After Brazil’s comeback, Sydney coach Talay praises crucial Costa

Sydney: After the Brazilian scored twice and set up a third in his team’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Adelaide United on Friday, Sydney FC coach Ufuk Talay thinks former Bayern Munich striker Douglas Costa will provide the A-League a much-needed boost.

Costa scored his second goal of the match in the 89th minute and then set up Jordan Courtney-Perkins to head in the 95th to give the five-time winners a late comeback at Hindmarsh Stadium.

“He’s an influential player for us, but I think he’s also great for the league and the competition itself,” Talay added. He’ll be overjoyed, I’m sure.

“He’s come back from injury, and we’re trying to continue to build him up, and we thought he did very well tonight.”

After stints with Juventus and Bayern, where he won three Bundesliga championships and made 31 appearances for Brazil, the 34-year-old Costa joined Sydney in August.

After an ankle injury hindered his start to the season, he scored his first goal since joining the team in the 16th minute, canceling out Archie Goodwin’s opening goal for hosts Adelaide in the 5th minute.

Costa is aiming to help Sydney reverse a run of form that has seen the team pick up just one point in the past three games after overcoming his health concerns to start in each of the previous four A-League games.

“I’m really happy to help my teammates,” he said. After being hurt five weeks ago, I was searching for it. Now that I’m back on the team, I’m attempting to support my teammates. There’s nothing more satisfying than scoring goals and providing assists.

“It’s crucial that we start attempting to score some points and bring some of those points home. We must maintain that form, score goals, and aim for three points.

“Day by day, month by month, we’re going to prove ourselves, and we’re going to put the best Sydney FC on the field as well.”