Match Preview Al Ahly (Egypt) vs Corinthians (Brazil) | FIFA Club World Cup 2012
Match info:
FIFA Club World Cup 2012 semi-final
Date & Time: 10:30 GMT // 12:30 Cairo time // 5:00AM ET Canada/USA
Live Event on: NileSports.tv
Al Ahly news:
Al-Ahly coach Hossam El-Badry is set to name largely the same starting XI that narrowly beat J-League champions and host side Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the quarter-final on Sunday.
The African champions, though will be without influential captain Hossam Ghaly, who limped off in that game, and will likely be replaced in the side by his substitute, Mohamed Aboutrike with Al-Sayed Hamdy continuing up front against Mohamed Nagy Gedo.
“Games against Brazilian opponents are entertaining and difficult,” said Ahly’s mercurial midfielder Mohamed Barakat, who came on as a second-half substitute against Hiroshima.
“Egyptian players enjoy facing Brazilians, but a win is always difficult. I hope we can win and please our fans.”
Corinthians are looking to end a barren run for South Americans, who have failed to win the Club World Cup for the past five years. European teams outshined them, with Barcelona winning it twice in 2009 and 2011.
The winners of Wednesday’s clash will play either Chelsea or Mexico’s Monterrey, who meet in the other semi-final on Thursday.
“We don’t have the luxury of thinking about Chelsea. Chelsea are one step later. We have a difficult match tomorrow first,” Corinthians captain Alessandro said.
Ahly will only miss Ghaly, who is expected to be replaced by 19-year-old midfielder Mahmoud Hassan, known as “Trezeguet”.
Corinthians
Corinthians make their bow in this year’s FIFA Club World Cup a full 12 years after winning the inaugural competition in 2000. Coach Tite will stick largely to the 4-2-2-2 formation which served him well in the successful Copa Libertadores campaign.
Emerson, who scored both goals in the 2-0 second leg victory over Boca Juniors in the continental final, will lead the line, with Paulinho and Ralf sitting in front of the defence, allowing Danilo and Douglas space to roam forward.
At the back, Tite is set to keep faith in the formidable back four of Alessandro, Chicao, Paulo Andre and Fabio Santos.
Prediction: Al Ahly 2-1 Corinthians
