Goalkeeper Ante Covic has urged Western Sydney Wanderers to put their front foot forward in the second leg of the AFC Champions League final against Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal in Riyadh on Nov. 1. The A-League side are seeking to build on the first leg 1-0 win to claim Australia's maiden continental title.
Substitute Tomi Juric was the match-winning hero, as the striker netted in the 64th minute at Parramatta Stadium on Oct. 25. Veteran goalkeeper Covic made an equally vital contribution to Wanderers' sixth consecutive home win in the competition with a number of key saves particularly in the closing stages.
Wanderers know that an away goal at King Fahd Stadium would leave two-time Asian champions Al Hilal needing to score at least three to deny the AFC Champions League debutants their maiden continental crown.
"It is dangerous to try and protect a goal, especially over there as it is going to be intimidating," said Covic, who has now kept seven clean sheets in the tournament this season.
"They are probably going to get a second wind playing in front of their own fans," said Covic. "But we have never been a team comfortable in sitting off and trying to protect something. We want to win everything. We have to take that attitude into the game with our front foot forward and hopefully it will be enough."
A capacity crowd of close to 70,000 is expected at the King Fahd Stadium. Though not as impressive as their home form, Wanderers have proven themselves to be a tough competitor outside of Australia after claiming wins in China and Korea Republic during the group stage.
Tony Popovic's side did lose their Round of 16 match to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in Japan and quarter-final to Guangzhou Evergrande in China. On both occasions, though, Juric netted vital away goals which ultimately saw Wanderers through.
And last time on the road in the tournament, Wanderers claimed a goalless draw against 2013 finalists FC Seoul in Korea. "We approached the first game with the hope of getting a result. That is what we needed as we know we will face a very difficult opposition over there in very intimidating circumstances," added 39-year-old Covic, who was rested for the away wins over Guizhou Renhe and Ulsan Hyundai in Korea during the group stage which took place at the end of the previous A-League season.
"We got a 1-0 win and were unlucky not to get a second. Defensively we closed down everything they had at us, so the clean sheet is very important."
Covic was by far the busier of the two goalkeepers in the first leg. Al Hilal pressed for their own away goal. However, the visitors found the Wanderers custodian on top of his game particularly during a frantic finish to the contest following's Juric's strike.
"We knew they were going to be a very quick and skillful side," said Covic. "They haven't reached the final for nothing. They have got some every dangerous players who when we are not switched on can do damage. They came out flying. But we withstood the pressure. When we had opportunities to play we tried and had a few chances to put them on the backfoot. We got that goal.
"We knew they liked shots as they have players who can really hit the ball well. Whenever they had an opportunity at the edge of the box, we snuffed them out.
"They also tried to dink little balls in behind. But we dealt with it very well. We only really allowed them half chances, so it is a credit to the whole team."