Asia's FC Champions league (25.94.2007)

[TOTTI]

Groups & Standings

Group A P W D L F A Pts Al Wahda (UAE) 3 3 0 0 7 2 9 Al Zawra'a (IRQ) 3 1 1 1 2 2 4 Al Rayyan (QAT) 3 0 2 1 1 2 2 Al Arabi (KUW) 3 0 1 2 2 6 1

Group B

	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Al Hilal (KSA)	2	1	1	0	3	1	4
Pakhtakor (UZB)	2	1	0	1	1	2	3
Al Kuwait (KUW)	2	0	1	1	1	2	1
Esteghlal (IRN)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Group C

P W D L F A Pts Neftchi (UZB) 3 2 0 1 3 3 6 Al Najaf (IRQ) 3 1 1 1 5 3 4 Al Karama (SYR) 3 1 1 1 4 4 4 Al Sadd (QAT) 3 1 0 2 4 6 3

Group D

P W D L F A Pts Sepahan (IRN) 3 2 0 1 5 4 6 Al Shabab (KSA) 3 2 0 1 6 1 6 Al Ain (UAE) 3 1 1 1 3 4 4 Al Ittihad (SYR) 3 0 1 2 1 6 1

Group E

P W D L F A Pts Urawa Reds (JPN) 3 2 1 0 6 2 7 Persik Kediri (IDN) 3 2 0 1 3 4 6 Sydney FC (AUS) 3 1 1 1 5 5 4 Shanghai Shenhua (CHN) 3 0 0 3 1 4 0

Group F

P W D L F A Pts Kawasaki Frontale (JPN) 3 2 1 0 7 3 7 Chunnam Dragons (KOR) 3 1 1 1 3 3 4 Bangkok University (THA) 3 0 3 0 1 1 3 Arema Malang (IDN) 3 0 1 2 1 5 1

Group G

P W D L F A Pts Shandong Luneng (CHN) 3 3 0 0 7 1 9 Seongnam Chunma (KOR) 3 1 1 1 7 5 4 Adelaide United (AUS) 3 1 1 1 4 3 4 Dong Tam Long An (VIE) 3 0 0 3 1 10 0

Group F MatchDay 4 Gajayana Stadium, Malang, IDN 25/4/07 15:30 Arema Malang Bangkok University

