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FIFA Club World Cup Preview: The Teams In Profile
The biggest global prize in club football is on its way...
| Bet: | Returns: | Leverkusen £70.00 | Draw £42.00 | Barcelona £14.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Leverkusen £70.00 | Draw £45.00 | Barcelona £14.40 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Leverkusen £80.00 | Draw £40.00 | Barcelona £14.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Leverkusen £85.00 | Draw £45.00 | Barcelona £14.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Leverkusen £75.00 | Draw £42.00 | Barcelona £13.70 |
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Dec 9, 2009 10:00:45 AM
The sixth edition of the FIFA Club World Cup commences in Abu Dhabi on December 9. Competitors from around the globe will join hosts, Al-Ahli, in the United Arab Emirates for the showpiece tournament, designed to crown the best club side on the planet.
The major draw at this year's event are European Champions League holders, Barcelona. Pep Guardiola's side, treble winners last term, will be joined by Copa Libertadores winners, Estudiantes, Atlante of Mexico, African kings, TP Mazembe, Asian Champions League winners, Pohang Steelers and OFC representatives, Auckland City.
Games will be held at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium and the awesome Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, with the first game, between Ahli and Auckland taking place this Wednesday. It will be a play-off to see who has the right to face Atlante in the quarter-finals. TP Mazembe and Pohang Steelers join proceedings on December 12 in their quarter-final match-up before the heavyweights, Estudiantes and Barcelona, enter the draw at the semi final stage.
Both of those sides are expected to take their place in the final, scheduled for December 19, but no doubt, the African champions, Asia's finest and CONCACAF's representatives will fancy their chances of springing an upset.
Here, we give you the lowdown on all the participants.
Auckland City (New Zealand, OFC)
History
Reigning champions of the 2004-formed New Zealand Football Championship, Auckland have won the competition four of its five ensuing years thereafter. They beat local rivals Waitakere United 3-2 to clinch the title in the Grand Final this time around, as they have done on two other occasions. Auckland have been the traditional representatives of Oceania at the Club World Cup along with Waitakere in recent times.
Path to Abu Dhabi
After winning the NZFC Grand Final against rivals Waitakere, Auckland went on to beat the same side again in Group A of the O-League on the way to a final play-off against Koloale FC for a place in the Club World Cup. A 7-2 away win in the first leg made the return in New Zealand a formality, and Auckland were crowned champions of Oceania
Manager
Caretaker Paul Posa is into his second season and has enjoyed a fair degree of success at domestic level, though the Club World Cup will be the ultimate test of his credentials and the sort of tournament he is likely to be remembered for, rather than accomplishments back home. He will have a tough job taking a squad of what are essentially amateur footballers to the world stage but has nonetheless talked up the professionalism of his outfit ahead of the tournament.
Player to watch
Striker Paul Urlovic brings a wealth of experience from his time at the top tier of the Australian domestic scene, as well as having represented New Zealand on 27 occasions. Auckland will need every bit of his expertise as they look to negotiate a difficult first hurdle in their campaign. European experience is provided in part by Ivan Vicelich (below), who plied his trade for nearly a decade in The Netherlands. CP
Vicelich: European Pedigree
Al-Ahli (UAE, AFC)
History
The Emirate club was founded in 1970 and as such, is one of the oldest clubs in UAE. The Red Knights had a golden era during the 1970s when they achieved three league titles. They announced themselves back on the scene in 2006 by winning the league, a feat they repeated in 2009. Ahli, or The National, have also won the UAE Cup on seven occasions and the Super Cup once.
Path to Abu Dhabi
They are playing in this competition due to the UAE's hosting of the event; it was agreed that 2009 UAE league champions would be the representative of the Emirates in the tournament. Al Ahli won the domestic title after a very exciting duel with Al Jazirah. The final standings showed 55 points for Ahli and 54 for Jazirah. Currently, they are seventh, 11 points off the pace set by table-topping Al Jazirah.
Manager
Mahdi Ali is the current coach, employed in November. He proved his credentials throughout his stint with UAE under-20s, culminating in a quarter-finals berth at this year's world tournament. However, judgement is still reserved on his work with Ahli.
Player to watch
Ahmed Khalil is considered one of best young talents in Asia. The 18-year-old player rose to prominence at the under-20 World Cup and he is tipped to shine again in this competition following links with Premier League side, Portsmouth; he has the courage and creativity to play against the best. MA
Egyptian Ace: Hosny Abd Rabo
Atlante (Mexico, CONCACAF)
History
Not one of Mexico’s elite clubs, Atlante are in an envious position nonetheless. The only club to call a resort town home, Cancun-based Atlante were squeezed out of Mexico City in 2007 and quickly acclimated themselves to their new locale by winning a league title in their first season on the coast.
