2007 FIFA Club World Cup

Helarxe · 12-07-2007, 01:25 PM

Here comes Menapi :cool:

Helarxe · 12-07-2007, 01:38 PM

FT Sepahan 3-1 United
Emad Mohammed 3' 4'
Abdul Wahab Abu All Hail 47';
Darren Bazeley 74'

orion318 · 12-07-2007, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Helarxe:

I think FIFA are planning on having other hosts in the future. I hope they do.

I heard Portugal were applying for 2008 or 2010 or something...but if it has to go to somewhere profitable it won't come here

Helarxe · 12-07-2007, 01:48 PM

Match summary:

Quote:

Sepahan strolled to a 3-1 win over OFC champions Waitakere United on Friday evening in Tokyo's National Stadium to set up a quarter-final clash with Urawa Red Diamonds, the team which defeated in the recent AFC Champions League final.

Two goals from Emad Mohammed inside the opening five minutes effectively sealed the tie for the Iranians, with Abdul Wahab Abu Al Hail's 47th minute long range effort adding insult to injury for the New Zealand outfit, who included former Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Neil Emblem in their ranks.

It was Emblem's midfield counterpart Darren Bazeley who grabbed a consolation goal for the Kiwis 16 minutes from time, but by then the damage had already been done.

Sepahan's swift reunion with Urawa takes place in Toyota on Monday, with the winner meeting AC Milan in the semi-finals.

Maldini news:

Quote:

AC Milan club captain Paolo Maldini has quashed rumours of a shock retirement after the FIFA Club World Cup.

The 39-year-old, who is hanging up his boots at the end of the season after 22 years at Milan, said on Friday he would not be making an emotional farewell in Japan, despite reports to the contrary in the Italian press.

"I have a contract with Milan until next June and I have no intention of not honouring it," Maldini told reporters. "I am fit and focused on winning the Club World Cup."

The stylish defender does not have fond memories of Japan or Asia in general. Maldini was on the losing side in the Club World Cup's forerunner - a one-off match between the champions of Europe and South America - in 1993, 1994 and 2003.

He also quit the Italy team in 2002 after they were dramatically knocked out of the FIFA World Cup in Korea Republic, Maldini having been outjumped by Ahn Jung-Hwan for the hosts' extra-time winner.

"I don't like thinking back to those games," said Maldini, who won Intercontinental Cup medals with Milan in 1989 and 1990. "But this Club World Cup is a huge tournament and extremely important to Milan. Hopefully, I can channel those disappointments in a positive way here."

European champions Milan and South American Copa Libertadores holders Boca Juniors join the competition at the semi-final stage next week. Milan play either Japan's Urawa Reds or the winners of Friday's opening game between Iranian side Sepahan or New Zealand part-timers Waitakere United.

Carlo Ancelotti's side have a week to prepare for their semi-final and a Kaka-inspired Milan will be favourites to give Europe a first victory in the revamped FIFA competition. "We are not too worried," a relaxed-looking Ancelotti said. "It will be difficult but we believe we have the power and the quality to win the title."

Sean M · 12-07-2007, 02:39 PM

I think it is a good idea. You get the best teams from each region and have them play an annual tournament.
The European champion only misses a week of its season. So it is not a huge inconvenience.

At the moment the other confederations are weak. But you would think they would get stronger over time and be more competitive eventually.

You would also hope that the prestige of the tournament increases as it gets older. And if FIFA are committed to holding it each year.

Football is global sport now. I think you need to have this type of tournament that connects each confederation at club level.

GerdMüller · 12-07-2007, 03:16 PM

Well i think the single game between European and South American Champions was much better. Still proud of the Bayern title.

Emperor J · 12-07-2007, 03:45 PM

Urawa choked away the J-League title over the last two months culminating in a defeat against relegation fodder Yokohama FC on the final day. That said, they have two great mercenaries in Robson Ponte and Washington :thup: