The Brazilian full-back reminisces on past glory in the competition while looking ahead to this year’s challenges
For Adriano Correia, the Club World Cup semi-final against Guangzhou Evergrande will be a very special match. Four years ago in the same competition, the Brazilian scored twice in the semi-final on the way to FC Barcelona’s 4-0 rout of Al-Sadd.
“For me, it is very special to be able to play in the Club World Cup. I have very good memories of that game (against Al-Sadd). It was very important for me and the team,” he told Barça TV.
The next game against the Asian Champions League winners will be especially significant to Adriano, who is well aware of some of their key men. A number of the full-backs compatriots feature in Guanhzhou’s side, from former Brazilian national team manager Luiz Felipe Scolari to ex-Real Madrid striker Robinho.
“He has won many titles and has lots of experience. His teams always give 100%,” he said of Scolari, while for Robinho, Adriano noted his attacking threat: “He has plenty of experience playing in competitions at this level. He is very dangerous and we have to be aware of his threat.
[[CITA_1]] “We arrive here with enthusiasm,” he expressed. “Many players in the squad have yet to win the Club World Cup, which is good. The rest of us (who have) want to do so again. We can end the year with another trophy, which is always important.”
In closing, Adriano is fully aware that the team need to perform “at our maximum” to claim the title. “People say that the Club World Cup is easier than European competitions, but we cannot be complacent.”