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Magical20 · 30-11-2006, 08:51 PM

FC Barcelona can make history in ten days time at the World Club Cup in Japan. The club has never won the trophy before, which makes it what Xavi describes as a special challenge.

The Dream Team tried it fourteen years ago, but it wasnt to be. Now Rijkaard and his new Barça team have the chance to proclaim themselves the best in the world. The World Clubs Cup is not just any old tournament, it is a title that the club has never won before, and for that reason it is something that the players are more motivated than ever to win: "It is a challenge" says Xavi. "We know the Dream Team missed out. Thinking that this is something the club has never won and that we could be the first to do it, that's something really exciting".

The Dream Team miss out

FC Barcelona only played this tournament, in its old format, once. That was in 1992 when the Dream Team lost to Sao Paulo. Says Xavi, "I remember the game against Sao Paulo, and Hristo's goal early on. It was looking good for Barça, but Sao Paulo did what they had to do. It was a shame that the Dream Team were unable to finish off the good work they did at Wembley".

América and 'the Flea'

FC Barcelona will start against the winner of the game between Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC of Korea and Club América of Mexico. The latter is a familiar rival, they met in the pre-season and their star striker is none other than Claudio 'Piojo' López, the former Valencia striker who did such damage to Barça on so many occasions. Xavi knows how quick the Argentinian player can be. "He can break right through the defence with his speed. He made life impossible for us at Valencia and always scored against us."

If the Mexicans do turn out to be their opposition, Xavi Hernández believes the important thing will be holding onto possession of the ball. "They play as tight unit, and they have a very fast player up front who can cause a lot of danger. And they like to keep hold of the ball. If we play them, it will be a great game, particularly in terms of finding out who can win possession of the ball."

No worries about jet-lag

All the time changes could create problems, but Xavi does not think so, for after the World Club Cup, "luckily there will only be one more game to play before the Christmas break, and there will be plenty of time to get over any jet lag. And this only really affects us on the return journey. I am sure we will be able to rest and recharge the batteries."

30-11-2006, 08:51 PM	#49 (permalink)
Magical20 Banned Favourite Team: Fc Barcelona Magical20 is Offline Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Somewhere supporting the: "KEEP SAVIOLA" foundation...1639 Km From The Nou Posts: 2,710 vCash: 500 Rep: Rep Points: 406 Country:	Xavi: "The World Club Cup is a challenge" (30 Nov 2006) FC Barcelona can make history in ten days time at the World Club Cup in Japan. The club has never won the trophy before, which makes it what Xavi describes as a special challenge. The Dream Team tried it fourteen years ago, but it wasnt to be. Now Rijkaard and his new Barça team have the chance to proclaim themselves the best in the world. The World Clubs Cup is not just any old tournament, it is a title that the club has never won before, and for that reason it is something that the players are more motivated than ever to win: "It is a challenge" says Xavi. "We know the Dream Team missed out. Thinking that this is something the club has never won and that we could be the first to do it, that's something really exciting". The Dream Team miss out FC Barcelona only played this tournament, in its old format, once. That was in 1992 when the Dream Team lost to Sao Paulo. Says Xavi, "I remember the game against Sao Paulo, and Hristo's goal early on. It was looking good for Barça, but Sao Paulo did what they had to do. It was a shame that the Dream Team were unable to finish off the good work they did at Wembley". América and 'the Flea' FC Barcelona will start against the winner of the game between Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC of Korea and Club América of Mexico. The latter is a familiar rival, they met in the pre-season and their star striker is none other than Claudio 'Piojo' López, the former Valencia striker who did such damage to Barça on so many occasions. Xavi knows how quick the Argentinian player can be. "He can break right through the defence with his speed. He made life impossible for us at Valencia and always scored against us." If the Mexicans do turn out to be their opposition, Xavi Hernández believes the important thing will be holding onto possession of the ball. "They play as tight unit, and they have a very fast player up front who can cause a lot of danger. And they like to keep hold of the ball. If we play them, it will be a great game, particularly in terms of finding out who can win possession of the ball." No worries about jet-lag All the time changes could create problems, but Xavi does not think so, for after the World Club Cup, "luckily there will only be one more game to play before the Christmas break, and there will be plenty of time to get over any jet lag. And this only really affects us on the return journey. I am sure we will be able to rest and recharge the batteries."