Janu seeks home relief for Arema Apr 24, 2007 PA Sport MALANG – Arema Malang coach Miroslav Janu may be facing an injury crisis but the Czech believes that the backing of the team’s passionate fans could help his side to their first win in the AFC Champions League on Wednesday. Janu is expecting to miss the services of Indonesia international defender Ortizan Solossa and import strikers Patricio Morales of Chile and Essa Mvondo of Cameroon for his side’s rematch against Bangkok University in East Java. The teams played out a goalless draw in Thailand two weeks ago but Janu is confident that his charges can pick up three points with the backing of the ‘Aremania’ supporters. "It will certainly be different for Bangkok University as we have tremendous support compared to them. I don't know if their players are used to playing behind huge crowds but we will use it against them," said Janu. "They play in a similar way to most Indonesian teams and we are familiar with that style. “We managed to hold them to a draw at their home and now I believe that we have a better chance to win the match in Malang and earn Arema’s first continental win." Janu admits that he has selection concerns due to the team’s injury problems. "At the moment my biggest problem is injuries to our starting players. We have lost Patrico, Ortizan and now Essa is expected to be rested after picking up an injury in our last match against PSM Makassar. "We are left with only two strikers in Jaenal (Ichwan) and Akbar (Rasyid), so I must get the maximum from both players. “Elie (Aiboy) can also play behind the main striker, but then I must find somebody who can play on the left wing like Elie. I could also opt to play with two wingers supporting one striker in a 4-3-3 formation but then again nothing is certain as I am waiting for a decision on Essa. "Bangkok University have fast players, but so do we and we have an edge because our wingers are more active and skilful. They are generally a very well organised team and it will not be an easy game for either side.†An opposing player has yet to find the net against Bangkok University in this year’s AFC Champions League but the Thai league champions face a major problem with goalkeeper Weera Koedpudsa missing the game through suspension. Koedpudsa has only conceded once in the campaign, a late own goal by Patiparn Phetphun in the 1-1 draw at Kawasaki Frontale, but will miss the trip to Java after picking up a needless yellow card for dissent in stoppage time during the first meeting against Arema. Given the gravity of the game on Wednesday coach Somchai Somchai could replace Weera with former Thailand international Phansa Meesattham as the 33-year-old has more big-match experience than team-mate Manteeva Lamsombat. Midfielder Tanapat Na Tarue, who has played in all three previous Champions League games for the Students is also suspended after picking up two yellow cards in the competition. Also of concern to Somchai is the heavy rain in Malang, which could wash out his side’s slim hopes of reaching the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League. “I am worried about the conditions in Malang because it has been raining heavily every day and this has affected our training for the game,†said Somchai to Siam Daily Football News. “If it rains on the day of the match then the pitch will be very difficult and we won’t be able to play our usual game. But I am confident we can get the three points.†Somchai will have to rally his troops after the Students recently went down to their second defeat of the Thailand Premier League, losing 2-1 to Port Authority on Friday following their 3-0 reverse to inaugural AFC Champions League finalists BEC Tero Sasana. Group C MatchDay 4 Fergana Stadium, Fergana, UZB 25/4/07 16:00 Neftchi Al Sadd Sarkisyan not worried by absent strikers Apr 24, 2007 PA Sport FERGANA – Group C leaders Neftchi enter Wednesday’s match against Al Sadd without either of their first-choice strikers but coach Yuri Sarkisyan believes that his team have enough firepower to down the Qatari side and cement their place at the top of the group. Anvar Berdiev and Ilya Kovalenko have started all three of Neftchi’s matches up front but neither forward is available this week after picking up their second yellow cards of the competition in their 2-0 loss to Al Sadd in Doha two weeks ago. However, Sarkisyan has downplayed the absence of the pair and feels that he has adequate cover in attack. “We are missing two strikers but we have enough players to replace them,†said the veteran Neftchi coach. “Fortunately, we have no injured players and defender Nasim Shoimov will be able to return after being suspended from the match in Doha after receiving two yellow cards.†The loss in Doha has been the only blemish so far this season for the Fergana side, who are top of the Uzbek league with six wins in six matches and remain two points clear in Group C after defeating Al Najaf 1-0 and Al Karama 2-1 in earlier AFC Champions League matches. Sarkisyan is hoping that his side can regain their momentum on Wednesday and consolidate their position as they attempt to reach the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League for the first time. “We hope to win this match so that we can continue to lead the way in the group,†he said. “We play two of our remaining three games at home and if we win both we should be able qualify for the quarter-finals.†However, the 59-year-old appreciates that it will not be easy to advance from what he believes to be the toughest group in the competition. “All of the teams have a chance to win this group. Even the most experienced team in group, Al Sadd, have lost two matches while Al Najaf who lost to us in their first match, have managed four points from their last two away matches. “We will have to see how the next matches go but it is an interesting battle in the toughest group in the AFC Champions League.†Neftchi warmed up for the match by defeating Metallurg 2-1 last Friday with goals by Berdiev and Nosirbek Otakuziev, the club’s top scorer last season. Al Sadd have not been in action since a 1-0 defeat to Al Rayyan in the Qatar league on April 15 and arrived in Fergana with a host of selection problems. AFC Player of the Year Khalfan Ibrahim has been ruled out after undergoing surgery on his cruciate ligament while striker Yusef Ali picked up a thigh injury while playing for the Qatar Olympic team last week. Midfielder Ibrahim Abdulmaged is also ruled by injury but Wissam Rizik and Abdullah Koni could return after being sidelined by injuries for all of Al Sadd’s previous games. However, Brazilian striker Felipe and midfielder Talal Al Bloushi are also unavailable due to suspensions. It is hardly an ideal situation for Al Sadd coach Jorge Fossati. “Every team suffers from injuries but what is happening with Al Sadd is something that has never happened before,†said the Uruguayan. “We are in a difficult situation for our match against Neftchi because of the injuries that have sidelined Khalfan Ibrahim, Ibrahim Abdulmaged and Yusef Ali, and the suspension of Felipe Jorge. “We also require special tactics for our away match against Neftchi as their pitch is not so good and might make it difficult to pass the ball well.