Path to Abu Dhabi
Atlante won the first-ever CONCACAF Champions League tournament that featured a group stage and knock-out rounds. Not regarded as a tournament favourite, Atlante won their group and beat MLS champions Houston in the quarter-finals before ousting Santos Laguna in the semi-finals and Cruz Azul in the all-Mexico finale.
Manager
Jose Guadalupe Cruz is also an up-and-coming manager, a respectful and steadying force who appears destined for a long career with Atlante.
Player to watch
Atlante goalkeeper Federico Vilar has been one of the club’s steadiest players and has helped the team win championships and gain respect around the Mexican league. LB
Class Act: Santi Solari
Barcelona (Spain, UEFA)
History
More than a club, they say. FC Barcelona is the epicentre of the Catalan nation and one of European football's most successful clubs. The Cules have garnered three European Cups/Champions Leagues to go along with 19 Liga titles and 25 Copa del Reys. Last season they completed an unprecedented treble to give this current crop of players a reputation as one of the club's finest generations. Camp Nou has played host to Cruyff, Stoichkov, Romario and Ronaldinho throughout the years, so that it some boast.
Path to Abu Dhabi
The Blaugrana overcame Manchester United in the Champions League final last season, Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi netted the goals to lift the Catalans past the Red Devils. Barca excelled throughout the campaign, inflicting heavy defeats on both Lyon and Bayern Munich before a controversial and ill-tempered semi-final against Chelsea. Andres Iniesta nudged the Iberian team to the final with an injury-time winner.
Manager
Pep Guardiola's first senior job in coaching began last season and an early defeat to Numancia belied, spectactuarly, what was to come. Barcelona, under the stewardship of the former midfielder, claimed the Champions League, La Liga and the Copa del Rey. They are out in front in this season's title race too and Guardiola's reputation as one of the world's finest young coaches is assured.
Player to watch
It's a case of take your pick for Barca; They have the Ballon d'Or winner, Lionel Messi, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic up front as well as Xavi and Iniesta patrolling the centre of the field. However, it could be Pedro Rodriguez who illuminates this event for Barca. The Canary Islands native needs only one strike in Abu Dhabi to become the first player to score in six competitions in one season after the 22-year-old netted in la Liga, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, Champions League and the European Super Cup. A bright future beckons. PS
Record Chaser: Pedro
Estudiantes (Argentina, CONMEBOL)
History
Since their humble beginnings as a group of rebel students Estudiantes de La Plata have grown to become one of the most decorated Argentine clubs. They enjoyed a golden age in the late 1960s which saw them win the Copa Libertadores three times on the trot. During this time they also beat Manchester United to claim the Intercontinental Cup. Winning the Copa Sudamericana last year and another Copa Libertadores win this year has given fans of the Rat-Stabbers plenty to cheer about of late.
Path to Abu Dhabi
Estudiantes were struggling in the Copa Libertadores last term but their fortunes were turned around by the arrival of new manager Alejandro Sabella. It was Sabella’s first job as a head coach but on his Copa Libertadores debut he engineered a 4-0 home win over Deportivo Quito. The victory kick-started a run which would see El León unbeaten in ten games, culminating in a dramatic win over Cruzeiro of Brazil in the final.
Manager
Sabella spent a large part of his coaching career as a side-kick to Daniel Passarella, working alongside 'the Kaiser' for the Argentina national team, Parma and Corinthians among others. He finally stood out of Passarrella's shadow to take up the reins as a solo act in March last year and enjoyed immediate continental success.
Player to watch
Juan Sebastián Verón has always had Estudiantes in his blood, his father scored in the club’s Intercontinental Cup win over Manchester United in 1968. During his time playing for the likes of Inter and Lazio, Verón sent money home and funded new training facilities for his home-town club. Since his return to Estudiantes his passion for the club has seen him lift every honour going in South America. Stand back and watch as he looks to drag his team mates towards glory in Abu Dhabi. TS
Estudiantes In His Blood: 'Seba' with coach Sabella
Pohang Steelers (South Koera, AFC)
History
Pohang Steelers are the most successful club in Asian history after lifting the continental title for the third time in November; the first two triumphs came in 1997 and 1998. The domestic title has gone to the industrial city four times since the club and the K-league went professional in 1983. The first came back in 1988 and an extra star was added to the famous red and black hooped shirt in 1988, 1992 and 2007.
