9 Dec 2008

Damage control goal for Waitakere at Club World Cup

6:28 am on 9 December 2008

While they should be safely back home by the time Manchester United arrive in Japan, New Zealand's Waitakere United insist they have "unfinished business" at the FIFA Club World Cup.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter will be hoping the west Auckland part-timers are not referring to their Christmas shopping after last year.

Last year Waitakere were two goals down to Iran's Sepahan five minutes into the opening game, stretching the competition's credibility to breaking point.

The Oceania champions eventually lost 3-1 but an improved second-half performance failed to avert an avalanche of questions directed at Blatter and FIFA about the aseven team tournament.

Waitakere play the A-League leaders Adelaide United on Thursday night.

Coach Chris Milicich says they're never going to win the tournament but captain Danny Hay says they've had a year of 'what ifs?' and regrets and to get back and get the chance to prove themselves is a massive incentive.

The favourites Manchester United are not involved until the second semi-final on December 18.