ACL: Group G Preview: Fearless Shanghai ready for Kashima

AFC Champions League 2009

KASHIMA: Midfielder Yu Tao underlined a fearless Shanghai Shenhua will be gunning for three points when they take on Kashima Antlers at the Kashima Soccer Stadium on Wednesday.

However, the Chinese Side will need to turn in an improved performance from the one against Singapore Armed Forces in last week's AFC Champions League opener if they are to strike a decisive early blow in the battle to progress from Group G.

Their 4-1 victory flattered them in Shanghai last week with only a late flurry of goals adding gloss to the result in an otherwise disappointing performance.

Debutant Hernan Barcos scored twice but still received criticism from some section of the fans, a factor that prompted owner Zhu Jun to speak out and defend the Argentine.

And midfielder Yu believes nothing less than a win will do for Shanghai if they are to maintain hopes of qualification.

“As our target is to qualify, this match is very important,” he said.

“We have never been afraid of any Japanese teams. We are not here for a draw, one point will not be enough.”

Coach Jia Xiu Quan, however, was more reserved and believes if his side can come away from Japan with a draw, it will be a good result for them.

“We need at least one point from this match,” he said.

Kashima are set to make changes to their starting line-up as they look to bounce back from two successive defeats.

Kashima began their J.League campaign with a 2-0 win over Urawa Reds earlier this month but were comprehensively beaten 4-1 by Suwon Bluewings in the AFC Champions League last week before losing to Albirex Niigata 2-1 in the domestic league at the weekend.

Key to the Japanese sides hopes of a change in fortunes is Mitsuo Ogasawara, who has been forced to start on the bench the last three matches as he recovers from a knee injury he picked up last September.

At Niigata on Sunday, the former Japan midfielder was brought on at the start of the second-half and the 29-year-old immediately stamped his mark on the game as they attempted to rally.
“I’m always ready for the game,” said Ogasawara.

“The spirit amongst the team is not bad at the moment. If you can run hard and fight hard to show you are mentally ready for the game, then you should be able to play well.”