Tecom embarks on its next phase of growth
business50 minutes ago
The 2006 club world champions defeated Mexican giants Guadalajara Chivas 3-2 to clinch a 5-3 aggregate win in the Copa Libertadores championship, giving the Brazilians their second South American title and another chance at claiming the FIFA Club World Cup title. They enter the 2010 competition as the CONMEBOL representatives, the Confederation champions of South America, a press release said. Goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri, midfielder Pablo Guinazu and playmaker Andres D’Alessandro became the first Argentinians to win the Copa Libertadores in a Brazilian team. D’Alessandro said his side’s unbeaten home record was crucial in their success: “We did not lose at home and that is very important. They were tough matches. Now, it’s time for celebration. I hope we can lift the World Cup trophy in Abu Dhabi. We have completed the first step.” Guinazu added: “We won because we put our heart on the pitch.”
Rafael Sobis, who recently returned to Porto Alegre on loan from Abu Dhabi’s Al Jazira Football Club repeated his 2006 success.
“I came here to play the semifinals and did not score until the final match,” he said.
“This year’s achievement has a different taste. In 2006, we had the pressure of having already lost a final in 1980. Tonight, it was calmer. We have players who know how to play finals. Now, I want the league title and the FIFA Club World Cup trophy.”
As well as lifting the Copa Libertadores, Inter also finished first top in the average attendance rankings, with an average of 40,000 fans attending each of their seven games at the Beira-Rio.
With the second largest football confederation championship decided, football fans across the UAE will shift their focus to Africa and Asia in the coming months as the continents begin to finalise their respective club champions.
Africa is now in its fourth round of the quarter-final stage while Asia will begin its final round of eight in mid-September featuring four teams from South Korea, two from Saudi Arabia and one club from Iran and Qatar respectively. The finals for both the African and Asia Football Confederations will be held in November.
John Lickrish, Local Organising Committee (LOC) General Manager, said the addition of a former club champion to this year’s tournament generated extra enthusiasm and excitement for the event.
“Internacional are an impressive team to watch,” Lickrish said. “Having them in the tournament once again adds another exciting element and sends a message to all the clubs competing that South America and Brazil want to return to the top of the club world championship.”
Lickrish also said the Local Organising Committee will soon unveil its plans to make this tournament the most entertaining showpiece in club football.
The FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2010 brings together the club champions from six continental confederations: Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, South America and Oceania, as well as the winning team from the host city’s national league.
From December 8-18 the teams will compete to be crowned Club World Cup champions over 11 days of action at Zayed Sports City and Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.
The other clubs that have booked their place in the tournament are UEFA Champions Inter Milan who qualified in May; Oceania Champions League winners, Hekari United, a semi-professional team from Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea; Al Wahda, the UAE Pro League champions; Mexican club CF Pachuca who will make their third appearance at a club world cup after claiming the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Champions League against fellow compatriots Cruz Azul in April.
Tecom embarks on its next phase of growth
business50 minutes ago
In her new role as CEO, Meintjes will steer PROVEN 360 towards continued success and growth through networking and client acquisition
kt network51 minutes ago
Several property brokerages in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been fined for violating local laws
uae55 minutes ago
Alef Group will showcase both Hayyan and Al Mamsha projects, promising an exclusive glimpse into these exceptional developments
kt network1 hour ago
All eight live-action movies are now showing in VOX Cinemas across the UAE
entertainment1 hour ago
The Cannes Film Festival showed the progress women have made in cinema
entertainment1 hour ago
As pioneers in the industry, Voxtron and Enghouse Systems have cultivated a partnership spanning over a decade, marked by a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of technological innovation
kt network1 hour ago
Loyalty schemes, AI and customer retention will be key
business1 hour ago