†Group D MatchDay 4 Foolad Shahr Stadium, Esfahan, IRN 25/4/07 16:00 Sepahan Al Ain Sepahan eye revenge against Al Ain Apr 24, 2007 PA Sport ESFAHAN - Sepahan coach Luka Bonacic wants his team to put aside their disappointing 3-2 defeat in Al Ain two weeks and reassert their position at the top of Group D with a home victory against the United Arab Emirates league side on Wednesday. A late goal by Frank Ongfiang saw the Hafzi Cup holders suffer their first defeat in this year’s competition although the Esfahan side remained top of the group due to their 1-0 away win against Al Shabab in Saudi Arabia in their previous game. With Sepahan the only Iranian representatives in the AFC Champions League following the disqualification of Esteghlal, there is a sense of determination to do the nation proud. “We’re in our best possible condition for the game and having scrutinised their weaknesses, we are confident that we can get a positive result from the game and improve our hopes of sealing a spot in the knockout phase,†said Bonacic. “We’ve also done well at home recently and won our two most recent home games in the Iran Pro League, outperforming leaders Esteghlal and second-placed Saipa. “Al Ain were fortunate to get their home win. They had a lot of luck in that game while my players did not enjoy much fortune that night,†the Croatian added. With Moharram Navidkia expected to be missing due to his chronic injury problems, Bonacic will be looking to Mohammed Nori and Iraqi international Abdul Wahab Abu Al Hail to anchor the midfield once again. Al Ain, who enjoyed a 1-0 win against Al Nasr in the UAE league last Thursday, arrived in Iran on Monday with a full-strength squad as Humaid Fakher returns after serving a one-match suspension. The 2003 AFC Champions League winners got their campaign back on track with their victory against Sepahan after managing only one point in their first two Group D games but Hawar Mohammed knows that there is plenty of work to be done if Al Ain are to maintain their record as the only team to reach the knockout stage in every edition of the AFC Champions League. "We played well against Sepahan in the first game and we are hoping for a similar performance, said the Iraqi forward. “Our game plan is always to win but that doesn't always happen in football. Obviously, Sepahan will be a tough team to beat on their home turf and they are certain to come out very hard against us but we are ready for them. “Al Ain has always been a big team in the AFC Champions League. We all know that and I'm sure that we will rise to this occasion." Group E MatchDay 4 Yuanshen Stadium, Shanghai, CHN 25/4/07 16:00 Shanghai Shenhua Urawa Reds Osieck confident of Reds rebound Apr 24, 2007 PA Sport SHANGHAI – Urawa Reds manager Holger Osieck is confident his side can bounce back from their J.League defeat at the hands of Kawasaki Frontale at the weekend to pick up another three points in the AFC Champions League against Shanghai Shenhua on Wednesday evening. The J.League champions slipped to a rare loss at home to their fellow ACL participants at the weekend, but the German coach believes his team can put the reversal behind them as they seek to consolidate their position at the top of Group E. “It won’t have any affect,†said the former Canada coach. “The team is okay and plays some good football. We are pretty balanced, it just happened. “We have got to be focused on the Shanghai game and make the best of it and try to win. We’ll do everything we can to achieve our target. We are in a good position to advance to the next round and we don’t want to jeopardise that.†Reds lead the group by a point from Persik Kediri at the halfway stage and their hopes will be boosted by the news that inspirational defender Marcus Tulio Tanaka, who missed the Frontale game, is likely to return to face a Shanghai side Reds defeated two weeks ago at Saitama Stadium. “I’d like to help our team get into a good groove,†said the Brazil-born Japan international. “Wednesday’s game is an opportunity for Urawa and Japanese football to do something new.†Shanghai’s hopes of emulating last season’s qualification for the quarter-finals of the tournament are slim and anything other than victory will eliminate the Chinese Super League runners-up from this year’s competition. However, coach Osvaldo Gimenez Toledo is determined to send his side out looking to take all three points off their Japanese counterparts. “We hope to snatch victory,'' said the Uruguayan coach. “Our desire to claim our first win in the continental tournament is very strong. “We have to go all out in the ACL game. We must show our real potential in this match and gain respect.†Gimenez will be forced to field a weakened squad as he grapples with injury problems. Right winger Sun Ji is sidelined for a month due to a knee injury while playmaker Yu Tao is also out after suffering a ligament injury during a national team camp in Jinan earlier this month. Gimenez will also be looking for replacements for Shanghai’s back-line after starting defenders Li Yinan and Qu Shaoyan were injured recently. Chinese international Du Wei could be in line for a place in the team after facing Dalian Shide in a 2-1 loss at the weekend after being recalled from the reserve team. “The injury problem doesn't matter to me,†said Gimenez. “We will try some other players on Wednesday.†Group G MatchDay 4 Long An Stadium, Long An, VIE 25/4/07 18:00 Dong Tam Long An Shandong Luneng Winning is all that matters, says Ma Apr 24, 2007 PA Sport HANOI – Shandong Luneng are prepared to put substance ahead of style in order to pick up the three points against Dong Tam Long An that may take them through to the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League. Victory for Shandong and a draw between their Group G opponents Adelaide United and Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma in the day’s other game would be enough to for the Chinese Super League champions to progress to the knockout phase for the second time in three seasons. “We are eying a win, or three points, rather than more goals,'' said Shandong’s assistant coach Ma Baogang, who will direct the squad from the touchline instead of Serbia coach Ljubisa Tumbakovic. “We are practical. We don't need necessarily to seek a convincing victory.†Shandong’s biggest concerns ahead of the game centre on the climatic conditions in Vietnam, with Ma expecting the heat will give the home side an advantage. “Long An have an edge in their hand because it is difficult for us to adapt to the hot weather there,†he said. “The weather will negatively affect us.†Shandong, who have had an indifferent start to the defence of their domestic title, will also be hamstrung by the absence of midfielder Zhou Hanbin. Zhou is suspended after picking up his second booking of the group phase against Dong Tam in China two weeks ago. “We are a stable team,'' said Ma, whose side are currently sixth in the Chinese league. “The unsatisfactory results in the CSL won't psychologically affect us.†Dong Tam, meanwhile, continue to struggle at home as well as at continental level and go into the game off the back of a goalless draw in the V-League against SLNA on Saturday. The continuing absence of striker Antonio has had a negative impact on the team while midfielder Tai Em continues to struggle to find his best form. Coach Henrique Calisto, however, remains upbeat and is hopeful his team can salvage something from their so-far disappointing ACL campaign. “We will try to play to our maximum and I will see what will happen,†he said. Group A MatchDay 4 Al Rayyan Sports Club, Doha, QAT 25/4/07 18:25 Al Rayyan Al Arabi Injuries remain a concern for Lechantre Apr 24, 2007 PA Sport DOHA – Al Rayyan’s hopes of ending their six-match winless run in the AFC Champions League have not been helped by the team’s injury problems ahead of Wednesday’s clash against Al Arabi of Kuwait at Al Rayyan Stadium. The Emir’s Cup holders have not managed a victory in the continental championship since their 2-0 win against Al Shorta of Iraq in April 2005 and find themselves seven points adrift of Group A leaders Al Wahda of the United Arab Emirates at the halfway stage of the competition. With the team’s quarter-final prospects all but extinguished, Al Rayyan will be keen just to manage a win against the group’s bottom side but they will need to do so without three key players - French playmaker Sabri Lamouchi, Qatar international striker Adel Lamy and former Manchester City midfielder Hussein Yasser – who are missing through injury. Adding to the woes of French coach Pierre Lechantre is the absence of defenders Nayef Al Khater and Abdulrahman Mesbeh, who are both suspended after picking up their second yellow cards of the competition during the 1-1 draw between the two sides in Kuwait City a fortnight ago. However, it is the injuries to Lamouchi, Lamy and Yasser which are of greatest concern to Lechantre. "Lamouchi will be out of action for a minimum of two weeks, Yasser has just started training with the team and is not fully fit, and Lamy's injury is a real blow to the team as he may have to sit out for two months," said the Al Rayyan coach. Given his selection crisis, Lechantre could turn to youngsters like 17-year-old striker Saoud Khames. "We have many promising players from our junior teams like Khames and I hope that we can strike the right balance between experience and youth,†he added. However, it is most likely that Lechantre will call upon Qatar Olympic player Waleed Jassim to partner Brazilian striker Thiago Cardoso up front, while