Couldn't agree more Jeff AK City will still win the ASB Premiership playing the way they do but not because of the style of football but because they have all these imports, but the squad is showing signs of wear n tear the back four look slow midfield is ho hum Billen is slow and a moaner and up front the Portuguese boy is off the pace at the moment.You get the felling Ramon doesn't care because he knows he will be back next year.I take it Pritchett has retired but Where is Hogg read on a website hes gone to Amicale is this true.
AkCity FC At The FIFA World Club Cup
I had heard that Hogg had gone to Amicale. I have heard that Pritch was tired of being one of the long serving guys that performed and then never played.
ACFC are a good side and well resourced. As much as people say it's hard for ACFC to compete against a well resourced side like Hiroshima, it's hard for ASBP sides to compete against a well resourced ACFC that starts 8 imports and have others that don't make the match day squad. That's not a knock against ACFC but it does show an imbalance in a competition that badly needs balance. HBU are 2nd but today looked awful on TV.
Ramon is a smart guy and a good coach. He does drive players away and has run a few out of the club but he keeps winning. He'll stick while the cash is there and there is a CWC junket for him. What he needs now it to ditch some of those old favourites like Berlanga and Billen for quicker models. I'm kinda not surprised that Roar did not grab him because they will be able to attract better coaches and you can't say Aloisi is not working out. He would do ok at CCM where they badly need a style injection.
Sky have all the games of the Club World Cup this year.
About to start: Club America v Guangzhou Evergrande
Sky Sport pop-up ch. 55
At 11.20 pm:
Sanfrecce Hiroshima v TP Mazembe (ch. 55)
Be interesting to see what eventuates.
I think Ramon to Adelaide
3rd/ 4th play-off just kicking off Sky Sport 1
Ref is Matt Conger from New Zild
Tongan and Kiwi assistant refs too.
The most any of these two wealthy Asian sides can attain is finishing the same as Auckland last year.
I'll miss being able to call Auckland City "the third best team in the world."
Final at 11.20 am Sky Sport 1
FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP MOROCCO FEB. 2 - 12 2023:
All matches live on Sky TV.
8 am Thursday Sky Sport One ch. 51: Opening match - Auckland City vs. Al-Ahly (Egypt)
Nikko Boxall and Dan Morgan return from overseas to join Auckland City for the Club World Cup
All matches live on Sky TV.
8 am Thursday Sky Sport One ch. 51: Opening match - Auckland City vs. Al-Ahly (Egypt)
Nikko Boxall and Dan Morgan return from overseas to join Auckland City for the Club World Cup
TOURNAMENT DRAW:
FIFA Club World Cup 2023 draw, teams, fixtures schedule and format as next champion is crowned in Morocco (msn.com)
The 2023 edition will be the last one played with the current format, making way for a new expanded version in June 2025 (more details in article).
(Add one day for NZT).
Al Ahly were beaten finalists in the CAF Champions League with Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca taking the honours so with Morocco hosting the tournament, and no participating nation able to field two clubs, Al Ahly slotted in to the position usualy reserved for the host nation's league champions.
Date Round Match
Wed, Feb. 1 | 1st Round | Al Ahly vs. Auckland City
Sat, Feb. 4 | 2nd Round | Seattle Sounders vs. Al Ahly/Auckland
Sat, Feb. 4 | 2nd Round | Wydad Casablanca vs. Al Hilal
Tue, Feb. 7 | Semifinal | Flamengo vs. Wydad/Al Hilal
Wed, Feb. 8 | Semifinal | Seattle/Al Ahly/Auckland vs. Real Madrid
Sat, Feb. 11 | Third Place | Semifinal 1 loser vs. Semifinal 2 loser
Sat, Feb. 11 | Final | Semifinal 1 winner vs. Semifinal 2 winner
Auckland City spent a week in camp in Salou, Catalonia and in Barcelona (arranged via their previous contacts and former coach Ramon Tribulietx).
