UAE- Urawa play Wydad with pride at stake

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Asian champions Urawa Red Diamonds and African titleholders Wydad Casablanca have lost Fifa Club World Cup matches only because of opponent's moment of brilliance. They also have got themselves to blame for the many opportunities missed in front of the goal. Come Tuesday, they will put all disappointments behind and play for pride during the fifth-place decider at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.

Urawa coach Takafumi Hori said the team will give best efforts to return home with some consolidation. "We were very close to scoring in match against Al Jazira. It was mainly mistakes from our side. It's a real shame for the players and fans that we won't get the chance to play Real Madrid. You don't get many opportunities to do that," Hori said.

The fifth-place match will also be an opportunity for Shinzo Koroki and Rafael Silva to make amends and come good. Meanwhile, debutants from Morocco will be hoping for a positive result too. The match against Pachuca saw CAF champions Wydad end with 10 players as captain Brahim Nakach was sent off.

Wydad coach Hussein Amotta said the loss of Nakach will hurt their chances.

"You always need to capitalise on mistakes and pay attention to the details. We're going to try and win the game and improve our placing in the competition," Amotta said.

The match will also get a massive following as Moroccan fans will be there in numbers to support the African champions and Japanese supporters with red flags and drums will turn up the heat at Al Ain's iconic stadium.

MENAFN1112201700490000ID1096219345