Kashima book Club World Cup UAE spot

abu dhabi — Japan’s Kashima Antlers are the sixth club to book their place in the Fifa Club World Cup UAE 2018, their prize for claiming a first AFC Champions League crown with victory over Persepolis.

The reigning Japanese J-League champions made full use of their 2-0 advantage from the first leg at home, with the defence holding their nerve to secure a 0-0 score against a determined Persepolis, roared on by a capacity 79,000 crowd in the Azadi Stadium.

Kashima’s prize for conquering Asia is a trip to the UAE next month to face the world’s best and a meeting with Concacaf champions CD Guadalajara of Mexico in the second round at Al Ain’s stateof-the-art Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium on December 15.

“Well done to Kashima Antlers for creating their own piece of club history in winning their first AFC Champions League to book their place in the tournament. They are a very welcome addition to the Fifa Club World Cup. Japanese fans are passionate and very knowledgeable about their football and we look forward to welcoming them in December,” said Aref Hamed Al Awani, tournament director, Fifa Club World Cup UAE 2018 Local Organizing Committee.

“Having a Japanese team representing Asia in this tournament once again gives people a great opportunity to immerse themselves in this enchanting and welcoming culture.”

Kashima Antlers are one of six champions from FIFA’s confederations who will play in the tournament, along with the winners from UEFA (Europe); Concacaf (North and Central America and the Caribbean); AFC (Asia); OFC (Oceania) and Conmebol (South America), as well as UAE host team Al Ain.

The 2018 World Club champions will be crowned at the final at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Sports City Stadium on December 22.

Japanese fans are passionate and very knowledgeable about their football and we look forward to welcoming them

Aref Hamed Al Awani