The 2023 edition will be the last one played with the current format, making way for a new expanded version in June 2025 (more details in article).
(Add one day for NZT).
Al Ahly were beaten finalists in the CAF Champions League with Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca taking the honours so with Morocco hosting the tournament, and no participating nation able to field two clubs, Al Ahly slotted in to the position usualy reserved for the host nation's league champions.
Date Round Match
Wed, Feb. 1 | 1st Round | Al Ahly vs. Auckland City
Sat, Feb. 4 | 2nd Round | Seattle Sounders vs. Al Ahly/Auckland
Sat, Feb. 4 | 2nd Round | Wydad Casablanca vs. Al Hilal
Tue, Feb. 7 | Semifinal | Flamengo vs. Wydad/Al Hilal
Wed, Feb. 8 | Semifinal | Seattle/Al Ahly/Auckland vs. Real Madrid
Sat, Feb. 11 | Third Place | Semifinal 1 loser vs. Semifinal 2 loser
Sat, Feb. 11 | Final | Semifinal 1 winner vs. Semifinal 2 winner
Auckland City spent a week in camp in Salou, Catalonia and in Barcelona (arranged via their previous contacts and former coach Ramon Tribulietx).
On Jan. 23 NZT Auckland attended Barcelona's home game vs. Getafe at the Nou Camp.
Last week they lost a friendly by a single goal deep in injury time to major Korean side Jeonbuk Motors who were having a pre-season camp in Spain.
Then drew 1-1 with Barcelona's reserve team:
First match FIFA Club World Cup - Auckland City v Al-Ahly (Egypt)
Thursday 8 am NZT live on Sky Sport and streaming here for free:
Auckland City arrived in Morocco early last Saturday morning NZT.
Training venue is oldest in Africa (110 years) home of Moghreb Atlético Tetuán (1922) & only Arabic & African team to play in Spanish league (1951-52) & home of Moghreb Atlético Tetuán
Latest news, photos, videos and article links:
https://twitter.com/AucklandCity_FC
and here:
https://www.facebook.com/thenavyblues/
and the club website:
https://www.aucklandcityfc.com/news/
Official tournament website:
https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/fifa-club-world-cup/morocco-2022
Albert Riera's pre-match press conference and info on Thursday's match:
https://www.aucklandcityfc.com/news/1896/12/Preview-Albert-Riera-looks-ahead-to-Club-World-Cup-/
Auckland City FC squad for FIFA Club World Cup (Name; Position; ACFC Club Apps/Goals)
Training venue is oldest in Africa (110 years) home of Moghreb Atlético Tetuán (1922) & only Arabic & African team to play in Spanish league (1951-52) & home of Moghreb Atlético Tetuán
Latest news, photos, videos and article links:
https://twitter.com/AucklandCity_FC
and here:
https://www.facebook.com/thenavyblues/
and the club website:
https://www.aucklandcityfc.com/news/
Official tournament website:
https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/fifa-club-world-cup/morocco-2022
Albert Riera's pre-match press conference and info on Thursday's match:
https://www.aucklandcityfc.com/news/1896/12/Preview-Albert-Riera-looks-ahead-to-Club-World-Cup-/
Auckland City FC squad for FIFA Club World Cup (Name; Position; ACFC Club Apps/Goals)
1. Conor TRACEY (GK) - 60/0
2. Mario ILICH (M) - 84/7
3. Adam MITCHELL (D) - 85/6
4. Christian GRAY (D) - 12/0
5. Nikko BOXALL (D) - 3/0
7. Cam HOWIESON (M) - 149/30
8. Gerard GARRIGA (M) - 34/4
9. Angus KILKOLLY (F) - 51/33
