JEDDAH, 12 October 2005 — Al-Ittihad look to seal their second straight stint in the final of the AFC Champions League when they face Busan I’Park today in the second leg of their semifinal series.
Barring disaster of titanic proportions, it’s all a matter of formality for Ittihad after they won the away leg by a phenomenal 5-0 in Korea.
Ittihad host Busan at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium where their army of supporters are expected to turn out in full force. Despite the five-goal advantage Ittihad coach Yordanisko refused to get carried away noting that the battle is not yet won.
“Ittihad hasn’t reach the final yet, I learned so many from my past experiences, we have to be well prepared for the game even if we won 10-0 in Korea,” he said.
Ittihad players refused the reward for their last victory. They said they want to guarantee winning the rematch first. Ittihad Tigers put great respect for the game and their desire to win is boundless. “Soccer is a sport that pays respect to the one who respect it,” they said.
The Koreans will need to summon all the weapons in their arsenal, if not all the luck, if they are to overturn the huge deficit and complete one of the most amazing comebacks in Asian soccer history.
The task, while not impossible, is a mountain to climb for Busan if only for the reason that they’re gonna be in hostile territory.
Defiant Eriksson Points to
England’s Success
Reuters adds: In Manchester, England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has answered his critics by pointing to the World Cup qualifying fears of some of Europe’s biggest sides.
England have booked a place at the finals before today’s last qualifier against Poland, while the hopes of 1998 World Cup winners France, Euro 2004 champions Greece and Spain are on a knife-edge.
“It’s not a problem if you criticize me, but I’m sorry when players are sometimes criticized very harshly,” Eriksson told a news conference yesterday.
“I did think we did excellent to qualify one match earlier than we thought. Other teams — famous teams, extremely good football teams — are struggling and maybe some of them may will have to play in the playoffs to qualify.”
Eriksson highlighted the plight of European champions Greece, who are fourth in Group Two.
“If you want to criticize, do so. We did the job anyhow. I’m looking forward to the match tomorrow and even more to next summer to do a very good World Cup as I’ve always said we will do.”
Eriksson’s optimism contrasted with the performances in England’s 4-1 friendly defeat by Denmark, a narrow qualifying win over Wales and their loss in Northern Ireland before Saturday’s unconvincing 1-0 victory over Austria.
“I can never defend us not playing good football in the first three games this season,” Eriksson said.
“But that’s football. You struggle sometimes. We’ve qualified and that was our big target.” As for facing Poland, and needing a win to finish top of Group Six.” Eriksson said.
