Upbeat Al Jazira fight for third place in Fifa Club World Cup

Pride of Abu Dhabi will take on Mexico's Pachuca

Al Jazira turned heads with a sterling performance against Real Madrid. And now the debutants are favourites to eke out a positive result in the third place Fifa Club World Cup UAE 2017 match against four-time participants CF Pachuca at Zayed Sports City Stadium on Saturday.

Al Jazira coach Henk ten Cate on Friday assured a full-on fight from the UAE club to get a third place finish against Mexican side Pachuca. "It will be a distinctive Latin American football on Saturday. It will be tough as two teams will fight for bronze medal. We have prepared very hard. We are determined to get the result. We will give a strong performance," he said during the press conference.

He had said after the Real match that his players were 'all dead' and needed to cool their heels. On Friday too he indicated that the players haven't recovered so far. "Despite the fatigue and stress felt by the players we will fight and give a good performance."

Ten Cate pointed out that he was 'very proud' of his players as they have created a buzz in the football world with commendable performance against Oceania, Asia and European teams.

Updating about the available team, the coach said nothing much had changed on the injury count but defender Mohamad Ayed would miss the match after being booked for a second time against Real Madrid. Also, goalkeeping hero Ali Khaseif is still recovering from injury.

"I have confidence in the ability of the players to put their best efforts in the field to achieve a desired result. I am lucky to have two guys like Ali Khaseif and Khaled Al Senani, who also starred after coming on as a substitute," the coach added.

Meanwhile, keeper Al Senani, attending the press conference, said the players are buoyant and determined to finish with a medal in the tournament by thumping 'Los Tuzos'.

"We will give everything. We have to fight again. We are ready for it," Senani added.

CONCACAF champions CF Pachuca got a lot to prove after two disappointing 120-minute encounters ending in losses. Coach Diego Alonso said the two matches have left Pachuca drained physically and mentally. "We are still trying to recover from 240 minutes of game."

Making things worse, the team will step into the field without in-form Victor Guzman, who was booked for a second time in semifinals. Alonso will hope for an off-colour Keisuke Honda and Jorge Hernandez to come good.

"We are going to play with what we have available. It is possible for us to make some changes in the team."

Alonso said at the end players will get the job done.

"I am proud of my players. They know how to compete despite all difficulties. Hopefully, we have recovered enough to get a medal," the coach added.

It will be an upbeat Emirati club against determined Mexicans fighting for their first Club world Cup medals and it will be a fascinating show.

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com