Auckland City coach Ramon Tribulietx believes the clash with the host nation’s club champions promises to be a tough one.
“We know our pathway now but the game with Raja Casablanca will be very difficult for a few reasons, so not much has changed after what has unfolded at the draw today,” he said.
Beyond the preliminary playoff is a potential quarter-final with CONCACAF champions Monterrey.
With the All Whites planning for a potential FIFA World Cup Intercontinental playoff with Mexico on November 13 and 20, the possibility of a New Zealand and Mexican club side facing off is a compelling one.’
The last time Auckland City faced a Mexican side they were soundly beaten by Atlante 3-0 in Abu Dhabi in 2009.
Despite the glitz and glamour around the draw, Tribulietx said the infrastructure and commitment of the local organising committee was first class.
“Morocco is an exciting country and they looked really committed to host a good FIFA Club World Cup tournament.
“It is a country that catches you quickly for its flair and history and it will be a great experience for Auckland City,” he said.
Following the official draw on Wednesday in Marrakech, one of the tournament’s two host cities, participating teams now know the names of the opponents that stand between them and the coveted trophy.
Gathered in the Grand Salon of the La Mamounia hotel, representatives of the five sides already qualified – the two remaining slots will be filled in November after the winners of the Asian and African Champions Leagues are determined – discovered the identity of their initial opposition, as well as the path that could lead them to a place in footballing history.
This is Auckland City’s fifth FIFA Club World Cup campaign with their best finish at the tournament a fifth place finish in Abu Dhabi back in 2009.
Forward Daniel Koprivcic is also in line for his fourth tournament with Auckland City, his sixth overall, having also represented Waitakere United in 2007 and 2008.Koprivcic’s achievement remains a tournament record.
Tribulietx returns to New Zealand after Auckland City’s two pre-season friendlies with a Fiji Select XI on Saturday and East Coast Bays on Sunday, both matches to be played at the Croatian Centre in McLeod Road in Henderson, kick-offs 3pm and 2pm, respectively.
EXTRA INFORMATION
FIFA Club World Cup Morocco 2013 – Draw
PRELIMINARY ROUND
Match 1: Raja Casablanca (MAR) v. Auckland City (NZL)
December 11, 2013
Agadir
Kick-off: 19h30 (local)
QUARTER-FINALS
Match 2: Winner of AFC Champions League v. Winner of CAF Champions League
December 14, 2013
Kick-off: 16h00
Agadir
Match 3: Winner of Match 1 v. Monterrey (MEX)
December 14, 2013
Kick-off: 19h30 (local)
Agadir
SEMI-FINAL
Match 4: Winner of 2 v FC Bayern Munich (GER)
December 17, 2013
Kick-off: 19h30
Agadir
5th PLACE PLAYOFF
Match 5: Loser of Match 2 v Loser Match 3
December 18, 2013
Kick-off: 16h30 (local)
Marrakech
SEMI-FINAL
Match 6: Winner of Match 3 v. Atletico Mineiro (BRA)
December 18, 2013
Kick-off: 19h30 (local)
THIRD PLACE PLAYOFF
Match 7: Loser of Match 4 v Loser of Match 6
December 21, 20143
Kick-off: 16h30 (local)
FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP FINAL
Match 8: Winner of Match 4 v Winner of Match 6
December 21, 2013
Kick-off: 19h30 (local)

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