8 Dec 2011

Sport: Auckland City vonfident ahead of Club World Cup opener

11:24 am on 8 December 2011

Oceania football champions Auckland City believe an upset is possible in Thursday night's FIFA Club World Cup play-off match against Japanese champions Kashiwa Reysol in Nagoya.

Two years ago in Abu Dhabi, Auckland stunned both home side Al Ahli and African champions TP Mazembe on their way to finishing fifth.

Coach Ramon Tribulietx says they've shown the players some videos of Kashiwa in action and talked about a few things they can do to expolit them.

Now making their third appearance in the competition, Tribulietx is keen for the underdogs to once again rise to the occasion.

He says they know the Japanese are a very good side, but there is belief that they can actually win the game.

Kashiwa Reysol coach Nelsinho says his side won't be taking Auckland's collection of part-timers lightly and warned Reysol possessed the weaponry to hurt bigger sides.