AFC Champions League Elite
Go Kuroda’s side outplayed China PR’s Shanghai Port 2-0 at Pudong Football Stadium on Tuesday, with two first half goals through Fu Han (own goal) and Yuki Soma helping the Japan side to a historic first triumph on the continental stage.
#ACLElite | Shanghai Port FC (CHN) 0-2 Machida Zelvia (JPN)
“This was a tough match for us and we managed to get two goals, which capped a very impressive performance,” said Kuroda.
“Both teams showed their fighting spirit in the game, Shanghai Port are a good team. It was down to the players for believing in the plan and executing what we wanted in the game.
“Our players played well and the supporters who came all the way really helped us.”
The result was a disappointment for Shanghai Port head coach Kevin Muscat, who was looking to build on their 1-1 draw away to Sanfrecce Hiroshima on Matchday Two, but instead found a performance that was not in line with the standards of the club.
“Disappointed with the result,” said Muscat. “Probably more disappointed with ourselves because we are a better team than what we showed.
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“We were not aggressive, particularly in the first half but in the end, we have to accept that the better team won. I want the players to believe in themselves and have the confidence to play but tonight, we weren’t able to do that.”
Machida Zelvia - now on five points - will look to continue to surprise when they host Australia’s Melbourne City FC on November 4 while Port will be desperate to add to their solitary point when they travel to face Buriram United of Thailand on the same day.
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