Adelaide United left back Cassio is set for another tough battle against the Pohang Steelers on Wednesday night.
Adelaide United is set for another tough battle against the Pohang Steelers after the Reds went down 1-nil back a fortnight ago.
In an absorbing encounter at the Steelyard back on April 3, the home side maintained control for the majority of the match, their dominance in possession justified in the end with victory despite the Reds- stout defensive resilience.
Now looking ahead to Wednesday night-s return leg at Hindmarsh, United-s Brazilian left back Cassio knows the Reds are going to have to lift a gear again from what they produced in Pohang to be a chance of reversing the result.
“We need to play like we played against Ghamba, where we were more comfortable on the ball,” Cassio said.
“Tactically, Kossie (John Kosmina) is the coach so we do want he wants us to do in the best way we can possible.”
“Of course we want to win the game, and we-ll do that by playing attacking football and giving ourselves opportunities to score goals.”
In the match at the Steelyard, Pohang forward Derek Asamoah was a constant threat down United-s left hand side, the flank that Cassio patrols.
United-s Club Champion had his work cut out trying to contain the Ghanaian livewire, and having been unfamiliar with what Asamoah brings to the table on that occasion, Cassio said the experience had prepared him for how to nullify his influence this time around.
“He (Asamoah) is pretty quick and we didn-t know much about him,” Cassio said.
“The key for me is to not let him turn. Quicker players hurt you if they-re allowed to turn, so personally I need to focus on shutting down his space.”
Being back at Hindmarsh for the first time since defeating Gamba Osaka 2-0, Cassio said the Reds were again hoping to use a parochial home crowd to their advantage when they host Pohang.
“We didn-t play well this season in the A-League – we finished second bottom…but the supporters still stick with us,” Cassio said.
“They always support us and I think that will be a huge help for us on Wednesday.”
Tickets for the match are available through Ticketek.
