The World has opened up for Al Jazira.
Unconvincing as they were in Wednesday night’s opener at a mild Hazza bin Zayed Stadium against tournament veterans Auckland City, Brazilian forward Romarinho’s emphatic daisy cutter just before the break put the Pride of Abu Dhabi on the path which could include a cherished meeting with European grandees Real Madrid.
Yet, they are a long way from turning their dream into reality if this patchy display against amateur opposition is repeated when AFC Champions League winners Urawa Red Diamonds run-out at a renovated Zayed Sports City in Saturday’s quarter-finals.
Ravaged by injuries and withdrawals, the Arabian Gulf League’s holders failed to find any fluency as the Club World Cup experienced a low-key return to the UAE for the first time in seven years.
Auckland’s ninth entry saw them camped in the host’s half after the interval. Sometime UAE No1 Ali Khaseif earning the man-of-the-match honours, in part, for his point-blank, second-half save from one-cap New Zealand forward Ryan De Vries was illustrative.
How coach Henk ten Cate must long for stability in his selection. The absences, for a variety of reasons, of ex-France anchorman Lassana Diarra, utility man Mohammed Fawzi and midfield metronome Mohamed Jamal were particularly glaring.
Ten Cate barks orders from the touchline in Al Ain.
Coltish defensive midfielders Mohamed Al Attas and Eissa Al Otaibah shrunk in the globe’s glare. Whites hot shot Ali Mabkhout stood statuesque in the chilly Al Ain night.
Judging by the weight of opportunities, the OFC Champions League’s dominant club did not deserve elimination during the play-offs in front of less than 5,000 supporters.
De Vries was a threat throughout for a team which included a driver and dishwasher. His weak shot was grasped by the grateful Khaseif in the 12th minute, young forward Callum McCowatt also spurning a similar opportunity before Romarinho’s moment arrived.
The summer addition from Qatar’s El Jaish raced onto a loose ball 20 yards from goal, a smart step over from referee Malang Diedhiou granting him space to lash in a memorable fifth strike in 14 appearances.
This effort from the 2012 CWC winner with Corinthians did not provide a necessary spark. Their paltry AGL title defence transferred to this gala competition.
Auckland’s control was continuous. A threatening volley from Mexican Fabrizio Tavano skimmed over, prior to De Vries’ final miss.
Jazira were left to celebrate at the end. But a berth in the sold-out semi-finals and finals appears a distant hope, on this evidence.
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When you catch the ball just right 👌#ClubWC pic.twitter.com/J8EJHKXewt— #ClubWC 🇦🇪🏆 (@FIFAcom) December 6, 2017
