AFC Champions League Elite
Hotaka Nakamura scored in the 25th minute and the 28-year-old right-back was delighted to be able to help the team, having missed the majority of the League Phase due to injury.
#ACLElite | R16 2nd Leg: FC Machida Zelvia (JPN) 1-0 Gangwon FC (KOR)
“The goal meant a great start for the team and I’m glad that I was able to contribute,” said Nakamura. “We played strongly as a team and we would like to continue to aim higher.
“We’ve been practicing that kind of movement with the team, for the full-back to support the attack so I just need to make sure I’m in the right position to head the ball.
“I was injured a lot last year and this year, I’ve been able to play two games. I’m only able to play (in the AFC Champions League Elite) because my teammates did all the work last year to get us to this stage and I wanted to return the favour for their hard work.”
“We’ve been practicing that kind of movement with the team, for the full-back to support the attack so I just need to make sure I’m in the right position to head the ball.
“I was injured a lot last year and this year, I’ve been able to play two games. I’m only able to play (in the AFC Champions League Elite) because my teammates did all the work last year to get us to this stage and I wanted to return the favour for their hard work.”
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Nakamura’s joy was shared by head coach Go Kuroda, who was pleased to see his team emerge victorious in a tough encounter but his delight was tempered by the injury suffered to key attacker Yuki Soma, who had to be taken off after just 12 minutes.
“The Round of 16 was as tough as we expected,” said Kuroda. “A big characteristic of this tournament is not really shown on the table, each team is really competitive.
“We have some defensive issues domestically and I’m happy that we kept a clean sheet here. I would like to give credit to the players for the performance and taking us to the next stage.
“Soma is one of our best players and has scored many goals for us. I told my players to keep playing calmly no matter what happens. I haven’t heard from the doctors yet but I wish the best for Soma and hope that he can recover quickly.”
“The Round of 16 was as tough as we expected,” said Kuroda. “A big characteristic of this tournament is not really shown on the table, each team is really competitive.
“We have some defensive issues domestically and I’m happy that we kept a clean sheet here. I would like to give credit to the players for the performance and taking us to the next stage.
“Soma is one of our best players and has scored many goals for us. I told my players to keep playing calmly no matter what happens. I haven’t heard from the doctors yet but I wish the best for Soma and hope that he can recover quickly.”
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Gangwon - themselves first-time participants in the competition - put up a great fight and pushed hard in the second half to find the equaliser but finishing deserted them on the day, with head coach Chung Kyung-ho remaining proud of a memorable first campaign.
“Tonight’s game showed a good vision and potential for Gangwon to keep evolving because it was only small details that made the difference,” said Chung. “It was offensive subs made during half-time and for the second half. Machida lowered their line during the second half and relied heavily on counter attacks.
“Gangwon were able to pass the League Stage with good results and achieved our first objective. This has been a good experience for everyone in the club. We are honoured to be part of the competition and we’re proud to achieve what we have.”
“Tonight’s game showed a good vision and potential for Gangwon to keep evolving because it was only small details that made the difference,” said Chung. “It was offensive subs made during half-time and for the second half. Machida lowered their line during the second half and relied heavily on counter attacks.
“Gangwon were able to pass the League Stage with good results and achieved our first objective. This has been a good experience for everyone in the club. We are honoured to be part of the competition and we’re proud to achieve what we have.”
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