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Seedorf: It Was A Tough Game

Milan goal-hero Clarence Seedorf says that today’s Club World Cup semi-final victory over Urawa Red Diamonds was a tough match.


Many people expected the Rossoneri to breeze through to Sunday’s final against Boca Juniors with a comfortable win at Yokohama International Stadium, however they were made to work until the last minute by their opponents.



“It was a tough game as we expected,” Seedorf told Sky Sports News.



“We had some good chances and I had some good chances that I didn’t really finish well.



“But in the second half I scored the goal and we managed to win so it was very good.”

Ancelotti Happy To Be In The Final

Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti was happy to have reached the final of the Club World Cup following the victory over Urawa Reds.


Clarence Seedorf scored the only goal of the game with just over 20 minutes remaining, getting onto the end of a Kaka pass to fire past the ‘keeper.

“The objective of everyone was the final. With the game tonight we have reached it and now we must do everything to obtain the maximum,” said Ancelotti.

“Now let’s think to prepare for it in the best possible way and win it. We have prepared today’s game well, in a particular way. We are a little tired, but we shall bring out the necessary energies.”

Milan created a number of excellent chances in the game with Seedorf going close on a number of other occasions, and Andrea Pirlo hitting the crossbar with a free-kick, however Urawa Reds also crafted a few promising openings.

“It wasn’t an easy game because they tried to bring out their qualities. I expected that they could play like this, with drive, solid and trying to take advantage of the counter attack,” Carletto added.

“We tired them out, we waited for them to decrease their rhythm, then in the second half Kaka found the right space.”

Milan will meet Boca Juniors in Sunday’s final and Ancelotti is wary of their ability.

"It’s a very young team, but capable of great qualities, which have been masked in the first game, playing at low rhythms and without great accelerations," he concluded.

Galliani Hails Kaka After Diamonds Win

Milan Vice President Adriano Galliani has hailed Kaka as the “best in the world” after today’s clash with Urawa Red Diamonds.


The Rossoneri were made to work hard for their 1-0 victory and in the process booked their place in Sunday’s FIFA Club World Cup final against Boca Juniors.



Clarence Seedorf scored the only goal of the game after 68 minutes, with the outstanding Kaka providing the assist with a beautiful pass.



“Kaka had an extraordinary game, despite having a broken toe nail. He’s the best in the world,” Galliani beamed after the final whistle.

“I spoke to President Silvio Berlusconi and he was very happy with the result and the way the side played.”



Milan created a number of chances throughout the game, and Andrea Pirlo hit the bar with a free-kick, however their Japanese J-League opponents also had their moments.

“The players said that this was a very tough game against a home side playing the game of their lives,” Galliani continued.

“Now we face Boca and we are hoping that it will be just like when we met Liverpool in the Champions League Final last season after they had beaten us in 2005.”



Galliani was referring to the 2003 clash between the sides when Boca became club champions of the world by beating the Rossoneri on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

Goal.com