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  • Win In China Not Enough For ACL Progression

    mack

    By mack

    The Western Sydney Wanderers are reigning Asian Champions no longer, having been eliminated in the group stage in 3rd place behind FC Seoul.

     

    Despite taking all 3 points against Guangzhou, the Wanderers would rue only picking up a solitary point at home. FC Seoul scored in the 91st minute of their match against Kashima Antlers to see Group H finish Guangzhou 10 points, FC Seoul 9, the Wanderers 8 and last placed Kashima on 6.

     

    The only other Australian team in the competition, the Brisbane Roar, also fell after being comprehensively beaten 2-1 by Urawa Red Diamonds on the Gold Coast to end what little hope they had of progression.

     

    Mark Bridge scored the goal that gave Western Sydney the lifeline. He took full advantage of sloppy defence as a miskick from a Guangzhou defender turned into a sublime through ball for Bridge who cut inside onto his right foot and placed a shot into the bottom corner.

     

    Guangzhou had little in response, with Tomi Juric securing the victory in the 93rd minute only for Seoul to have already scored their eventual winner in the 91st minute of that match.

     

    The failure to progress in the ACL brings to a close a season of two halves, the initial burst of sunlight that was the triumphant Asian Champions League campaign as the A-League kicked off, only to be followed by defeat at the Club World Cup, internal bickering and strife over the pay for that competition, finished with an abject performance in the A-League that saw the Wanderers scrap into 9th place to avoid the wooden spoon.

     

    Western Sydney will now rebuild for their fourth season, with no continental commitments and a full pre-season to come, Tony Popovic will be under pressure to get his recruitment right this time around, and to get his side into top 2 contention for Season 2015/16 of the A-League.

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    Zelinsky

    I am a little sad that we bombed out the way we did, at the last minute, but I also am relieved that this season is finally over. It seems to have gone forever.

     

    Does anyone know when the boys come back? Anyone going to the airport?

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    AEK

     

     

    At least we wore black shorts....

     

    AND WE WON!!

     

    BLACK SHORTS TRIUMPH AGAIN!!!!

     

    don't be so sure it was actually black shorts, could have been muddy shorts :ninja:

    also, people need to realise that Kashima late goal against WSW is not what cost us, even if that game ended in a draw, we would still be out due to head to head record v Seoul, we need to win 1 of the Seoul games or even beat Kashima at home....

     

    no a draw in that game would see Seoul on 7 points and us on 8. the head to head and goal difference only comes into play if we were level on points. 

     

     

    I am talking about Seoul and Kashima's game against WSW, not Seoul v Kashima game from yesterday...

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    essdub

    Juric's goal was amazing.

    We didn't deserve to go through and in the long term the team will be better off finishing now and getting a good break in. Some of the deadwood can move on and Popa can start preparing for next season. 

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    JackDoff

    Brilliant mature display last night on how to control a game in whatever conditions, n take your chances when they come. GE didn't want to lose that one , otherwise y the hell would u risk your 2 best players? Pity we didn't scrap through , but FMD , it seems like these guys have been playing forever! Well done lads, we're all proud as . Tomi , when your switch is flicked on , you're up there with the best in Asia. Good luck n thx!! :)

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    hawks2767

    On a serious note, when are the boys landing? I'm keen to go and show my support and say thank you

     

    7:30 tonight according to facebook.

     

    Bit short notice for a 2.5 hour drive for me, if only it was tomorrow night :nono:

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    ManfredSchaefer

    Who needs a Bulut when you can have a Bridge....

    I'm already having withdrawal symptoms, I need a WSW fix.

     

    End of season meetup might cure it  :ninja:

    Drinks at the BBC and progression to the Woolie for the GF may be  in order....

     

    Manfred, make it happen..

     

    Go check the Bavarian thread...already on the agenda

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    Pablo

     

    On a serious note, when are the boys landing? I'm keen to go and show my support and say thank you

     

    7:30 tonight according to facebook.

     

    Bit short notice for a 2.5 hour drive for me, if only it was tomorrow night :nono:

     

     

     

    club has just advised likely time that squad will come out of the terminal is 8-20pm this evening

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    HillsPanther

    Interested to know whether Kasima conceded that last goal before or after Tomi ensured the Wanderers win, resulting in Kashima being knocked out either way. Strange coincidence. :cheeky:

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    stavup

    Cant make it to the airport tonight, however I feel that to greet the team tonight has more significance and says more about our culture than when we welcomed them home after winning the ACL..

     

    Am I wrong to feel this way?

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    102megan

    would love it to happen but I don't think anyone will actually be able to make it to welcome the boys home

     

    Have you seen how many people have been to our matches overseas, or in the pouring rain?

     

    I think you're majorly underestimating our fan base, if you don't think anyone will be there to welcome back the boys tonight.

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    luisenrique

    Interested to know whether Kasima conceded that last goal before or after Tomi ensured the Wanderers win, resulting in Kashima being knocked out either way. Strange coincidence. :cheeky:

     

    Surely they could still have gone through if they had scored?

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    Prydzopolis

     

    Interested to know whether Kasima conceded that last goal before or after Tomi ensured the Wanderers win, resulting in Kashima being knocked out either way. Strange coincidence. :cheeky:

     

     

    Surely they could still have gone through if they had scored?

    Yes, if either team had scored they would have gone through...
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    Pablo

     

    Well done to those supporters that welcomed the squad home last night at airport

     

    Also, great to see some nice pics posted on Twitter by Megan with numerous players

     

    Onwards and upwards after an amazing past 12 months

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