Parra the ‘Rocky’ of the Cup
Friday, 1 August 2014 - John Greco
Parramatta FC coach Franco Cosentino has likened his team to a heavyweight boxer and believes they can fight their way to success in next Tuesday night’s round of 32 Westfield FFA Cup.
Very much like Victorian Cinderella-story South Springvale, the Eagles are on a fairytale run in the inaugural competition.
Playing in the second-tier in NSW, Parramatta snatched the last spot for the state but are now just 90 minutes away from the last 16.
They host impressive Victorian NPL club St Albans at Melita Stadium on Tuesday night and after watching South Springvale’s heroics last week, are planning their own slice of history.
“It was great to see them do well, at the end of the day they’ve had nothing to lose and came out and had a go,” Cosentino told www.theffacup.com.au
“These types of games are like a boxing match, if you’ve got enough heart and desire to come out and have a go you can get a lucky punch and win.
“In football, if you can absorb the pressure and hopefully come out the other end not conceding anything and then maybe jag something yourself, you’re always in with a shot.
“That’s what these Cups are all about. For me with the kind of side we’ve got it doesn’t matter who we play, we always think we can get something out of the game.
“There’s a lot of belief and hunger in our side and we believe we can get something no matter who we play. That’s always important in these types of games.”
Parramatta are currently leading the NSW NPL 2 competition and chasing promotion to the top-flight, Cosentino admits it has been hard to focus on their shot at national glory.
But after all-but wrapping up the title after a 0-0 draw with the Northern Tigers on Wednesday night, they can now throw everything they have into the Cup competition.
Which means Cosentino will be busy poring over the tapes and online clips to formulate a plan to topple the Saints.
“We know roughly what they do and how they play and know which couple of danger players they’ve got so we’ll look out for that,” the Eagles boss said.
“We know they’ve sent out scouts to see us as well. The first 30 minutes we’ll feel each other out then the game will heat up after that.
“We haven’t put too much pressure on ourselves right throughout this run and it’s worked so we’ll do the same (on Tuesday night).
“But we’re expecting a good crowd to get there and support us and if we play the way I know we can I think we’ll be alright.”
St Albans, who were the first senior club of Socceroos defender Ivan Franjic, are currently fourth in Victoria’s NPL 1.
