African champions, Esperance, will be faced with a representative of Asia, Al Sadd, in the quarter-finals of FIFA Club World Cup 2011 in Japan. The winner will meet with Spanish giants Barcelona in the semi-finals.
Game two will be held at Toyota Stadium on Sunday (11.12.2011), around 16:00 local time. Opportunity to meet with Barcelona would not be wasted away by both.
Esperance coach Nabil Maaloul, said his team should not underestimate Al Sadd who has won the Asian Champions League (LCA) last season.
"They are a top team and they love to play soccer. They have a lot of foreign players who can change the game. Although I am not overly concerned with Al Sadd, my players have a tendency to underestimate the Asian football. If Esperance continue to think like this, they (Al Sadd) will win the game, "he said as quoted by the official FIFA website.
Esperance has swept many titles in Africa this season, won the league title and cup Tunisia and bring home the CAF African Champions League title as their passport to go to Japan. With players who average 24 years old, Esperance did look less experienced. However, Maaloul remained confident to reach the top of the FIFA Club World Cup 2011.
Meanwhile, Al Sadd also still look with confidence. Though young, rich in Al Sadd experience also demonstrated in a fast and targeted attacks.
Qatari club relies on quick attacks to Mamadou Niang, and Khalfan Ibrahim Kader Keita, as well as the defense on a central defender Abdulla Koni and Lee Jung.
"I strongly believe in the potential of my players. We face a formidable opponent, but we are also ready to complicate them," said Jorge.
Check Fifa Club world cup 2011 schedule, results, dates and more information here
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