Western Sydney Wanderers FC striker Tomi Juric spoke of his immense pride after his goal helped the club progress to the Asian Champions League semi-finals.
On an historic night for the club, the Wanderers made it through to the last four of the ACL despite a 2-1 defeat to Guangzhou Evergrande in China on Wednesday night.
Juric’s strike – from the penalty spot 13 minutes into the second half – proved decisive as the tie finished 2-2 on aggregate, with the Wanderers advancing on the “away-goals” rule.
It’s a huge achievement for Tony Popovic’s side, especially debating the competition’s defending champions and one of the richest and biggest club’s in Asia.
“Words can’t describe this feeling that I have at the moment,” Juric told Fox Sports.
“I’m so proud of this team. We did our club proud and one another.
“All the fans back home I want to say thanks for all their support last game, it really helped us.
“For everything we’ve been through today, all the obstacles we’ve been through, to get to the semi-finals is a massive achievement.”
The Wanderers will meet Korean club FC Seoul in the semi’s next month.
Goal-keeper Ante Covic was the hero for the visitors, saving a first-half penalty from Elkeson as well as coming up with a host of crucial saves throughout the 90 minutes.
Asked about his penalty conversion, after Mark Bridge was brought down by Zeng Cheng, Juric said: “I had in mind what I wanted to do as soon as I stepped up to the spot.
“That’s always my goal and what I have to do is always in my mind and I did that tonight.
“They (FC Seoul) are going to be a quality side but credit to us, for everything we’ve been through today, it’s a fantastic achievement and I’m sure we’re going to do well in the next round.”
