The 12th edition of the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan reaches its climax this week with the semi-finals and final. The tournament that features the
ADVERTISEMENTThe 12th edition of the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan reaches its climax this week with the semi-finals and final.
The tournament that features the champion clubs from the continental confederations has now been whittled down to four with favourites Barcelona taking on Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande on Thursday in Yokohama.
The Catalans will be in search of a third Club World Cup title and a fifth trophy of 2015 after La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the Champions League and Uefa Super Cup.
Barca’s Chinese counterparts will be looking to upset the odds on the day.
Coached by former Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, Guangzhou are unbeaten in 28 games and are playing at this stage of the competition for a second time in three years.
The other semi-final takes place the day before (on Wednesday) in Osaka and pits Japanese champions Sanfrecce Hiroshima against Argentina’s Copa Libertadores holders River Plate.
Marcelo Gallardo’s River Plater are favourites to win this tie and like Barca have enjoyed a stunning year that already includes five trophies.
But having already beaten Auckland City and TP Mazembe to reach this stage Hiroshima will fancz their chances of a shock win on home soil.
The final takes place on Sunday at International Stadium in Yokohama.