Sydney FC and Kashima Antlers meet on match day three of the 2018 Asian Champions League at Allianz Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from the match on Wednesday night at Allianz Stadium, starting from 7:30pm (AEDT).
After a much improved performance in the draw with Shanghai, Sydney FC will look to nab all three points and vault themselves up the group standings with a win against Japanese opposition tonight.
The biggest challenge to that goal will be the simple fact that Kashima Antlers took all three against Suwon Bluewings on match day two, a team that outclassed Sydney in their opening match of the competition.
Defensive errors cost Sydney a fortnight ago and if they are able to rebuild their fortress at the back, they do have the weapons up front to trouble most teams. The Antlers are a quality team and will probably look to sit patiently, away from home, knowing that a point against the best team in Australia would be a solid result.
In saying that, any frailties at the back will be pounced upon in typical Japanese style with brisk ball movement and counter attacks that have proven so common in the Asian Champions League to this point.
Prediction
Sydney’s pride was hurt after the first match of the competition and they responded well in the second. Graham Arnold will look to get even more out of his team, knowing full well that anything less than a draw here will make qualifying through the group stage near impossible.
Sydney FC 1 Kashima Antlers 1
Catch all the action on The Roar live coverage for the 2018 Asian Champions League match between Sydney FC and Kashima Antlers on Wednesday night at Allianz Stadium, starting from 7:30pm (AEDT).
Footoverhand
Guest
This is who the FFA will appoint as the next socceroos coach after the WC, not confidence inspiring.
That A-League Fan
Roar Guru
1 point in three games for Sydney FC, they've failed to score a goal at home in two games and before this they were talking about winning ACL? Jesus Christ. Besides thanks for doing the coverage again Stuart, hope can work alongside you in the next round of the A-League.
Cousin Claudio
Roar Guru
Promised so much but delivered nothing. Zero goals and zero points at home is very disappointing. The defensive oganisation and marking was very poor in both games. Oh well, eyes back on the Golden Toilet Seat.
Paul
Guest
He should have called the A-league referees Mickey Mouse.
Pauly
Guest
Events in the Hunter recently suggest otherwise
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Kashima Antlers have beaten Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium in what could be the death knell for the locals. Sydney were seeking three points to loom back into Asian Champions League contention yet it was not to be. Despite considerable stakes at play, the first half saw nothing of substance from both teams. It was only within five minutes of the break, when Doi found the net for the visitors after a rather freakish back heel from a firm cross, that the first forty five saw life. What was alarming for Sydney was the lack of physical presence on the ball as it entered the box. The scoreline probably flattered the visitors after a bland first half yet the second period offered hope. The teams produced a far more entertaining product in the second half, and Sydney had two clear cut chances that they failed to convert, as the Japanese seemed to sit on their lead. After consistent attack and a decent percentage of possession, Sydney were eventually exposed at the back and Ueda headed home at the back post. The match was tighter than a clear 2-0 victory yet the Antlers were professional and clinical whereas Sydney were clumsy and wasteful. A common problem for Australian teams in the Asian Champions League. Kashima now sit atop the group and Sydney appear forlorn. Sydney FC 0 Kashima Antlers 2
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Did Graham Arnold just call the A-League a mickey mouse competition? Did I just hear that?
Kangajets
Guest
Get Ernie alongside Bert .
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Jamesb, I am lost as to what happens now. Arnold is struggling but Poppa is rubbish in my view. I am lost. Guide me on this one.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
I'm starting to agree.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Full Time 90' - Well played Kashima and a deserved victory. Thanks for being on board tonight and don't forget to jump over to Scott Pryde's call of the Melbourne Victory vs Kawasake Frontale match that is currently underway.
Sydney FC: 0 Kashima Antlers: 2
jamesb
Guest
Popa knew how to coach in Asia. Arnold is clueless. If Arnold is the next Socceroos coach, it could get disastrous.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Full Time 93' - It is over here in Sydney, as the home fans boo the result and the best team in the country are long odds on to make the second phase of the ACL for 2018.
Sydney FC: 0 Kashima Antlers: 2
Pauly
Guest
All hail King Bert
Stuart Thomas
Expert
<strongl 92' - Into the third minute of extra time.
Sydney FC: 0 Kashima Antlers: 2
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Very loose use of the word defending Stevo. Sydney have been exposed. They are dead.
Kangajets
Guest
5 defending against 2 attackers at the corner but ..
Mark
Guest
Arnold coaching himself out of contention for the Socceroos job with every ACL game
Stuart Thomas
Expert
<strol 89' - The final minute is on us and Nakamura comes off for Kashima as Mishao comes on.
Sydney FC: 0 Kashima Antlers: 2
Kangajets
Guest
Japanese team only had 2 players up for the corner against Sydney FC 5 defenders . But still scored