Al Jazira could face Ronaldo’s Real at Club World Cup UAE
abu dhabi — The official draw for the Fifa Club World Cup UAE 2017 on Monday gave wings to the dreams of millions of football fans in the UAE and across the region.
According to the draw, the ‘Pride of Abu Dhabi’ Al Jazira could set a dream match against Spanish giant Real Madrid in the semifinals. Al Jazira, the host team and Arabian Gulf League winner, will have to first tackle OFC Champions League winners Auckland City FC of New Zealand in the first round match to be held at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain on December 6. And in the quarters, they have to get the better of this year’s Asian Champions League, at Zayed Sports City Stadium on December 9.
Positive results in the two matches will ensure the UAE club a chance to take on Zinedine Zidane’s boys from Spain. It will be a landmark match for the country if Al Jazira make it to the semifinals on December 13. Emirati star Ali Mabkhout showcasing his skills and competing against Cristiano Ronaldo will be a mouth-watering affair. However, club coach Henk ten Cate said they will take one game at a time.
“It’s all about the first game. This is what you have to focus on, nothing more. This is the most important. It would be nice for everybody within the club, the players, me and especially for the supporters. But the only thing you can say is focus on the first game, forget about the rest.”
The Dutchman isn’t bogged down by the shadow of defending champions Real Madrid looming large over the tournament.
“Don’t underestimate the other clubs. The best thing is that after winning the first game you play at least two games. And, I think, this is what we have to focus on. Whether it’s maybe possibly Real Madrid or whoever, I don’t think at this stage it’s important. The most important thing is to qualify and this is what we have to focus on. This is our biggest aim. It’s going to be amazing if we’re capable of winning the first round and then going to the next stage,” said, the coach, who is participating in a Club World Cup for the first time.
The Arabian Gulf League champion’s coach said participating in the Cup was the “cherry on the cake”.
“Winning the championship was very nice, but competing in a major tournament like this for a club like Al Jazira is, I think, the top achievement of all time. This is very nice,” he added.
Meanwhile, Major-General Mohammed Khalfan Al Romaithi, chairman of the Higher Local Organising Committee, said the tournament will be an extraordinary celebration of football, talent and skill, showcasing the top-class facilities, hospitality and unique culture the country offers as a worldclass sporting destination.
“As the number one sport in the world, football has the power to unite communities,” Al Romaithi added.
Abu Dhabi and Al Ain stadiums will host all the matches of the tournament that is returning to the capital eight years after hosting it in 2009 and 2010.
The fourth team to have confirmed qualification are CONCACAF Champions League winners CF Pachuca.
The Mexican side will play the CAF Champions League winners. The victorious team to emerge out of the encounter will then face the CONMEBOL Libertadores champions in the semifinals.
The winners of AFC Champions League, CONMEBOL Libertadores and CAF Champions League will be known next month.
The tournament will start from December 6 and final will take place at the Zayed Sports City Stadium on December 16.
The draw was overseen by Fifa event manager Jaime Yarza, who was assisted by Emirati star Abdulrahim Jumaa. Mikael Silvestre and Eric Abidal were also present.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com