Path To Abu Dhabi
Pohang defeated Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia 2-1 in the final of the 2009 Asian Champions League in Tokyo. The Steelers topped their first round group before thrashing Australia's Newcastle Jets 6-0 in the second round. A 5-4 aggregate quarter-final win over Luiz Felipe Scolari's Bunyodkor of Uzbekistan was the highlight and was as thrilling as the 4-1 semi-final triumph over Qatar's Umm Salal was clinical.
Coach
After an unlikely 2007 K-League title, the media in Seoul talked about the 'Farias Magic' in regard to the exploits of coach Sergio Farias. They are still looking to find the right words to describe this season; the Brazilian has led his team all over Asia and Korea to score goals and win games wherever they go.
Player to Watch
Brazilian striker Denilson has impressed so much that moneybags Bunyodkor are reportedly after the player. Mostly one-footed, the big man has the ability to create and score goals out of nothing. He blows hot and cold but if he is hot, the former Feyenoord and PSG man is hard to stop. JD
Kings of Asia: Pohang Steelers
TP Mazembe (DR Congo, CAF)
History
TP Mazembe, or Tout Puissant Mazembe are a Congolese side, currently the champions of the African continent at club level. The side was founded in 1939, and went through a number of name changes before settling on the current one. They play at the Stade de la Kenya in Lubumbashi, and this is the third time that they have been crowned champions of Africa, with the other two titles coming in the 1960s.
Path To Tournament
The DR Congo champions beat Nigeria's Heartland FC on the away goals rule, winning 1-0 at home after a 2-1 loss away, to claim this year's CAF Champions League. After qualifying from their group, along with Heartland, for the semi-finals, the Crows ousted Al-Hilalof Sudan in the final four. It was their third continental championship having won the premier African club competition back in 1968 and 1969.
Manager
Diego Garzitto is the team's French coach and he is known to be a strict manager who likes to be left to work with his side in a private manner and not be disturbed by media or club officials - Marcello Lippi comes to mind.
Player to watch
Tresor Mputu Mabi has been compared to Cameroon and Inter striker Samuel Eto'o, but he is essentially an attacking midfielder, who, besides scoring his fair share of goals, has been an inspirational figure for the entire team. After the Champions League conquest, he is now expected to take his game to Europe, where he has generated a great deal of interests in the last few seasons. PP
African Class: TP Mazembe
Goal.com
Contributors:
CP - Chris Paraskevas
MA - Mohammed Awaad
LB - Luis Bueno
PS - Peter Staunton
TS - Tim Sturtridge
JD - John Duerden
PP - Peter Perdoncelli
The major draw at this year's event are European Champions League holders, Barcelona. Pep Guardiola's side, treble winners last term, will be joined by Copa Libertadores winners, Estudiantes, Atlante of Mexico, African kings, TP Mazembe, Asian Champions League winners, Pohang Steelers and OFC representatives, Auckland City.
Games will be held at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium and the awesome Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, with the first game, between Ahli and Auckland taking place this Wednesday. It will be a play-off to see who has the right to face Atlante in the quarter-finals. TP Mazembe and Pohang Steelers join proceedings on December 12 in their quarter-final match-up before the heavyweights, Estudiantes and Barcelona, enter the draw at the semi final stage.
Both of those sides are expected to take their place in the final, scheduled for December 19, but no doubt, the African champions, Asia's finest and CONCACAF's representatives will fancy their chances of springing an upset.
Here, we give you the lowdown on all the participants.
Auckland City (New Zealand, OFC)
History
Reigning champions of the 2004-formed New Zealand Football Championship, Auckland have won the competition four of its five ensuing years thereafter. They beat local rivals Waitakere United 3-2 to clinch the title in the Grand Final this time around, as they have done on two other occasions. Auckland have been the traditional representatives of Oceania at the Club World Cup along with Waitakere in recent times.
Path to Abu Dhabi
After winning the NZFC Grand Final against rivals Waitakere, Auckland went on to beat the same side again in Group A of the O-League on the way to a final play-off against Koloale FC for a place in the Club World Cup. A 7-2 away win in the first leg made the return in New Zealand a formality, and Auckland were crowned champions of Oceania
Manager
Caretaker Paul Posa is into his second season and has enjoyed a fair degree of success at domestic level, though the Club World Cup will be the ultimate test of his credentials and the sort of tournament he is likely to be remembered for, rather than accomplishments back home. He will have a tough job taking a squad of what are essentially amateur footballers to the world stage but has nonetheless talked up the professionalism of his outfit ahead of the tournament.