10. Dylan MANICKUM (F) - 103/39
11. Ryan DE VRIES (F) - 150/66
12. Regont MURATI (D) - 3/0
13. Nathan LOBO (D) - 25/2
14. Jordan VALE (D) - 99/7
15. Aidan CAREY (D) - 54/2
16. Joe LEE (F) - 42/10
17. Reid DRAKE (M) - 125/19
18. Finn DOCKERTY (GK) - 0/0
19. Liam GILLION (F) - 30/5
20. Emiliano TADE (F) - 222/145
21. Michael DEN HEIJER (D-M) - 24/0
23. Matt ELLIS (M) - 19/10
24. Cam BROWN (GK) - 37/0
25. Takuya IWATA (D) - 148/2
2. Mario ILICH (M) - 84/7
3. Adam MITCHELL (D) - 85/6
4. Christian GRAY (D) - 12/0
5. Nikko BOXALL (D) - 3/0
7. Cam HOWIESON (M) - 149/30
8. Gerard GARRIGA (M) - 34/4
9. Angus KILKOLLY (F) - 51/33
10. Dylan MANICKUM (F) - 103/39
11. Ryan DE VRIES (F) - 150/66
12. Regont MURATI (D) - 3/0
13. Nathan LOBO (D) - 25/2
14. Jordan VALE (D) - 99/7
15. Aidan CAREY (D) - 54/2
16. Joe LEE (F) - 42/10
17. Reid DRAKE (M) - 125/19
18. Finn DOCKERTY (GK) - 0/0
19. Liam GILLION (F) - 30/5
20. Emiliano TADE (F) - 222/145
21. Michael DEN HEIJER (D-M) - 24/0
23. Matt ELLIS (M) - 19/10
24. Cam BROWN (GK) - 37/0
25. Takuya IWATA (D) - 148/2
COACH: Albert RIERA
ASSISTANT: Ivan VICELICH
GK COACH: Enaut ZUBIKARAI
TECHNICAL: Adria CASALS
TECHNICAL: Jarrod WALLACE
LOGISTICS: Keith COTON
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE
DOCTOR: Dr. Craig EDWARDS
ASSISTANT: Ivan VICELICH
GK COACH: Enaut ZUBIKARAI
TECHNICAL: Adria CASALS
TECHNICAL: Jarrod WALLACE
LOGISTICS: Keith COTON
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE
DOCTOR: Dr. Craig EDWARDS
If you don't have Sky TV or live outside NZ, all games in the FIFA Club World Cup are streaming for free in NZ, and most Asian and European countries via the FIFA+ website here:
https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/watch-the-fifa-club-world-cup-live-on-fifa
https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/watch-the-fifa-club-world-cup-live-on-fifa
Al-Ahly:
Auckland's opponents Al-Ahly have a perhaps surpriisng coach for an Egyptian team - the Swiss Marcel Koller, former Austria national coach (2011 - 2017) and coach of Kon and Bochum in the Bundesliga, as well as Grasshoppers and Basel in his native country.
He took Austria to Euro 2016 and their best-ever FIFA ranking of tenth.
Koller was a teammate of Wynton Rufer at Grasshoppers Zurich in the 1980's.
But actually Al-Ahly have had a lot of British and European (German, Portuguese, Swiss) managers the last forty years - even Don Revie of Leeds and England fame.
Most of their foreign managers have lasted only a few months or a year or two though.
Previous encumbant, the Portuguese Ricardo Soares, lasted only two months.
Koller has only been in charge since October last year.
Al-Ahly squad:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Ahly_SC#Players
Nearly all Egyptian exept for Brazilian striker Bruno Savio, a Malian, two Tunisians, an Algerian and a South African.
The South African international striker Percy Tau was on the books of Brighton and Hove Albion until recently but mostly played out on loan to major Belgian sides for three seasons..
Auckland's opponents Al-Ahly have a perhaps surpriisng coach for an Egyptian team - the Swiss Marcel Koller, former Austria national coach (2011 - 2017) and coach of Kon and Bochum in the Bundesliga, as well as Grasshoppers and Basel in his native country.
