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International strikers sparking Sydney FC

3 minute read

Attacking players from five different nations are providing late-season spark for A-League high-flyers Sydney FC.

Sydney's fit and firing multi-national strikeforce are ready to take the A-League by storm and deliver on a bold statement by coach Steve Corica.

Corica declared the Sky Blues would destroy local teams if they could transfer the form they showed in Wednesday's 3-3 Asian Champions League home draw with China's Shanghai SIPG into the domestic arena.

The second-placed A-League side face local rival Western Sydney Wanderers in a derby at ANZ Stadium on Saturday.

Against SIPG, Corica started Dutchman Siem de Jong, Englishman Adam Le Fondre and Iranian Reza Ghoochannejhad and brought Australian veteran Alex Brosque and Serbian playmaker Milos Ninkovic off the bench.

The Sky Blues produced some of their most fluent football of the campaign, with three of that quintet hitting the scoresheet.

The game marked the first time mid-season signing Ghoochannejhad and the injury-prone de Jong had started together since the Iranian arrived in Sydney two months ago.

'I'm happy that Siem is back because he's a very creative player so he can help us out," Ghoochannejhad said.

"Me and Alf (Le Fondre) the games that we've played it was promising, we were always creating chances and dangerous, so I'm very happy to play with Alfie.

"And of course we have Ninko and don't forget Brosquey of course, he came on and helped the team and was very decisive with the goal, so we've got lots of quality, lots of potential up front.

'We have to make sure that we continue this way to win games because we are almost at the finish now with the playoffs coming up and three important games in the Champions League so it's all about the points and results now.

"Lets hope everybody stays fit and stays sharp."

Ghoochannejhad agreed with Corica's audacious claim, but stressed Sydney still had to strive for consistency and improvement.

"There are many moments that we can improve," Ghoochannejhad said.

'"It's true that if you can maintain this quality this tempo, this rhythm you can win every game in the A-league I agree with that.

"The important thing is the consistency to stay focused."

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