Asian Champions in Wanderland?

After a tough start to the 2014-15 A-League season, including a heartbreaking 2-3 loss to rivals, Syndey FC, the Western Sydney Wanderers prepare for what might be the biggest game of their short existence, in the Asian Football Confederations (AFC) Champions League Final. There past 2 years in the A-League have seen them place runners-up consecutively, and it’s no surprise that one of Australia’s premier football teams has made finally made it to the Championship game.

Questions were raised with the departure of Japanese football legend, Shinji Ono, at the end of the 2013-14 A-League season, but true to the talent and depth of the Wanderers’ squad, as well as the coaching skills of Tony Popvic, they are now able to call themselves one of the current top 2 teams in Asia.

 New recruit, Brazilian attacking-midfielder, Vitor Saba, will look to redeem himself, if given the opportunity to play in the final, after seeing straight red in the 69^th minute for a tackle against Syndey FC player, Terry Antonis.

With big boots to fill in Shinji Ono’s departure, Saba has shown glimpses of his talent in the limited time he has played, including the last legs of the AFC campaign – particularly his key role in the victory against current Asian Champions, South Korean team, Guangzhou Evergrande.  Without possessing the same level of experience or playmaking abilities of Ono - the 23 year old brings an attacking flair to the Wanderers, true to the technique and creativity of the Brazilian football he was raised on.

Saba and the Wanderers will need to be at the top of their game to beat 6-time Asian Champions, Saudi Arabian team, Al Hilal, starting with the first leg of the finals at Parramatta Stadium on October 25^th.

By William Simpson