Doha: Mexico’s Pachuca and Brazil’s Botafogo are preparing for the much-anticipated Derby of the Americas showdown, which kicks off the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2024 tomorrow at Stadium 974.
Players of Mexico’s C F Pachuca take part in a training session in Doha. Pictures: Club Pachuca
The clash holds more than just the glittering silverware. The winner will advance to the FIFA Challenger Cup, where Egyptian heavyweights Al Ahly await on December 14. The ultimate prize is a spot in the grand finale of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup on December 18 – coinciding with Qatar National Day – against European giants Real Madrid at the iconic Lusail Stadium.
Pachuca, who secured their spot by winning the Concacaf Champions Cup 2024, landed in Doha on Saturday. Since then, the team, coached by Guillermo Almada, has been intensifying preparations with focused training sessions. Almada has described participating in the Intercontinental Cup as a “unique opportunity.”
“There are more than 10,000 teams globally and hundreds of thousands of players who dream of this stage. We are among the final five teams competing for this honor,” the Uruguayan coach remarked during the build-up to the match.
The coach also praised Qatar’s warm hospitality and top-notch arrangements. “We have been wonderfully welcomed – all of the organisation, the training setup, and the availability of the hotel staff,” Almada told FIFA.
When asked about the support his team expects, Almada said he is confident Pachuca’s fans will turn up in large numbers. “Yes, surely many are going to come. They are also going to take part in this Intercontinental Cup, which is a challenge for the club, for us, and undoubtedly for the fans. They are going to participate in great numbers in the match.”
Acknowledging the significance of potential encounters with Al Ahly and Real Madrid for the team’s development, Almada emphasised staying grounded, with all attention fixed on Botafogo.
“Our immediate focus is Botafogo. Looking beyond that would be unwise. They are a formidable side, boasting great players and exceptional technical quality. Brazilian football is a step or two ahead of the rest of the world. However, we will fight for our dreams with humility and determination,” Almada stated.
Botafogo's players depart for Doha. PIC: Botafogo F.R.
Botafogo, coached by Artur Jorge, earned their Intercontinental Cup berth after claiming their first Copa Libertadores title with a 3-1 triumph over fellow Brazilians Atletico Mineiro.
The Rio de Janeiro-based side is riding high on momentum, having clinched the Campeonato Brasileiro title on Sunday – their first league triumph in 29 years.
Meanwhile, Qatar once again stands ready to host another spectacular football showcase. Ticket sales for the three matches have seen overwhelming demand, with fans from Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan leading early sales, according to the Local Organizing Committee (LOC).
“Once again, Qatar is proud to host some of the world’s best clubs and football’s biggest stars. We look forward to welcoming fans from around the world to experience what will be an electric atmosphere in fantastic world-class venues,” Hassan Al Kuwari, Marketing, Commercial & Ceremonies Executive Director of the LOC had told media recently.
Football enthusiasts will get a chance to view the prestigious Intercontinental Cup trophy on Thursday, with the LOC organising a trophy tour at Place Vendome Mall from 6 to 10 pm.
Qatari referees among officials
The FIFA Referees Committee has appointed Qatari officials Abdulrahman Al Jassim and Taleb Salem Al Marri to officiate tomorrow's match. Al Jassim will serve as the fourth referee while Al Marri takes on the role of fifth referee (reserve assistant referee), continuing the presence of Qatari referees in major international tournaments.
