“On any other given night things could've gone our way and we would've left here with a win," he said.

"But I think it was an absolutely brilliant performance by the boys. As the captain of the team my players gave everything they've got. And if that's not good enough, well, then that's not good enough.”

The 0-0 draw at Saitama stadium was not enough to get the A-League side through the group stage with the J-League power ending up one point ahead of FC after six group games.

“At least we can go home with our heads held high and everyone back home should be proud. I think we put Australia on the map. It was fantastic,” said Rudan.

Sydney FC drew both of their games against their group rivals however the loss in the heat of Indonesia was key in them falling short.

“It shows how far not just Sydney FC has gone but Australian football has gone that such a big club like Urawa could not beat us over two matches in the champions league. We've got to build on this platform to try and beat these teams in the future and I wish Melbourne and Adelaide the very best for their Asian Champions League campaign in 2008,” added Rudan.

The atmosphere at tonight's game was considered the best most Australian observers had ever experienced anywhere in the world. “While they were singing even when you screamed you couldn't be heard just a few metres away and I just couldn't get any message. Only when it died down could I get their attention but sometimes that was too late,” said Rudan.

“What an experience, especially the younger ones who'll be better for it. If you ever play in front of this sort of atmosphere again it's something you cherish. You wish you could play in these sorts of games every week. Hopefully that day will come in Australia when we play in front of these sorts of crowds regularly.”

The players left the stadium soon after the game with the focus being on a rest after a long season. “Hopefully we can win back that A-League crown,” added Rudan before jumping on the team coach.