Grand final bound Leena Khamis talks about the decider against Brisbane.
After a memorable 3-nil win over Canberra United in last weekend-s semi-final, Sydney FC is looking confident ahead of their first Westfield W-League Grand Final against Brisbane Roar.
“All around the team everyone-s excited, we-re going in with a bit of confidence coming from last week-s game [semi-final],” said Sydney-s star striker Leena Khamis. “It-s our first Grand Final so everyones on a bit of a high. And who better to play in a final than Brisbane.”
The last time the Sky Blues faced the Roar was back in round four, a game which resulted in points being shared after a one-all draw.
“We almost dominated that game and we were unlucky to come away with the draw,” said the 23-year-old.
Khamis and her strike partner Sarah Walsh have been in solid form going into the finals and the Sky Blues will be looking at them to lead the attacking charge against the Roar.
“I hope, for both of us, that we continue our run in our Grand Final because it-ll come down to this game where it-ll really matter when we score,” acknowledged Khamis.
The star striker feels Sydney will look to take control of the game early on. “The start of the game will be very crucial, probably the first 15 or 20 minutes,” said the forward. “The speed, the tempo and just the excitement of being in the Grand Final will show in the opening stages.”
“To get on top in the first 20 minutes will be important and get our ball rolling.”
Sydney FC will be without defender Alesha Clifford who will miss the Grand Final after being sent off in the semi-final.
“She feels she let the team down but we-re all behind her. It was a crucial time in the game and what happened, happened. She-s a bit disappointed she can-t play in the Grand Final, she-ll be missed in our backline,” said Khamis.
“But we got good depth in our team so we-ll shuffle a few positions around and hopefully it doesn-t disrupt us too much.”
One major boost for Sydney FC is having a home Grand Final, at Shark Park. Khamis and all the team urge fans to go down and support their city and the Sky Blues. “The more supporters the better for us, the crowd was great on the weekend. Special thanks to the Cove guys that came out, it was great. If we could have them again, that would be awesome for the Grand Final.”
The 2009/10 Westfield W-League Grand Final, will take place on Saturday December 19 at Shark Park, Woolooware. Kick-off is at 3pm.
