Heidelberg United president Steve Tsalikidis’ voice was hoarse over the phone, worn down by the shouts, songs, and celebrations.
“The victory has made so many people proud,” he said.
“We’re so happy and grateful for the love and respect. The thousands of messages we as a board received showed an amazing level of support around the club last night.”
The board didn’t leave until after 1am, a sweet exhaustion — ‘Alexandros’ pulled off another stunning victory on Saturday, this time toppling Oakland FC 2–0 to book their place in the Australia Cup final.
The result continued Heidelberg’s remarkable giant-killing run. The semi-professional side from NPL Victoria had already dispatched Western Sydney 3–0 in the round of 16, then demolished Wellington Phoenix 4–0 in the quarter-finals.
Auckland, last season’s Premiers Plate winners under master coach Steve Corica, were tipped to bring the fairytale to an end. Instead, Alexandros delivered a third straight triumph over an A-League team.
Belief turned into goals. A tight contest swung Heidelberg’s way in the 75th minute when Bul Juach broke through to open the scoring, before Asahi Yokokawa doubled the lead in the 84th.
“When the first one went in, I thought I could cry,” Heidelberg captain Ben Collins told other media.
“And when the second one went in – the emotions through the body were … I don’t know what to say.
Tsalikidis told Neos Kosmos that in the build-up to the match, the mood was one of determination.
“Our boys were up for it. The captain and leadership group told me before the game that they were ready. We have a little pre-match ritual — I won’t discuss it — but it brings the team together. They believe in each other. And if you believe, you can win.”
For the president, the triumph wasn’t just about football.
“The victory honours and validates the history of the club,” he said.
“Pioneers, like champion, Gary Cole, sent congratulations, but actually the congratulations should go to them. They’re the people we looked up to. They’re the reason we’ve got so many passionate supporters today.”
“Our boys were up for it. The captain and leadership group told me before the game that they were ready. We have a little pre-match ritual — I won’t discuss it — but it brings the team together. They believe in each other. And if you believe, you can win.”
The players were given some license to celebrate.
“The boys went out last night — had one drink and celebrated, but all very sensible,” Tsalikidis said.
Heidelberg United ‘Alexandros’ a club founded and built by Greek Australian immigrants, is about more than football.
“This club is about our people — trust, love, and respect. Last night everyone gave that to each other. The victory vindicates what we do, because we’re all volunteers, gatekeepers, just doing our best. The club is a pillar of the community, locally and for the Greek Australian community.”
There were wild scenes when the final whistle blew on Saturday.
After a 2-0 victory over Avondale FC today, Heidelberg United will face the Newcastle Jets in the Australia Cup final. A win over another A-League team would cement their legend status, worthy of the club’s historic name — Alexandros. Heidelberg United now stand just one step away from writing a fresh new chapter in Australian football history.
