Al Ain players celebrate a goal during the Fifa Club World Cup UAE 2018 semifinal match against River Plate.
Al Ain - Mamic was careful not to push players but was amazed by their intensity and never-die spirit
Published: Wed 19 Dec 2018, 8:40 PM
Updated: Wed 19 Dec 2018, 10:45 PM
Al Ain coach Zoran Mamic is over the moon following the 5-4 win over Copa Libertadores champions River Plate in the semifinal of the Fifa Club World Cup UAE 2018.
"This must be a great achievement for the UAE. This is the biggest result in the history of the country and Al Ain. I am proud to be part of this success. Last season, for the first time in our history we won the double (AGL and President's Cup). Now we are through to the final of the Club World Cup. For everyone, when we talk about sport, this must have been the greatest thing that has happened," Mamic said.
Al Ain not only scored early but dominated the proceedings. The 'Boss' were level in terms of attempts on goal against an attack with the likes of Lucas Pratto, Juan Quintero and Santos Borre.
"Before the match, I thought that I knew something about football. But now am not sure because three months back after the draw everyone said we have chance to play final against Real Madrid. The journalists here know better football than me," he quipped.
Mamic was careful not to push players but was amazed by their intensity and never-die spirit.
"I am very happy and proud. This is an incredible thing. This is hard on players as we played our fifth game in 15 days. I was scared the players will stop as it is really hard for them. We didn't want to risk too much. So, it's incredible what my players did. Their energy, love for football, spirit and support for each other is unbelievable."
Showing their intent, Al Ain players were back in training session on Wednesday morning. "We have four days for recovery and have to use it in best possible ways. It will be very hard for us but we showed that in football everything is possible, when you support and respect each other."
Al Ain's trajectory to the Club World Cup final is similar to that of Croatia in the Fifa World Cup 2018.
Croatia played two extra time and penalties (versus Denmark, Russia and England). But coach hoped there isn't a similar ending like Croatia losing the final to France. "I don't want to lose. But it has been an incredible year for Croatia. The country reached final, Luka Modric is selected as best in the world and Al Ain make great success with coach and staff from Croatia. There are 14 Croatian staff member in Al Ain," he noted.
Looking at the final, he said the players were determined to make the most of the opportunity. "I hope we can make dream come true," the coach added.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com
Loss to Al Ain a painful slap on the cheek: River coach
abu dhabi - Copa Libertadores champion River Plate came to the Fifa Club world Cup UAE 2018 with great expectations but crash landed into 'Wall of Al Ain'. Coach Marcelo Gallardo, devastated after penalty shootout loss, said the players were still in celebratory mood of Dec. 9 title victory over rivals Boca Juniors.
Gallardo noted the unexpected loss versus Al Ain was a painful slap on their faces. "We lost focus and couldn't play our normal game. We are in pain. It was a very strange match. We suffered an early goal but reacted quickly and equalised. In the second half, we returned into the game and controlled it. We could have finished the game but failed. We were coming here after celebrating our title and lost focus.
"This defeat teaches us a lot of things. We have received a slap on our cheeks. We will feel this pain even when we play the third place match on Saturday," Gallardo said. He noted that players had mental issues after being forced to play in Madrid following fan violence at home. "For those who don't understand our country and culture, there was lot of mental pressure when you play out of your country in Madrid. We had lot of mental issues but we were ready to play here (in UAE). There are no excuses. We didn't play with right determination. This loss is my failure and I take responsibility."
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com
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