ACL MD5 - Group H: Sydney FC v Urawa Red Diamonds preview

Published on: 19 April 2016

Sydney: Coach Graham Arnold is ready to create history as Australia’s Sydney FC seek to qualify for the last 16 of the AFC Champions League as Group H winners with victory over Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds on Wednesday.

Arnold’s A-League side, having failed to progress in both 2007 and 2011, will advance to the Round of 16 for the first time as Group H winners with victory over 2007 AFC Champions League winners Urawa at Sydney Football Stadium.

Group H leaders Sydney could potentially be already assured of qualification ahead of kick-off with Pohang Steelers entertaining China’s Guangzhou Evergrande on Tuesday with the K-League Classic side needing to win at home to the defending champions to deny Sydney before kick-off against Urawa.

“Mentally it’s freshened us up. Being involved in two competitions at once and having the schedule we’ve had has made it a very busy and taxing time on the body,” said Arnold after Sydney enjoyed a 10-day break since beating Perth Glory 4-0 at home earlier this month having failed to progress to the A-League Grand Finals series.

“When you play against Urawa, they are a very mobile team. They play a system that most people in Australia wouldn’t have seen before.

‘For me they are the biggest club in Japan. They’re a very good side and have a wonderful coach in Mr. Petrovic.

“It’s a very good opportunity for us to test ourselves against the elite football team in Japan.”

Sydney lost 2-0 to Urawa in Japan at the start of the campaign, but have recorded three consecutive AFC Champions League wins, including home victories over Guangzhou and Pohang.

“If we win tomorrow night, we have the opportunity to not only create history, but to top the group,” added Arnold.

“Topping the group in this phase is very important as it helps you with the last 16 draw, as you play against the second placed team from Group G.

‘For me, it’s about challenging the players and raising their expectations of getting the win at home tomorrow night.”

Track the action live on the ACL Match Centre

Visitors Urawa, meanwhile, will advance to the last 16 for the first time since reaching the 2008 semi-finals if they avoid defeat against Sydney and Pohang fail to beat Guangzhou. 

“Sydney FC is likely to progress to the Round of 16, currently we need to take some points to get to the next stage, so we obviously need to take three points tomorrow,” said Urawa coach Mihailo Petrovic, with the J.League side currently in second place in Group H, three points clear of third place Pohang.

“In order to do that, we have to play and fight as a team.

“Sydney FC started with a loss against us, but after that they have three wins in a row. We are well aware that Sydney FC are a very strong team and it will be a very difficult game for us.

“We beat Sydney in the first game, but I thought Sydney FC created a lot of clear-cut chances; it just wasn’t their night.”

Photo: Lagardère Sports

Source: the-afc.com

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