Mazembe have their work cut out against slick Internacional

Abu Dhabi: SC Internacional of Brazil start tonight's semi-final clash with Congo club TP Mazembe in the Fifa Club World Cup, fully aware that they have a mighty big reputation to protect.

While "The Crows" have already done well for themselves winning their quarter-final against Mexico's Pachuca to restore some self-pride as African Club champions, there is no doubt that they will be starting off as the underdogs in today's match at the Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium.

The African club take on a Brazilian side who have already won the Club World Cup title in 2006 and more importantly Brazilian clubs enjoy a 100 per cent success rate at this premier club championship.

Internacional coach Celso Roth, loaded with coaching experience with clubs in the region including the UAE, along with his squad have had a good look at Mazembe during their 1-0 win over Pachuca. In fact ever since Internacional emerged champion club of South America, Roth and his technical staff have done extensive study on their potential semi-final and final rivals.

Classy players

Fabian Indio and goalkeeper Brito Soares Renan are the only two members from the 2006 Club World Cup-winning Internacional team under then coach Abel Braga, who is now based here in Abu Dhabi with Al Jazira. Kleber, who won the Club World Cup with Corinthians in 2000 adds his experience as Roth will be depending on classy players such as defenders Claudinel Nei, Fabian Bolivar, Argentines Andres D. Allessandro and Pablo Guinazu and strikers Alecsandro Barbosa Felisbino and Rafael Sobis, both having played in Abu Dhabi.

While Sobis is the more popular here having played under Braga in Al Jazira, Al Wahda fans will be shocked to see Alecsandro being the spearhead of Internacional for whom he top scored with more than 50 goals last season.

However, Mazembe will look to ambush their superior rivals with the confidence of having already played here last year and in their win over Pachuca.

Goalkeeper Muteba Kidiaba and the defensive trio of Kimwaki, Kasulula and Nkulutuka have their work cut out as they miss Stoppila Sunzu, who will sit out tonight after receiving the red card in the quarter-finals.

Much will depend on skipper Mihayo Kazembe and the strike force of Given Singuluma, Mulota Kabangu and goal-getter against Pachuca Mbenza Bedi and their ability to penetrate a strong Internacional defence. Against Pachuca, Mazembe attacked and played aggressively earning four yellows and a red card but will have to maintain discipline against the artistic flair of the Brazilian club.

Around 4,000 Internacional fans are expected to match the Congo Club's band "Cent per Cent" with their traditional Samba beats while for the fans an entertaining encounter is on the cards.