Polish World Cup player Jacek Bak is expected to anchor the defence in front of goalkeeper Qasim Burhan, who has conceded only two goals so far in the AFC Champions League. Al Arabi’s form in the AFC Champions League has been even more woeful than Al Rayyan and the Kuwait Emir’s Cup holders will be just as eager to climb out of the Group A basement and improve on their record of only one win in their last nine matches in the competition. The team, who are now coached by Portuguese Jose Rachao, arrived in Doha on Sunday with captain Ahmed Mousa the only injury concern for the game. Al Arabi have been in poor form in their own domestic league this season but won their last outing as scored Husain Al Mosawi scored the winner in a 1-0 victory against Al Qadisiya in the third place play-offs of the Al Kharafi Cup. Group D MatchDay 4 Al Hamadania Stadium, Aleppo, SYR 25/4/07 18:45 Al Ittihad Al Shabab Khattam gunning for revenge Apr 24, 2007 PA Sport ALEPPO – Syrian Cup champions Al Ittihad and their coach Mohammed Khattam will be looking for revenge when they meet Saudi league champions Al Shabab at Al Hamadania stadium on Wednesday. After losing 4-0 a fortnight ago at King Fahad International stadium, Al Ittihad’s hopes of qualifying for the second round received a major blow, but that defeat is enough to give Khattam and his team added motivation. “Our focus now is on the league as our chances to qualify from our group in the AFC Champions League are not so great,†said Khattam. “However, we want to win in order to avenge our big defeat in Riyadh.†“We also want to get the trust of our fans back as the league is going into decisive stage. We might have a problem with the missing players as it will affect our defence but the result of the previous match will not be repeated.†Khattam will be without the services of defender Omar Hemidi and Ukrainian midfielder Anatoli Matkevyech after they were sent off in the previous match in Riyadh. However, the coach - who recently replaced Hussain Afash - will be relying on the strike force of Abdel Fatah Al Aga and midfielder Mahmoud Al Amena who were both on target in Al Ittihad’s 5-1 hammering of Al Wathba in the Syrian league three days after the Al Shabab defeat. “The defeat in Riyadh was tough on us and we didn’t deserve it,†said Al Aga. “We have to avenge that defeat and prove that our team is good. “Qualifying from the group is almost impossible but we have to play until the last minute of our last match.†“We have three remaining matches including two in Aleppo,†said Al Amena. “We have to have the best possible results and forget that we have almost lost the group ticket especially that the pressure is limited now.†Al Shabab coach Jose De Morais will be worried about his team’s strike while he will be missing defender Abdulmohsen Al Dosari, who is suspended after receiving two yellow cards in the tournament so far. Ghanaian striker Godwin Attram picked up a minor injury in the league match against Al Ahli and might miss the game on Wednesday and will be joined on the sidelines by his strike partner Naji Majrashi, who was on target in the previous game in Riyadh. Defender Saleh Sadeeq received a knock in training and is doubtful. Group C MatchDay 4 Sabah Al Salem Stadium, Kuwait City, KUW 25/4/07 19:00 Al Najaf Al Karama Kwid clear of injury concerns Apr 24, 2007 PA Sport Contented Kwid has few worries KUWAIT CITY – Al Karama coach Mohammed Kwid is a relieved man as he takes his team into their AFC Champions League clash with Al Najaf at the Sabah Al Salem Stadium on Wednesday evening. After fielding an under-strength side throughout the first half of the group phase of this year’s campaign, Kwid – who led the Syrians to the final of last year’s competition – will have the majority of his squad ready for action against the Iraqis. Abdalrahman Akkari is the only player who Kwid cannot count after he picked up a one-match suspension after collecting two yellow cards in the opening three games of the competition. “The team will be playing with a nearly complete squad for the first time in a long time,†said Kwid. “This will help us a lot on Wednesday. “The match is decisive as it will determine who will maintain their chance of success in the tournament. Al Najaf are a tough team but our players can overcome our previous setbacks and revive our competitive spirit.†Kwid will welcome back midfielder Jehad Al Hussein, who missed the previous game in Homs where his team secured a late 1-1 draw with the Iraqis and Jehado - as he is known by the Al Karama fans - will be hoping that his side can win again in Kuwait city. “The only way we can get back into competition again is by winning,†said the 24-year-old midfielder. “It will be great to get back to Kuwait City where we won against Al Qadisiya to qualify to the final of last year’s AFC Champions League.†Another who will return to the team is defender Jehad Kassab who will be recalled after missing the last six weeks through injury. “There is a big responsibility on the players to get a win after we lost against Neftchi and after we drew against Al Najaf in Homs,†said Kassab. “The match will be hard because both teams have big motivations.†Al Najaf arrived to Kuwait City on Sunday and coach Abdulghani Shahad will be missing the services midfielder Mohammed Hadi, who will have a surgery in Iran, and striker Yasir Abdulrazaq. However, Shahad will welcome back defender Haeder Aboudi and striker Foad Jawad who have recovering from the injuries which prevented them from taking part against Al Karama in Homs. Group F MatchDay 4 Kawasaki Todoroki Stadium, Kawasaki, JPN 25/4/07 19:00 Kawasaki Frontale Chunnam Dragons Sekizuka: Cool heads required Apr 24, 2007 PA Sport KAWASAKI – Kawasaki Frontale manager Takashi Sekizuka has called for cool heads from his players when they go into the AFC Champions League clash with Chunnam Dragons on Wednesday. Victory could see Sekizuka’s team become the first Japanese team to reach the knockout phase of ACL since the competition’s inception in 2002, if Bangkok University fail to defeat Indonesia’s Arema Malang in Group F’s other fixture this week. Chunnam, meanwhile, need a win merely to keep their hopes in the competition alive. “Chunnam will be fighting us hard as they will be out if they lose to us,†said Sekizuka. “In a game like that, how you play the game over the entire 90 minutes matters. “We need to prepare the mental part of our game and put in a performance like we did in our away game.†Frontale won their previous meeting with Chunnam 3-1 in Korea two weeks ago and they have been boosted further ahead of Wednesday’s meeting with a 2-1 victory over champions Urawa Reds in J.League action over the weekend. “Because we played well at Urawa, now we have to prove our ability in the ACL,†said Sekizuka. “We must remember that our initial objective is to get through to the quarterfinals and play the game with that in mind.†His players shared the same view on the game. “Beating a strong side like Urawa has given us confidence,†Japan forward Kazuki Ganaha said. “But we mustn’t waste that win, we need to take it a game at a time and play as a unit, both in the ACL and the J.League.†After their previous meeting, Chunnam have drawn twice, scoreless, in their K. League campaign, against Gwangju and another at home against Suwon. The team is currently eighth in the standings. Defender Kim Chi-woo is expected to return to the starting line-up for Chunnam after missing the first game in Korea. “Chunnam are a good side despite the 3-1 scoreline,†said Frontale defender Yoshinobu Minowa. “Whether or not they will change their team around this time around, it is important for us to focus on our game and show what we usually do.