Auckland City captain Ivan Vicelich knows only a performance of the very highest order will see them get a result over recently-crowned J.League champions Kashiwa Reysol in the FIFA Club World Cup. "Any one of three teams could have won the title - the tension was unbelievable," Vicelich told the New Zealand Herald.
"Kashiwa look a good team and they're on a big high and we're going to have a big mission ahead of us. We're facing a team that is absolutely buzzing and that adds to our difficulties."
Vicelich took hope from the fact that, on paper at least, Kashiwa have the weakest defence of the three sides they could have faced when the FIFA Club World Cup kicks-off on December 8.
"Looking at the stats Kashiwa have conceded 41 goals and lost eight games out of 34. That's more than both Osaka and Nagoya so maybe that says we can create a chance," continued the experienced Kiwis international defender.
"But they are a very good side. We have to play out of our skins to have any chance of a result."
