(MENAFN- The Peninsula) By Armstrong Vas | The Peninsula
Doha: ES Tunis will be looking to come up with a much improved show at the FIFA Club World Cup when they take on Asian giants Al Hilal in today's quarter-final match at the Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.
The African champions have had little joy from their past Club World Cup matches. In 2011, they lost 2-1 defeat to this year's tournament's hosts Al Sadd. Last year they were beaten by host side Al Ain.
The Tunisian club said they have learnt from their past mistakes and are more focused this time around in last eight clash today.
Coach Moin Chaabani said his side, which has seven players who did duty for them in the last edition of the championship in UAE, are ready for Hilal.
'Al Hilal is a well-respected team. They have top players and very talented strikers.
'This is the second time for us at the Club World Cup. We did not do well last time but this time, we're more focused, said Chaabani.
On the other hand, Al Hilal coach Razvan Lucescu hopes their lack of experience will be offset by the positivity of having won the AFC Champions League less than a month ago.
'It's true that experience is very important at this level, but at the same time, enthusiasm and motivation are also very important. After winning the Champions League of Asia, we are full of motivation, he said.
'We know Esperance are a physical team while having quality from midfield and upwards. But we have a lot of quality and motivation. We're waiting for this game.
Esperance reached their third Club World Cup after winning the CAF Champions League for the second year in a row in contentious circumstances, the Tunisians being awarded the trophy after the second leg was forced to be abandoned by Wydad Casablanca's protests over a disallowed goal in May.
Having been beaten convincingly 3-0 by Al Ain last year, Esperance are better prepared for the 2019 finals, according to head coach Moin Chaabani.
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