GUANGZHOU, CHINA // Luiz Felipe Scolari has set his sights on the Fifa Club World Cup after Guangzhou Evergrande booked their place at next month’s tournament by clinching the Asian Champions League against Al Ahli.
The Chinese side became only the second Asian club to be crowned continental champions for a second time, defeating their Emirati opponents 1-0 on aggregate.
Following a goalless draw in the first leg in Dubai two weeks ago, Elkeson’s second-half goal proved decisive on Saturday in the return fixture at Guangzhou’s Tianhe Stadium.
Guangzhou, who won the title in 2013, now qualify for the Club World Cup, a competition that pits together the winners of football’s six different confederations, together with that year’s host country’s champions.
The December 10-20 event, taking place in Japan, represents the obvious progression for Scolari, who since joining in June has guided Guangzhou through a 23-match unbeaten run that has included a fifth consecutive Chinese league crown and a second Champions League success.
“My next target is actually the Club World Cup,” the Brazilian said. “And why not? Because I have such a great team, great players and a great club and so of course we can realise that dream. I will end my comment with a famous saying: ‘Yes, we can’. Of course, you know who said that.
[Guangzhou v Al Ahli — Asian Champions League final second leg as it happened]
“So I would like to thank my players because due to their contribution and their efforts I can enjoy this success. All of the players have helped me. But congratulations also to Al Ahli, because they have great quality.”
Scolari adds the Asian Champions League to the two Copa Libertadores he won previously, with Gremio and Palmeiras in 1995 and 1999 respectively, while in 2002 he led the Brazilian national team to World Cup glory.
However, the former Chelsea manager has needed to rebuild his reputation at Guangzhou following last summer’s finals, when a second stint with Brazil concluded with a humiliating 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany. Brazil were tournament hosts.
Asked if the Champions League atoned for the World Cup disappointment, Scolari said: “I’d like to summarise my answer in one sentence: the winners are those who will not give up.
“In life we have happy days and not so happy days, but tonight I have a wonderful night. For me, I’ve had a few great moments before but this tonight is extra special.”
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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