Sydney shameful, Adelaide up against it
Thursday, 12 April 07, 09:47 AM · Comments(3)
It's been a bad matchday round for Australian clubs in the Asian Champions League, with Sydney losing, and Adelaide's destiny in the competition out of their own control. Adelaide lead 2-0 before being pegged back to 2-2 by Korean side Seongnam, while Sydney lead before losing 2-1 to Indonesian outfit Persik Kediri.
In fairness to Sydney, Persik are a much improved side on the one that lost 15-0 the last time they participated in the Champions League, and the conditions in central Java were oppressive. Persik are playing weekly league matches, while Sydney have been in a domestic offseason since February. Damage to Sydney's pride does take a back seat to the fact they are now a very serious underdog in terms of qualifying from their group. Having conceded twice in their home match against Urawa (a 2-2 draw) there was every likelihood they had to beat the Reds in Japan in order to finish ahead of them on the table. Now they will have to, unless Urawa conspire to drop points themselves in their other two remaining games.
Adelaide started the Champions League on a hiding to nothing given their end to the A-Leauge season, and the entertaining football they provided at Hindmarsh Stadium on Wednesday was a vast improvement on their dire, workmanlike performance against Dong Tam. Not holding a 2-0 advantage means that even three wins from three in their remaining matches will put Adelaide top of the gorup and through, without other results going their way.
Still, the conspiracy theorists who believe that Australia winning too much too soon will lead to a revolt, and expulsion from Asia, are now being tested by the unfavourable run of results for the Aussie clubs. In brief news from Melbourne, the Victory have signed former Chelsea player Joe Keenan, and Adelaide defender Matthew Kemp. The signing everyone is interested in however, the replacement for Fred/Kristian Sarkies, is still yet to happen, with no rumours doing the rounds as to whom it could possibly be.
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Aussie clubs haven't played any of the Arab clubs in the Asian Champions League yet, but Sydney FC beat African club Al Ahly 2-1 at the FIFA Club World Championship (now Club World Cup) in 2005. They also beat Arab clubs FC Hatta, Al Ain FC and Al Jazira on a pre-season tour in 2005. And yes, I'll be at Saitama Stadium on May 23.
3 Comments · Add yours
I'll be mightily surprised if Urawa don't drop points in Solo City. I still think Sydney FC's group will go down to the last match in Saitama Stadium.
have the aussie clubs faced any of the saudi/other arab clubs yet?
are you going to go watch sydney mike?