sidelined

From the outset this Sydneysider was cautious about SFC’s chances in the ACL: despite our 2005 Club World Championship showing we were newbies on the international scene, going up against mature, well-heeled clubs from established leagues. It wasn’t quite UEFA Champions League stuff, but well beyond anything any Aussie football team has been asked to do in the past (this goes for nearly every code, with the possible exception of Union). After the torment of 2006-07, I thought we’d make a good showing but I wasn’t really expecting a lot. So it’s still something of a surprise to realise that my team is one win away from the knockout stages (played in September) and could’ve been in a commanding lead but for a nasty fumble.

I’ve said it for months now, but this should be a hell of a match. Most FC well-wishers were blown away by the sizeable Urawa away contingent, who were a model of disiplined, clinical raucousness – now multiply that by thirty. On the pitch, players on both sides must be feeling that they have something to prove in equal measure. Both will want to show the other that the 2-2 draw at Aussie Stadium was a fluke and that normal service will be one way traffic. Although Urawa need only secure a draw I doubt they will set the bar so low: a new football rivalry is in the making here.

Urawa have injury concerns over Marcus Tulio Tanaka, while Branko Culina has declared Captain Mark Rudan and central mid Ufuk Talay fit to play. With Robbie Middleby suspended we can expect Ruben Zadkovich to take his place at fullback.

It’s difficult to say how this match will play out: With a rejuvenated midfiled boasting the evergreen Steve Corica*, future Socceroo legend Mark Milligan and the repositioned Carney, Brosque and Talay Sydney FC have shown they can score goals against anyone in the group on their day; their problem is staying in front — ersatz fullbacks Zadkovich and Middleby have been worries the whole campaign and overall team fitness remains an issue.

The opposition have had mixed form of late – they let Persik Kediri put three goals past them before drawing on Matchday 5, but have just beaten Nagoya Grampus Eight** 2-1. They also demonstrated ample resilience at Aussie Stadium, where they ended up putting Skyblue fans on the edge of their seats for the last 30 minutes of the match after going 2-0 down in the first 20 minutes.

My heart says 2-1 SFC, but a win in front of 60,000 screaming Reds fans*** would be an incredible feat and a real sign that Aussie football teams are coming of age. This has been a thrilling encounter for Sydney, who can go home with their heads held high; win, lose or draw.

PS: Will do an immediate postmatch, but I won’t be blogging the Adelaide – Dong Tam Long An game, as I need to preserve precious zzz’s for Our Harry’s spectacular return to European Champions League football (which will have the lowest European viewing figures on record due to continent-wide hangovers from Origin One (Ok, enough digs at Aussie sports parochialism.)

*I’ve told you he’s the equal first goalscorer in the comp, right? Not bad at 34.
** the J-League has some of the wierdest team names of any competition ever. NG8 are by no means the wierdest.
*** on a weeknight. In Tokyo. Amazing given that millions of Japanese will be tuning in to Origin One instead.

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