Wanderers’ hat-trick hero Romeo Castelen praised the incredible atmosphere and fans' support after a pulsating Hyundai A-League semi final over Brisbane Roar on Sunday at Wanderland.
At a rocking Pirtek Stadium, Wanderers edged Roar 5-4 in extra time to confirm a spot in next Sunday’s grand final against Adelaide United at Adelaide Oval.
It was one of the greatest games in Hyundai A-League history with Dutchman Castelen at the centre of the home side's comeback with a memorable hat-trick.
Wanderers win sensational semi final in extra time
“It’s amazing the character of the boys today. We came out victorious today,” he told Fox Sports.
“It’s something we’ve worked on. We never give up. We always believe we’ll come out on top and today we showed it again.
“We didn’t lose our spirit and we came out on top again.”
In front of over 20,000 fans it was a fitting way to say goodbye to Wanderland before the knockdown-rebuild which will see the venue morph into a state-of-the-art 30,000 all-seater.
The stadium was rocking from start to finish with most observers saying it was one of the greatest nights in league history.
“You can compare it to a big game in Europe. It’s a pity the stadium is a little bit small but the atmosphere feels like 50,000 in the stadium,” Castelen added.
“They really support the club. If there could be 50,000 [at the stadium] they’d be here.
“Credit to the fans.”