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Santos vs Barcelona Preview
The 2011 FIFA Club World Cup final between Barcelona and Santos is heated up with the thrilling individual battle between Neymar and Lionel Messi.
Somehow, the Neymar-Messi rivalry has become more notable in recent weeks due to Pele’s controversial statement that placed the Brazilian far ahead of the Barcelona superstar in terms of accomplishment.Pele stated that what made Neymar a more complete player was his ability to score goals and to play well with both feet, on both flanks, and for his club as well as for his country. Hence, Sunday will be a time for correction for Messi in the Club World Cup final.
Even if nothing changes Pele’s opinion, both players should at least prove themselves in a game on which all eyes will be set. Below, we look at both players’ run in the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup so far:
Barca’s Pedro to dedicate 2011 FIFA Club World Cup title to Villa and Tito
FC Barcelona face Santos in the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup final in Yokohama, and the Catalans are willing to prove that the team is as united as ever.
With their only aim being to win the Club World Cup title once again, Barcelona are not ready to let anything get on their way. Key player Pedro Rodriguez declared that the announcement of David Villa’s injury came as the “worst news in the world”.Even so, the team is prepared to make the best out of what some would consider as bad luck: “Villa’s injury motivates us more, because he really wanted to win this title for the first time,” Pedro told the press.
But the club’s assistant manager is also in the players’ minds. Tito Vilanova underwent surgery in November following a problem with his parotid gland.
Kashiwa Reysol vs Santos Report
Neymar stars as Santos reach the final of the Club World Cup after cruising past Kashiwa Reysol on Wednesday.
Neymar took advantage of his Club World Cup debut by scoring an extraordinary goal to lead Santos to a comfortable 3-1 victory over Kashiwa Reysol, a result that sent the Brazilians into the final of the competition which takes place on December 18.Santos' opponents in the final will either be European champions Barcelona or Asian champions Al Sadd, who face-off in Yokohama on Thursday.
Both teams pushed to the attack immediately from the kick-off in a swift beginning to the game at the Toyota stadium. Teenage prodigy Neymar almost gave Santos an early lead in the 4th minute, but his close-range effort struck the left post, to the relief of the locals.
Barcelona and Santos rock 2011 FIFA Club World Cup semis with Final prospect
The 2011 FIFA Club World Cup will finally receive the attention it deserves in midweek thanks to the appearances of Brazilian champions Santos and European giants Barcelona.
Santos will lock horns with Japan’s Kashiwa Reysol in the first semi-final match of the competition. The match is due to take place at 5:30am EST (10:30am GMT) on Wednesday.
The Japanese contenders had a hard time against Monterrey last Sunday. Extra-time and penalties were needed to see Kashiwa Reysol through.
That game tested the mentality of the Sun Kings who, once again, explained why Asian football should not be overlooked by the majority of world football’s avid followers. But how would 120 minutes of action affect Kashiwa Reysol’s fitness status against Santos?
Kashiwa Reysol vs Santos Preview
Led by the brilliant Neymar South American champions Santos open their Club World Cup quest against Kashiwa Reysol on Wednesday.
Santos and Kashiwa Reysol lock horns at the Toyota stadium on Wednesday for a place in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup. All eyes will be glued on Santos prodigy Neymar, who along with classy playmaker Paulo Henrique Ganso and scoring-machine Borges, will be called upon for Santos' attacking firepower.Neymar, in particular, has attracted the attention of several of Europe's top clubs, due to his consistently brilliant performances in the Brazilian championship and in the Copa Libertadores, where he played a key role as Santos edged Penarol of Uruguay 2-1 to win their third title.
The Brazilian international will be hoping to be in top form against Kashiwa Reysol in order to lead Santos to what could possibly be a final showdown against European champions FC Barcelona.
Paulo Henrique Ganso insists on staying at Santos after the FIFA Club World Cup
The classy playmaker has resigned a move to Europe to remain at the Copa Libertadores champions.
Santos playmaker Paulo Henrique Ganso has affirmed that he will be prepared to reopen talks about extending his Santos stay at the conclusion of the FIFA Club World Cup, which takes place in December.There has been ongoing speculation about a future move to Europe for Ganso, however, the 22-year-old admitted that his priority is to remain at Santos, particularly because he wants to help the club retain their Copa Libertadores title in 2012.
Ganso has attracted the attention of several of Europe's top clubs, including AC Milan, Manchester United and both Barcelona and Real Madrid. But he is likely to stay put for now because he has a contract with Santos that currently runs until 2015.