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Socceroos star Craig Goodwin was absent with the flu for the first A-League clash after the World Cup and his Adelaide United side almost won it for him before a late Brisbane Roar goal secured a 1-all draw.
A penalty by Roar midfielder James O'Shea four minutes into stoppage time levelled the scores after a George Blackwood header in the 72nd minute put Adelaide ahead at Redcliffe's Kayo Sports Stadium.
Goodwin was one of the A-League contingent that left an indelible mark on the Socceroos surge to the final 16 in Qatar and was keen to return to the fray for Adelaide United.
He sent out a tweet just before kick-off at Kayo Sports Stadium.
"Gutted to be missing the match tonight. Unfortunately, I've picked up influenza," Goodwin wrote.
"I tried hard to make the game today but it just wasn't possible."
Goodwin apologised to the A-League and Socceroos fans for not being able to interact with them and thanked the Roar for their generous offer of a guard of honour had he been able to attend.
The first half was a closely fought midfield battle that led to few genuine chances for either side.
O'Shea was one of the standouts on the park and had the best opportunity to open the scoring on the cusp of halftime, letting rip with a curling right-footer that was brilliantly saved by diving Adelaide goalkeeper Joe Gauci.
After the break Roar's Riku Danzaki had a great chance after silver service from Nikola Mileusnic but was unable to connect. Brisbane captain Tom Aldred then headed just wide as the match opened up.
United forward Nestory Irankunda always looked likely to deliver a goal for Adelaide with his challenging corners and it was Blackwood who had a clear run to finish with aplomb.
The Roar created plenty but were unable to finish in front of goal with Danzaki failing to convert another chance.
Irankunda broke clear for Adelaide and had his shot saved by Roar goalkeeper Macklin Freke.
United midfelder Isaias was given his second yellow card and sent from the field in the 89th minute.
Minutes later teammate Javi Lopez brought down Roar's Carlo Armiento in the box and O'Shea made no mistake.
