Quintal’s quality helps Sydney sneak past Roar
George Clarke |
Tiago Quintal’s stock continues to rise after the playmaker’s goal helped Sydney FC to a gritty 1-0 win over Brisbane Roar.
Quintal struck home in the 54th minute at Allianz Stadium on Saturday to snap a run of three-straight games without a victory for Ufuk Talay’s side, who remain in contention for the A-League Men premiership.
Sydney sit third on the table and are just four points off table-topping Newcastle thanks to Quintal who has an increasing habit of delivering when the Sky Blues need him most.
The 19-year-old has four goals in his last five games for Sydney and is the club’s joint-top goalscorer this season alongside much more experienced teammates Victor Campuzano, Joe Lolley and Al Hassan Toure.
The Sydney youngster stormed through the heart of the Roar defence off the right flank and fired a shot past goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis.
“These are the young players that we throw in at the right time, and T’s grown in every game that he plays,” Talay said.
“The more that he plays, the more confidence he builds and we’re working with him to try and make him understand where he’s effective.
“We always knew T was a talented player with the ball and now he’s doing the work without the ball,” Talay added.
“Those days of No 10s just hanging on the halfway line back in the 1980s and 90s (are over), now we want the 10s to do some work without the ball.
“He’s high in confidence and he needs to continue that way.”
Sydney looked much more menacing than the Roar but could only clutch at chances in the first half.
Quintal’s goal came as he slalomed in and was allowed to shoot by three bystanding defenders, who watched his goal sail past Dean Bouzanis into the back of the net.
The Roar struggled to create clearcut chances for Nick D’Agostino to hit back.
They have won just one of their last nine games after an impressive start to life under Michael Valkanis.
“The truth is, we’re a different team in terms of our squad from the first eight to 10 games,” Valkanis said.
“Our young midfield is gaining experience now, and it’s going to be great for next season.
“We weren’t smashed today. We can hold our head up high and continue working very hard and look forward to four games at home, where I’m sure we can turn it around and and fight to be in the top six.”
AAP