Abu Dhabi, January 29 / WAM / Mohamed Jamal, Al Jazeera midfielder, confirmed that his team is preparing with full force for the opening match of the Club World Cup on February 3 against AS Pirae of Tahiti.

He said: 'We will show the necessary respect to the opponent, and we will not pay attention to talk about the technical differences between the two teams,' expressing his confidence that large numbers of fans will be present in the stands of Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium during the tournament matches, which start on February 3 and continue until February 12.

Jamal said in press statements: 'The team's training in preparation for the Club World Cup has entered its final stages, and we are waiting for the return of the international players so that the squad is complete and we are fully ready for the opening match of the World Cup against AS Pirae.' He added: 'There is a lot of talk about the technical differences between the two teams, and about the absence of some influential players in the Tahitian team's lineup, but we do not pay any attention to such talk. We focus only on preparing in the best possible way for the match, and we will show the necessary respect to the opponent on the pitch, and we will maintain our concentration at the highest level from the start of the match until the end.'

He stressed that thinking about the quarterfinal match would be a grave mistake that could cost them elimination from the tournament, and that they have enough experience to avoid such mistakes. He noted that Pirae will come to the UAE with great ambition, and chances will always be equal for all teams. They must approach every match with the utmost seriousness and focus, and face all opponents with a fighting spirit.

Jamal predicted that the tournament matches would see a large attendance: 'The tournament brings together the best teams and continental champions from around the world, which will help expand the fan base eager to attend the matches. In addition, the successful and exemplary handling of the COVID-19 pandemic by the UAE, and the effective preventive measures implemented, will give fans and visiting delegations an added sense of reassurance, helping them come to the stadium and enjoy the matches and accompanying activities. The organizing committee has also done a great job in updating the host stadiums and promoting the tournament.'

He said: 'Al Jazeera fans do not need special invitations; they will come in large numbers because they know we always need their support, especially in this global tournament where we face continental champions and play matches over a short period. I am confident that club loyalties will disappear and fans from all UAE clubs will come to support Al Jazeera, which represents the UAE in the eyes of the world at the World Cup.'