Al Duhail coach Sabri Lamouchi during a practice session on the eve of their FIFA Club World Cup fifth place play-off match against Ulsan Hyundai.
Following Al Duhail’s 1-0 loss to Al Ahly in their first game at the FIFA Club World Cup, team’s star striker Almoez Ali lamented giving ‘too much respect’ to the African champions. But The Red Knights are in no mood to adopt the same approach again as they take on Asian champions Ulsan Hyundai FC today.
The two Asian rivals will face off at 6:00pm at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, looking to avoid the proverbial wooden spoon in the six-team tournament. While Al Duhail went down fighting against the Egyptians in the second round, South Korea’s Ulsan suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat against Mexico’s Tigres UANL on Thursday.
In today’s clash which is expected to be a thriller, Ulsan will be favourites to clinch their first-ever victory at the Club World Cup after their 2012 campaign ended with two defeats. But Al Duhail – having home fans support – can take heart from their dominating performance in second half against Al Ahly on Thursday.
Ulsan Uyundai players celebrate after scoring against Tigres UANL in their FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020 second round match played at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Thursday. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA
“We have left our defeat to Al Ahly behind and all our focus is now in the match against Ulsan Hyundai,” Al Duhail coach Sabri Lamouchi told a video conference yesterday.
“All our players tried their best against Al Ahly but we lost. Now the team is determined to do well in the final game of the tournament and leave mark in this prestigious event,” he added.
“We will play to win and take the fifth position of this tough tournament. I am very confident that players will give a very good performance to achieve win,” added the Frenchman, who is expected to make changes in the team with Almoez expected to start the match.
Al Duhail defender Sultan Al Brake hoped for better luck in today’s game after goal eluded his team against Al Ahly despite taking seven shots on target in the second half.
Al Duhail players during a training session yesterday.
“We were not lucky enough to find net against Al Ahly but we gained a lot of experience against a very good side,” Al Brake said yesterday.
“We still have one match left in the tournament and all we target is the victory. We are confident of doing well to finish this event on a high note,” he added.
Being the reigning AFC Champions League champions, Ulsan have more stakes in today’s match as victory will maintain their supremacy in Asian football. After their Club World Cup, Ulsan will begin preparations for 2021 K League season.
Head coach Hong Myung-bo hoped Ulsan will return home with the maiden victory at FIFA Club World Cup.
“Our players did a good job against Tigres, the strongest player. It wasn't a long time, but I think he showed well what he prepared. After the opening goal, both goals scored with set pieces, but after the game, we tried to compensate through meetings and training. The mind of representing the K-League and Asia remains unchanged. For Ulsan fans, I will reap the beauty of Yu Jong and return to Korea,” he said.
