In front of a record crowd of 61,880 at ANZ Stadium a usually watertight Wanderers defensive unit was ripped apart in the second half by four Sydney FC goals.

“It’s 4-0, we have to accept it was but it certainly wasn’t a 4-0 game,” Popovic said. “They played the big moment better.

“When we had our chances we didn’t take them and when they had their chances they took theirs.

“And goals change games.”

Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold agreed too that the result wasn’t indicative of how the game panned out.

Popovic added that if his team continues to create the amount of chances they did at ANZ, results will come.

The red and black were denied by a brilliant save by Sydney FC’s Danny Vukovic after the second Sky Blue goal by Brazilian debutant Bobo.

If that chance had gone in and with the massive crowd behind them, the Wanderers could’ve been right back in it.

“At 2-0 we created numerous opportunities to go 2-1 and be really right back in the game. But we didn’t take them,” Popovic said.

“We got a send off and they scored direct. So we got punished for everything.”

Wanderers must now regroup for a Grand Final rematch with Adelaide United next Friday night.

And with new Japanese playmaker Jumpei Kusukami and Mitch Nichols impressing, Popovic has faith that his group can regroup in the City of Churches.

“There are things to work on but also there are a lot of positives. It was just the pivotal moments went their way.

“And [Jumpei] will get better. He was a bright spark and I can’t fault the players’ effort.”