Hyundai A-League Team of the Week: Elimination Finals

It was a sensational start to the Hyundai A-League Finals Series with two dramatic Elimination Finals over the weekend.

Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United came away with wins to keep their title hopes alive, earning Semi-Final clashes against Sydney FC and Perth Glory respectively next weekend.

There were star performances aplenty across the weekend and we've picked out the best to compile the latest Team of the Week!

WATCH FOR FREE: How to watch the Hyundai A-League LIVE and FREE
REPORT: Halloran strikes late as Reds sink City in extra-time
REPORT: Toivonen stars as Victory send Phoenix packing
FINALS LIVE BLOG: Relive all the big stories and action from the Elimination Finals

Win a signed Keisuke Honda Melbourne Victory Jersey


Did we get our selections right? Read on to find out!

Goalkeeper

Paul Izzo (Adelaide United)

Ben Halloran was the Reds' hero with his late goal but the home side might have already been out of the contest if not for their gloveman.

Izzo was sensational in everything he had to do at Coopers Stadium, especially with two great saves to keep the scores level.

His stop to keep out Riley McGree's fierce drive was outstanding, but he bettered it in extra-time with a world-class fingertip save to push Shayon Harrison's effort around the post.

WATCH: Paul Izzo denies Riley McGree with a brilliant stop!

Defenders 

Harrison Delbridge (Melbourne City) 

The versatile defender justified coach Warren Joyce's decision to start him ahead of skipper Scott Jamieson at left-back.

Delbridge was a standout at the back for City, with one eye-catching moment where he slid in to deny Craig Goodwin a near-certain goal.

It was part of a superb all-round performance from the youngster, who had nine clearances, won 15 out of 16 duels and also created two chances at the other end.

WATCH: Delbridge's intervention denies Goodwin a goal!

Liberato Cacace (Wellington Phoenix)

Wellington's teenage starlet showed just why he is considered one of the most promising youngsters in the Hyundai A-League despite Phoenix's Elimination Final exit at the hands of Melbourne Victory.

At just 18 years old, Cacace was the youngest player on the pitch at AAMI Park but he shone brighter than many of his more experienced counterparts in another high-energy performance from left wing-back.

No other player received more touches (100) of the ball on the night typifying the faith the Kiwi teenager's teammates have in him to push forward and deal damage. Cacace won seven of his duels, made two clearances and one interception.

Cacace
Wellington Phoenix wing-back Liberato Cacace had more touches (100) than any other player on Friday

Georg Niedermeier (Melbourne Victory)

Although Kevin Muscat's side were not quite on the ropes, Victory had been exposed by Phoenix in the first half of Friday's do or die clash. 

That was until former Bundesliga defender Niedermeier headed home a gorgeous Keisuke Honda delivery three minutes before half time to steady the ship.

Having given his side a half time lead, Niedermeier was a key figure in repelling Wellington danger in the second. He and centre back partner James Donachie were split in two by a lovely Sarpreet Singh delivery and tidy Roy Krishna finish for the Phoenix equaliser, but it was an otherwise commanding defensive performance from the German.

WATCH: Georg Niedermeier heads Victory into the lead!

Michael Jakobsen (Adelaide United)

If things had worked out a little differently, Jakobsen could well have been playing for City against the Reds on Sunday night.

But the Dane made the switch to the City of Churches at the start of the season and came back to haunt his former club with an assured display at the back to restrict the visitors to a couple of chances during the 120 minutes at Coopers Stadium.

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Midfielders

Keisuke Honda (Melbourne Victory)

The Japanese star consistently offers gold-class service to his teammates, and it was his fantastic clipped set-piece delivery which allowed Niedermeier to guide in the vital opening goal.

Honda topped his side's passes (44) and, like midfield partner Baena, his smart ball-playing ensured Victory were able to counter Wellington quickly as the game opened up.

Honda delivered Victory's opening goal on silver platter

Isaias (Adelaide United)

The Spanish midfielder led from the front for his side, inspiring them to their last-gasp win over City on Sunday night.

Isaias was the most influential player for the Reds, getting on the ball more than any other Adelaide player with 101 touches during the match.

He often started their best movements with his excellent range of passing, while his protection of the back-four meant the Reds denied City many opportunities.

Skipper Isaias led from the front in his side's win over Melbourne City
Skipper Isaias led from the front in his side's win over Melbourne City

Max Burgess (Wellington Phoenix)

Outgoing Phoenix boss Rudan has deployed Burgess ahead of Kiwi sensation Sarpreet Singh during the final stages of the season, such is the former Sydney Olympic star's effectiveness in the front third.

The midfielder has simply become an indispensable part of his team's attacking system. Against Victory Burgess floated around the pitch with typical class, finishing with two chances created and a passing accuracy of 89%.

Max Burgess was sensational for Wellington in the loss to Victory
Max Burgess was sensational for Wellington in the loss to Victory

Forwards

Ola Toivonen (Melbourne Victory)

Friday's 3-1 win over Phoenix could well be Toivonen's best performance in a Victory shirt. 

The big Swedish striker combined seamlessly with Elvis Kamsoba and Kosta Barbarouses, whom he teed up early in the second for the Kiwi to strike - one of three chances Toivonen created on the evening.

Then, with Phoenix pressing for an equaliser, Toivonen drove a dagger into the hearts of the travelling New Zealand faithful with a perfectly measured lob over Wellington goalkeeper Filip Kurto.

All class - Victory's Ola Toivonen

Craig Goodwin (Adelaide United)

Goodwin has been the Reds' most dangerous player all season and he was again as his side edged past City in a gripping Elimination Final.

Whether it was from open play or his delivery from set pieces, Goodwin was the catalyst for most of his side's best moments.

It was no surprise that he was heavily involved in the only goal, getting from down the left and crossing to Baba Diawara before Ben Halloran did the rest. 

Craig Goodwin was Adelaide's best attacking threat in the win over City
Craig Goodwin was Adelaide's best attacking threat in the win over City

Kosta Barbarouses (Melbourne Victory)

Barbarouses is enjoying his most prolific Hyundai A-League campaign to date, and the lethal combination he shares with Toivonen was on full show in Victory's knockout win.

The Kiwi steered a firm finish past Kurto to double Victory's advantage, but it was all-round enthusiasm and vigour - evidenced by three tackles won and 24 duels contested (both match-highs) - that spoke true volumes of his importance.

Toivonen
Kosta Barbarouses scored his 15th goal of the season to put Wellington on the ropes
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This article was originally published on the Hyundai A-League website.
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