Soccer: Set play may just be ace up City's sleeve

David Mulligan. Photo / Getty Images

Only the brave would dare suggest Auckland City have any more than a starter's show in tonight's Club World Cup opener with J-League champions Kashiwa Reysol but if one thing might sway the odds slightly in the underdog's direction it could be their ability at set play.

The physical presence and height of central defenders Ivan Vicelich and Angel Berlanga bring on attack in front of goal, and the dead ball ability of David Mulligan and Manel Exposito, could be the ace up City's sleeve.

Coach Ramon Tribulietx has "been there, done that," at this level as Paul Posa's assistant in Abu Dhabi two years ago when the Oceania champions stunned local fans with their first-up win and their follow-up win over the African champions.

A product of Barcelona's footballing factory, Tribulietx is wary of making any predictions but says there seems to be a growing belief that the tournament outsiders are capable of giving the recently-crowned Japanese champions a decent run.

"But, to do that, we would have to produce our absolute top form," said Tribulietx ahead of his greatest coaching challenge.

"There is belief that we can actually win the game. Watching Kashiwa win the title we were impressed. They are a very good team - we know that - they are the J-League winners for a reason and this is the Fifa Club World Cup.

City's task may have become even harder with Tribulietx's opposite, Kashiwa Reysol coach Nelsinho Baptista, being named J-League coach of the year - a title won by Arsene Wenger, Ossie Ardiles and Dragan Stojkovic in the past.

Kashiwa's attacking midfielder Leandro Domingues also won J-League Player of the Year after scoring 15 goals in 30 league appearances.

Any thoughts that Auckland may face a complacent opponent were dispelled by the 61-year-old Nelsinho.

Nelsinho said going into the match against Auckland as champions gave Kashiwa a big psychological lift.

"Winning the Japanese title gives us added motivation. We've already achieved one of our targets with that success and now we want to win our upcoming matches," said Baptista.

Vicelich says the job ahead requires a special performance from Auckland if they hope to advance.

"It's going to be a tough task against the Japanese champions," said Vicelich. "We're a small amateur club and we're going to have to put in a big performance to get a result. We're facing a huge challenge."

CLUB WORLD CUP

* Auckland City v Kashiwa Reysol (Japan)
* Toyota Stadium, Toyota City
* Today 11.45pm (NZ time) live SS1.