If Auckland are the world's fourth best team, where does that leave Team Wellington, who pumped the Oceania champions 4-0 in their last game in New Zealand?
Pause for a moment to think about that. We in New Zealand have a collection of part-time footballers, who have taken time off from their day jobs, and convincingly beaten the best team in Africa, and knocked over the Moroccan champions on their own turf.
And we also have another amateur team tucked away in New Zealand capable of spanking them.
How can this be? Have we Kiwis become so overly critical of our own domestic football that we have become blinded by the talent we actually possess?
Do we have something going in New Zealand that we don't appreciate? Is the gulf between professional and amateur ranks narrowing? Or did Auckland just beat two crap teams?
The one explanation I will not accept is that it was a fluke.
Sunday's 1-0 win over ES Setif was the fourth time Auckland have won a game at the Club World Cup. Auckland belong at that level.
Even last year when they were knocked out in the opening game, it was because they conceded a goal in the 94th minute, against a team that went on to make the final.
And Auckland's success is not because they have assembled some sort of one-off dream team, or a genius coach either - though Tribulietx does deserve all the credit he is receiving for this year's effort, and he was also on board as an assistant in 2009.
In 2009 it was the tactical nous of Paul Posa, school teacher Chad Coombes and painter Jason Hayne who got the accolades. Last year it was Roy Krishna, pinched from cross-town rivals Waitakere United, and juice salesman Chris Bale.
In fact, the key constant across the four wins may have been 108-year-old midfielder Ivan Vicelich, a miracle of modern science.
Whatever the recipe, and whatever the secret herbs and spices may be at Kiwitea St, the bottom line is Auckland are doing something right. There is a collective marshalling of people and passions and the sum is always greater than their parts. Club chairman Ivan Vuksich - another constant - also deserves a good slice of the credit.
So could Auckland convert this success to professional ranks?
Then again, do they need to? Auckland will bring home at least $2.57 million from the Club World Cup this year (half of which goes to New Zealand Football and the other ASB Premiership franchises), but they will still turn a giant profit.
Perhaps it might inspire a few professional clubs out there to think about turning amateur.
But while ASB Premiership outfits such as Waibop United, Southern United, Hawkes Bay and Canterbury United have much to thank Auckland City for, could the reverse also be true? Have these entities done their own bit by lifting domestic standards enough to create a competitive edge that has primed the pump for Auckland City to create something really special?
That's probably spreading the credit a little too wide. But just as questions are always asked after sporting failure, we also need serious analysis after a huge success.
This year Tribulietx produced a tactical master class to earn Auckland millions. It won't be long before a professional club pick him up, and Auckland will be on the search for a successor. History suggests they will do just fine without him though.
As for this year's enduring footballing fairytale, does anyone remember Greece in the European Championships in 2004? A team of no names, who defended for their lives and won against all the odds.
Dare to dream. And look out Ronaldo.
Three thoughts:
Pine needs more airtime
It was great to hear Jason Pine commentating on Sky Sport last weekend during the Phoenix's ASB Premiership curtain raiser. Pine, the voice of football in this country, has long been our best commentator, and really should be calling all New Zealand's televised games.
Krishna continues to impress
The more we see of Roy Krishna at A-League level, the better he looks. What a shame Ricki Herbert couldn't spot his attacking talent when he trialled at the club four years ago.
Support with your support
It would be great to see all the Auckland football fans who have become enamoured by City's run at the Club World Cup get behind the team when they're back in New Zealand. Their talent is worth the short trip down to Kiwitea Street.
