Delighted Kurz lauds Adelaide’s spirit in Westfield FFA Cup win

A proud Marco Kurz has hailed Adelaide United’s unshakeable team spirit as they overcome Western Sydney Wanderers in their Westfield FFA Cup semi-final on Tuesday night.

Goals to imports Johan Absalonsen and Daniel Adlung early in each half were enough for the Reds, who now face Sydney FC in next month’s decider.

“If you have a look today, we had three experienced players that could not play in Ersan [Gulum], Taylor [Regan] and Vince Lia,” Kurz told Fox Sports.

“The young boys did well. The first 10, 20 minutes we had problems but the team spirit came through.

“I’m very proud to be the coach for this team.

“The boys they worked so hard and I think it’s correct that Adelaide is going to the final.”

In front of a boisterous home crowd at Campbelltown Stadium, the Wanderers did rally late with Brendon Santalab pulling a goal back from the penalty spot with 20 minutes left.

And even as his side had to absorb pressure late on, Kurz never felt his side was in danger of letting the match slip.

“You sometimes have a feeling for a result and tonight I was 100% sure we would win,” the German said.

“Even if they [Wanderers] had scored to go to extra time I still felt we would have won.

“That’s my feeling, but I’m happy to have won it after 90 minutes.”

It’s been a superb start to the campaign for the Reds, through to the Westfield FFA Cup final and still unbeaten in the Hyundai A-League.