Asian aggression versus African flair

Abu Dhabi: Asian club champions Pohang Steelers are planning to pursue an aggressive approach to tackle the speed and skill of African champions TP Mazembe in what promises to be a close contest at the Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium Friday night.

The Steelers, who are expected to garner a lot of support tonight, come in with a strong reputation and their Brazilian duo of coach Sergio Farias and star striker Denilson, who has had a long stint here in the UAE league, sounded confident just before their final training session.

Motivated

"This event is very important in terms of advertisement for our game, our club as well as for South Korea. We have a full squad to select from and the boys are highly motivated," said Farias, who has seen the club achieve a lot of success.

"We have a fair knowledge of TP Mazembe and I have passed it on to the players. We know they are very fast and we are aware that they will play an attacking game.

"But we have come well prepared with a bunch of young as well as a good number of experienced players. I am confident that we will make it to the next stage."

Denilson, who scored seven goals in helping Pohang Steelers win the AFC Champions League title, said: "I am pleased to be back here in the UAE. I have some strong memories here and surely expect to win tomorrow.

"After winning I am looking forward to a semifinal with Estudiantes La Plata like every Brazilian does against an Argentinean team."

Coached by Frenchman Diego Garzitto, TP Mazembe have regained African club supremacy after a gap of 40 years and are now keen to consolidate further.

Leading their attack is Mabi Mputu, who has played a key role in the success of TP Mazembe and the DR Congo national side this year.

The attacking midfielder — who is tipped to be picked up by one of the European clubs sooner than later — can single-handedly change the course of a game and the Korean defence will have their task cut out for them.

"We've watched videos of several of Pohang's games and some of my friends in Asia have given me advice. I know they've got some excellent players and Denilson on the right wing stands out," Garzitto told fifa.com.

Mputu and his team will be hoping for some strong support from the African expatriates based here as they rely on their attacking flair to deal a blow to the Asian champions in tonight's clash.

Today's match

Quarterfinals: TP Mazembe vs Pohang Steelers FC

Venue: Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium

Kick-off: 8pm UAE.