking variety. Berisha also missed a header in the second half. Credit, however, is due to his clinical ‘goal’ late in the match, which was later disallowed.

SUBS

Stefan Nigro – Seis (6)

His impact from the bench was not noticeable, but he did fit in nicely, maintaining a Victory lead.

Jai Ingham – Cinco (5)

Lost the ball and his man at stages, which led to a couple of nervy moments.

Josh Hope – Seis (6)

Hope was another library visitor, but in fairness, additional time is never enough time to make an impact…