Saturday 15 December 2007

World Club Cup: Final

The guessing game is over. As expected, AC Milan and Boca Juniors will run out at the International Stadium in Yokohama on Sunday to contest the final of the 2007 FIFA Club World Cup in Japan.

Final: AC Milan v Boca Juniors
Yokohama, Sunday at 1030 (UK Time, +1hr for Italy)
In a repeat of their 2003 showdown, the big two, the only outfits to have won the Intercontinental Cup three times, will square off to decide the world's champion club.


And with the Argentinians having prevailed four years ago, the Rossoneri will not need much motivation.

The final represents a perfect opportunity for both sides to atone for inconsistent domestic campaigns.

What is more, the European champions are still smarting from their penalty shoot-out defeat to the Xeneizes four years ago, while Boca, who will take to the field with only two survivors from that triumph, are hungry to return to the pinnacle of world club football.

Before the final, African champions Etoile Sportive du Sahel take on their Asian counterparts Urawa Red Diamonds with both teams determined to finish in third place.

Third place Final: Etoile Sportive du Sahel v Urawa Red Diamonds
Yokohama, Sunday at 0700 (UK Time, +1hr for Italy)

After losing out narrowly in their respective semi-final clashes, the pair have one final opportunity to thrill the fans in Yokohama.

Third-place matches usually present a difficult challenge for players still struggling to overcome the disappointment of missing out on the final. Cast in the role of outsiders against Boca Juniors and AC Milan respectively, Etoile and Urawa can glean considerable satisfaction from having been defeated by the narrowest of margins.

Now fully focused on finishing in third spot, the pair will be hoping to serve up an attacking and entertaining spectacle for the fans in Japan.

Source: FIFA

No comments:

Post a Comment