Pundits and players lined up to pay tribute to FFA Cup Final hero Craog Goodwin after he sealed victory against the odds for Adelaide United over Sydney FC tonight.
The fringe Socceroo stamped his mark on the match with a brace of stunning goals and a maestro-like performance to dominate the game in front of almost 15,000 fans.
The outstanding 90 minute shift earned him calls for an immediate recall to the Socceroos for next month's friendlies with an eye to the Asian Cup.
WOAH! What a free kick from Craig Goodwin 😱😱😱
— FFA Cup (@FFACup) October 30, 2018
🎥: @FoxFootball #FFACupFinal pic.twitter.com/d119XYfd3k
Goodwin took the lead when he smashed home a free kick half through the first 45 only for Sydney to equalise from the spot via skipper Alex Brosque just minutes later.
⚽️ | Here's the strike that saw us head in level at 1-1 in the @FFACup Final against Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium!
— Sydney FC (@SydneyFC) October 30, 2018
Enjoy @A1F1E9's penalty...#SydneyIsSkyBlue #ComeWithUs #FFACupFinal pic.twitter.com/wd5QvTqady
But Goodwin claimed the winner in the second half with another blockbuster shot and earned him the game's Mark Viduka Medal for a man of the match performance.
Craig Goodwin rocket #2! 🚀
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) October 30, 2018
That's how you win a Cup Final. 🏆 #AUFC #FFACupFinal
🎥 @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/BHq6p1jg4x
Reds skipper Isaias hailed his double goal hero after the game: "I couldn't believe it. What a goal!
"The stadium is full, I am very proud of all the team mates.W e are very happy!"
And team-mate Jordan Elsey added: "I think we'll take Goodwin out for dinner. It's probably the best moment of my career. We'll have fun tonight then we'll go again."
Coach Marco Kurz joined the celebrations but paid tribute to the whole team effort, shunning any of the credit for himself.
"The second half was excellent and the victory was fair and correct," he said. "I'm not important, I'm a coach. I’m so happy, I’m so proud for the boys and for the whole city.
"It's a great and special evening.I think everyone saw it is the best stadium in Australia. Now we are champions, now we improve for the next step."
Former Adelaide United coach John Kosmina choked up as he savoured the win from his former club.
"It was everything a cup final should be," he said. "'I'm getting very emotional. It's exceptional.
"[Goodwin's goal] just came out the blue - no-one expected it. I had forgotten what this crowd could be like!
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