EXCLUSIVE: Former Sydney FC defender Hayden Foxe says the Sky Blues shouldn’t fear Suwon Bluewings away on May 3 in an ACL group clash critical to both sides' chances of progressing.
With two games left in Group H, Sydney have five points and good momentum after their thrilling 3-2 victory over Shanghai Shenhua in China overnight.
The group is lead by Suwon and J-League power Kashima Antlers both on six points after their 1-1 draw in Japan last night.
In two weeks time Sydney head to Suwon’s World Cup stadium for a showdown with the K-League side and Foxe believes the A-League side have nothing to fear.
“In four games, Sydney have only lost to Kashima and everyone expects them to top their group. But second is up for grabs,” he told au.fourfourtwo.com.
“Let’s face it, it’s going to be difficult away from home [against Suwon]. But to be fair, when the Koreans came here they looked flat.
“They had high expectations and thought they’d win it easy but although they had lots of the ball they didn’t really penetrate our defence.
“It’s got to give them [Sydney] confidence, 100%. You create your own luck and it’s not ideal preparation not playing games in between the ACL matches.
“But if they get that result in Korea, that game in Japan will be very interesting."
Sydney finish their group later in May with their most difficult task - an away tie with Kashima while Suwon go to Shanghai who in all likelihood will have nothing to play for.
Foxe, 33, who retired from football last season, added: “We counter-attacked fantastic last night and settled down after a shaky start.
“It’s not easy away from home but Durante done well with his composure and his experience.”
After their recent home loss to Kashima, there was much gloom about Sydney’s Asian campaign.
But now, with this morale-boosting win and the Bridge-Cazarine front two working very well, Suwon will be on notice.
It should make for a classic on May 3 to rival last night's hugely entertaining fare.
Foxe added: “In football anything can happen. Everyone was writing Sydney off but it’s not a foregone conclusion.”
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