The Wellington Phoenix women are finally set to compete in their historic A-League semifinal, facing Brisbane Roar in the first leg this Sunday. This highly anticipated match comes a month after their last regular season game against Adelaide United, marking a significant moment for the club.

Head coach Bev Priestman, who celebrated her 40th birthday on Wednesday, could not contain her excitement for the upcoming finals. She emphasized the importance of these high-stakes games, stating, "These are the arenas you want to be in. You want those games where every minute matters and every decision matters."

Priestman described the month-long wait as "torture," especially the delay in confirming Brisbane Roar as their opponents. Despite the break, the team has focused intensely on preparation, including drills for penalties, closing games, and chasing results. A recent practice match, though initially "clunky" due to some players' three-week layoff, proved highly beneficial in dialling the team in.

Approaching the semi-final as a 180-minute contest, Priestman believes this format benefits the Phoenix, removing the "now or never" pressure of a single game. She expressed confidence in her team's consistency over two legs, noting their ability to bounce back from any "blips" during the season.

For the first 90 minutes against Brisbane Roar, Priestman aims for a win, or at absolute worst, a draw. She stressed the importance of doing the basics well and remaining united in what is expected to be a hostile environment. The team, not known for conceding many goals, will focus on taking care of details and staying switched on.

The Brisbane Roar enter the semifinal in strong form, having secured an impressive 3-0 victory over Adelaide United in their elimination final. Priestman acknowledges their momentum, suggesting they are "coming right at a really good time."