†The only concern for the hosts centres on the availability of Yusuke Mori. The 26-year-old midfielder, who recently won a call-up to the national team training camp, skipped the Urawa game due to injury and is a doubt for Wednesday evening. Group G MatchDay 4 Seongnam Tancheon Sports Complex, Seongnam, KOR 25/4/07 19:00 Seongnam Chunma Adelaide United Draw not an option for Seongnam, Adelaide Apr 24, 2007 PA Sport SEONGNAM – With Shandong Luneng threatening to open up an insurmountable lead in Group G, a draw will clearly not be an option for either Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma or Adelaide United when the two sides meet in Korea on Wednesday. Korean league champions Seongnam came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with the Australian side at Hindmarsh Stadium two weeks ago, but the result was of greatest benefit to Shandong, who moved five points clear after their 4-0 thrashing of Dong Tam Long An. If the China Super League champions maintain their perfect record with another victory in Vietnam this week, they could seal top spot in Group G and clinch a place in the knockout stage if the game in Seongnam ends in another stalemate. Having reached the final of the continental competition in 2004, seven-time Korean champions Seongnam are determined not to falter at the group stage this year. “We can catch Shandong, of course we can,†said Seongnam coach Kim Hak-beom to PA Sport. “We are confident of getting a good result. We have been playing well at home and just need to play our usual game on Wednesday. “I also have a full squad to choose from.†Kim is full of confidence after a strong start to the season by Seongnam, who are unbeaten so far in this season’s K-League and sit five points clear at the top of the table after last weekend’s 2-0 win at Gyeongnam. However, the Seongnam coach knows that his team will face a tough test against the A-League outfit. “Adelaide are a good team,†continued Kim. “They are well-organised and physically very strong and powerful. We had a good game two weeks ago.†The South Australian side, who arrived in Korea on Monday morning with a squad of 18 players, are also aware of the importance of the game. “We have to match up well against them, be organised, take our chances and put them away,†said Adelaide midfielder Diego before the team’s departure. “If we want to make it to the next round we need to get the three points and we know we can.†The Brazilian knows that Adelaide can’t afford to repeat the mistakes of their first meeting. “It’s a learning experience. It was very disappointing being 2-0 up in the second half and giving away two goals,†he added. “It’s something that we’ll learn from and in the future hopefully it won’t happen again.†The Reds will be without the injured Bobby Petta and Jason Spagnuolo but welcome Matthew Kemp back after suspension. Aurelio Vidmar’s side have also been boosted by the return of Nathan Burns and Bruce Djite, who have rejoined the team after playing in last week’s Olympic qualifier against Saudi Arabia. Group A MatchDay 4 Al Nahyan Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE 25/4/07 19:40 Al Wahda Al Zawra'a Al Wahda boosted by Matar return Apr 24, 2007 PA Sport ABU DHABI - Al Wahda coach Richard Tardy is expecting a strong performance from playmaker Ismail Matar on Wednesday as his side attempt to seal a quarter-final berth in the AFC Champions League with victory against Al Zawra’a. The United Arab Emirates international is back after serving a two-match ban for his red card for reacting violently to a tackle by Adel Lamy in Al Wahda’s 1-0 away win against Al Rayyan in their opening game of the continental championship on March 7. However, the Abu Dhabi side have not missed Matar too much in their subsequent games, trouncing Al Arabi of Kuwait 4-1 and edging Al Zawra’a 2-1 in Doha a fortnight ago to remain perfect in Group A. Another win against the Iraqi side at Al Nahyan stadium on Wednesday will give the Emirates league side an insurmountable lead in the group and Tardy expects his the diminutive forward to play an influential role. “Ismail has been out of the AFC Championship League for more than a month and he owes a really good performance to his team mates and fans,†said the Frenchman. “I hope he scores in this game as he is very capable of doing that. He’s a player who can make things happen on the pitch.†While Al Wahda have a five-point advantage over second-placed Al Zawra’a, Tardy is not prepared to take anything for granted yet. “We are in a good position but that doesn’t guarantee us a quarter-final place. I would like to see 12 points on the board before thinking of the next round,†he said. “Al Zawra’a are a pretty good side and they will be playing to stay in the competition. They beat Al Arabi and drew with Al Rayyan, which were good results. “They nearly earned a draw with us. We had to survive a really tough last five minutes in that game. A 2-2 result could have opened the competition wide open, but we were lucky.†With his team in a tight race with Al Wasl for the Emirate league title, the Al Wahda coach wants his side to secure their passage in the AFC Champions League as soon as possible. “It will help us concentrate on the league, which has entered a decisive phase,†said Tardy, whose team lie a solitary point behind leaders Al Wasl with five rounds of games left in the domestic league. “We are playing in two important competitions and full points from this game will certainly ease the pressure on the players.†Apart from injured defender Omar Ali, Al Wahda will be at full strength while Al Zawra’a are expected to retain the same line up that started the match against Al Wahda two weeks ago. Al Zawra’a were unable to play or train together since that defeat in Doha until their arrival in Abu Dhabi on Monday but skipper Ahmed Ali Jaber insists that his side are up for the challenge despite their problems. “We have no other choice. If we win we keep the group phase alive,†he said. “We have retained the same starting line because we were not able to train as a team back in Baghdad, which is a pity. But we’ll give it our best shot.†Group E MatchDay 4 Parramatta Stadium, Sydney, AUS 25/4/07 20:00 Sydney FC Persik Kediri Culina's Sydney gunning for revenge Apr 24, 2007 PA Sport SYDNEY - Sydney FC coach Branko Culina says his side has learned from their Indonesian 'ambush' and will exact revenge on Persik Kediri in Wednesday night's crucial Group E AFC Champions League encounter at Parramatta Stadium. Lowly-rated Persik gave Sydney's ACL campaign a massive jolt with a shock 2-1 victory in Solo City on April 12 and can dump the Sky Blues out of the competition with a follow-up win. But Culina, who on Monday was installed as Sydney FC's coach for the next two years, believes the monsoonal conditions and poor pitch in Indonesia played a massive part in his side's demise. The Australian side was also forced to play in the early morning after the match was postponed the previous day due to a flooded pitch. He is predicting a different result back on Australian soil in a game the hosts must win to stay alive in the competition. "No disrespect to Persik, but when we played them over there it was the elements which got the better of us," Culina said. "I really believe the conditions played a huge part in our below-par performance. "Our preparation will be far better this time. I have no doubt we will get the job done. "The better football team will win." Ruben Zadkovich and David Carney will be missing due to suspension but Culina expects defender Mark Milligan, skipper Mark Rudan and defender Robert Middleby to all play. While the Sydney boss is confident of overcoming Persik Kediri, who hold down second spot in the group standings, he has nothing but praise for his opponents. "Let's not under-estimate them - they've got some decent players, players who play for the Indonesian national team," Culina pointed out . "There've got some quality players but I've got to focus on my team because we're a quality side. "I couldn’t be happier with the way we went against Shanghai and Urawa (but) against Persik was a hiccup. "We want to put that straight." Persik travelled to Australia at the tail-end of last week in an attempt to prepare for the impending Sydney backlash while seeking to maintain their surprising form in the competition. Coach Daniel Roekito has set his sights on a draw despite going into the game without Danilo Fernando, who is suspended. "We will be trying to get a point from our visit to Australia," he said. "Despite winning our first encounter at home, we know that it will not be easy to get a result in Sydney as they probably did not play to their full potential in Solo. “We are aware that the effort will be even harder for us without Danilo Fernando. However, we do not intend to just sit back and play a defensive game there.†Group B MatchDay 4 King Fahad International Stadium, Riyadh, KSA 25/4/07 20:45 Al Hilal Pakhtakor Trio ready for Pakhtakor test Apr 24, 2007 PA Sport Yasser Al Qahtani is fit for Wednesday's game [World Sport Group]

