Pohang Steelers coach sets sights on Fifa Club title after Tokyo win

Dubai: Pohang Steelers coach Sergio Farias is targeting next month's Fifa Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi after his side qualified for the tournament late on Saturday night following their AFC Champions League triumph in Tokyo.

The Koreans beat Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad 2-1 in a pulsating final in the Japanese capital which brought them their third continental title, making them the most successful club in Asian football.

Pohang were crowned champions in 1997 and 1998 when the tournament was known as the Asian Club Championship, and now Brazilian Farias is hoping to take the club's achievements to even greater heights by dazzling at the Fifa event that will be hosted in the UAE capital between December 9 and 19.

In Abu Dhabi, Farias' men will be joined by Spanish heavyweights Barcelona, the European champions, and Estudiantes, winners of the Copa Libertadores. UAE champions Al Ahli, CONCACAF winners Atlante FC and Auckland City, representing Oceania, are also in the mix. TP Mazembe Englebert. winners of the African Champions League final, are the remaining team.

Farias' side are also in the hunt for this season's K-League title and he said: "For sure, it is a dream for every club to take part in the Club World Cup, especially for us.

"We know our team's potential. I cannot say how far we can reach, but we will do our best. We are going to aim for our second league victory [since he became coach]. We know what we must do in our preparation for the Club World Cup."

Two spectacular second-half goals — one from No Byung Jun, off a free-kick, and Kim Hyung Il's brilliant header — gave Pohang a commanding 2-0 lead and despite a resurgent effort from Ittihad, who struck the horizontal once through Amine Chermiti's header and pulled one back through captain Mohammed Noor's right-footed volley, the Koreans held on for a well-deserved victory.

Farias said "Korean football is evolving" and that K-League clubs often try and establish a blend of football that is both attractive and effective.