He took Austria to Euro 2016 and their best-ever FIFA ranking of tenth.
Koller was a teammate of Wynton Rufer at Grasshoppers Zurich in the 1980's.
But actually Al-Ahly have had a lot of British and European (German, Portuguese, Swiss) managers the last forty years - even Don Revie of Leeds and England fame.
Most of their foreign managers have lasted only a few months or a year or two though.
Previous encumbant, the Portuguese Ricardo Soares, lasted only two months.
Koller has only been in charge since October last year.
Al-Ahly squad:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Ahly_SC#Players
Nearly all Egyptian exept for Brazilian striker Bruno Savio, a Malian, two Tunisians, an Algerian and a South African.
The South African international striker Percy Tau was on the books of Brighton and Hove Albion until recently but mostly played out on loan to major Belgian sides for three seasons..
Starting?
Tracey - Vale, Mitchell, Boxall, Morgan - Garriga, Ilich, Howieson - Manickum, de Vries, Tade
Tracey - Vale, Mitchell, Boxall, Morgan - Garriga, Ilich, Howieson - Manickum, de Vries, Tade
Is this game on TV? anyone know what time? cheers
Is this game on TV? anyone know what time? cheers
bad time do concede late into first half injury time but ACFC solid! Although not much in attack, hopefully they change shape and have a good crack now!
oh well. looked solid for the first 44 minutes, but the opposition are light years ahead
The fact that they don't proceed to the next round opens up a potential Boxall transfer.
The fact that they don't proceed to the next round opens up a potential Boxall transfer.
Dunno if he impressed me that much to offer him a contract
Was disappointed in what i saw overall to be fair, i know ACFC were out of season somewhat but they didnt exactly set up to have a crack - very negative and were looking to take it to pens from minute 1. Hard to watch the didn't seem to have an idea on how to get back into the game - just random subbing in last half hour to give guys a run. Smiles all round after the whistle....different from previous ACFC teams for sure. I guess 3-0 isnt an embarrassment at the end of the day,
Was disappointed in what i saw overall to be fair, i know ACFC were out of season somewhat but they didnt exactly set up to have a crack - very negative and were looking to take it to pens from minute 1. Hard to watch the didn't seem to have an idea on how to get back into the game - just random subbing in last half hour to give guys a run. Smiles all round after the whistle....different from previous ACFC teams for sure. I guess 3-0 isnt an embarrassment at the end of the day,
Must admit I only saw the first half an hour, then I had to go to meetings.
I think they played the only way they knew they could win, that is: hold a strong defensive shape, keep them out, win a few corners or free kicks on attack and convert a set piece. They did it all pretty well apart from converting, until conceding that goal just on half time.
Was disappointed in what i saw overall to be fair, i know ACFC were out of season somewhat but they didnt exactly set up to have a crack - very negative and were looking to take it to pens from minute 1. Hard to watch the didn't seem to have an idea on how to get back into the game - just random subbing in last half hour to give guys a run. Smiles all round after the whistle....different from previous ACFC teams for sure. I guess 3-0 isnt an embarrassment at the end of the day,
To be fair even against NL teams AC always set up a bit like that, they aren't the most exciting team to watch in my opinion.
Thought they made an ok account of themselves but man I'd love to see some other teams get a crack at it.
Wellington Olympic are in this years OFC Champions League so....
Wellington Olympic are in this years OFC Champions League so....
Well I look forward to that, a genuinely fun team to watch.
Anyone know how qualification works for the next tournament?
I think Auckland City and Olympic play off(March/April) for a place in the last 8 and then a tournament in one site.The same as last year although Auckland City went straight through to the last 8 as Tee Dubs no longer existed.Oceania website has the format I think
Sorry i should have been clearer. I meant the next Club World Cup. It isn't meant to take place until 2025.
Sorry i should have been clearer. I meant the next Club World Cup. It isn't meant to take place until 2025.
