Al Ain's ambition to qualify for the final faces the obstacle of irrigation battalions

Al Ain's ambition is to become the first UAE team to qualify for the final with South African River Plate, when they meet on Tuesday in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup.

In the second leg of the semifinals, European champions Real Madrid and Asia, Asia striker Kashima Antlers, will play in Abu Dhabi.

Al Ain raised the level of ambition to qualify for the final after a magnificent performance against Esperance in the quarterfinals on Saturday, which resulted in a severe defeat against the three African champions.

Al-Ain has qualified for the quarter-finals with difficulty after Oceanian champion Tim Wellington took 4-3 penalty shots (3-3 and overtime), but his team's goal was to make it to the final. broke his teeth in front of Esperance and achieved his best performances since the formation of Zoran Mamic in February. February 2017.

"The level of Al Ain (against Esperance) is the best since I took over the team two years ago," said Mamic after the quarterfinal. We did everything in football. "

"River Plate is one of the biggest clubs in the world, it has a great history, great players and its coach (Marcelo Gallardo) has a great year, but he has to respect the eyes. world that we can play good football, "he said. "We are proud of the work we have accomplished so far, but not at all.We want to represent the UAE and our clubs in the best possible way and participate in the final."

"Ready to compete"

River Plate is in a good mood after winning the Copa Libertadores at the expense of his compatriot Boca Juniors (2-2 in Buenos Aires and 3-1 in Madrid).

"There is no doubt that expectations are high, we have just made a great performance at the Libertadores Cup and we now have the opportunity to meet other continental champions," said Juan Cuaintero, River Plate's second goal in the second leg against Boca Juniors. And we are ready to compete. "

Esperance will also face the 5th and 6th CONCACAF players in Guadalajar, Mexico.

Esperance hopes a win offset by the failure of its match against Al Ain and at least fifth place.

Guadalajar lost 2-2 to Kashima Antlers in the quarterfinals.