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.
