ALEXANDRE PATO SCORES IN FIRST TRAINING MATCH
Data: 09/12/2006
Under a wind chill temperature near 0ºC, Inter trained in Tokyo on their second day of practice for Wednesday's FIFA Club World Cup semi-final match. In order to protect from the cold and rainy weather, the players wore gloves, caps and jackets.
Alexandre Pato stood out during the training match played at Nishigaoka Stadium (Reuters)
The 23 International players contesting the FIFA Club World Cup title endured a 6ºC temperature that was worsened by the wind chill. Like yesterday, the team were going to train full-time, but the afternoon practice was cancelled because some players were tired. Head coach Abel Braga conducted a 30-minute training match that the first team won 1-0 courtesy of a goal scored by Alexandre Pato. The striker dribbled keeper Clemer before sending it home. Clemer played with the reserves in order to face a tougher test. The first team had Renan, Ceará, Índio, Fabiano Eller and Hidalgo; Edinho, Wellington Monteiro, Fernandão and Alex; Alexandre Pato and Iarley.
Abel instructing the players (Reuters)
The Japanese weather at this time of the year is severe and resembles the coldest winter days in Rio Grande do Sul, when temperatures drop close to 0ºC. In 1987, for instance, FC Porto and Peñarol played the final match under snow. In spite of that, there is no snow forecast for this year's FIFA Club World Cup.
Fernandão leaps to head the ball: full-time training on Saturday (EFE)
"We will have a Samurai spirit with these masks," said midfielder Edinho. Goalkeeper Clemer was another player to show his good humour when talking about the accessory. "It protects well from the cold, we look like ninjas, like sugarcane cutters. I hope it brings the spirit of a Samurai. That player who comes up at the right time and scores a goal without the opposing keeper's noticing it."Striker
Alexandre Pato found the new accessory strange, but very necessary under the cold Japanese weather. "The cap is funny, but let's wear it because it helps cope with the temperature."
Abel looking at Fernandão (left) and Alexandre Pato during the training session in Tokyo (EFE)
As of Sunday, the team will train in the afternoon only, near the time of the day when they are going to play the competition matches. Inter will make their debut on Wednesday at 8.20 (Brasília time) in Tokyo against the winner of Al Ahly vs. Auckland City, who will face each other on Sunday at 8.20 (Brasília time) in Toyota. Head coach Abel Braga, assistant coach Robertinho, president Fernando Carvalho and football vice president Vitório Piffero are expected to see the match at the Toyota Stadium.