Western Sydney goalkeeper Ante Covic admits his team will need to find another level if they’re to clinch the Asian Champions League title against Al-Hilal in Riyadh.
The Wanderers did everything right in the first leg clash at Parramatta Stadium on Saturday night to keep a clean sheet and head to Saudi Arabia for next Sunday morning’s (AEDT) match with a 1-0 advantage, following a brilliant strike from Tomi Juric.
However, Covic, who came up with two outstanding saves to keep Wanderers’ hopes alive at the death, is under no illusion that Al-Hilal had dominated the majority of the match.
Western Sydney will be a long way from Wanderland when they run out in front o 65,000 screaming Al-Hilal fans at King Fahd Stadium, and Covic says his underdog troops must be better across the board if they’re to make Australian footballing history.
“We want to take it up another notch,” said Covic.
“Over there we’re going to have 65,000 fans giving us hell. It’s much more intimidating and we’re going to have to step up to the occasion.
“They’re going to have a lot more confidence so for me, what we did (last night), we’re going to have to step it up even further.”
In the Wanderers favour is the fact they’ve scored away goals in all bar one of their Asian Champions League matches this campaign.
That included crucial goals against Japanese side Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the round of 16, and against defending Chinese ACL champions Guangzhou Evergrande in the quarters.
If the tie is to come down to goal difference, away goals are worth double – meaning if the Wanderers can find the back of the net next week, they will prove very difficult to beat.
Western Sydney defender Daniel Mullen, who delivered a brilliant pass for Juric to score the match-winner, says his team can’t afford to play defensive.
“We’ve got to go out and play our game,” he said.
“If we go out just to defend it will be very difficult if they happen to get a goal.
“We’ve got to go out there and put them under pressure.”
Covic said Al-Hilal were the best side the Wanderers have played in the ACL so far, with speed and skill.
However, he believes the Wanderers have given themselves such strong hope because of their structure and self-belief.
“There’s no magic potion as to why we’re doing so well … but we hold our structure very well and we’re very disciplined defensively and it frustrates teams,” Covic said.
“We’re committed and we’ve got a strong sense of belief in this team.
“These type of games don’t come around often and you’ve got to take them with both hands. That’s what we talked about before the game.”
Da Lawyah
Guest
I heard reports today that Santa has been cleared of serious injury and will be making the trip. However we won't know if he will play until just before kick off; as is Popa's style.
Josh
Guest
Santa had some pretty good runs last season coming off the bench, I wouldn't write him off just yet.
Batou
Guest
If I were Popa, I'd have Saba dominating the bench. I haven't seen anything yet to suggest he is any more than a mediocre footballer. Santalab meanwhile should be dominating his PlayStation back in Sydney. On a more positive note though, if they can get a full game out of Juric then that could be the difference they need. Even if he doesn't score he seemed to keep Al Hilal a lot more occupied at the other end of the field which is already a big positive. Spira will also help.
AZ_RBB
Guest
I keep hearing Santa is injured yet he keeps starting. Andy P said this morning that Santa is out due to the dislocation. Who knows? Don't expect any candour from Popa lol.
Franko
Guest
Make no mistake WSW are in the box seat here. Al-Hilal must come out an attack from the off, the longer the game wears on without a goal the more the pressure builds. This allows Poppa to set the side up to play their preferred mode: Counter Attack. All it will take is to catch Al-Hilal on the break once and the game is iced.
ken
Guest
Have there been any reports of injuries? I saw channel 9's take on the game and laughed when they reported on Santa's injuries (derby and dislocation) and remarkable recoveries. Quite well done I must admit. It was the leading sports story too. Channel nine seem to be changing their tune on the game.
AZ_RBB
Guest
If WSW go 1-0 up it will put us in the box seat. Need some more Juric magic!
ken
Guest
AAP. No frills news, At A Price
Josh
Guest
With Saba, Juric and Spira playing a part earlier the Saudi's won't be dominating.
Arvind
Guest
Roar used to cover football pretty good before and I used to enjoy this site. But now it is just rubbish. Read this article and check the error. It was Golec's cross not Mullen. Seems to be this theme now that Roar has sub-standard reporting on football games.