We take a look at three players the Mariners must mark tightly when Phil Moss’s men meet Beijing Guoan in the Chinese capital on Wednesday.
With the Central Coast Mariners squad settled into their temporary surrounds in China, we at CCMariners.com.au took time out to compile some information on three of Beijing-s star foreign players ahead of Wednesday-s 2014 AFC Champions League Group F match.
Gregorio Manzano-s side have won their opening two games in the Chinese Super League this season, and are yet to lose on the continental front having secured 1-1 draws with Sanfrecce Hiroshima (away) and FC Seoul (home) respectively.
The Mariners will train in the Chinese capital on Monday and Tuesday, before taking on their respected opponents at the 66,161 capacity Workers Stadium in downtown Beijing on Wednesday evening. Over 30,000 fans are expected to attend the clash.
Here are three men Phil Moss-s men must keep a close eye on if the yellow and navy are to leave the Middle Kingdom with more 2014 AFC Champions League Group F points to their credit.
#16 HA DAE-SUNG
Nationality: South Korean
Date of Birth / Age: 2 March 1985 / 29
Position: Centre Midfield
Former Clubs: FC Seoul (KOR), Jeonbuk Hyundai (KOR), Daegu FC (KOR), Ulsan Hyundai (KOR)
Did you know?
• Ha Dae-sung has won the K-League three times – twice with FC Seoul and once with Jeonbuk Hyundai.
• Ha Dae-sung has been named in the K-League Classic-s Best XI three times – 2011, 2012, 2013.
• Ha Dae-sung has represented the South Korean national team, known as the Taeguk Warriors, 11 times since 2008.
• Prior to his switch to Beijing Guoan this year, Ha Dae-sung was an integral member of the FC Seoul team that finished runners up in the 2013 AFC Champions League.
#15 PETER UTAKA
Nationality: Nigerian
Date of Birth / Age: 12 February 1984 / 30
Position: Striker
Former Clubs: Dalian Aerbin (CHN), Odense Boldklub (DNK), Royal Antwerp (BEL), Westerlo (BEL), Dinamo Zagreb (HRV)
Did you know?
• Utaka was the top goalscorer in the 2007/08 Belgian Second Division while with Royal Antwerp. He netted 22 goals in 34 games.
• Utaka was the top goalscorer in the 2009/10 Danish Superliga while with Odense Boldklub (OB). He netted 18 goals in 33 games.
• Utaka was a teammate of Mariners ace Mile Sterjovski at Dalian Aerbin in 2012.
• Peter Utaka-s brother, John Utaka, currently plays for Sivasspor in Turkey, and previously played in France-s Ligue 1 as well as the English Premier League.
#8 JOFFRE DAVID GUERRÓN MENDEZ
Nationality: Ecuadorian
Date of Birth / Age: 28 April, 1985 / 28
Position: Right Wing
Former Clubs: Atlético Paranense (BRA), Cruzerio (BRA), Getafe (ESP), LDU Quito (ECU), Aucas (ECU)
Did you know?
• In 2008, Spanish club Getafe paid €8 million to secure Guerrón-s services from Ecuadorian outfit LDU Quito.
• In 2008, Guerrón won the Copa Libertadores with LDU Quito – South America-s annual international club football competition. Guerrón was also named player of the tournament.
• On his Chinese Super League debut, Guerrón scored a bicycle kick goal as Beijing Guoan defeated Shanghai SIPG 4-1.
• Guerrón scored twice as Beijing Guoan defeated Thailand-s Chonburi FC 4-0 to quality for Group F of the 2014 AFC Champions League.
Central Coast Mariners Squad vs. Beijing Guoan: 1. Justin PASFIELD (Gk), 3. Joshua ROSE, 4. Marcel SEIP, 5. Zachary ANDERSON, 6. Brent GRIFFITHS, 7. John HUTCHINSON (C), 8. Nick MONTGOMERY, 9. Mitchell DUKE, 11. Nick FITZGERALD, 12. Liam REDDY (Gk), 15. Storm ROUX, 19. Matt SIMON, 20. Bernie IBINI, 25. Eddy BOSNAR, 26. KIM Seung-yong, 27. Isaka CERNAK, 28. Glen TRIFIRO, 29. Matt SIM
Beijing Guoan vs. Central Coast Mariners FC – 2014 AFC Champions League Group F Matchday 3
Wednesday 19 February 2014
Workers Stadium, Beijing
Kick-off: 7:30pm (local); 10:30pm (AEDT)
Television: Watch the match LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on FOX SPORTS 2 & 2HD
Twitter: Join the match conversation on Twitter using #BEIvCCM
