Adelaide United kicked off its quest to play in the FIFA World Club Championship with a hard fought win over Melbourne Victory in a penalty shootout at Hindmarsh Stadium on Saturday night.

Experience triumphed after 120 minutes of scoreless play as United goal keeper Daniel Beltrame excelled to save spot kicks from Kristian Sarkies and Daniel Allsopp to give Adelaide a 4-1 win on penalties.

United experienced quartet of Angelo Costanzo, Richie Alagich, Carl Veart and Louis Brain all converted penalties in the nerve racking finale.

Beltrame also denied Melbourne substitute Daniel Visevic with a brilliant one handed save in the 117th minute.

Adelaide United was rocked less than an hour before kick off with captain Aurelio Vidmar ruled out with a hamstring injury sustained at training the previous day.

His late exit allowed former Chinese international Shengquin Qu to start as Veart's attacking partner and give the Victory defence plenty of headaches.

Adelaide's best chance in normal time fell to Travis Dodd whose 25 metre drive was palmed onto the post in the 62nd minute by Melbourne keeper Michael Theoklitos.

Adelaide now plays a second round tie against the Central Coast Mariners in Gosford on Wednesday.

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