Asian football is already facing an uphill battle at the Club World Cup after opening losses for Urawa and Ulsan.

Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds will open group stage play of the Club World Cup on Tuesday against 38-time Primera Division champions River Plate of Argentina.

"We have to keep on improving," Gallardo said. "Despite getting the result today, which was the most important thing, there were some nerves around the squad. There was also a sense of obligation to win,