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FIFA Club World Cup: A Look Ahead

Barcelona 1 (Reuters)

by FRANCO PANIZO

While most of this past week's attention was focused on the final group stage matches of the UEFA Champions League, a lower profile tournament kicked off in the United Arab Emirates.

The FIFA Club World Cup began this past Wednesday, and with three matches already played, the seven-team tournament's semifinals are set.

Mexican club Atlante defeated New Zealand's Auckland City on Saturday, and will face the tournament's main attraction, FC Barcelona, on Dec. 16. Barcelona are favored to win the entire tournament, but have yet to arrive in the United Arab Emirates, having played in a league game against Espanyol on Saturday.

Barcelona's players have stated their desire to win the Club World Cup, but will need a quick turn around in order to dispose of an Atlante team high in confidence.

In the other semifinal match, to be played on Dec. 15, South Korea's Pohang Steelers will take on Estudiantes, the Argentine club that won this year's Copa Libertadores. Estudiantes are considered to be the favorites in this match.

There is also a fifth place match between Auckland City and Congo's TP Mazembe scheduled for Dec. 16.

What do you think about the Club World Cup's semifinals? Does Atlante have any chance of knocking off Barcelona? Will you be watching?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. I always look forward to this tournament, this is a chance for a Club to really prove they are the “Best” in the World, and have the bragging rights to say so!

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  2. Having listened to both Adrian Hanaeur and Drew Carey (part-owners of the Sounders) talk, I know the Seattle is taking CCL very seriously. They really want to partake in the Club World Cup.

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  3. I like this tournament. A good chance to see cross continental match-ups of some significance. I kinda forgot about it since it (and I) moved from Japan though.

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  4. great exposure for clubs around the world. I’m rooting for Atlante (I live in Puebla, Mexico).

    now if we could only get the MLS to start taking international tournaments more seriously…

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  5. Are you serious? Every time zone can be converted into eastern time just like 3pm central time would be the same thing as 6pm eastern time. So my question is what time would whenever the games are being played at in UAE be in eastern time.

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  6. I can’t wait for Estudiantes to win the title, so that Veron can be satisfied andfinaly take his place in DC United’s midfield.

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  7. I think Atlante/Barcelona will be a great game. Atlante won’t sit back and will go at it with Barcelona. That might lead to them getting destroyed but it should be an entertaining match.

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