The stage is perfectly set for historic upsets from Australia’s Greek clubs as three teams are in line to face A-League sides in what looms as a blockbuster Round of 32 of the 2023 Australia Cup.
The fixtures will be played out from August 4-14 with a huge Victorian clash scheduled between Oakleigh Cannons and reigning A-League premiers Melbourne City.
The current NPL Victoria champions will aim to maximise their home ground advantage, though it will still take a mighty effort to down Australia’s most dominant club of the past three years.
An even greater David and Goliath story comes in the form of NPL Victoria 2 side Northcote City taking on Adelaide United.
“Iraklis” will no doubt take great pleasure in the encounter and give everything they have in a match no one expects them to win, hoping that freedom can guide them to what would be one of the biggest upsets in Australian football history.
NPL WA side Floreat Athena is the last Greek outfit that has been drawn against A-League opposition in this round of the Cup, with the reigning premiers preparing to host Western Sydney Wanderers.
The Perth-based team have been struggling so far this season in their league, currently sitting second-last on the ladder, though they will certainly strive for victory with the knowledge that they have nothing to lose but everything to gain.
Three-time Australia Cup quarter finalists Heidelberg United travels up to Queensland to face NPL side Moreton Bay United as they bid for another solid run in the Cup.
“Alexandros” will take confidence in playing a fellow NPL 1 side, though the travel presents a challenge to their ambitions of going deep into the tournament once again.
Northern Territory’s Hellenic Athletic is set for a visit from Inter Lions in what is the only match where a Greek side is the favourite to win.
The Darwin outfit have both the advantage of playing at home and playing a lower-level team, with their opponents currently plying their trade in NSW League One (the second tier of NSW), making them strong contenders to qualify for the Round of 16.
Football Australia have organised the schedule so that games take place on rest days of the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, giving football fans and those new to the game an opportunity to attend matches in their respective states.
Australia Cup Rd of 32 fixtures (AEST)
Floreat Athena-Western Sydney Wanderers: 20.30, Kingsway Reserve, Wed 09 Aug
Moreton Bay United FC-Heidelberg United: 19.00, Wolter Park, Thu 10 Aug
Hellenic Athletic vs Inter Lions: 19.30, Darwin Football Stadium, Thu 10 Aug
Oakleigh Cannons-Melbourne City: 14.00, Jack Edwards Reserve, Sun 13 Aug
Northcote City FC-Adelaide United: 19.30, John Cain Memorial Park, Mon 14 Aug
