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On six minutes skipper Terry McFlynn gave Sydney FC their best chance for success, blasting an early clearance from the bottom of the centre circle out for a corner that led to Adelaide United opening the scoring through Daniel Mullen.
The come-from-behind masters, now 1-0 down at the Sydney Football Stadium in front of 10 212 fans, were subsequently well poised to equal the game and score late on to win the match, as they have done so frequently this season.
A penalty in the 18th minute did indeed level the scores, Karol Kisel stepping up to cooly convert after Cazarine was brought down in the box by Nigel Boogaard, albeit softly.
A reflex last-man effort from Fabien Barbieri halted Cazarine's run down the right which could have given Sydney the lead had he got his shot away, but was well stopped by his diving defender.
Cazarine again was in the action right before the halftime whistle, latching onto a cross into the box by Shannon Cole, however his header was saved to the right by Adelaide 'keeper Eugene Galekovic making it one all at the break.
Sydney goalkeeper Liam Reddy seemingly decided that one goal through their own posts was not enough motivation to win and so blatantly took down Bruce Djite inside the box to give Adelaide a penalty of their own. After an initial save by Reddy marquee Dario Vidosic followed up his penalty and put the ball in the net on 55 minutes.
Dimi Petratos then scored a wonderful half volley ten minutes later to even the scores again and Sydney continued to press for what would be the fifth goal of an entertaining festive match.
In a final twist to the game, former Sydney youngster Iain Ramsay received a second yellow in the 88th minute, making for an four minutes of extra time. The come-back story that Sydney so desperately chased was not to unfold however and the score would remain locked at two apiece.
Kosmina has a job to do with his new team to ensure they can maintain a lead once they go in front, but was overwhelmingly happy with Adelaide's performance. Sydney FC now temporarily sit third on the Hyundai A-League table - a position they won't be too unsatisfied with.