AkCity FC At The FIFA World Club Cup

LATEST: Auckland City are into the Fifa Club World Cup quarterfinals after a stunning 2-0 win over Dubai's Al Ahli in Abu Dhabi this morning.

The Oceania champions scored a goal in each half through Adam Dickinson and Chad Coombes to advance to a playoff against Mexico's Atlante on Saturday night (NZ time).

The mainly amateur side from New Zealand had several scoring chances in the first half, but it had to wait until just before the break to break the deadlock.

Hayne burst down the right and delivered a brilliant cross, which Dickinson, who had edged in front of his marker, neatly netted. Ahli almost snatched an instant equaliser but after Bare�s shot was blocked, Khamis somehow shot the ball over the bar with the goal at his mercy.

Auckland doubled their lead on 67 minutes with a stunning long range shot from Coombes. There seemed little danger when Coombes received possession 30 metres out, but he delivered a magnificent strike into the roof of the Ahli net.

Ahli tried to force their way but the Auckland City defence, superbly marshalled by All Whites hero and Auckland City Ivan Vicelich proved impregnable.

Auckland City coach Paul Posa said his team had done their homework on Al Alhi before the game.

"We knew their system going into the game so we just tried to counter that and it worked.

"We knew going into the game that we could create chances. It was just a question of taking them, and fortunately we did.

"The boys are very happy, ecstatic. We weren't the favourites but it was our night."

Posa said Atlante presented his team with a stiff challenge.

"Atlante are a very good side. Aside from Barcelona and Estudiantes, they're the classiest team in the competition so it will be really tough."

The tournament, which runs until December 19, brings together the champions of Fifa's six confederations as well as host team Al Ahli.