Yes FIFA want the next one in 2025, then presumably 2029. But UEFA could be against the change. I guess 2025 is year that doesn't clash with either Euros (2024) or the WC (2026)
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/02/01/football/club-world-cup-real-madrid-morocco-spt-intl/index.html
Perhaps lost amidst the hysteria of Lionel Messi winning his first World Cup title was the announcement made by FIFA president Gianni Infantino that the Club World Cup would be turned into a 32-team tournament played every four years, starting in 2025.
It is recognition from the head of world soccer that the tournament has not drawn the interest that the concept warrants.
With the tournament falling at the same time as the major leagues in Europe and just a few weeks ahead of the resumption of the Champions League, FIFA has recognized that it needs to both expand the tournament and find a time that does not clash with major club soccer.
Soccer’s global governing body has not provided any information on the format of the tournament beyond the number of participants, but the announcement has caused quite a stir, particularly in Europe.
The Premier League maintains its position that it is, “committed to preventing any radical changes to the post-2024 FIFA international match calendar that would adversely affect player welfare and threaten the competitiveness, calendar, structures and traditions of domestic football.”
The Premier League maintains its position that it is, “committed to preventing any radical changes to the post-2024 FIFA international match calendar that would adversely affect player welfare and threaten the competitiveness, calendar, structures and traditions of domestic football.”
FIFPRO, the global player’s union, said that the tournament could have “serious consequences for and aggravate pressure on the welfare and employment of players.”
These Saudis have even more cash than the Trillan Trust.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/world-game/132882946/auckland-city-to-meet-freespending-saudi-arabian-team-al-ittihad-in-fifa-club-world-cup
Auckland City have been drawn to play the Saudi Arabian team in the FIFA Club World Cup that’s attempting to buy Mohamed Salah for a reported figure of more than NZ$400 million.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/world-game/132882946/auckland-city-to-meet-freespending-saudi-arabian-team-al-ittihad-in-fifa-club-world-cup
Auckland City have been drawn to play the Saudi Arabian team in the FIFA Club World Cup that’s attempting to buy Mohamed Salah for a reported figure of more than NZ$400 million.
The Kiwi club will meet free-spending Al Ittihad on December 13 (NZ time) in the tournament in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The draw on Tuesday (Wednesday NZ time) also included European champions Manchester City, Egyptian club Al Ahly, Club León from Mexico, the Urawa Reds from Japan, and the South American champions from the CONMEBOL federation who are yet to be determined.
The draw on Tuesday (Wednesday NZ time) also included European champions Manchester City, Egyptian club Al Ahly, Club León from Mexico, the Urawa Reds from Japan, and the South American champions from the CONMEBOL federation who are yet to be determined.
Auckland, who play in New Zealand’s National League, will feature in the opening match against Al Ittihad, who have been offering enormous salaries to acquire the game’s top players from Europe in the expanding Saudi Pro League.
They signed former Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema on a free transfer from Spanish giants Real Madrid on a three-year contract worth more than NZ$180 million a season, according to Spanish media.
Others to follow the France striker to Al Ittihad include Brazilian midfielder Fabinho from Liverpool and French World Cup winner N'Golo Kanté from Chelsea.
Pretty exciting for City’s players coming up against some of those names tbf. Far more high profile than anyone they have faced previously at the CWC.
Al Ittihad are currently 4th in the Saudi league. Big ask for ACFC against Benezema, Kante, Fabinho & Co. Their coach is ex Argy international Marcelo Gallardo.
Ronaldo's Al Nassr are 2nd in the league.
Ronaldo's Al Nassr are 2nd in the league.
