Task cut out for Al Ain in Club World Cup as they take on Esperance de Tunis

Sport360 staff 22:05 14/12/2018
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  • Al Ain coach Zoran Mamic.

    The Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium is set for two second-round matches of the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2018 on Saturday.

    Tournament hosts Al Ain – who progressed following an emotional penalty shoot-out win over Team Wellington on Wednesday – face a daunting opponent in CAF Champions League winners Esperance de Tunis.

    The winner of that second-round match will progress to play CONMEBOL representatives River Plate, who claimed the Copa Libertadores trophy last week, in the first semi-final which will be played at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium on Tuesday.

    With a glamour semi-final against River Plate lying in wait, Al Ain coach Zoran Mamic is not looking beyond his side’s second round opponents.

    “I have always said there is only one game at a time,” said Mamic. “Of course, the fans have a big expectation, but we have to be real. This tournament has the teams that won the Copa Libertadores in South America, the European Champions League, the North American, African and Asian Champions Leagues, it’s not easy. As the host team, we have luck to play in this tournament, so we have to enjoy it and represent the country and the club in the best possible way.

    In the opening encounter, AFC Champions League winners Kashima Antlers face CONCACAF Champions League holders CD Guadalajara in a showdown to progress to the competition’s semi-final stage. At stake is a glamour tie against UEFA Champions League history-makers Real Madrid, who are aiming to become the first team to win three consecutive FIFA Club World Cup titles.

    Having taken the managerial hot-seat following Chivas’ qualification for the Club World Cup, CD Guadalajara coach Jose Cardozo believes his side – which comprises only Mexican players – is ready.

    “It’s a pleasure to be here in Al Ain,” said Cardoza. “It is a huge responsibility to compete at this level and the team is ready. We must do what we know: attack, keep possession – we will not change what we know. We have worked a lot on our tactics to match the dynamic Kashima team. We are peaceful and calm. This is our moment of truth – we start our dream.”

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