Kashima Antlers vs Brisbane Roar (AFC Champions League 2017 : Group Stage – MD3)
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Futebol
Confirmando, na manhã deste domingo, logo depois do “Pequenas Empresas Grandes Negócios”, a Globo vai transmitir a final do mundial de clubes entre o espanhol Real Madrid e o japonês Kashima Antlers.
Narração de Cleber Machado e comentários de Ronaldo, Walter Casagrande e Paulo Cesar Oliveira.
Flávio Ricco com colaboração de José Carlos Nery
Football Federation Australia
After making a perfect start in Group H of the AFC Champions League with wins in their first three games, Guangzhou Evergrande’s seemingly inexorable progress towards the Round of 16 was slowed when the Chinese champions suffered their first defeat two weeks ago. Victories against FC Seoul of Korea Republic, defending champions Western Sydney Wanderers of Australia and Japanese side Kashima Antlers sent the 2013 AFC Champions League winners five points clear at the top at the midway point of Group H and they could have sealed their place in the Knockout Stage for the fourth year in a row if they had beaten Kashima in the return match in Japan. Kashima entered the game in last place after losing their first three games in Group H but a first-half penalty by Yasushi Endo gave them the lead before Elkeson levelled for the visitors with 15 minutes remaining. It appeared that the points would be shared but with the last touch of the game, substitute Hiroyuki Takasaki headed in a free-kick by Gaku Shibasaki to give the hosts a 2-1 victory, keeping alive their faint hope of progression to the last 16 while keeping Evergrande waiting for Matchday Five to secure their place in the Knockout Stage. However, a 1-1 draw between Western Sydney and FC Seoul in the other game in Australia, as Go Yo-han’s 72nd minute strike cancelled out Kerem Bulut’s 12th minute opener, meant that the Chinese side remained four points ahead of their closest pursuers and need only a draw from their visit to FC Seoul on Matchday Five to go through while a win would see them secure first place with a game to play. There will be plenty at stake in the other Group H game in Australia between Western Sydney and Kashima with both sides knowing that a win at Parramatta Stadium could keep the pressure on FC Seoul for second place in the group while a defeat could end their hopes of reaching the last 16.
Asian Football Confederation
Tony Popovic’s Asian Champions are currently second in the group – level on five points with FC Seoul – but the Antlers are just two points behind.
It sets up a thrilling climax to Group H with one group stage match-day to go after this Tuesday night.
Western Sydney Wanderers should go into it with confidence having come-from-behind to beat Adelaide United 2-1 in the Hyundai A-League on Saturday.
“We’ll go in with a real positive mindset. There’s a lot we can take from [Saturday’s match against Adelaide United]. If things aren’t going for us, we know we can come back,” Popovic said.
“We’re looking forward to Tuesday and it’s a big game for us. We’re used to big games here and with our fans behind us we want to get those three points.”
if the Wanderers are to make the knockout stage they need all three points here, with a tough away trip against group leaders Guangzhou Evergrande to come on the final match-day.
Meanwhile, Kashima have settled well into their Sydney surroundings, happily tweeting their approval of the Autumnal weather and good training facilities in the Harbour City.
Kashima lost in the previous clash between these two sides in Japan, but have found form over the last month. Hence the smiles.
Toninho Cerezo’s Antlers are unbeaten in their last five games in the J-League and ACL – including a memorable win over leaders Guangzhou a fortnight ago as well as a 3-1 victory over Kashiwa Reysol in league action on the weekend.
Ominously for the Wanderers, all the Japanese side’s top players are hitting peak form.
Samurai Blue rising star Gaku Shibasaki is one the home side must watch, while Brazilian Caio (and birthday boy) might be young but has loads of ability.
Yasushi Endo in midfield is now a stalwart for the club and also looms as a threat to the Wanderers’ hopes.
Meanwhile, Western Sydney will be sweating on the fitness of skipper Nikolai Topor-Stanley, who is struggling with a foot injury.
Labinot Halit and Iacopo La Rocca were rested from domestic action on the weekend and should return while it will be interesting to see who he goes for to lead the line.
Popovic has preferred to use Kerem Bulut from the start in the ACL, leaving Socceroo striker Tomi Juric as a weapon off the bench in the second half.
Football Federation Australia