Talks about a potential meeting with Manchester United in the Club World Cup final will do Ahli no good in their quest to improve their 2006 third-place finish. Ahli fans should have realistic hopes in order not to put too much pressure on their team. In 2005, Ahli made their CWC debut and the supporters were eagerly waiting for a possible final clash against Liverpool. Some people even indulged in a debate over who will wear the red jersey, Ahli or Liverpool! But Ahli finished bottom of the six-team tournament after losing their first two games.
Nothing can be taken for granted in football The following year, when Ahli were under no pressure, they reached the semi final and lost to Brazil's Internacional after putting in a spirited display before eventually clinching the bronze medal. It is true that Ahli's remarkable Champions League triumph, their third in four years, set high expectations for the Red Devils in the CWC. However, fans must be aware that Ahli will be facing continental champions and that nothing can be taken for granted in football. People should not undermine teams like Mexico's Pachuca, who face Ahli in the tournament's opener on Saturday. Being ambitious is good, but so is being realistic.
