22 Sep 2008(Mon)

September 20, 2008: Despite mixed results in the first leg of the AFC Champions League quarter-finals, there is still a good chance that Japan can provide three of the four semi-finalists.

Gamba Osaka are in the best position, 2-1 up against Al Karama from the first leg in Syria and now with home advantage on Wednesday.

Kashima Antlers could only draw 1-1 at home to Adelaide United, but have the experience, resilience and quality to win the second leg in Australia.

As for the holders, Urawa Reds, they will start their home game against Al Qadsia 3-2 down from the first leg in Kuwait, but knowing that a 1-0 win would get them through on the away goals rule.

It will be interesting to see how the Kuwaitis approach their away game at Saitama Stadium 2002. Will they set their stall out for a goalless draw from the first whistle, and try and hang on to their one-goal lead, or will they push for an early goal to pile the pressure on Reds, who would then need to score twice to make it 4-4 on aggregate and go through on away goals?

I reckon the first scenario is more likely, and the Reds players and fans alike must be prepared for a patient evening.

On the subject of Reds and the AFC Champions League, I have to agree with coach Gert Engels that the holders should have been defending their title from the start of the tournament, playing Asian football rather than the Nabisco Cup instead of receiving a bye.

It makes no sense, either, from a marketing and publicity point of view, as the Asian Football Confederation missed a wonderful chance to promote their premier club competition during the six group games.

The holders always attract publicity and generate revenue, yet their return game against Al Qadsia on Wednesday will be their first home match of the year in the ACL -- and possibly their last.

The AFC will be kicking themselves if the holders, with their huge support and publicity machine, play only two games in the defence of their title.

Regarding support, a crowd of only 7,004 at Kashima Soccer Stadium for the visit of Adelaide on Wednesday evening was disappointing to say the least. Together with a poor playing surface, it made for a grim spectacle when the TV cameras panned the arena.

Despite this backdrop, the teams played a good, competitive game, and set the scene for an intriguing second leg at Hindmarsh Stadium -- where Japan lost a penalty shootout to USA in the Olympic Games quarter-finals eight years ago.

After Travis Dodd had headed the Aussies in front at Kashima, reacting quicker than Araiba to a left-wing cross that skimmed off Aoki's head, Antlers needed a bizarre own goal by Robert Cornthwaite to equalise. No need for the TV commentators to laugh hysterically, though.

With Marquinhos in scintillating form but kept off the scoresheet in the first leg, he can produce the goods in the away game and keep Kashima involved.

Of Japan's three entries in the quarter-finals, Gamba Osaka looked the most vulnerable after slipping to eighth in the table with only two points from a possible 18.

But, football being the game it is, Gamba went and won away in Syria after falling behind early on.

They can afford to lose the home game 1-0 and still go through on away goals, but coach Nishino will be aiming for a quick kill to book a place in the semi-finals.

ends