The Raja Casablanca vs Atletico Mineiro FIFA Club World Cup Semifinal will take place this Wednesday, December 18, 2013 (11:30 AM Pacific) at the Marrakesh Stadium. The local Moroccan side is looking to make history by defeating the Brazilian squad and earning a berth to the FIFA Club World Cup Final against Bayern Munich.
Raja Casablanca earned a spot as the host of the Club World Cup by winning the 2012/13 Moroccan league championship. The Moroccan squad has won 11 league titles in its history, and is considered to be the most followed team in the North African nation.
Casablanca started off the tournament in the playoff quarterfinals, facing Oceania’s champion, Auckland City from New Zealand. The home side defeated Auckland City 2-1, and earned a spot in the quarterfinals against CONCACAF Champions Monterrey of Mexico. In that match, Casablanca completed the upset by defeating the Mexican side 2-1, in a match that had to be decided in overtime.
Now, the host team will face off against the South American champions, Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro. Mineiro brought forth their best side, composed of highly skilled players like Ronaldinho, Jo, Diego Tardelli, and Fernandinho. This will be the Brazilian’s side first match of the tournament, however, they have been training in Morocco for over a week, taking the tournament with the utmost respect.
Raja Casablanca vs Atletico Mineiro Prediction
Atletico Mineiro are big favorites to win this match, they have several talented players that possess the individual talent to make a difference. However, they will be facing the host team in a stadium that will be packed with fans supporting Casablanca. Atletico Mineiro is no novice to facing tough crowds though, all throughout the Copa Libertadores, Mineiro faced intense South American crowds. A hostile atmosphere at the Marrakesh Stadium should be nothing new for the Brazilian side.
Although Casablanca have the advantage of a friendly crowd, I simply don’t see the Moroccan side beating the talented Atletico Mineiro. Casablanca has already won two games in this tournament, but their playing level was extremely limited. Casablanca defeated Monterrey because they had more heart (and Monterrey looked awful), not because of talent. I believe the host’s Cinderella run will end against Atletico Mineiro. Mineiro will win by a score of 3-1.
Raja Casablanca vs Atletico Mineiro Television
The match will be televised on Fox Deportes and Fox Sports 1 at 11:30 AM.
Raja Casablanca vs Atletico Mineiro Highlights
Match highlights will be available as soon as the match ends.