RIYADH - Al Hilal have received a lift ahead of their crucial Group B showdown against Pakhtakor with Yasser Al Qahtani, Mohammed Al Shlhoub and Tareq El Taib back in training after recovering from injuries. Libyan midfielder El Taib missed his team’s 2-0 victory in Tashkent two weeks ago because of his injury while Saudi international striker Al Qahtani and midfielder Al Shlhoub picked up knocks during last week’s 1-0 win against Al Nasr in the Saudi league. However, all three passed medical tests during the weekend and participated in a training session on Sunday, much to the relief of the team’s Brazilian coach, Marcos Paqueta. However, there is a question mark on the fitness of forward Mohammed Al Anbar, who was forced to leave the session after suffering a leg injury. The team’s doctor have not yet given an indication whether he will be fit for the match at King Fahad International Stadium, which could all but seal Al Hilal’s passage into the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League for the first time. The Riyadh giants lead Group B after their stunning win in Uzbekistan, courtesy of second-half goals by Omar Al Ghamdi and Rodrigo, and will move four points clear of Pakhtakor and six ahead of Al Kuwait if they repeat their victory on home soil. Having seen his side fail to get past the group stage in all three of their previous appearances in the AFC Champions League, Al Shlhoub is determined not to see them falter again. "I am ready for the match. We have worked for two weeks to prepare for the game and we are definitely targeting a win on Wednesday," said the Saudi international. “We had a disappointing draw against Al Kuwait in our previous AFC Champions League game but that does not mean that we don’t play well at home." Pakhtakor have their backs to the wall after losing at home to the Saudi giants and will be determined to avoid a defeat which would end their AFC Champions League hopes for another season. However, even a draw might not be enough for the Uzbek side with only one game remaining for both sides in the three-team group after Wednesday. “Pakhtakor will be looking for revenge but we are determined to repeat our victory against them,“ said Al Hilal defender Khalid Al Angrie. Pakhtakor defeated Navbakhor 2-0 last Friday with early goals by Server Djeparov and Anvar Soliev and arrived to Riyadh on Monday morning to prepare for their crunch game.

