28 May 2007(Mon)

May 24, 2007: The head coach of Sydney FC, Branko Culina, was spot on with his assessment of Urawa Reds after their 0-0 draw in the AFC Champions League on Wednesday night.

Culina was in awe of the spectacle he had just witnessed at Saitama Stadium 2002, as 44,793 fans produced an incredible atmosphere to match the occasion. (I estimated that 44,700 of them were wearing a red shirt, and 93 were Aussies).

"Urawa is a wonderful, wonderful club," said Culina. "You've just to look at the facilities they have."

Regarding the fans, the Sydney FC coach added: "The supporters are absolutely brilliant. This is not only one of the best crowds in Asia, but one of the best in the world. I congratulate them. To come so close against one of the giants of Asian football...we are very proud and pleased."

High praise indeed – and, of course, he is right.

I have said before that Reds, should they go on and win the Champions League and qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup in December, would be a marvellous advertisement for Japanese football.

Their story needs telling to the world, as I am sure many football fans around the globe are unaware that a team in Japan receives such fervent support, and an average home attendance that many clubs in the so-called big leagues of Europe could only dream about.

The J.League is in a very healthy state at the moment, but there is no doubt Reds are one step ahead in terms of both fan base and the quality of the team. Other clubs, notably Albirex, also attract big home crowds on a regular basis, and other teams are at consistently the same level as Reds, particularly Gamba, but none can match the overall standing of Urawa.

Almost 45,000 fans on a Wednesday night against Sydney FC out in the sticks is a fine effort, and the club's decision to kick off at 7.30pm rather than the customary 7pm is another factor which has led to such good attendances for the three home games.

To close, there were some nice touches at the end of the Reds-Sydney match, when the home fans applauded the Aussies generously – and some of the Sydney players threw their sweaty shirts to the small away contingent in the corner.

Well worth the trip for all concerned, then.

ends