Soccer: Wellington braced for physical game

Wellington Phoenix players will not cower should Sydney FC again try to outmuscle the A-League soccer playoff first-timers in tonight's preliminary final.

The Phoenix received some harsh physical treatment during three regular season defeats to Sydney, but vow there will be no repeat at the Sydney Football Stadium.

With a grand final berth against Melbourne Victory awaiting the winners, Phoenix midfielder Leo Bertos said his team would not take a backward step.

Statistically, Sydney FC's defensive system has been the toughest to pierce all season, as the Phoenix discovered by scoring just a solitary goal while conceding six.

Sydney FC also dominate another telling facet against the New Zealanders because in those three triumphs their personnel have been shown seven yellow cards and one red for defender Simon Colosimo's challenge on Vince Lia at Palmerston North in December.

The 3-1 win in Sydney on November 1 showcased Sydney FC at their confrontational best with four players - Steve Corica, Shannon Cole, Karol Kisel and Stuart Musalik - all booked in contrast to the Phoenix's only caution, to midfielder Lia.

The Phoenix at least proved more combative in their most recent meeting at Palmerston North in December, where three players from each side were yellow carded.

"It's a tactic they've used successfully against us in the past and we pretty much know there will be more of it coming," Bertos said of the Sydney FC's tough tackling.

He said his team would have no qualms about meeting fire with fire even if it meant potentially missing out on the grand final through suspension.

"You have to be smart about it," the World Cup-bound All Whites international said. "It's a tough one because sometimes you have to sacrifice yourself in these sorts of situations if it means your team goes through."'

Midfielder Tim Brown predicted that the match, refereed by Peter Green, would be a rugged affair. "We won't be afraid to get in there, I'm sure they'll be some fireworks."

Meanwhile, Sydney FC's no-nonsense central defender Stefan Keller said his side would not alter their defensive mindset and had no plans to curb the impact of the Phoenix's leading scorer Paul Ifill.

"I'd never heard of him but he's had a good season, he's their most dangerous player but we're not going to change our defensive game because of Paul Ifill," the Swiss international said.

Keller also reckoned Sydney FC would be able to play with more clarity given the winners-take-all nature of the game.

- NZPA