Luis Saurez Takes Center Stage at FIFA Club World Cup

Luis Saurez unexpectedly found himself taking center stage at the Club World Cup in Japan. The absence of both Lionel Messi and Neymar leaves Luis Saurez leading the line at the Club World Cup. The availability of both Messi and Neymar for final on Sunday is still in doubt and that means Luis Saurez may have to alone lead the attack. The other strike options available currently in Barca Club World Cup squad doesn't inspire confidence. Both Munir and Sandro may have great futures ahead of them but lately they both, especially Munir has been specialising in missing open chances more than anything. Even without Messi and Neymar, Barcelona is still the favourite to win the title as per the form ('it's a bet based on the team's form')

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FC Barcelona Crowned World Club Champions 2011, FC Barcelona - 4, Santos FC - 0

FC Barcelona were crowned the 2011 World Club Champions following a brilliant 4-0 victory against South American Champions Santos. The battle between the Champiosn of Europe and Champiosn of South America were a mismatch with Barca controlling the proceedings for the majority of match. First half goals from Messi, Xavi and Fabregas put Santos out of the final, Messi completed the tally with another goal in the second half. This is Guardiola's 13th cup victory as the FC Barcelona first team manager, all coming in four seasons. Barcelona have now won three titles this season - UEFA Super Cup, La Liga Super Cup and World Club Championship. With Villa out with injury and Sanchez also unavailable due to a knock, Guardiola went in for a revamped formation. The defense had Alves, Pique, Puyol and Abidal. The midfield had Iniesta, Xavi and Busquets. Thiago, Cesc and Messi made the attacking trio. The presence of 5 midfielders made it very clear that the formation of choice was the 3-4-3.

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Barca wins, but Loses David Villa; FC Barcelona - 4, Al Sadd - 0

FC Barcelona booked a place in the final of this year's World Club Championship final against Santos courtesy of an easy 4-0 drubbing of Qatari Club Al Sadd. It was a mismatch from the beginning and the only question was by what margin FC Barcelona will emerge victorious. But the match didn't end up so well for us, with David Villa being substituted midway due to injury. The club has confirmed that the player has suffered a fracture to tibia in the left leg. That could see him out for almost 12 weeks. Coming back to the match Adriano scored twice in the first half and Keita and Maxwell scored in the second half to complete the tally. The final will be held on Sunday.

Third Time Lucky For Barca; Barca - 2, Estudiantes - 1

FC Barcelona won the 2009 World Club Cup by defeating South American Champions, Estudiantes by two goals to one. Estudiantes went ahead in the first half through Bosselli's goal, Barca left it late to grab an equaliser. Actually the equaliser came in the 88th minute from Pedro's header and Lionel Messi scored a rather beautiful goal with his chest in the second half of second half, to gift Barca their first triump at World stage. With this triump, Barca have won six trophies in 2009. Estudiantes might have been hard done for a momentary lapse of cocentration late in the second half, but Barca were the best team overall. With Iniesta absent Guardiola chose a midfield which had Xavi and Keita along with Busquets.Busquets was preferred Bosellionce again ahead of Toure but overall Toure had greater authority on the match than Guardiola's favourite. Messi, Ibrahmovic and Henry lined up in the offence. The defense had the familiar look with Alves, Puyol, Pique and Abidal lining up together.

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FC Barcelona -3, Atlante -1

FC Barcelona booked their place in the finals of 2009 World Club Cup by beating CONCAAF Champions Atlante 3-1. Barca went down a goal down as early in the fifth minute but strikes from busquest, Messi and Pedro helped Barca to a more than comfortable win. We will now meet South American Champions Estudiantes in the final. The early goal came from a mistake from our defense otherwise we had near perfect control of the game. Pedro while helping Barca win the game recorded history by becoming the first man to score in six different competition in a year. Messi was declared fit prior to the match and he was called upon to win the match for Barca. Guardiola went for a rather defensive midfield in the shape of Toure, Busquets and Xavi. Toure was playing in the role of a attacking midfielder while his usual role of defensive midfielder was done by Busquets. I never understood the logic behind that decision. Toure is a more solid player in defensive midfielder role than Busquets , why you want to take him from his best position. The attacking trio was made up of Ibra, Iniesta and Pedro. The defense had Marquez, Puyol, Alves and Abidal infront of Valdes.

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World Club Championship Preview

FC Barcelona would be looking to win a trophy which has eluded them two tinmes in the past in the World Club Championship in Abu Dhabi. If they manage to do the same then it will be their sixth trophy in a fantastic year. Guardiiola has already highlighted the capturing of this eluding Championship as a priority for Barca. The team has already left for Abu Dhabi and will have their first training session on monday. By courtsey of being the Champions of Europe Barca will have to start their campaign from the semi-final stage. The South American champions also are given the same advantage in the Championship. Most of the time the final comes down to a clash between the best of Europe and South America. Europe with their enormous talent on display is expected to win each of these, but surprisingly the South Americans always had the upper hand.

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