By Alexandre Corrêa, in Japan
Photographs by Daniel Boucinha

From Japan, skipper Fernandão calls on the Colorado fans all over the world. ?Believe in us. With your energy, our chances become much greater,? said the team captain on Friday during a press conference with Brazilian journalists at Sheraton Bay Hotel, in Yokohama.

Fernandão is confident about the competition

The easy win and the beautiful game shown by Barcelona against Club América in the semi-final played on Thursday have not shaken the players' confidence in winning the title. Everyone knows the Catalans are the favourites, due to quality of their squad and individual players, but the Colorados are ready to surprise them on the pitch. ?During the Libertadores, nobody put much faith in us, but we did win. We are ready. A team who win the Libertadores can win the Club World Cup,? said defensive midfielder Edinho.

The players watched the Barcelona match almost in full after their Thursday afternoon training session. Now they are pondering what the best way would be to beat the Catalan rivals. ?We have to do our best in everything on Sunday ? focusing, marking, working. Barcelona are a great team, the favourites, but we can beat them. We need to be organised in all parts of the field,? commented midfielder Alex.

Alex (left) and Fernandão together as Inter prepare to face Barcelona in the Club World Cup final

According to skipper Fernandão, Inter must not defend only. The secret is not to allow space, mark the opposition in the attack and try to capitalise on counter-attacking. ?Generally the team facing Barcelona are stuck in the defence. We must not do the same thing. We must not allow space especially to two players, Deco and Ronaldinho,? analysed the offensive midfielder.

The starting eleven may be different from the line-up who entered the field against Al-Ahly, as Peruvian Martín Hidalgo is injured. Therefore, Rubens Cardoso may substitute for him, but Alex might also take on the full-back role as Vargas joins the midfield. ?The player who comes to the Club World Cup has to be prepared. Everyone who came here is prepared. Take a look at Luiz Adriano. He entered and decided the match against Al Ahly,? said centre-back Fabiano Eller.

Interview mobilises journalists at the hotel where Internacional's delegation are staying in Yokohama

Eller gave his opinion about some Barcelona players having claimed not to know much about the Colorados. ?They have Brazilians who certainly know what it is like to face a Brazilian team, with our drive,? Concerning the historical moment, Alex showed confidence. ?We want to show the whole world who Internacional are. The opportunity could not have been better, facing a team like Barcelona.?

The squad's motivation was summed up by Fernandão. ?Inter's jersey is my national team's jersey. I have never had the opportunity of playing a World Cup. This is my World Cup.? To wrap things up, Fernandão sent a message to the Colorados all over the world. ?Believe in us. Regardless of what happens during the match, keep believing. It was your faith in us during the Libertadores that gave us this incredible energy on the pitch. If we have this energy back, our chances will be much greater.?