⚽ 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐲 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐈𝐅𝐀 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐩 🫶
— 🇳🇿 Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) November 29, 2023
✈️ After a 17-hour flight from Auckland the boys have safely arrived in Dubai to prepare for the next month's competition hosted by Saudi Arabia 💪
🔵⚪#StrengthInUnity pic.twitter.com/P0Gon726Bv
📰 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓 | 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐚 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐬 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫 #NavyBlues continued their build-up for #ClubWC with a draw thanks to a late equaliser by Gerard Garriga in #Dubai #UAE
— 🇳🇿 Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) November 30, 2023
🔵⚪#StrengthInUnity
📷 | @PhototekNZ
👀 https://t.co/8suIXENI85 pic.twitter.com/4zmhBFV0pX
Lower half team in UAEs second tier! Not great signs
Had a 1-1 draw in their 2nd & last warmup, against another UAE 2nd tier team. Has a very one & done feel this CWC, for ACFC.
7am NZT Wednesday kickoff.
https://www.oceaniafootball.com/auckland-city-fc-prepare-for-the-ultimate-challenge-at-fifa-club-world-cup-in-jeddah/
Following their successful 2023 OFC Champions League campaign in Vanuatu, Auckland City FC will begin their FIFA Club World Cup adventure on Wednesday, facing off against 2022-23 Saudi Pro League champions, Al-Ittihad in Jeddah.
7am NZT Wednesday kickoff.
https://www.oceaniafootball.com/auckland-city-fc-prepare-for-the-ultimate-challenge-at-fifa-club-world-cup-in-jeddah/
Following their successful 2023 OFC Champions League campaign in Vanuatu, Auckland City FC will begin their FIFA Club World Cup adventure on Wednesday, facing off against 2022-23 Saudi Pro League champions, Al-Ittihad in Jeddah.
This year’s tournament represents Auckland City’s eleventh appearance at a FIFA Club World Cup, with their 3rd place finish in 2014 representing their most significant achievement on the world stage.
It hasn’t been an easy journey to Saudi Arabia for Albert Riera’s men. A 94th minute equaliser from Ryan De Vries saved them from elimination at the hands of Vanuatu’s Ifira Black Bird FC in the semi-finals of the OFC Champions League – ultimately prevailing in a penalty shoot-out.
In the final, after having Gerard Garriga sent off on the hour mark, they threw away a two-goal lead against Suva FC before rallying to net twice in extra-time to secure the victory and ensure the trophy remained in New Zealand.
Standing in the way of Auckland City and the potential of a second-round tie with Egypt’s Al Ahly SC is reigning Saudi Pro League champions, Al-Ittihad.
One of the four teams now under the ownership of the country’s Public Investment Fund, the club has since seen significant investment, with a number of high-profile signings in 2023. The marquee addition to the squad – and no doubt the number one threat posed to Auckland City – is that of French international and 2022 Balon d’Or winner, Karim Benzema.
The powerful forward is in fine form this season, with 13 goals to his name, the joint most for the team. Alongside Benzema are other household names in European football, including Brazilian star Fabinho, former Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante and Portuguese winger Jota, who joined from Scottish champions, Celtic FC.
🇳🇿🆚🌍
— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) December 10, 2023
Only 2️⃣ days until @AucklandCity_FC kick-off at the FIFA Club World Cup vs @ittihad_en
▶️ Watch live and free this Wednesday at 7am [NZT] on FIFA+ at https://t.co/55302rM6sE#ClubWC @FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/lsPCIcqbgG
Here it comes.....
"Here it comes, here it comes, here comes your nineteenth nervous breakdown...." Rolling Stones 1966
Yes, Wednesday morning is when Auckland City face their ultimate test.Al-Ittihad in the FIFA Club World Cup.This year’s tournament will be City’s 11th, the most attended by any club.
Benzema..............
