It's just hours 'til Sydney FC's date with destiny against Urawa Reds in the Asian Champions League. Sydney must win to progress – the Reds only need a draw.
With around 50,000 fans expected for tonight's blockbuster – including 60 FC fans as well as Hollywood star and club shareholder Anthony La Paglia who flies in at 4.30pm – the excitement is building.
In his final media appearance before the game, FC coach Branko Culina made a telling comment about tonight's match. “We're also a very good side and after five games there's only a point between us. So clearly, the best two teams have made it to this point.”
Given the massive financial difference between the two clubs – FC having a budget at least 12 times smaller than Urawa – the A-Leaguers are within 90 minutes of knocking off a club that has facilities to rival the big four of the English Premier League.
“We've been looking forward to this campaign from the start of this Asian Champions League campaign and we are very respectful and admire Urawa Reds. To be playing here in a game that means a lot to Australian football and Sydney FC ... hopefully we'll be good enough to top the group,” said Culina.
Asked whether this was the biggest game in Aussie football history, Culina replied, “Well, it's the biggest stadium we've played in”. He added, “It has to be one of the biggest matches in both Japanese and Australian club football. It's important to both clubs and there's prestige involved in qualifying to the next round.
“They are a very strong club across the board. I saw them play on Saturday and they have quality in every department. Only good teams can come back from two nil down to draw two-all like they did in Sydney. It's a compliment to them.”
Culina identified Brazilians Ponte and Washington as key movers, “but that's not taking away from the Japanese such as Abe, Kiato and Tanaka”
au.fourfourtwo.com watched Tanaka train yesterday at the club's superb training base in Saitama. He was put through a light session of cardio work, stretching and light ball work. He's not expected to play at this stage.
“The best way to describe the Reds is that when Okana and Nagai on the bench, that tells you a bit about their depth,” said Culina.
It was a focussed Sydney FC that trained on the luxurious surface of the stunning Saitama stadium last night. In contrast, Holger Osieck's team had a relaxing stretch earlier in the day.
FC CEO George Perry met with Urawa Reds president Mitsunoir Fujiguchi yesterday although nothing concrete came out of the meeting. However, the president was presented with a framed photo of himself with Ian Thorpe before the teams' last game in Sydney.
The feeling here in Tokyo is that the home side are good enough to win. But there's a quiet level of confidence in the Blues camp.
“We're not afraid,” added Culina. “We will make sure we do Australian football proud.”
Go here to read our minute-by-minute commentary of the game live!
In his final media appearance before the game, FC coach Branko Culina made a telling comment about tonight's match. “We're also a very good side and after five games there's only a point between us. So clearly, the best two teams have made it to this point.”
Given the massive financial difference between the two clubs – FC having a budget at least 12 times smaller than Urawa – the A-Leaguers are within 90 minutes of knocking off a club that has facilities to rival the big four of the English Premier League.
“We've been looking forward to this campaign from the start of this Asian Champions League campaign and we are very respectful and admire Urawa Reds. To be playing here in a game that means a lot to Australian football and Sydney FC ... hopefully we'll be good enough to top the group,” said Culina.
Asked whether this was the biggest game in Aussie football history, Culina replied, “Well, it's the biggest stadium we've played in”. He added, “It has to be one of the biggest matches in both Japanese and Australian club football. It's important to both clubs and there's prestige involved in qualifying to the next round.
“They are a very strong club across the board. I saw them play on Saturday and they have quality in every department. Only good teams can come back from two nil down to draw two-all like they did in Sydney. It's a compliment to them.”
Culina identified Brazilians Ponte and Washington as key movers, “but that's not taking away from the Japanese such as Abe, Kiato and Tanaka”
au.fourfourtwo.com watched Tanaka train yesterday at the club's superb training base in Saitama. He was put through a light session of cardio work, stretching and light ball work. He's not expected to play at this stage.
“The best way to describe the Reds is that when Okana and Nagai on the bench, that tells you a bit about their depth,” said Culina.
It was a focussed Sydney FC that trained on the luxurious surface of the stunning Saitama stadium last night. In contrast, Holger Osieck's team had a relaxing stretch earlier in the day.
FC CEO George Perry met with Urawa Reds president Mitsunoir Fujiguchi yesterday although nothing concrete came out of the meeting. However, the president was presented with a framed photo of himself with Ian Thorpe before the teams' last game in Sydney.
The feeling here in Tokyo is that the home side are good enough to win. But there's a quiet level of confidence in the Blues camp.
“We're not afraid,” added Culina. “We will make sure we do Australian football proud.”
Go here to read our minute-by-minute commentary of the game live!
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