20 December 2021
Tokyo, Japan

I love this competition. Even as the so called “Big Team” in the event I look upon it as a trophy that you get a chance to win. Sure if you are a tier one side and European Champion you may look to give the game to your backup side. However to me it is a trophy to put in your cabinet.

And for teams like Jomo Cosmos and Newcastle Jets it represents a chance to rub shoulders with the big boys and throw yourself out on the global stage. Maybe even to upend the apple cart on some of the good teams.

Teams Entered

This years entries feature Antlers from Japan who qualify as host nation. Nadi are Oceania’s representitive, Newcastle Jets from Asis, and Etoile du Sahel from Africa round out the tier two confederations. Arsenal, America and Corinthians are this years heavy hitters.

Antlers v Nadi

Antlers are favoured over the tiny Nadi side who know that success is not likely.

Nadi made a brave fight of the game, and held their more fancied opponents off for almost the whole first half. In the end weight of possession told on the Nadi team and they fell 3-0.

Quater Final Draw

FIFA Club World Cup Quarter Final

We are listed as underdogs which suits me just fine. Obviously Arsenal await, so the incentive is great to do well.

No surprises here. We field a full strength side in today’s competition.

I really hope the bookies didn’t suffer too badly as we came and kicked arse. We were 3-0 up when “Gopher” was forced off with injury. “Trooper” came on and bagged a 20 minute hat-trick. In all we scored six goals in a 40 minute period either side of the half.

Injury Update

Sadly “Gopher” will take no part in the next match for us.

New Record

We even notch up a record win – both for the club and the competition.

FIFA Club World Cup Quarter Final

The second Quarter Final sees America up against Etoile du Sahel from Tunisia. America are strong favourites for this match.

America delivered a strong performance and totally dominated the match It took a while to get through but in the end they were never really threatened.

Newcastle draws Arsenal

This will not be an easy match. It is one I am looking forward to.

FIFA Club World Cup First Semi Final

Number two seed plays number three. I am not sure who I favour here.

Corinthians prevail and win 1-0 in what was a spiteful affair. The loan goal came midway through the second half and once Corinthians scored the game looked over.

FIFA Club World Cup – Second Semi Final

Good thing it is impossible. We can navigate that!

Only one change with “Trooper” coming in to replace the injured “Gopher” and “Sunshine” coming onto the bench.

The difference in talent was obvious with the quality of finishing on display. We didn’t disgrace ourselves and the scoreline was tantalizingly close.

FIFA Club World Cup – Third Placed Playoff

This is almost as much of a task as the Arsenal game as America would have wanted to be in the final.

One change to the side sees “Taffy” replace “Narcoleptic” at left back.

An early goal and we just couldn’t break them down. We tried and just couldn’t find a way through. We finished the game down to 10 men as “Trooper” was forced off just after I made my final sub.

Injury Update

“Trooper” is out for 5-6 weeks and this means that both first choice left wingers are unavailable.

FIFA Club World Cup – Final

A very even match marred by some cynical challenges by the South American side. Two second half goals in four minutes was enough for the gunners to overturn Zumbi’s first half goal and see them through to lift the title.

Results Summary

“Mr Li” took the award for most assists which was pleasing.

League Table

In the end we lost in the semi final which was no disgrace. That’s twice now I have got to the semi and finished fourth.

Next Episode

Next episode sees us back to the grind in the A-League. Do come back now!