John Kosmina believes Adelaide United’s comfortable Hyundai A-League win over Perth Glory earlier this season give the Reds a psychological boost ahead of Tuesday’s Westfield FFA Cup Final at Coopers Stadium.
In an historic night for the game, Adelaide and Perth will fight it out for the huge honour of claiming the first edition of the new competition as well as claiming the season’s first piece of silverware.
Final ticket release for Westfield FFA Cup Final
Glory may be out in front of the Hyundai A-League after nine rounds but their only defeat this season came at the hands of Adelaide at the same venue back in week three.
And Kosmina says the ease of that victory makes the Reds deserved favourites to capture the first-ever Westfield FFA Cup title.
“Adelaide have been really good this season but go to a new level when they are at home,” Kosmina told www.theffacup.com.au.
“Some of their football has been great to watch and almost all their good attacking players are in sensational form.
“I watched them play Perth (in round three) and Perth were terrible. They weren’t the same side we’ve seen at the top of the table every week.
“They probably won’t play that bad again but Adelaide will have got a lot out of that game and will have to be favourites on that alone.”
Kosmina said there is an exciting vibe around the city ahead of the final.
While leaning towards the Reds, Kosmina says Glory’s contingent of big-game players does give them a shot, while striker Andy Keogh is in brilliant form in front of goal.
The ex-Socceroos striker and former Adelaide boss believes Perth’s best chance could be if they can turn the contest into a dog-fight.
“It will come down to who wants to win it more,” Kosmina declared.
“If Perth go out and are hungry, it might not necessarily be attractive football but if it works, it works.
“People have big expectations of cup finals sometimes but they can turn into dour affairs because both teams want to win but no one wants to lose as well.
“It might just work in Perth’s favour. It’s going to be an interesting final because Perth aren’t going to be easy-beats.”
Kosmina admits he’s surprised how much the competition has captured the imagination of the Australian public in its first year.
But given its raging success he has no doubt it will get bigger and bigger and become a huge fixture on the Australian sporting calendar in years to come.
“It engages people and makes them feel a part of it and that’s what it’s all about,” Kosmina said.
“It’s about bringing everyone in the game together. The game has sometimes suffered due to division within the game but this is exciting and if it keeps catching on it will send the game up with a rocket.”
Both sides will be without key players for the decider due to injury, with Osama Malik (calf) and Youssouf Hersi (hamstring) both sidelined for lengthy periods.
