The coaches of Sydney FC and Suwon Samsung Bluewings both declared themselves to be happy with the outcome of their opening AFC Champions League Group H match despite the contest ending in a goalless stalemate.
It was the visiting Suwon that enjoyed the majority of goalscoring opportunities although the Koreans were unable to take advantage of a Sydney side reduced to 10 men just past the half-hour mark.
Sky Blues captain Terry McFlynn was dismissed for what appeared to be a stomp on midfielder Lee Sangho.
It was Sydney’s first Champions League outing in four years and follows a disappointing A-League season which saw the 2010 champions fail to qualify for the finals.
Sydney FC’s Czech coach Vitezslav Lavicka said he was pleased with the performance given the circumstances but that it was disappointing to not take maximum points at home.
“The team showed great character and it was a very good team performance,” he said.
“We wanted to win the match but we didn’t plan on playing 60 minutes a player short.”
“Terry (McFlynn) apologised to the players at half-time and that helped draw the team together even further.”
“We tried some high-energy players in the second half to try and use the counter-attack but we couldn’t get the goal we wanted.”
“It’s (dropping points at home) trouble for us, but in saying that we greatly respect our opponents because they have quality players and a quality squad.”
McFlynn said there was no malice or intent in the incident which lead to his dismissal after 33 minutes and that the final result on the scoreboard is a good one for the club.
“We matched them for long periods and kept possessions for lengthy periods as well,” said McFlynn.
“We are still unbeaten in 2011 and the result is a great step forward for the club to build on.”
Coach of the visiting team, Yoon Sung Hyo, was also content with the result despite his side being unable to drive home their numerical advantage.
“I’m satisfied with the result because we have got one point overseas,” he said.
“This was the first game of the year for us, so I’m satisfied to get one point.
“Today we showed limited organisational ability and I give it (the performance) about 50 or 60 percent out of 100.”