N'Golo Kante - ex Chelsea, World Cup 2018 winner
Jota - Celtic's 2nd top goalscorer last season
Fabinho - ex Liverpool star, Brazil at World Cup 2022
Luiz Felipe - current Italy first choice centre-back
Live and on demand FIFA+ at 7 am Wednesday HERE:
https://www.plus.fifa.com/en/content/al-ittihad-fc-v-auckland-city-fc-first-round-fifa-club-world-cup-saudi-arabia-2023tm-live-stream-2023/7d530be9-f617-42b8-b7aa-4b0660711433
Video previews of match:
https://www.plus.fifa.com/en/showcase/auckland-city-at-fifa-club-world-cup-2023/53a13222-ef2f-4f14-99ac-a4544533c6c5
Articles on Auckland City, the tournament, all match details etc.:
https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2023/12/10/special-feature-auckland-city-skipper-cam-howiesons-big-big-dream/
https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2023/12/11/brazilian-international-goalkeeper-we-know-auckland-will-be-tough-to-beat/
https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/fifa-club-world-cup/saudi-arabia-2023
Details on Al-Ittihad squad:
https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2023/12/08/star-studded-squad-named-to-face-auckland-city-at-fifa-club-world-cup/
https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2023/12/08/star-studded-squad-named-to-face-auckland-city-at-fifa-club-world-cup/
Saudi club Al-Ittihad will send arguably the strongest-ever squad outside Europe or South America to a FIFA Club World Cup, with head coach Marcelo Gallardo picking the likes of Karim Benzema, Luiz Felipe, N’Golo Kante, Fabinho and Jota.
Al-Ittihad meet Auckland City on Wednesday December 13 (NZT) with the winner earning a second-round tie against Egypt’s Al Ahly, who are the current African champions.
Auckland City have recently added solid Chinese Super League veteran midfielder Tong Zhou aged 33 to their squad:
Plus Vanuatu international centre-back Timothy Boulet, along with veteran Uruguayan goalie Sebastian Ciganda as back-up to Conor Tracey.
Squads:
Name / age / nationality
Al-Ittihad
Goalkeepers
1 Abdullah Al-Mayouf (36), Saudia Arabia
34 Marcelo Grohe (36), Brazil
88 Osama Mubarak Hajaj Al Marwash (20), Saudi Arabia
Defenders
4 Omar Othman (38), Saudi Arabia
5 Luiz Felipe (26), Italy
12 Zakaria Al Hawsawi (22), Saudi Arabia
13 Muhannad Alshanqiti (24), Saudi Arabia
15 Hassan Kadesh (31), Saudi Arabia
25 Suwailem Al Menhali (19), Saudi Arabia
26 Ahmed Hegazi (32), Egypt
28 Ahmed Bamasud (28), Saudi Arabia
33 Madallah Al-Olayan (29), Saudi Arabia
Midfielders
6 Sultan Al Farhan (27), Saudi Arabia
7 N’Golo Kante (32), France
8 Fabinho (30), Brazil
10 Igor Coronado (31), Brazil
16 Faisal AI Ghamdi (22), Saudi Arabia
17 Marwan Al Sahafi (19), Saudi Arabia
Forwards
9 Karim Benzema (35), France
11 Jota (24), Portugal
24 Abdulrahman Al-Obud (28), Saudi Arabia
77 Saleh Al-Jamaan (30), Saudi Arabia
90 Romarinho (32), Brazil
99 Abderrazak Hamdallah (32), Могоссо
Staff
Head coach: Marcelo Gallardo
Assistant coach: Matias Biscay
Auckland City
Goalkeepers
1 Conor Tracey (26), New Zealand
18 Joe Wallis (18), New Zealand
24 Sebastian Ciganda (30), Uruguay
Defenders
2 Mario Ilich (28), New Zealand
3 Adam Mitchell (27), New Zealand
4 Christian Gray (27), New Zealand
5 Timothy Boulet (25), Vanuatu
12 Regont Murati (27), New Zealand
13 Nathan Lobo (20), New Zealand
14 Jordan Vale (29), New Zealand
23 Alfie Rogers (28), New Zealand
Midfielders
7 Cam Howieson (captain), (29), New Zealand
8 Gerard Garriga (30), Spain
15 Aidan Carey (22), New Zealand
22 Tong Zhou (33), China PR
25 Michael Den Heijer (27), New Zealand
Forwards
9 Angus Kilkolly (27), New Zealand
10 Dylan Manickum (29), New Zealand
11 Ryan De Vries (32), New Zealand
16 Joe Lee (21), New Zealand
19 Liam Gillion (21), New Zealand
20 Emiliano Tade (35), Argentina
Staff
Head coach: Albert Riera
Assistant coach: Ivan Vicelich
Goalkeeper coach: Enaut Zubikarai
One of the great underdog missions in NZ sport is coming up in Fifa #ClubWC .
