Rise of the Underdog: From non-existent to Asian champions, Western Sydney Wanderers’ rapid rise

A new club with a small budget managed to punch well above their weight and complete one of Asia’s biggest upsets As far as rapid rises in football go, few compare to what Australian club Western Sydney Wanderers achieved in 2014 when they won the Asian Champions League. Only formed two years prior in early 2012 and operating on a shoe-string budget, the Red and Black found a way to do what no other Australian club has ever done.

Based in the working-class suburb of Parramatta, the Wanderers quickly connected with a fanbase that had been crying out for football and were ultimately rewarded for their early show of faith in the most spectacular way possible.

The initial signs were a bit worrying despite former Socceroo and Crystal Palace assistant Tony Popovic assembling a side that featured a young Aaron Mooy and Japanese star Shinji Ono. After failing to score in their first three games, the Red and Black finally got their first goal and win against reigning A-League champions Brisbane Roar and they wouldn’t look back.

After finishing the regular 2012-13 season top of the table and securing silverware at their first chance, the Wanderers would be brought down to earth in the league’s final as they lost 2-0 against Central Coast Mariners, but they had still done enough to book their place in the Asian Champions League.

Spam? Please contact us. You have better choice about using Likecoin.