Young excellence, promotion battles, and a happy farewell: The Australian team of the week from players around the globe
Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
Back home and rested, the globetrotting Western Sydney Wanderers are raring to go for next week’s do-or-die Asian Champions League semi-final clash with FC Seoul.
The Wanderers go into the second leg at Parramatta Stadium next Wednesday in the box seat after holding ACL runners up Seoul to a scoreless draw last week.
The trip to South Korea followed a difficult quarter-final encounter against the ACL champions Guangzhou Evergrande in China last month and a 10-day intense training camp in Dubai.
Having arrived from Seoul on Friday, hard task master Tony Popovic gave his jet-setting players three days off to recharge and says they’re now set to face the K-League side at home where victory will secure them a spot in the grand final of their maiden ACL campaign.
“Getting the boys back in today you can see they look well-rested and ready to go again,” Popovic said.
“It’s been a big three or four weeks with a lot of bigs games … and we’re very fortunate to be at the business end of an ACL campaign.
“Now we come back to Parramatta and we know what we need to do. We need to win the game.
“I’m sure we’ll improve again by that match and with the huge backing of our fans hopefully we can get to the final.”
Popovic will also get some fresh legs back by way of key strikers Tomi Juric and Brendon Santalab along with Shannon Cole, who all return from suspension.
Forward Mark Bridge says their addition will be a big boost to the squad.
“They’re important players and it’s always great to have a full selection of players,” he said.
“We’re feeling good and I’m sure training is going to be very intense this week to prepare.”
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Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
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