— Michael Burgess (@mikeburgess99) December 11, 2023
On one side: Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Fabinho...
On other: a teacher, a sales rep, real estate agent, painter, delivery driver & car detailer..https://t.co/m7YOx9FnSP@AucklandCity_FC @NZ_Football
WATCH | Auckland City FC's Ryan De Vries looks ahead to the opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup as they take on Al-Ittihad in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
— OFC Oceania Football (@OFCfootball) December 12, 2023
🇳🇿⚽#ClubWorldCuphttps://t.co/awX9Uj4tb2
We unfortunately know Romarinho quite well - scored that absolute worldie for Al-Jazira against Auckland City in the 2017 edition. City lost 1-0, and that was their only shot on goal. One of the more painful CWC games as we well and truly dominated
Team news
Al Ittihad will be without Italy centre-back Luiz Felipe, who suffered a muscle tear during their last game before the tournament. Romarinho and Karim Benzema, who had both been out injured, have returned to training and are at the disposal of Marcelo Gallardo. Auckland coach Albert Riera has a full squad to select from.
Predicted line-ups
Al Ittihad: Marcelo Grohe; Muhannad Alshanqiti, Omar Hawsawi, Ahmed Hegazy, Ahmed Bamsaud; Fabinho, N’Golo Kante; Saleh Alamri, Igor Coronado, Jota; Karim Benzema.
Auckland City: Conor Tracey; Jordan Vale, Adam Mitchell, Joe Lee, Nathan Lobo; Gerard Garriga, Michael Den Heijer, Cameron Howieson, Mario Ilich, Dylan Manickum; Angus Kilkolly.
Stats
Auckland City: Conor Tracey; Jordan Vale, Adam Mitchell, Joe Lee, Nathan Lobo; Gerard Garriga, Michael Den Heijer, Cameron Howieson, Mario Ilich, Dylan Manickum; Angus Kilkolly.
Stats
12
If Emiliano Tade plays, he will equal Hussein Elshahat’s record of 12 Club World Cup appearances.
4
Karim Benzema has four Club World Cup goals to his name. Only Cesar Delgado (5), Lionel Messi (5), Luis Suarez (5), Gareth Bale (6) and Cristiano Ronaldo (7) have more. Benzema is bidding to become the first player to score in four editions of the competition.
3
Ittihad have three Club World Cup winners in their ranks. Karim Benzema won five titles with Real Madrid, Fabinho helped Liverpool conquer at Qatar 2019, and N’Golo Kante was central to Chelsea’s UAE 2021 triumph.
If Emiliano Tade plays, he will equal Hussein Elshahat’s record of 12 Club World Cup appearances.
4
Karim Benzema has four Club World Cup goals to his name. Only Cesar Delgado (5), Lionel Messi (5), Luis Suarez (5), Gareth Bale (6) and Cristiano Ronaldo (7) have more. Benzema is bidding to become the first player to score in four editions of the competition.
3
Ittihad have three Club World Cup winners in their ranks. Karim Benzema won five titles with Real Madrid, Fabinho helped Liverpool conquer at Qatar 2019, and N’Golo Kante was central to Chelsea’s UAE 2021 triumph.
Genuinely holding the ball and applying pressure against Benzema and Kanté. Some good chances too. Unreal
Bugger, undone by a fast break.