Kawasaki: The first all-Japanese AFC Champions League quarter-final match since 2009 looks to be a classic clash of compatriots, and we asked a widely-travelled international with playing experience in the J.League, amongst many other nations, for the lowdown on this fixture.
Former Australia midfielder Ned Zelic is well known for his exploits in Europe having enjoyed spells at the likes of Borussia Dortmund, 1860 Munich, AJ Auxerre and Queens Park Rangers but the Sydney-native also spent two seasons in the J.League where he numbers Urawa amongst his previous clubs. Retired in 2008, Zelic has been working in the football media for over a decade.
Ned Zelic (3) lining up for former club Urawa
Q: We've got an all-Japan AFC Champions League quarter-final this year, Kawasaki Frontale vs Urawa Red Diamonds, how do you see the contest playing out?
Zelic: Both teams play a very attractive, exciting, attacking style of football, have scored a lot of goals and provided high entertainment in the J.League and AFC Champions League this season so I'm expecting both sides to continue in the same fashion.
But in saying that, Urawa have had some defensive issues that needed to be rectified and seeing as the first AFC Champions League game is away from home a more balanced approach and disciplined defending will be required to frustrate a dangerous Frontale attack.
This strategy if implemented well is likely to lead to Frontale taking even more risks going forward and give Urawa more room to operate in possession and create counter attacking opportunities.
Q: Who would you say are the key players for each side, and why?
Zelic: The key players for Frontale are Yu Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Abe, and Kengo Nakamura. All three have a great mix of qualities to make life extremely difficult for opposing defensive lines. Clever runs off the ball, scoring goals, wonderful control on the ball at high speed, creativity, as well as providing many assists through excellent passing. It's a formidable attacking combination.
Midfield playmaker Kengo Nakamura
For Urawa they will be relying a lot on Shinzo Koroki who has scored many goals this season and is a crucial player for the Reds. His presence up front also allows others to join the attack and play off him through clever hold up play.
Tadanari Lee can also be hugely influential. He is mobile and has the ability to dribble, glide past opponents, score and create. Wataru Endo has an important central role to stabilize the defence and utilise build up play from the back to create openings going forward.
Urawa Red Diamonds striker Shinzo Koroki
Q: Which team do you think will have the edge in this match-up?
Zelic: No doubt Frontale have the psychological advantage after beating Urawa 4-1 in the J.League two months ago plus the fact the Reds have had a difficult period and tumbled down the ladder in Japan, whereas Frontale are challenging for the title.
The Reds have had to deal with defensive problems, confidence issues and a coaching change after a poor run of results, it's been a big challenge to find consistency.
Both sides have been very impressive in the continental campaign, however I think Urawa will not feel as much pressure because of patchy form in the J.League, and can use this to their advantage due to the knockout games in the AFC Champions League providing an opportunity to save their season.
Urawa Red Diamonds’ home: Saitama Stadium
The second leg in Saitama in front of vocal, passionate Reds fans is a big advantage too. I think the Reds have the character to reach their potential, triumph in the end and go through to next round.
Q: Who do you feel are the favourites to go all the way and win the 2017 AFC Champions League title?
Zelic: Guangzhou Evergrande are in impressive form, but I think the winner out of Frontale v Reds has the quality and character to go all the way and win the AFC Champions League title. In this case, I think Reds who showed tremendous spirit and ability to come back from two goals down to win against Jeju United in the Round of 16 can achieve this.
If they reach their potential, balance between attack and defence, and are at the top of their game Urawa can beat anyone in Asia.
Photos: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com