Alessandro Del Piero shows his class in yesterday's A-League match between the Sky Blues and Perth Glory. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Australian
ALESSANDRO Del Piero scored yet again, but almost didn't make it on the field as Sydney FC scored a controversial 2-1 win over Perth Glory at ANZ Stadium yesterday to jump into the top six for the first time this season.
Del Piero, playing his 800th match, probably had his worst game for the Sky Blues since arriving in Australia two months ago but revealed later that he almost missed the game because of concerns over tightness in both hamstrings.
The former Italy and Juventus star clearly was not at his best yesterday, struggling at times to get into the match. His passing was not up to its usual high standards, his running was limited and he was worried off the ball several times by some keen Perth tackling.
Even his penalty, which helped level the scores at 1-1, was far from convincing, coming off the left post before nestling in the net.
"Yes, I almost didn't play. I have problems with my hamstrings, more especially with my left one," Del Piero said. "It has been a hard week for me. I said to you last week I still need two or three more weeks to improve. I feel like I want to work hard but sometimes it is not good for me."
Sydney FC coach Ian Crook told The Australian he was concerned about Del Piero's fitness, but that he wanted to play.
"I don't know how he played today," Crook said, marvelling at the resilience and determination of the man. "I asked him if he wanted to come off at one stage as well, but he was adamant he wanted to stay on. But we will need to monitor his workload."
Even with his issues, Del Piero said he never considered coming off.
His teammates showed they are not a one-man band after coming from behind to make it two wins on the trot in front of 22,128 fans.
Sky Blues skipper Brett Emerton eventually stole the game for the home side, capitalising on a horrendous mistake in defence to lob goalkeeper Danny Vukovic in the 70th minute.
The result, however, was probably an injustice for Perth, which played some terrific football at times.
Not only was it forced to play the last 33 minutes with 10 men after defender Steve Pantelidis was correctly sent off for the incident that led to the penalty but the West Australians also had claims for a clear penalty of their own turned down in the dying minutes.
Replays showed Sydney defender Rhyan Grant had handled in the box in the 87th minute but referee Peter Green turned down the appeals, much to the disgust of coach Ian Ferguson, who said he was "gobsmacked" by the decision.
"It was clear cut," Ferguson said.
"I don't know what's going on. We need to clarify what's a penalty and what's not a penalty.
"If a player puts his hand out and the ball hits it then there is no other option than to give a penalty. I just don't have a clue any more and it needs to be sorted out."
Ferguson got support from Crook, who admitted he thought it was a penalty.
"If I am sitting here as Fergie then I'd be saying it was a penalty," Crook said. Crook said he was disappointed with his side's first half, but a lot happier with the second. "We were disappointing in a lot of area, but in the end I have to give credit to the boys for digging in," he said. "It's the sign of a good side that wins when it is not at it best."
Del Piero wasn't happy with the performance of the side either and was seen remonstrating with his own bench at the end of the match.
"Yes, we talk a lot," he said with a smile. "We can improve, that's why. We can play better, all of us, me as well. But I am happy we got the three points."
Despite his problems, Del Piero said he would play against Central Coast next week.
Crook surprised by using Del Piero, who normally plays in the hole behind the strikers, as an out and out striker for the first 20 minutes or so before switching him back to his regular role.
"He has played three 90 minute games and we thought we needed to save his legs," Crook said.
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