Sydney FC Head Coach Steve Corica has happy memories of Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium, and he’ll be hoping for more of the same on Tuesday night in a must win AFC Champions League clash.
Lining up for the Socceroos in 2001 against a highly fancied Brazilian side in the FIFA Confederations Cup, it was Australia who triumphed in Korea Republic, and it’s a case of déjà vu for the Sky Blues’ boss as his side come up against K-League powerhouse Ulsan Hyundai FC.
“It was the 2001 Confederations Cup for the Socceroos. We had a great tournament and I played in the stadium at Ulsan, we beat Brazil in that game in a playoff for third and fourth,” Corica said.
“We beat them 1-0 and it brings back good memories that Stadium. I’m hoping for a bit of the same come tonight.
“I think we showed in the first game that we played Ulsan that I think we were the better team,” he continued.
“We played better, created more chances and the boys and I believe we can win over here and pick up three points.
“They only need a point to go through but we need all three and we’re heading into the game with that mindset to pick up three points.”
Juggling AFC Champions League and Hyundai A-League Semi-Final commitments, there are players rested for this clash, however Corica is confident in his charges, hailing their application in Korea Republic.
“Training was very good, preparations have been very good,” he said.
“We’re missing Rhyan Grant obviously with the hamstring, Brosquey because he’s only had a couple of days training but if he works hard back home he’ll be right for the Semi-Final.
“Siem as well I’ve rested him to keep his focus on the Semi-Final because it’s a big game and I want him to go into the game fresh, and I’ve left Wilko at home as well because he has a tight Achilles, I didn’t want to risk him.
“The boys are focussed [though] and ready to go and looking forward to a good challenge against Ulsan again.”
Sydney FC take on Ulsan Hyundai FC away in the AFC Champions League on Tuesday night in a huge Group H clash. #WatchWithUs LIVE on Fox Sports 505 from 8pm AEST.
