FIFA Club World Cup

FIFA Club World Cup [Image from FIFA.com]

The best club champions in the world: The Club World Cup. It is not a true reflection of the best clubs in the world. Barcelona and Corinthians are the most successful sides in this competition having won the trophy twice each. This year Morocco hosts the tournament and the favorites are the mighty Real Madrid. The Galacticos are on a 19 game winning streak and from any angle you look at it, they look unbeatable, Led by a front line which boasts Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale. The competition commenced on the 10th of December and opened up with a thrilling penalty shootout as Auckland City won 4-3 against a resilient Moghreb Tétouan in the Playoff Quarter final.

The hosts battled for a quarter final spot with the Oceania champions and this year the hosts are out early. Auckland City progressed and will face Algerian and African champions ES Setif . The first professional side in Algeria (2010), and have contributed to Algeria being the best team in Africa. Being favorites, they are likely to progress to the semi-finals. A win will see them meet South American champions San Lorenzo who will enter at this stage along with Real Madrid. The other quarterfinal will see Western Sydney Wanderers who are the champions of AFC Champions League. Wanderers who are Asian champions averted boycotting the tournament. There was a pay dispute between the players and the club. Despite the issue not fully being dealt with they arrived in Morocco in poor form with a cloud hanging over the club after Tony Popovic their coach received a two game ban in the Asian  Champions League. They take on Cruz Azul, the Mexican are favorites going into the clash and will rely heavily on midfielder Gerardo Torrado. The Cementers as they are known in Mexico take on the Asian Champions the for a dream match against Carlo Ancelotti's giants.

This looks to be another trophy for Carlo Ancelotti and it sees the year ends on a high for the European Champions. Could there be a surprise in the brewing? San Lorenzo the Copa Libertadores champions are the best chance. The Argentineans are coming into the tournament in a downward spiral and fans hope the occasion will spur inspiration, motivation and a drive to perform. Could we get an upset result against the star studded Real Madrid side? By 20 December the truth will be known to us all.

Article contributed by: Benedict Chanakira

Twitter: @bchanakira2