[TOTTI]

Re: Asia's FC Champions league (25.94.2007) All odds are from www.bet365.com

Asia - AFC Champions League		Reset	Bet

Book Closes			1	X	2
25 Apr 09:00	Shanghai Shenhua v Urawa Red Diamonds		3.20	3.20	2.00
25 Apr 09:30	Arema Malang v Bangkok University		1.80	3.25	3.75
25 Apr 11:00	Sydney v Persik Kediri		1.22	5.50	8.50	+2
25 Apr 11:00	Kawasaki-F v Chunnam Dragons		1.61	3.50	4.50
25 Apr 11:00	Seongnam Chungma v Adelaide United		1.61	3.50	4.50
25 Apr 12:00	Neftchi v Al-Sadd		1.50	3.60	5.50	+2
25 Apr 12:00	Dong Tam Long An v Shandong Luneng		8.50	4.50	1.28
25 Apr 13:30	Sepahan v Al Ain		1.61	3.50	4.50	+2
25 Apr 16:30	Al-Rayyan v Al-Arabi		1.75	3.40	3.80	+2
25 Apr 16:45	Al Ittihad v Al-Shabab		2.75	3.25	2.25	+2
25 Apr 17:00	Al Najaf v Al Karamah		2.20	3.20	2.87	+2
25 Apr 18:45	Al-Hilal v Pakhtakor		1.50	3.60	5.50	+2

		Reset	Bet

[blackcrow]

Re: Asia's FC Champions league (25.94.2007) Sydney -1 (EH) It was the hot and humid conditions in Indonesia that undone Sydney not their opposition. They missed many clear cut chances and it was ony due to some poor defending (due to their fatigue) that allowed Persik to come out on top. Sydney showed that they are a better footballing team, and now on home turf, in a must win game, they will come out and win this quite comfortably Seongnam Chunma The Korean Champions should be ready to a make the msot of their class difference between the two sides. Adelaide surprised them in the return leg to take a 2-0 lead in the first game but it was obvious that the Koreans were, technically, a better side. Adelaide have had a frustrating and inconsistent year, and the fact they are playing in their off season, will worsen this. Being at home and in a mst win game for them to catch the leaders, i see a Chunma victory over a limited and predictable Adelaide side Shandong luneng (-1.5,2) (AH) Shandong won the first game 4-0 and it shoudl have been more. Now they play the return game and it should be a similar result. Obvious big difference in class, and Shandong should score quite a few

[Beejayville]

