Tokyo-Ahmed Abd-Rabou: Ahli coach Manuel Jose said that his team could come out on top in the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup semi-final clash against Internacional of Brazil on Wednesday. The Portuguese manager said that Ahli have nothing to prove, unlike Copa Libertadores champions Internacional. "We improved on our standing from last year, which was our goal from the beginning," Jose told a pre-game press conference in Tokyo on Tuesday. "But Internacional, on the other hand, have a lot to lose, which could turn out to be in my team's favor." Jose said he is happy that Ahli will face Internacional rather than European champions Barcelona in the semi-final. "My players would have been preoccupied had they been drawn to face Barcelona now. "It would be better to face them in the final," said a confident Jose. The Ahli tactician seemed to have done his homework ahead of Wednesday's crucial game. "We will play our regular game, but with a bit more emphasis on defense and operating on the break. I'll probably make some changes to the starting lineup too," he said. Despite his coolness, Jose insisted it wouldn't be easy to get past the South American champions. "Internacional are a very dangerous and the have a strong front line," said Jose. "Their players are also very fast and good on counter attacks, but I studied their style of play very well and gave my players specific instructions on how to deal with their opponents."
Ahli players celebrating a goal against Auckland City Brazilian reporters asked Jose if his team will be the tournament's 'Zebras' and reach the final, in reference to Ahli being the 'Dark Horse'. "Yes, I hope we will be the zebras, because we have nothing to lose," said a smiling Jose. Jose was also hopeful his team could put an end to the unbeaten CWC run that Brazilian teams enjoyed since the tournament was inaugurated. "There is always a first time, and maybe we will be the first to beat a Brazilian team. "I told my players to forget all the pressure, we did what we have to do here in Japan and anything else would be a step forward. "You can't compare African football to that in Europe or South America, so there is nothing to be tense about," he added. Ahli improved on their last place finish from last year when they beat Auckland City FC of New Zealand on Sunday. The African champions got off to a slow start but recovered with two second-half goals from Flavio Amado and Mohamed Abou-Treika. "I expected that slow start because Auckland are an inexperienced team who had nothing to lose so they resorted to defending all game." But Jose insisted Ahli will not imitate the Oceania champions when they face Internacional. "Even though the situation is relatively similar, Ahli have a better chance of beating Internacional than Auckland beating Ahli," he said.
