Eto’o gunning for World Club glory

ABU DHABI - Samuel Eto’o says he is keen top make up for lost time as the Cameroon international targets a win in the FIFA Club World Cup which would complete his set of major club honours.

By (AFP)

Published: Mon 13 Dec 2010, 8:19 PM

Last updated: Mon 6 Apr 2015, 3:57 AM

Eto’o missed the 2006 event through injury while with Barcelona, whom he had helped to glory in the Champions League that year against Arsenal before starring in another Champions League success three years later at the expense of Manchester United.

Having won a third European crown last year as his new side Inter Milan cantered to an unprecedented treble under former coach Jose Mourinho, Eto’o is now keen to steer the Italians through Wednesday’s semi-final against Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma of South Korea.

Inter have endured a difficult period of transition since Rafael Benitez arrived from Liverpool to take up the baton from Mourinho.

The team had to settle for runner-up spot in their Champions League group behind debutants Tottenham following a 3-0 drubbing at Werder Bremen - meaning they must face a real heayweight rival in the last 16, while in Serie A they place only seventh, 13 points behind leaders AC Milan.

Even so, Benitez has made a priority of the Club World Cup and Eto’o, given his absence four years ago, likewise believes the kudos gained from winning the title is well worth aiming for.

“Weâ€™ve been thinking about the tournament ever since we won the UEFA Champions League final in Madrid. The pressure is there but thatâ€™s a positive thing because itâ€™s always great to take part in elite competitions,” the Cameroon star told FIFA.com.

Inter won the equivalent event back in 1964 and 1965 and Eto’o said completing the hattrick is a top objective.

“This club has a great history behind it and has already won lots of silverware. But it still needs to win a lot more because the number of trophies it has to its name doesnâ€™t reflect the size of the club. This team now has the opportunity to rewrite its history and make it even greater.”

Eto’o did play in the competition’s forerunner Intercontinental Cup as a youngster with Real Madrid 12 years ago but now feels that the time is ripe to go out and win a world title, although “I donâ€™t feel I have to set any record straight” given his trophy-laden career.

Acknowledging Inter’s status as favourites against their Korean rivals, Eto’o said: “We know it wonâ€™t be easy, especially because weâ€™re the favourites to win. We respect their strengths and what theyâ€™ve done to get here.”

Seongnam coach Shin Tae Yong told FIFA.com: “Internazionale are the best team in the world... It’d be an extremely proud moment for us and the whole of Asia if we were to qualify for the final.”

The other semi on Tuesday pits Brazil’s Internacional of Porto Alegre, who beat Barcelona in the 2006 showdown, against Tout Puissant Mazembe of Congo.

Mazembe may be the underdogs but are confident after beating Mexico’s Pachuca in their quarter-final.

With a strong attacking line comprising the likes of Alecsandro and Argentine Andres D’Alessandro the Brazilians will be expected to come through to a predicted final against Inter.

But coach Celso Rothy warns: “Mazembe have a competitive team and they will be difficult. They are tough but also have technical qualities.”

The Africans are already giving a good account of themselves as the club, whose name translates as “all-powerful” Mazembe, are the first black African side to make it to the last four.

“We are out to take our chances against Inter Porto Alegre,” insists coach Lamine N’Diaye. “It won’t be easy - this is the World Club Cup, facing champions from other Confederations, so there are no easy opponents.”

Fixtures:

Semi-finals: