Soccer: Phoenix history shows another battle

The Phoenix's first game was a draw with the Victory. Photo / Getty Images

Though can ever be guaranteed with the Phoenix, it is almost certain there will be plenty of drama today in Melbourne.

Similar to the Warriors and Storm in the NRL, the Phoenix and Victory always seem to produce epic encounters.

The last was as recently as October, when the Melbourne side, featuring Marco Rojas and Harry Kewell, were almost overrun in the first half before some Archie Thompson magic sealed an unlikely win for the Australian side.

August 2007
Phoenix 2 Victory 2

Almost 15,000 people (then a club football record in New Zealand) saw Daniel and Shane Smeltz spark a comeback from 0-2 down, scoring goals in the last seven minutes to tie a thrilling match 2-2. Deep in injury time, a shot from Royce Brownlie was goal-bound only to spin upwards and hit the underside of the bar. In their inaugural match, the Wellington side had lived up to their name, showing an early ability to rise from the ashes.

November 2007
Victory 1 Phoenix 1

At their eighth attempt, the Phoenix finally gained a point in Australia in this tough contest at Etihad Stadium. After a 10-man Melbourne took an early lead through Danny Allsop, Vince Lia scored his first A-League goal, against his former club. Lia has only scored once more in the three seasons since, though the midfielder jokes that he has had more shots - on or off target - than anyone else.

August 2008
Phoenix 2 Victory 4

An incredible game in the conditions, with a waterlogged pitch making it almost impossible to pass the ball - scenes reminiscent of that bizarre World Cup match between West Germany and Poland in 1974 where players dodged puddles. The Victory were always ahead, with Smeltz twice hauling them back before Kevin Muscat scored an unpopular penalty to finally finish off the home side.

November 2008
Phoenix 2 Victory 1

Many Yellow 'Feverites' would have this as one of their favourite games. After being repelled by a series of Mark Paston saves, the Victory scored on 20 minutes, only for a Movember-clad Tim Brown to reply with a stunning half-volley. With ex-Victory star Fred making one of his few appearances for Wellington, Smeltz then iced the points with a 25m scorcher later voted A-League goal of the season.

November 2010
Phoenix 2 Victory 2

A match notable for some stunning goals, with Brown netting from the edge of the area to open the scoring. After Melbourne had scored twice (including Archie Thompson's 50th A-League goal), Paul Ifill rescued a point in the 84th minute, skipping past his man before blasting the ball across the Victory goalkeeper.Other epic matches include a 1-1 draw in September 2009, which saw Marco Rojas make his Phoenix debut, and the pre-season final in 2008 when the Victory prevailed 8-7 on penalties after the scores were locked 0-0 at the end of extra time.