Mexican powerhouse Pachuca beat six-time African champions Al Ahly of Egypt 4-2 at the Club World Cup here on Saturday and are now focussed on claiming Manchester United's scalp.
Pachuca, reputed for their attacking football, went home gutted after their Club World Cup debut last year which saw them squander many chances in a 1-0 loss to Tunisia's Etoile Sahel, .
Pachuca now face South American champions Liga de Quito of Ecuador in the semi-finals while heavily favoured Manchester United are seeded in the other half of the draw.
Pachuca captain and goalkeeper Miguel Calero, a Colombian, said: “I pray we play well to reach the final and, if possible, go home with the important title.”
The Club World Cup, first organised in its current form in 2005, is an extension of the Intercontinental Cup contested by European and South American champion clubs. The other continents, however, have been also-rans so far.
The Pachuca coach had warned that his squad would use every bit of the pitch in attacking.
“We are excellent technically and handle the ball well. We are good at creating chances and putting them away,” he said.
The goal that was discounted at the beginning of the second half would have put Al Ahly 3-0. Bad call. But Pachuca was still the better team.
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