Player to watch
Striker Paul Urlovic brings a wealth of experience from his time at the top tier of the Australian domestic scene, as well as having represented New Zealand on 27 occasions. Auckland will need every bit of his expertise as they look to negotiate a difficult first hurdle in their campaign. European experience is provided in part by Ivan Vicelich (below), who plied his trade for nearly a decade in The Netherlands. CP
Vicelich: European Pedigree
Al-Ahli (UAE, AFC)
History
The Emirate club was founded in 1970 and as such, is one of the oldest clubs in UAE. The Red Knights had a golden era during the 1970s when they achieved three league titles. They announced themselves back on the scene in 2006 by winning the league, a feat they repeated in 2009. Ahli, or The National, have also won the UAE Cup on seven occasions and the Super Cup once.
Path to Abu Dhabi
They are playing in this competition due to the UAE's hosting of the event; it was agreed that 2009 UAE league champions would be the representative of the Emirates in the tournament. Al Ahli won the domestic title after a very exciting duel with Al Jazirah. The final standings showed 55 points for Ahli and 54 for Jazirah. Currently, they are seventh, 11 points off the pace set by table-topping Al Jazirah.
Manager
Mahdi Ali is the current coach, employed in November. He proved his credentials throughout his stint with UAE under-20s, culminating in a quarter-finals berth at this year's world tournament. However, judgement is still reserved on his work with Ahli.
Player to watch
Ahmed Khalil is considered one of best young talents in Asia. The 18-year-old player rose to prominence at the under-20 World Cup and he is tipped to shine again in this competition following links with Premier League side, Portsmouth; he has the courage and creativity to play against the best. MA
Egyptian Ace: Hosny Abd Rabo
Atlante (Mexico, CONCACAF)
History
Not one of Mexico’s elite clubs, Atlante are in an envious position nonetheless. The only club to call a resort town home, Cancun-based Atlante were squeezed out of Mexico City in 2007 and quickly acclimated themselves to their new locale by winning a league title in their first season on the coast.
Path to Abu Dhabi
Atlante won the first-ever CONCACAF Champions League tournament that featured a group stage and knock-out rounds. Not regarded as a tournament favourite, Atlante won their group and beat MLS champions Houston in the quarter-finals before ousting Santos Laguna in the semi-finals and Cruz Azul in the all-Mexico finale.
Manager
Jose Guadalupe Cruz is also an up-and-coming manager, a respectful and steadying force who appears destined for a long career with Atlante.
Player to watch
Atlante goalkeeper Federico Vilar has been one of the club’s steadiest players and has helped the team win championships and gain respect around the Mexican league. LB
Class Act: Santi Solari
Barcelona (Spain, UEFA)
History
More than a club, they say. FC Barcelona is the epicentre of the Catalan nation and one of European football's most successful clubs. The Cules have garnered three European Cups/Champions Leagues to go along with 19 Liga titles and 25 Copa del Reys. Last season they completed an unprecedented treble to give this current crop of players a reputation as one of the club's finest generations. Camp Nou has played host to Cruyff, Stoichkov, Romario and Ronaldinho throughout the years, so that it some boast.
Path to Abu Dhabi
The Blaugrana overcame Manchester United in the Champions League final last season, Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi netted the goals to lift the Catalans past the Red Devils. Barca excelled throughout the campaign, inflicting heavy defeats on both Lyon and Bayern Munich before a controversial and ill-tempered semi-final against Chelsea. Andres Iniesta nudged the Iberian team to the final with an injury-time winner.
Manager
Pep Guardiola's first senior job in coaching began last season and an early defeat to Numancia belied, spectactuarly, what was to come. Barcelona, under the stewardship of the former midfielder, claimed the Champions League, La Liga and the Copa del Rey. They are out in front in this season's title race too and Guardiola's reputation as one of the world's finest young coaches is assured.
Player to watch
It's a case of take your pick for Barca; They have the Ballon d'Or winner, Lionel Messi, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic up front as well as Xavi and Iniesta patrolling the centre of the field. However, it could be Pedro Rodriguez who illuminates this event for Barca. The Canary Islands native needs only one strike in Abu Dhabi to become the first player to score in six competitions in one season after the 22-year-old netted in la Liga, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, Champions League and the European Super Cup. A bright future beckons. PS
Record Chaser: Pedro
Estudiantes (Argentina, CONMEBOL)
History
Since their humble beginnings as a group of rebel students Estudiantes de La Plata have grown to become one of the most decorated Argentine clubs. They enjoyed a golden age in the late 1960s which saw them win the Copa Libertadores three times on the trot. During this time they also beat Manchester United to claim the Intercontinental Cup. Winning the Copa Sudamericana last year and another Copa Libertadores win this year has given fans of the Rat-Stabbers plenty to cheer about of late.
