FC Barcelona are in Japan for the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup. They face Guangzhou Evergrande in the Semi-Final where the winner will face River Plate in the Final.
Barça continue to be presented with the opportunity to make history. Their reward for winning the Champions League is a trip to Japan for the FIFA Club World Cup. This is their fourth participation in this event and they could become the first club to win this award thrice. Barça’s first participation back in 2006 ended in disappointment when they lost to Brazilian club Internacional 1-0 in Japan.
Barça though were successful in their second attempt when they defeated Argentinean club Estudiantes 2-1 in extra time in UAE which capped their magnificent run of a “sextuple” in 2009. Their third participation was in 2011, back in Japan, which saw the Blaugrana clobber Brazilian side Santos, featuring Neymar, in an impressive 4-0 victory. Both victories came during Pep Guardiola’s time as manager.
Luis Enrique is now presented with the opportunity to help Barça become the first side to win this tournament three times. Barça will first have to defeat AFC Champions League winners, Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande who are managed by former Brazil manager Felipe Scolari. A win ensures a fourth final for the Blaugrana where they will face Copa Libertadores champions, Argentinian club River Plate.
Just two games for Barça to end 2015 with another trophy. This week will afford them the opportunity to do so against uncommon foes. Here’s hoping they return from Japan with success and not disappointment.
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