Adelaide United FC aims to extend its winning run over the Pohang Steelers when the Reds take on the reigning ACL champions tonight (Tuesday 13 April) at the Pohang Steelyard, in Match Day 5 of the AFC Champions League 2010 (Kick-Off 8.00pm ACST).
With two match days to go in the Group Stage, both United and Pohang need just a point to secure a passage to the next round of the competition, something which both sides would achieve with a drawn result at the Steelyard.
However, even though United only needs one more point from its final two games, Coach Aurelio Vidmar is not being drawn into the fact that a point at the Steelyard would be enough to guarantee its place in the Round of 16.
Vidmar has been around football long enough to know the danger of heading into a contest content with just to secure a draw, and he says it is not a trap his side is going to get into, as it attempts to make it four straight victories over the Steelers.
“Playing safe for me says you just want to sit back and soak up pressure, and I don’t think you can do that,” Vidmar stated.
After losing 1-0 to the Reds in the opening match day, Pohang have won their past three games of the competition and have not tasted defeat at the Steelyard in the AFC Champions League since United scored a stunning 2-nil victory back in March 2008.
This omen, coupled with some indifferent form from the Korean giants in their domestic league of late, which has seen them concede six goals in their past two games, the Reds have reason to believe that another three points is achievable. But as always, Vidmar is cautious of a team of the calibre of Pohang.
“They’ve only conceded two goals in their last two ACL games, both against Shandong in 2-1 results, but they’ve conceded six in their last two league games, so that’s probably an area where there might be some vulnerability about them…but I don’t think it’s going to be a massively open affair,” Vidmar said.
The Reds had their final training session late this afternoon, Vidmar declaring his side is ready to continue its happy hunting ground in Pohang.
“Everyone is in great spirits. The mood in the camp again is fantastic so we’ve been really pleased with the way the group has been interacting, the dynamics are very good,” Vidmar said.
If the other match in Group H between Shandong Luneng and Sanfrecce Hiroshima finishes in a draw, the Reds and Pohang would automatically qualify for the Round of 16 regardless of the result at the Steelyard, but Vidmar will be hoping United does not have to rely on fate and that the Reds can as good as wrap up top spot by defeating the Steelers.
For more information on the Reds visit www.adelaideunited.com.au
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