Almost everything Peter Triantis knows about football, he credits to his older brother, Chris. His movement in midfield, work rate in defence, and skill on the ball, all were polished during a year's apprenticeship alongside Chris at Sydney Olympic.
The floodlights will be centred on the two brothers in the middle of Edensor Park on Tuesday night when Sydney United host Sydney FC in the FFA Cup and while both admit it will be an emotional affair, there will be no love lost as sibling rivalry temporarily replaces their bond.
Peter Triantis, 22, will start as the midfield anchor of Sydney FC while Chris will be entrusted to pull the strings of the NSW Premier League side hoping to claim a shock result.
There was no hiding the excitement of the usually softly spoken Triantis brothers. The mind games have been going on for weeks and more than a few friendly barbs have been exchanged. It is a dual that goes back to their backyard in Hurstville.
"Growing up, there were four-on-fours in the backyard but it was proper; tackles were flying in and nobody held back," Chris said. "It will probably be like that tomorrow night."
Despite the age gap, the Triantis brothers never went easy on each other at home. They both shared the same goal of playing professionally.
"When I was young, he was very hard on me," Peter said. "He was critical, which is important. But he was also my number one supporter and always backed me. He still tells me how I can improve and when I don't play well, but he's always there for me and helping me out. I've worked really hard and he's the main reason."
Peter grew up watching his older brother from the sidelines at Belmore Sports Ground, and following his forays in Europe, which began in 2003. Chris left Australia to play with FC Metz and Middlesbrough before returning to captain Sydney FC's first ever youth side to an inaugural NYL title. He is no longer in the A-League, but said there was still a sense of pride in seeing his brother hold the midfield for the Sky Blues.
"Pete's a great player," Chris said. "He was one of our main players at Olympic even though he was young then. It was nice to play with him but now he's pushed on, which I'm happy for him because he's worked very hard for it."
A crowd of up to 10,000 is expected to pack into the intimate setting of Sydney United Sports Centre on Tuesday night. Sydney FC fans will fill more than their allocation.
Among those in the stands will be nine members of the Triantis family.
"You don't know when a game like this comes around again so everyone is looking forward to it," Chris said.
It will be a special game for their mother Poppy. Amid their personal contest, there might be an emotional moment of their own.
"Maybe, but not during the game because we will be concentrating," Chris said. "You don't concentrate on who your opponent is, just how they play. But maybe before or after the game – we are not going to cry though."
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/sydney-fc/peter-triantis-and-chris-triantis-go-head-to-head-in-ffa-cup-clash-20140922-10khmf.html#ixzz3E6RdO63T
