Full steam ahead for Sydney FC with arrival in Japan

Sydney FC arrived in Japan today for the FIFA Club World Championships (CWC) to a strong reception from local fans and a media conference with journalists from all over the world.

It was yet another indication of the growing stature of Australian football, especially in Asia.

Sydney FC may have received the superstar treatment but the players are ready to enhance the growing reputation of Australian football, according to Dwight Yorke, who has already had a massive influence on the success of the A-League.

The 23-man squad left Sydney Airport excited but determined and Sydney FC Captain Yorke told the waiting media his side was ready to take Australian Football forward on another level.

The last six months has been the most successful period in the history of the game, without question, as on and off field ground has been made. During that time Australia has qualified for the 2006 World Cup, the A-League has been launched amid great crowds and a massive lift in standard and to top it off, a move to the Asian Confederation sealed.

Now it is time to show the world how far Australia domestic football has come, according to Yorke.

“The game in this country (Australia) has enjoyed some great success in recent times and Sydney FC will be trying to give a good account of itself and show the rest of the world that the standard of Australian football and the A League is high,” Yorke said.

“We know a lot of people regard us as underdogs but we will be doing our best on the pitch to represent Sydney and Australia, and indeed the Oceania region, with pride.”

Sydney FC starts its CWC campaign on Monday evening (9.20pm Sydney time) against CONCACAF Champions, Costa Rican side Deportivo Saprissa, in a match coach Pierre Littbarski believes will be tough but within reach for his charges.

“I have see a few tapes of them (Deportivo Saprissa) and they are a good side, very quick, and we will have to concentrate for 90 minutes, especially in defence but we are capable of winning the game,” Littbarski said.

“We have some experienced players, we have improved a lot in a short space of time and our performances in the last two games have been very high. We go into the tournament playing well and we are ready to take on (Deportivo) Saprissa.”

Sydney FC did receive a boost with defender Jacob Timpano joining his team mates on the flight despite suffering a slight groin strain in last Saturday’s 2-1 win over Melbourne Victory.

Timpano will receive daily physiotherapy leading up to the first match and is hopeful of being declared fit to take his place in the match, which has already sold more than 40,000 tickets.

“It feels pretty good at the moment,” Timpano said.

“I had some scans and it looked alright so I’ll be getting treatment every day and we’ll see if I can get it ready for the first game.

“This is a huge opportunity for Sydney FC and for us players and I want to do everything possible to get onto the pitch.”