Abu Dhabi: There is something about Romarinho and the Club World Cup. Be it with Brazilian Club Corinthians or the UAE’s Al Jazira, his appearances have reaped high dividends for his clubs.
With Corinthians, he figured in the semi-finals coming in the last quarter but it ensured they won against Egypt’s Al Ahly before going on to win the title beating Chelsea 1-0.
Five years down the line, he is an experienced pro and those 15 minutes with Corinthians en route to success has done wonders to his confidence. He is now an integral part of the Al Jazira set-up and his Midas touch has allowed the debutant club to a meteorical rise much to the astonishment of many at the showpiece event.
In the opening match against Oceania Football Confederation Champions Auckland City, he was instrumental in finding the lone match-winner and against the Asian Champions, Urawa Red Diamonds it was his pinpoint assist for Ali Mabkhout that allowed the latter to ensure the finishing touches.
“I’m very happy that we are making history with this win. It is like a dream for me and everyone around,” said a jubilant Romarinho after the stunning show for a semis berth, the best ever by a UAE club as a host entrant at the Club World Cup.
“I have adapted very well to Emirates. Unlike Corinthians, the pressure here from the fans is less. We are not used to big crowds but it also allows you to express yourself and I like it that way,” said Romarinho, whose team will be facing the Spanish power house Real Madrid next in the semi-finals.
Facing a team led by the recently crowned Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, under the statesmanship of legend Zinedine Zidane and with a beeline of the world’s best stars is more than a test of fire for Al Jazira but Romarinho is upbeat.
“It is a dream for anyone to play Real Madrid. We will have to draw inspiration from what we achieved in the first two matches. We all know Real Madrid is the best team in the World and when you play against them, more importantly, you need to enjoy. How we will go about it we will think later, as of now we also need to enjoy this victory against Urawa. If we all play the best possible football against Real, it will be great and then see what happens,” asserted Romarinho, who felt the performance so far has already put Jazira and the UAE on world map and its now about building on it for future.
“It is true that the entire team couldn’t imagine that being first time in the tournament we could make it to the semi-final and I believe none of our fans would have believed either,” said the 26-year-old, who is hungry for more and has set sight on winning some award with his fine run of form.
“I scored in the first match and again was involved in an assist. Hopefully, lot of people back home in Brazil would have watched me play. It would be nice to put up a good show against Real Madrid and win some award like the golden ball,” said Romarinho, who is also rooting for his Brazilian side Gremio to go all the way.
“I want our team Al Jazira to make it to the finals and win. But if we can’t, obviously I would back Gremio to win the title. I have a lot of friends in that team.”
