Central Coast Mariners import Marco Tulio has scored one of the goals of the season, deftly chipping the ball in from 40 yards as the home side claimed an emphatic 3-0 derby win over the Newcastle Jets.
The A-League sorely needed some positive storylines after the embarrassment of Saturday’s Melbourne Derby, and tonight’s game in Gosford delivered.
After the Jets sloppily turned over possession, Tulio spotted Newcastle keeper Jack Duncan off his line and expertly chipped it over his head from 40 yards.
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“They’ve got a good one here, the Mariners, in Marco Tulio,” Andy Harper said on commentary.
“This is the start of what you can imagine to be a very fruitful season – it’s just superb from the Brazilian.
“The execution is immaculate, the idea was audacious, and the outcome a beauty for the boys from the Coast.”
Socceroo Jason Cummings doubled the lead in the second half, before Frenchman Béni Nkololo sealed the game with a late penalty.
The win catapulted Central Coast up to third on the ladder, with the Jets languishing in tenth.
It was a sensational moment for Tulio, who had moved from Brazilian powerhouse Atlético Mineiro to Portuguese giants Sporting as 20-year-old, before signing with the Mariners earlier this year.
“Marco is an unbelievable talent,” coach Nick Montgomery said on the broadcast afterwards.
“He had a $30-$40 million price tag on him, if he did well [in Portugal]. He’s Brazilian, he’s a special player.
“Not many players score that goal in world football.”
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