When Bayern face Moroccan champions Raja Casablanca in the FIFA Club World Cup final on Saturday evening, the Bavarians will be chasing the title of best club in the world for the third time. Back in 1976 Germany’s biggest club defeated Brazilian cracks Cruzeiro Belo Horizonte in a two legged final by a 2–0 aggregate score. And in 2001 Munich defeated Boca Juniors from Buenos Aires 1–0 in Tokyo thanks to an extra-time goal from Sammy Kuffour (pictured). Coach Pep Guardiola is also aiming for a third success in the tournament after leading Barcelona to the trophy in 2009 and 2011.
Brazilian ref Ricci to take charge
The referee for Saturday evening’s FIFA Club World Cup final between FC Bayern and Raja Casablanca is 39-year-old Sandro Ricci. The Brazilian has been a FIFA referee since 2011 and is a candidate for the World Cup in his home country next summer. Ricci will be assisted by fellow countrymen Emerson de Carvalho and Marcelo van Gasse. The fourth official is Mark Geiger (USA).
Quote of the day
“That’s not really anything special in Austria. I mean, football there... but he’s not bad, let’s be clear about this.“
(Bayern captain Philipp Lahm on Friday in Marrakech, poking gentle fun at David Alaba being named Austrian Player of the Year for the third time. Alaba is “a sensational player for his age,” Lahm later stated).
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