By Alexandre Corrêa, in Japan

This Sunday morning in Brazil (evening in Tokyo) is special for all Colorados. Internacional comes onto the pitch to face FC Barcelona in the final of FIFA Club World Cup in Yokohama, Japan. It is the greatest honour any club may win. It will be a match-up between the world's two best teams in 2006.

Supporters hope Alexandre Pato scores in the FIFA Club World Cup final (Andrew Couldrige)

Internacional will face their greatest challenge ever on Sunday. In Yokohama, Japan, on the other side of the globe, approximately 20,000 kilometres away from the Beira-Rio, Abel Braga's South American Champions face FC Barcelona, the star-studded European Champions seen by the media as favourites. The Inter players want to overcome such favouritism and make history. In case of a win, Inter will be the third Brazilian side to win the FIFA Club World Cup, after Corinthians in 2000 and São Paulo FC in 2005.

Fernandão skippers the team that seek an unprecedented title in Yokohama, Japan (Andrew Couldrige)

Motivation among the Internacional squad is proportional to how big this challenge is. "It is a unique moment. Inter's jersey is my national team's jersey. And this is my World Cup," said skipper Fernandão, in which the supporters put their faith for the match. Coach Abel Braga is expected not to be able to count with full-back Martín Hidalgo, with a muscular injury ? Rubens Cardoso should substitute for him. In the other positions, the line-up that defeated Egypt's Al-Ahly in Wednesday's semi-final match is expected to be kept. On the occasion, Inter won 2-1, courtesy of goals by Alexandre Pato and Luiz Adriano.

In the semifinal, Luiz Adriano (left) and Alexnadre Pato (right) scored for Inter (Daniel Boucinha)

Against Barcelona's attacking prowess, Internacional will employ tight marking and use counter-attacking by taking advantage of their fast strikers. The Catalans may line-up Brazilian defensive midfielder Edmilson, recovered from a stomacache that prevented him from playing the semi-final against Club América.

Midfielder Edinho's Internacional will employ tight marking on the Catalans
 (Jefferson Bernardes/VIPCOMM)

For the second time in a row, Inter will play in white, as happened against Al-Ahly. The decision was taken in a meeting with FIFA. FC Barcelona, in turn, will wear their main blue-red kit.

Inter faithful will push the team forward in the final (Jefferson Bernardes/VIPCOMM)

The Spaniards should count on the majority of supporters in the stadium given their players' fame among the Japanese. But Inter will be cheered by their faithful supporters. Around 1,000 Colorados will be alongside many Japanese who took a fancy to Inter since the team's arrival. At the hotel where the delegation is staying in Yokohama, for instance, there has been a constant flow of Japanese fans to see Inter players. Every day, some 50 supporters would pack the hotel lobby to take pictures and get autographs from the footballers. Some know the names of all players and call them with their typical Asian accent.

Japanese fans took a fancy to the Colorado (Daniel Boucinha)

The match is expected to be watched by billions of spectators all over the world. It will be broadcast to 219 countries and territories. The tournament is an actual Club World Cup. The decision match will be played in Yokohama International Stadium, stage for the FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan 2002 final match, between Brazil and Germany. FIFA's infrastructure and attention follows the same standards used for the World Cup. It will be a great match. A great final with the world's two best teams in 2006.

Internacional: 1 - Clemer; 2 - Ceará, 3 - Índio, 4 - Fabiano Eller and 6 - Martín Hidalgo (15 - Rubens Cardoso); 8 - Edinho, 5 - Wellington Monteiro, 7 - Alex and 9 - Fernandão; 11 - Alexandre Pato and 10 - Iarley. Coach: Abel Braga.

FC Barcelona: 1 - Valdes; 11- Zambrotta, 4 - Márquez, 5 - Puyol and 12 - Van Bronckhorst; 15 - Edmilson (3 - Motta), 24 - Iniesta and 20 - Deco; 8 - Giuly, 7 - Gudjohnsen and 10 - Ronaldinho. Coach: Frank Rijkaard.

Kick-off time: 8.20 (Brasília time).
Venue: Yokohama National Stadium in Japan.
Referee: Carlos Batres (Guatemala), assisted by Carlos Pastrana (Honduras) and Leonel Leal (Costa Rica).