The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Fifa Club World Cup UAE 2017 has announced that all preparations for the tournament are complete ahead of kick-off today (December 6) in the 'Garden City' of Al Ain.

UAE's Pride of Abu Dhabi, Al Jazira, is set to take on Fifa Club World Cup veterans, Auckland City FC, as they descend on the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium for their record breaking ninth appearance in the tournament.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for the club, players and for the UAE," said Al Jazira coach, Henk ten Cate. "We aim to make everyone proud of the team. We hope to have a lot of support, not only from Al Jazira fans, but from every football fan in the country. We are not only playing for Al Jazira but for the UAE so we would love to see fans come down to this big game."

Spectators will have the exciting opportunity to watch their football heroes, such as Al Jazira's star striker, Ali Mabkhout. The goal-machine could prove to be instrumental to his side's quest to progress to the Fifa Club World Cup UAE 2017 quarter-finals.

Joining Mabkhout on the pitch is Brazilian striker and Fifa Club World Cup winner, Romarinho, who is confident that Al Jazira can kick-off the tournament on a winning note.

"The team is ready and there is no reason as to why we shouldn't progress to the second round," said Romarinho. "I believe that Al Jazira can put on a great performance tonight and beat Auckland City. Nothing is impossible in this tournament!"

In the next ten days the UAE capital will welcome some of the world's most talented football players as they take to the pitch to play eight pivotal matches. Joining Al Jazira and Auckland City FC at the Fifa Club World Cup UAE 2017 are the most decorated side in European football, the iconic all-whites of Real Madrid and their superstar-strewn squad including the recently crowned Fifa Player of the Year, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Real will join Concacaf Champions League winners, C.F Pachuca from Mexico, who will face Wydad Athletic Club on December 9 at 17:00 at Abu Dhabi's Zayed Sports City Stadium. The winners of this match will go on to play CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores champions, Gremio in the first semi-final on December 12 in Al Ain.

“We are delighted to welcome seven continental champions to the UAE for what will be a marvellous celebration of football,” commented His Excellency, Aref Hamed Al Awani, tournament director of the LOC.

“Each team has a significant role to play in the tournament and we wish each and every team and player the best of luck for their matches ahead,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service