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Gamba all set to take on Manchester United |
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By: AFP |
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Date:
2008-12-18 |
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Place: YOKOHAMA |
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Gamba Osaka's Brazilian striker Lucas during the practice sessions on the eve of their FIFA Club World Cup semi-final in Yokohama, Japan yesterday. pics/ap, afp | Japanese club ready to go all out against Man U in today's World Club Cup semi-final
A defiant Gamba Osaka insist they are not afraid of Manchester United, but the Japanese team face a daunting task against the European champions in their FIFA Club World Cup semi-final today.
Biggest games
It will be one of the biggest games in Gamba's history and captain Satoshi Yamaguchi believes they have what it takes to tame the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Rooney, should he play.
"We have nothing to lose and we'll go all out," he said.
"We don't want to be thinking after the match that we should have done this and that. We'll play to win."
Having watched Gamba's previous match on DVD, United boss Alex Ferguson pinpointed Endo and Brazilian striker Lucas as the dangermen. "He is their star player," the Scot said of Endo. "Not only did he score the decisive goal, he was influential in terms of ball possession too.
"He actually changed his position from where he normally plays behind the centre forward after they lost two players in the first 18 minutes. And it worked very well. Their Brazilian centre forward (Lucas) is also very good. He has quick feet and, unusually for a Brazilian, he is tall."
Utd at full strength
Ferguson would not be drawn on his starting 11 but said veterans Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs would all play. "They have played a lot of big games and their experience will be vital," he said, adding that Ronaldo was also a definite starter.
Though United are eager to win, Ferguson is aware that Japanese football has improved in recent years. "I've experienced playing in Japan before. We played Urawa Reds twice and they were a very difficult opposition," he said.
Gamba coach Akira Nishino suggested an upset was not just a dream. "Ferguson may be Ferguson, but I like to think he's human too. The same goes for Manchester United and Gamba. We will face them without fear." |
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