"It was a quality win at home for Gamba Osaka, but football is a 90 minute game," said Buckley after the first leg of the final.

"In the format of the AFC Champions League, where there's home and away matches, there's 180 minutes to play in total so this result is equivalent to half time with Adelaide having everything to play for at home next Wednesday."

Adelaide United meet Gamba Osaka in the second leg of the Final at Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide, on 12 November.

"I know that everyone in the Australian football community, and every Australian sporting fan, is delighted that Adelaide reached the Final in the first place - as well as the FIFA Club World Cup," Buckley said.

Adelaide has won the right to compete in the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup, comprising champion club teams from each FIFA region, regardless of the outcome of the Final of the AFC Champions League.

Buckley added: "Getting this far is a fantastic achievement for Adelaide and it's a great boost for football in Australia."