A disappointing performance by Adelaide Croatia saw them bow out of the Australia
Cup round of 32, losing 3-2 to Cooks Hill United.
The energy and buzz at the Croatian Sports Centre was noticeable and with a
healthy crowd of 650, the community were hoping for a performance to match the
historic occasion.
Adelaide Croatia had in the midst of a relegation battle had the difficult balancing act
of managing the squad to ensure they were fresh and ready for the league encounter
against Croydon Kings on Saturday.
Key players for Adelaide Croatia were rested, with reserve players given an
opportunity to represent the club on the main stage. Perhaps Adelaide Croatia
underestimated Cooks Hill United.
Adelaide Croatia made it 1-0 in the 6th minute, Josh Zganec’s drilled in cross was
turned in for an own goal, much to the joy of the crowd.
The remainder of the half, Croatia was penned into their own half unable to wrestle
any momentum. Cooks Hill United failed to create any clear opportunities, however
they were afforded time and space in dangerous areas.
A foul inside the box by Corey Musci led to Cook Hill United getting a penalty.
Joshua Benson coolly converted his penalty to deservedly equalise.
A quickfire double for Cooks Hill United in the 61st and 63rd minute almost put the
game beyond reach. Goals to Benson and Xavier Williams exposed Croatia’s fragility
at the back.
With the introduction of key players Rhys Thompson & Donatien Niyonkuru, Croatia
started to control the last 20 minutes of the game.
Noah Blazeka made it 2-3 with just under 10 minutes go, Blazeka was the first to
react in a goal mouth scramble.
Croatia thought they equalised in the 90th minute courtesy of a Zganec goal. Zganec
was played through by Blazeka, with the pacy winger placing his effort into the
bottom left corner to set the Croatian Sports Centre alight.
Unfortunately for Croatia, the linesman overruled the goal citing interference by Croatia midfielder Alessio Benventura who was in an offside position.
Cooks Hill held on in stoppage time to run out deserved victors.
A disappointing performance on the main stage, Croatia will hope that the managing
of players will prompt a stronger performance against Croydon Kings who are currently second of the table.
Croatia’s will be at home to Croydon Kings, this Saturday 3pm at the Croatian Sports
Centre.