Path to Abu Dhabi
Estudiantes were struggling in the Copa Libertadores last term but their fortunes were turned around by the arrival of new manager Alejandro Sabella. It was Sabella’s first job as a head coach but on his Copa Libertadores debut he engineered a 4-0 home win over Deportivo Quito. The victory kick-started a run which would see El León unbeaten in ten games, culminating in a dramatic win over Cruzeiro of Brazil in the final.
Manager
Sabella spent a large part of his coaching career as a side-kick to Daniel Passarella, working alongside 'the Kaiser' for the Argentina national team, Parma and Corinthians among others. He finally stood out of Passarrella's shadow to take up the reins as a solo act in March last year and enjoyed immediate continental success.
Player to watch
Juan Sebastián Verón has always had Estudiantes in his blood, his father scored in the club’s Intercontinental Cup win over Manchester United in 1968. During his time playing for the likes of Inter and Lazio, Verón sent money home and funded new training facilities for his home-town club. Since his return to Estudiantes his passion for the club has seen him lift every honour going in South America. Stand back and watch as he looks to drag his team mates towards glory in Abu Dhabi. TS
Estudiantes In His Blood: 'Seba' with coach Sabella
Pohang Steelers (South Koera, AFC)
History
Pohang Steelers are the most successful club in Asian history after lifting the continental title for the third time in November; the first two triumphs came in 1997 and 1998. The domestic title has gone to the industrial city four times since the club and the K-league went professional in 1983. The first came back in 1988 and an extra star was added to the famous red and black hooped shirt in 1988, 1992 and 2007.
Path To Abu Dhabi
Pohang defeated Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia 2-1 in the final of the 2009 Asian Champions League in Tokyo. The Steelers topped their first round group before thrashing Australia's Newcastle Jets 6-0 in the second round. A 5-4 aggregate quarter-final win over Luiz Felipe Scolari's Bunyodkor of Uzbekistan was the highlight and was as thrilling as the 4-1 semi-final triumph over Qatar's Umm Salal was clinical.
Coach
After an unlikely 2007 K-League title, the media in Seoul talked about the 'Farias Magic' in regard to the exploits of coach Sergio Farias. They are still looking to find the right words to describe this season; the Brazilian has led his team all over Asia and Korea to score goals and win games wherever they go.
Player to Watch
Brazilian striker Denilson has impressed so much that moneybags Bunyodkor are reportedly after the player. Mostly one-footed, the big man has the ability to create and score goals out of nothing. He blows hot and cold but if he is hot, the former Feyenoord and PSG man is hard to stop. JD
Kings of Asia: Pohang Steelers
TP Mazembe (DR Congo, CAF)
History
TP Mazembe, or Tout Puissant Mazembe are a Congolese side, currently the champions of the African continent at club level. The side was founded in 1939, and went through a number of name changes before settling on the current one. They play at the Stade de la Kenya in Lubumbashi, and this is the third time that they have been crowned champions of Africa, with the other two titles coming in the 1960s.
Path To Tournament
The DR Congo champions beat Nigeria's Heartland FC on the away goals rule, winning 1-0 at home after a 2-1 loss away, to claim this year's CAF Champions League. After qualifying from their group, along with Heartland, for the semi-finals, the Crows ousted Al-Hilalof Sudan in the final four. It was their third continental championship having won the premier African club competition back in 1968 and 1969.
Manager
Diego Garzitto is the team's French coach and he is known to be a strict manager who likes to be left to work with his side in a private manner and not be disturbed by media or club officials - Marcello Lippi comes to mind.
Player to watch
Tresor Mputu Mabi has been compared to Cameroon and Inter striker Samuel Eto'o, but he is essentially an attacking midfielder, who, besides scoring his fair share of goals, has been an inspirational figure for the entire team. After the Champions League conquest, he is now expected to take his game to Europe, where he has generated a great deal of interests in the last few seasons. PP
African Class: TP Mazembe
Goal.com
Contributors:
CP - Chris Paraskevas
MA - Mohammed Awaad
LB - Luis Bueno
PS - Peter Staunton
TS - Tim Sturtridge
JD - John Duerden
PP - Peter Perdoncelli
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