Melbourne City overcame Sydney FC 1-0 to claim the FFA Cup at AAMI Park in Melbourne in front of 18,751 passionate fans.
Both teams showed their respects by wearing black armbands to honour the Brazilian football team who were involved in a horrific plane crash.
For the home side, it was the first time in six and a half years for them to claim a piece of silverware. The magic happened when City’s marquee recruit Tim Cahill provided the goods with a breathtaking header to strike first in the 53rd minute. Ivan Franjic delivered the perfect ball for Cahill to head the ball into the net, just like he did for the Socceroos against Chile at the 2014 World Cup.
Cahill ran off in jubilation, with his signature corner flag celebration before he was forced off with an injury after a nasty tackle from Joshua Brillante.
Bruno Fornaroli made headlines at the end of the match because, in his speech, he slipped the F-bomb at the end of it.
“Thank you (my) coach and staff, my players, my teammates and the fans’ support. Thank you very much,” he said.
“Come on City.
“And f**k off.”
The match was an enthralling fight, with both sides showing tremendous defence and attacking prowess. Sydney had their chances but failed to capitalise on the mistakes that City had made. The A-League season still rolls on and round nine will begin on Friday night where Melbourne Victory will battle with Perth Glory. – Jesse Mullens
Photo of Tim Cahill holding the FFA cup and celebrating with fans from the FFA Cup Twitter feed.
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I am the sports editor for the Macleay Newsroom. I enjoy cooking and watching sport intently.
