Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Seoul: Coach Fabio Cannavaro was delighted with his Guangzhou Evergrande players after they secured top spot in Group H of the AFC Champions League with a game to spare following a hard-fought 0-0 draw at FC Seoul on Tuesday.
In a fierce contest at Seoul World Cup Stadium, a replay of the 2013 tournament final, both teams gave everything but could not find a way through leaving the Korea Republic team in second place in the group but needing a win at Kashima Antlers on the final matchday to be certain of progressing.
Guangzhou, however, can start planning for the second round as the point takes them out of reach of the chasing pack after Kashima defeated defending champions Western Sydney Wanderers 2-1 in Tuesday’s earlier game.
Match Report: FC Seoul 0-0 Guangzhou Evergrande
“I am very happy that we made certain of first place in the group. It was a really tough game but the effort that the players put in and their mentality was admirable,” said Guangzhou coach Cannavaro.
“It was hard for us to find space behind the Seoul defence and hard for us to attack at all. The condition of the pitch wasn't great and made it difficult for our players to show what they are capable of.”
“When the draw was made I was a little worried as we had to meet strong teams like Seoul, Western Sydney and Kashima but I think I prefer playing these strong teams as we enter the knockout stage in good condition. Perhaps if we had played weak teams, it could have affected us mentally.”
FC Seoul may not have the got the win they wanted but at least bounced back from a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Suwon Bluewings three days earlier in their domestic championship.
“We didn't have much time to prepare for the game. Yet we defended well against a team that has impressive firepower. Our pressing and concentration were impressive,” said coach Choi Yong-soo, whose side can progress on the final matchday with at least a draw against Kashima should Western Sydney fail to win at Guangzhou.
“Kashima are a strong team offensively and have won their past two games. We know that it is going to be a tough task for us but we will keep going to the end and will not give up.
“We are confident to go to Japan and get the result we need to progress from this group of death.”
Photo: WSG