"We’ve won the majority of games we’ve played in Asia ," FC striker David Zdrilic tells au.fourfourtwo.com. "And we showed we can match Urawa on our own patch where we were unlucky not to win.

"We definitely respect them and they’ll have a huge following but at the same time we’re capable of scoring and providing an upset like we did against Shanghai on match day one."

Skipper Mark Rudan added that "there was no pressure on Sydney… all the pressure is on Urawa ."

Fuelling the optimism were the unconfirmed reports that Reds key man Washington and Robson Ponte have expressed private doubts about coach Holger Osieck’s tactical ability.

Washington was subbed off in the side’s recent 0-0 draw with Shanghai Shenhua and reportedly threw a tantrum after he left the pitch.

Midfielder Noel Spencer told au.fourfourtwo.com that Sydney have a mental edge going in. "Sometimes if you know you don't have to win a game, you do take your foot off the pedal a bit. We've got to throw everything at them but it's a tricky situation for them. The boys are well prepared."

The weather in Saitama looks to be perfect for football with temps in the lower 20s this week.