In a nail-biting finish to the Japanese season, Gamba Osaka and Nagoya Grampus Eight both needed a win in their last games to have any hope of snatching top spot off Kashiwa, whose 3-1 victory over Urawa Red Diamonds ended the title hopes of the chasing pair.
City skipper Vicelich said watching the weekend’s drama unfold live on television was nerve-shredding.
“Any one of the three teams could have won the title – the tension was unbelievable,” Vicelich said.
Kashiwa’s win also sees Auckland avoid a clash with Nagoya Grampus Eight in front of their own fans at Toyota Stadium.
Former Japan international, and ex-Auckland City star, Teruo Iwamoto believes that could work in City’s favour. But Vicelich says the advantage is only minor.
“We’ve avoided Nagoya, which is a positive for us and Teruo is thinking in our best interests,” he said.
“But Kashiwa look a good team and they’re on a big high. 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.”
Auckland moved to its new team base in Nagoya just 15 minutes away from Toyota Stadium with a morale-boosting 2-1 win over professional outfit Ryutsu Keizai still fresh in mind.
Vicelich says the win has put a spring in the step of the O-League champions.
“It served a purpose because we needed a hit out in Japan. It was a good chance to get a couple of goals and I think we’ve got the benefit out of that match,” he said.
While the win over Ryutsu was a valuable experience, Vicelich knows the odds are against Auckland’s chances of a repeat result against Kashiwa.
“It’s hard to say but looking at the stats Kashiwa have conceded 41 goals and lost eight games out of 34. That’s more than both Osaka and Nagoya, maybe that says we can create a chance,” Vicelich said.
“But they are a very good side. We will have to play out of our skins to have any chance of a result.”
The squad has no major injury concerns, though Chad Coombes continues to train under the watchful eye of the management staff.
Sky Sports 1 will broadcast the match live in New Zealand from 11.30pm (NZT) on Thursday.

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