Adelaide United has given itself an excellent chance of qualifying for the AFC Champions League semi finals after a 1-1 draw with Kashima Antlers in Japan on Wednesday night.
Coach Aurelio Vidmar was full of praise for his chargers, but is fully aware that the job is only half done.
“I am really pleased to be returning to Adelaide with a draw over here but we need to remember it is over two legs and that there is still a lot of work to be done,” Vidmar said.
“They (Kashima) are a very good side and we will need to make sure we take it right up to them when they visit our backyard on Wednesday.”
Travis Dodd gave the visitors the lead with a superb header, before a disastrous Robert Cornthwaite own goal leveled the match on the stroke of half-time.
Reflecting on Cornthwaite’s mishap, Vidmar said it was a part of the game and that it has already been forgotten and the team is firmly focused on what is in front of them.
“Unfortunately things like that happen. It happens to bigger and better players and it was just one of those things, but we’ll move on,” he said.
Adelaide are flying straight to Sydney to prepare for their Round 5 clash on Saturday, and despite no major injury concerns, Vidmar conceded that there will be some changes.
“A few players are carrying some bumps and bruises and we will assess everyone once we get to Sydney on Friday morning after the long flight back,” Vidmar said.
“There will be some changes to the line up for the game against Sydney FC and we just have to be careful in how we manage everyone.”
After the Sydney match, Adelaide will turn their attention to the return leg against Kashima at Hindmarsh Stadium on Wednesday.
