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Liverpool vs Arsenal LIVE from 3amHeidelberg continues goliath run to the Australia Cup final
Nicholas Quinlan • August 31st, 2025 1:14 pm
Heidelberg United has enhanced its status as the giant slayers of the Australia Cup, becoming the second non-A-League side to qualify for the final.
The Bergers, who play in the Victorian NPL league, which is the second tier in the Australian footballing pyramid, managed to defeat the reigning A-League Premiers (based on the regular season) in Auckland FC 2-nil at their home ground of Olympic Park (Village) on Saturday night.
Having already beaten A-League sides in the Western Sydney Wanderers and Wellington Phoenix in their last two games of the knockout tournament, hopes of a third win seemed unlikely, but fans remained hopeful that their Cinderella run could continue.
Despite being dominated in possession, Heidelberg were still able to create opportunities on goal throughout the game against a full-strength Auckland side.
But the Bergers got their chance in the 75th minute with striker Bul Juach able to get on the end of a through ball and get past Auckland’s keeper, Michael Woud, to score.
Then shortly after, Heidelberg managed to double the lead through Japanese player Asahi Yokokawa, who received a long ball from halfway, which he proceeded to put through Woud’s legs to seal one of Heidelberg’s greatest victories.
Speaking with Paramount following the game, manager John Anastasiadis reckoned that it was one of the best victories he has had in his career.
“It’s way up there,” Anastasiadis said.
“It’s a phenomenal night for everyone involved with the club, from the President to the volunteers.
“We were under the pump for a while. Auckland are an excellent team, and Yaran (Sozer) made two great saves in the second half.
“But we just found something.”
They could be joined by a fellow NPL Victoria side in Avondale FC, who will play in the other semi-final on Sunday afternoon against the Newcastle Jets at their home ground, Avenger Park.
The final of the Australia Cup will take place on October 4, with timing and venue to be sorted once that match is completed.
