Western Sydney Wanderers begin their title defence away to Kashima Antlers tonight, as the J-League side prepares for their 2015 season. Join The Roar from 9:00pm (AEDT) for live scores and commentary.
The Australian ACL title-holders are looking to put a horrid A-League campaign behind them against a J-League side who finished third last season, and who are just coming out of their three month pre-season.
This could work in favour of the Wanderers, who, despite being in a rut of poor form, have match fitness and awareness on their opponents.
But the Wanderers clearly aren’t the side they used to be, as they reside at the foot of the A-League table with just one win from 16 games played this season. And although last week’s gallant defeat to Adelaide United may lift their spirits – it was still a defeat.
Kashima boast former Japan international Ogasawara as captain, with South Korean defender Seok-ho and Brazilian forward Davi also among their ranks.
They certainly won’t be an easy team to defend against either, with young Brazilian winger Caio winning Rookie of the Year in the 2014 J-League season. Young Japanese midfielder Shibasaki will also be a player to watch, as a box-to-box midfielder who is strong in the tackle, and who can also score a goal or two.
But with new signings Rukavytsya, Tanake and Takahagi all just finding form now, the Wanderers will be difficult themselves. Rukavytsya’s speed in transition will be the weapon that Popovic should look to unleash, with giant-slayer Haliti also a good weapon on the counter.
For the Wanderers to win, the midfield will be a key battle, as well as the ability to stay switched on for 90 minutes.
We know they’re capable of beating big sides like Kashima, but perhaps this season has gotten away from Popovic’s side, and a realistic view of their current form says that they won’t be getting out of their Asian Cup group this time around.
Prediction: Antlers will prove too strong, and win comfortably at home 2-0.
Gareth
Guest
Fair enough! Without the commentary it was hard to pick up on these things, but a quality goal in that case.
jamesb
Guest
Yep agree. Clearly the WSW don't have much time for the A League. They only turn up for Asia.
punter
Guest
Yes clearly onside.
ciudadmarron
Guest
http://i.imgur.com/SRK4Cih.jpg
SVB
Guest
We are a strange team lol. Maybe we should join an Asian league or something.
James Anderson
Roar Guru
And that's the match. Western Sydney Wanderers begi their title defence with a convincing win in Japan against Kashima Antlers. The Antlers looked a little rusty at times, but take nothing away from the Wanderers performace! What a boost this will be for their confidence too. Final Score: Western Sydney Wanderers 3-1 Kashima Antlers
James Anderson
Roar Guru
90+3' - GOAL!! Mark Bridge scores his second (or third)! Fantastic strike from outside the area seals the victory for the Wanderers away from home. That was a great strike! Hard, low and into the corner. Western Sydney Wanderers 3-1 Kashima Antlers
James Anderson
Roar Guru
90+2' - Desperate defedning - good to see. Kashima giving it everything but Wanderers are renowned for their defence. Western Sydney Wanderers 1-1 Kashima Antlers
James Anderson
Roar Guru
90' - Caio gets a card for being too passionate. Was showing everyone his chest - probably trying to point out the scratch Juric had inflicted. Golec in the books now as Wanderers defend a set piece. Western Sydney Wanderers 2-1 Kashima Antlers
Gareth
Guest
Hmm, his celebration seems awfully suspicious in that case. I think the Wanderers may have got very lucky there.
James Anderson
Roar Guru
90' - Corner Wanderers. Have we got a third in us? Western Sydney Wanderers 2-1 Kashima Antlers
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Yojiro has been credited with the goal, otherwise I'd agree. Looks like Bridge didn't touch it.
James Anderson
Roar Guru
88' - Looks like Yojiro has been credited with the goal - possibly wasn't Bridge who touched it in - nevertheless a first class assist. But here we come again. Western Sydney Wanderers 2-1 Kashima Antlers
Gareth
Guest
I'm watching a stream with no commentary, but that was offside surely!!
James Anderson
Roar Guru
87' - WANDERERS LEAD Western Sydney Wanderers 2-1 Kashima Antlers
James Anderson
Roar Guru
87' - Mark Bridge take a bow!!! WHAT A GOAL! He played it to Baccus, then sent it down the line, and received it back, touching it in front of his man, and making space to drive into the box. He then cut it back for Yojiro, who took a shot, and Bridge managed to divert the effort around the goalkeeper Western Sydney Wanderers 2-1 Kashima Antlers
James Anderson
Roar Guru
86' - Bouzanis beats the ball away as a cross comes flying in from the right. Great cross, but Bouzanis was up to the task. Resulting corner finds the head of defender Shoji, and he meets it well, but once again Bouzanis is there. Great match from him. Western Sydney Wanderers 1-1 Kashima Antlers
James Anderson
Roar Guru
85' - Chance Bridge! Juric lets the ball float over his head, aware of Bridge lurking unmarked at the back post, and Bridge hits it well, but it skims across the face of goal and out the other side. Very close! Western Sydney Wanderers 1-1 Kashima Antlers
James Anderson
Roar Guru
84' - Shaky moments from Bouzanis! Baccus plays back to him, and he controls the ball, then notices a player approaching, but clears the ball into the chest of the approaching player. Luckily it bounces off to the side, and not into our goal Western Sydney Wanderers 1-1 Kashima Antlers
James Anderson
Roar Guru
83' - Another sub for Kashima - Goalscorer Doi comes off for Nakamura Western Sydney Wanderers 1-1 Kashima Antlers