Re: Asia's FC Champions league (25.94.2007) Adelaide United fall to Korean champs Adelaide United's hopes of making this season's Asian Champions League quarter-finals have been delivered a knockout blow after falling to a 1-0 defeat against K-League champion Seongnam Chunma in Korea. Choi Sung-kuk, nicknamed 'Little Maradona', produced a moment of magic to decide the must-win clash after a mistake from defender Richie Alagich. Qualification for the next phase had remained an outside possibility despite the defeat if Group G frontrunner Shandong Luneng was held to a draw by ten-man Dong Tam Long An. But red hot striker Li Jinyu scored his second of the night in stoppage time to continue Shandong's perfect record and dump Adelaide out of the running for top spot with two rounds still remaining. Shandong (12 points) stands five points ahead of Seongnam in second place and now needs to beat Adelaide in Jinan in a fortnight's time to confirm progression to the knockout phase. In front of a sparse local crowd inside the Seongnam Sports Complex, the current K-League leader carved out the better openings in the first-half before Adelaide, under interim coach Aurelio Vidmar, improved in the second. But the cagey affair was ultimately decided when Choi scored with the game's first shot on target on the half-hour mark. The warning signs for the visitors had been building, with reigning K-League player-of-the-year Kim Do-heon screwing a hurried shot wide of goalkeeper Robbie Bajic's right-hand post in just the 11th minute when he might have done better. Kim's attempt came about after further excellent wing play from dangerman Choi with the recalled Adam van Dommele, back in the side to replace Aaron Goulding at left-back, fairing little better than his predecessor. Brazilian striking duo Mota for Seongnam and Fernando for Adelaide both then failed to land free headers on target with the Reds striker unable to divert a wicked Alagich cross goalwards. Just moments later, however, Alagich was at fault for the only goal of the game. Choi, having briefly swapped flanks, robbed the Adelaide defender dallying in his own half and raced towards goal before curling a wonderful finish around Kristian Rees leaving Bajic no chance. The Reds fashioned two half-chances after the break when Bruce Djite blasted over the bar from distance and Travis Dodd headed the ensuing corner off target. But Seongnam was a constant menace on the counter attack and Choi could only slide a casual finish into the grasp of Bajic with just the Adelaide 'keeper to beat after a slide rule pass from Mota. Djite again found space from Diego's pass but rifled his shot into the side netting, however, Adelaide always looked a step off the pace with Nathan Burns quiet before his substitution midway through the second term. And it was only Van Dommele's goal-line clearance from Kim Dong-hun's header which stopped the Koreans doubling their score. Adelaide will be without Diego for the trip to China in two weeks after the Brazilian-born midfielder collected his second booking in two outings. Seongnam Chunma 1 (Choi Sung-kuk 30) Adelaide United 0 At Seongnam Sports Complex, South Korea

[Beejayville]

Re: Asia's FC Champions league (25.94.2007) Sydney maintains ACL charge Sydney FC has kept its ACL hopes alive by scoring an electric 3-0 win over a gallant Persik Kediri at Parramatta Stadium on Wednesday night. The Indonesian side surprised the inaugural Hyundai A-League champion by inflicting its first defeat in the Asian Champions League with a 2-1 victory in Solo City two weeks ago, but Sydney was in no mood to allow a similar result to occur on home soil. Despite some dangerous counter attacking from Persik, Sydney controlled much of the match and used their height advantage to attack through the air and deservedly scored second-half goals through Steve Corica (two) and Alex Brosque to remain in the hunt to progress to the next round. The victory sees Sydney move into second place on the ladder in Group E, after leaders Urawa Reds and Shanghai Shenhua played out a 0-0 draw in the corresponding group fixture earlier in the evening. Urawa are on eight points, Sydney seven, Persik six and Shanghai on one with two rounds left to play. Only the top team goes through to the next round. The match was played in damp conditions after constant rain had fallen all day in Sydney. After a sorting out period in the opening, Persik had the first clear chance of the match in the 12th minute when livewire Uruguayan Fagundez got clear inside the left edge of the Sydney box only to volley his shot into the side netting. But from that point on the home team took control of the match. Robbie Middleby and Steve Corica were giving the Indonesian side plenty of headaches down the right flank creating plenty of chances for Brosque, who started up front with David Zdrilic. Sydney let a golden opportunity go begging in the 25th minute when Mark Milligan headed Corica's corner just wide of the goal. Milligan went close again when he pushed a long-range effort just over the bar. At the other end, midfielder Gonzalez fired off a left-foot shot which Clint Bolton did well to parry away, only for effervescent Persik striker Budi Sudarsono to get the ball in a dangerous position just near the right post. However, his header into the area was diffused by Sydney skipper Mark Rudan. Rudan then put the ball in the back of the Persik net after getting a clean header on a Corica free-kick in the 36th minute. But Vietnamese referee Minh Tri Vo disallowed the goal and gave a free kick for Rudan being all over the defenders with his leap to see the teams locked 0-0 at half-time. Sydney started the second 45 with a vengeance, peppering the Persik goal and continuing the aerial assault. Corica's looping volley went over the net and long-range efforts from Terry McFlynn and Milligan were well kept out by Persik keeper Kurnia Sandy. Corica eventually broke through in the 53rd minute when Sandy could only parry away Zdrilic's header right to the feet of Corica, who drilled the ball into the far corner of the net. Zdrilic went close just moments later when his pushed his header from McFlynn's cross narrowly wide and Brosque, had another prime chance in the 57th minute when the ball fell at his feet on the penalty sport but he could only get a dribbling shot away. Persik continued to look threatening on the counter with Sudarsono, who scored the match-winner in their last clash, looking most likely to grab an equaliser. But the visitors received a body blow when one of their best players on the night, keeper Sandy was forced from the field with a broken finger after a nasty clash with Zdrilic. Sydney grabbed some breathing space when Brosque finally found the mark in the 73rd minute. The home side continued their aerial assault and Zdrilic headed another accurate cross from McFlynn to the feet of Brosque, whose volley cannoned off the right post and into the net. Adam Casey, who replaced Zdrilic late in the match almost collected a third for Sydney when he sprinted into space following a nice through ball from Milligan, but his vicious shot was superbly saved by Persik's reserve keeper Wahyudi. Right on full-time Corica got on the end of yet another McFlynn cross from the right flank to punch his volley past Wahyudi for an emphatic 3-0 victory. Sydney FC 3 Corica (53, 90), Brosque (73) Persik Kediri 0 Crowd 10,075 @ Parramatta Stadium.