Australian soccer has officially proved itself worthy of respect amongst Asia's top professional leagues. Last night Western Sydney Wanderers shocked K-League opponents Ulsan Hyundai with a 2-nil win in Korea Republic. In an even bigger shock Melbourne Victory defeated continental king-pins Guangzhou Evergrande in Melbourne in front of 13,000 plus fans.
Wanderers now sit atop Group H with just one group match remaining. The fact that match is against strugglers Guizhou Renhe has this blogger labelling it a foregone conclusion that Wests are going to top their group. Arguments for this fate tempting prediction are plenty.
Wanderers now sit atop Group H with just one group match remaining. The fact that match is against strugglers Guizhou Renhe has this blogger labelling it a foregone conclusion that Wests are going to top their group. Arguments for this fate tempting prediction are plenty.
- Guizhou Renhe will make the more than 9 hour flight to Sydney with absolutely no motivation as they cannot advance from the group.
- Wanderers will be fresh as there is no action for teams one and two from the A-League in this the first weekend of the finals series.
- Wanderers are currently on 9 points as are Kawasaki, but the J-League team is less likely to take all three points against a desperate Ulsan Hyundai fighting for survival on 7 points.
- If Kawasaki do win it's unlikely they'll surpass Wanderers goal difference as the A-League team is likely to rout Guizhou Renhe.
After topping their group Wanderers will then face off with the runner up of Group F, likely to be Sanfrecce Hiroshima or FC Seoul. Currently Central Coast Mariners (6pts) have a slim one point lead in Group F, but tonight they host FC Seoul (5pts), whom will likely bring them back to earth. Mariners travel to Hiroshima the following week after having played their A-League semi final against Adelaide. The Gosford team just can't do it.
As for Melbourne Victory well done to them. They toppled Lippi's Guangzhou and have their qualification fate in their own hands. Unfortunately they'll have to travel to Korea Republic to take on ACL regulars Jeonbuk. It's a mountain of a task, but they could take some momentum into the match if they add to their defeat of Guangzhou, with a semi final victory over Sydney FC in the A-League on Friday.
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