Urawa Red Diamonds, the kings of the AFC Champions League, have been crowned champions three times and their success is undisputed. In the first round of the group stage, they drew 2-2 with Wuhan Sanzhen with a last minute strike from Zuschandi, and it was not easy for them to get a point on the road. I've always thought that home games are crucial for Urawa Red Diamonds, as Saitama Stadium 2002 is traditionally a very difficult place for visiting teams to score.
Despite not scoring many goals, Urawa Red Diamonds has one of the best defenses in the Japanese game. Goalkeeper Susaku Nishikawa and captain Hiroki Sakai sit in the back of the net, making the team as solid as a rock at the back and giving them a lot of confidence.
Juschandi is likely to be the team's key goal scorer, with his accurate shots, while Pryor Renrenschen and Hinzan are ready to pose a threat at any time. I think the key to victory on the attacking end will be on the wings, where Hiroki Sakai and Takayoshi Sekine will be crucial in breaking through.
For Hanoi FC, who are participating in the AFC Champions League for the first time, it seems to be quite difficult for them to achieve a challenge beyond the level. They were defeated by Pohang Steelers 2-4 in the last round of group stage matches, and this time they have to face the dominant Asian soccer team Urawa Red Diamonds, so the situation is not optimistic.
Hanoi FC are expected to be on the defensive for most of this match and then look for counter-attacking opportunities. Striker Nguyen Van Dinh is an indispensable centerpiece of the team, and with new signing Zultan Gueo having scored twice against Pohang Steelers, their attacking line is also full of strong players.
