Reinaldo super strike gives Roar lead
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Glory run... Roar striker Reinaldo opened the match up with a superb individual effort (File photo). (Getty Images: Matt King )
Queensland has taken a giant step towards progressing to the preliminary final after taking a 1-0 lead in a dramatic first-half against Sydney FC in the second leg of the minor semi-final at Lang Park this evening.
A torrential downpour delayed the kick-off to the second leg of the minor semi-final between Queensland Roar and Sydney FC at Lang Park this evening.
But the first 45 was worth the wait as Queensland took full control of a pulsating contest which produced numerous moments of brilliance and contention.
The highlight of the half was claimed by a dazzling individual goal by the Roar striker Reinaldo who sent the home faithful into raptures after 14 minutes as the lanky striker put away one of the most breathtaking and crucial goals ever scored at Lang Park.
The Brazilian careered down the left touchline after shrugging the challenge of Ufuk Talay then skipped past the poor sliding challenge of Mark Milligan inside the box before opening himself up and neatly tucking his shot into the top right corner from a very acute angle.
The goal inspired the Roar as fellow Brazilian Marcinho came within an inch of doubling the lead when his low drive took a deflection and was tickled around the post by Sydney keeper Clint Bolton.
The hurt was compounded for Sydney when midfielder Robbie Middleby felled the runaway Matt McKay 40 metres from goal and was handed a controversial red card by referee Mark Shields in the 20th minute.
With a man down Queensland took total control of the contest and looked dangerous on every raid forward.
The clearly aggrieved Sydney struggling to manufacture chances after earlier being denied a hand ball shout against Andrew Packer in the penalty box.
Sydney's attempts on goal were few and far between with Alex Brosque missing their best opportunity in the 29th minute after he over ran Steve Corica's cross just yards from goal.
