"We are aware of the significance of finishing in third place. We want to go into the game with a strong will to win as it's a very important match for us," he said.
Also at stake is even more prize money - another $640,000 USD to add to the Navy Blues already impressive $2,000,000 USD prize pool they will share with New Zealand Football and their fellow ASB Premiership clubs.
That, alongside the potential of winning an historic first ever bronze medal at a FIFA world event by an Oceania side in the post-Australia era, are not the priorities according to coach Ramon Tribulietx who says its vital his team remain process focussed.
"The third place match is our next step. No one expected us to win the first game, or the second game, and push San Lorenzo to the limit. For a club like us, that's unbelievable.
"No one expected that to happen, and its happened because a lot of people have put a lot of effort into it. From the coaching staff, to the club, and especially the players.
"Hopefully we have gained some reputation from this tournament. New Zealand is a rugby country but that does not mean we are not prepared to come over here to compete at football's Club World Cup.
"If we didn't prepare for a FIFA Club World Cup we would be mad, I said that last year. We prepared as well as we could, tactically, physically, making sure that we learn everything about our opponents.
"I hope that our reputation grows up now and we gain some respect from the world of football," he said.
The third place match is the curtain raiser to the FIFA Club World Cup Final between Real Madrid and San Lorenzo, a match Auckland City FC came so agonisingly close to qualifying for just three days ago.
Auckland City FC will be without the services of outstanding defender Angel Berlanga, who after picking up his second yellow card of the competition against San Lorenzo, is suspended.
Midfielder Daewook Kim trained at full capacity and now looks available for selection while striker Joao Moreira continues rehabilitation from his leg break.
