It took just four minutes for an extra 2000 A-League grand final tickets to sell out last night as demand surges for Auckland FC's historic match.
Mount Smart Stadium will host Saturday’s clash with Sydney FC — the first A-League decider on New Zealand soil, with Auckland FC vying to become the country’s first title winners.
Despite the growing hype, head coach Steve Corica is maintaining a siege mentality ahead of the biggest game of Auckland FC's fledgling existence.
Speaking to Breakfast, Corica said the team had drawn motivation from being underestimated throughout the season.
"I definitely brought that up to the players against Adelaide.
"Everyone wrote us off. We know ourselves we can go and win this, we want to be the first team in New Zealand to win a grand final in football."
Extra tickets to the weekend's A-League grand final have sold out in minutes. (Source: Breakfast)
The former Sydney FC coach would bring significant experience into the match, having been involved in five A-League title deciders as both a player and a coach.
While his time in Sydney provided some "added pressure," he said the experience had taught him the importance of not getting carried away by the hype.
"We've tried to keep the week as normal as possible, you don't want to get too carried away too early in the week," he said.
"We're trying to make history."
Auckland FC chief executive Nick Becker said the scale of interest showed how significant the occasion was for both the club and the wider football community.
"We've still go so much to do, so much growth ahead of us," he said.
"I think it's great not only for the club, but I think it's a massive moment for Auckland as a city and New Zealand football as well."
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