14.12.2006 16:07
The Barca players are delighted by their display of superiority against America but have avoided the favourites tag for the final against Internacional Porto Alegre.
Despite the 4-0 result and the excellent all-round performance by the team, the players are staying cautious ahead of Sunday's final against Internacional and emphasised to reporters after Thursday's match that America had been tricky opponents. They stressed that it was only after the third goal, scored by Ronaldinho, that they were able to breathe more easily.
Rafael Márquez
"The main thing was to win and we took our chances".
"I've dedicated the goal to my children."
"America wasn't the same team as on the pre-season tour but then neither were we. However, we
focussed more on ourselves than on the rival".
Xavi Hernández
"With the scoreboard at 3-0, we concentrated on passing the
ball around more but in the first half we found it hard because they were also passing the ball
well and their counterattack was very dangerous".
"I enjoyed myself a lot playing football for the time I was on."
Ronaldinho
"We've started very well and we're very happy. The final will be hard. Internacional are a very
tough team, a very strong team. We have to play the game to enjoy ourselves".
"It wasn't an easy match. It was complicated, with a lot of difficulties against a well
positioned team".
"Every time I come to Japan they treat me really well and I'm very happy about this".
"There's no pressure on us for Sunday's final because we're not the favourites. Internacional
are a great team with one of the best fitness coaches in the world. Because of all of this, we have
to go out and enjoy the final".
Víctor Valdés
"The aim is to win the World Club Cup but first comes the
semi-final. We're taking it a game at a time".
"We're feeling better day by day and overcoming the jet lag. We'll be even better for the
final. What we have to do now is analyse the next opponent, Internacional".
"It was a match with a lot of short passing. We were well set out on the pitch and so we
didn't have to make a very big effort".
Carles Puyol
"Jet lag has an effect but the main thing is that we had a good match. Scoring early on calmed
us down".
"We can't control what other people say, but in the dressing room we know that the next match
will be difficult".
Andrés Iniesta
"Winning this title motivates us. If you don't do what's needed it's difficult but things went
well for us and we dominated".
"We have to win on Sunday or it's all been for nothing."
"We know it'll be difficult because we're up against a very good team. It's the kind of final
you don't play every day. It's a challenge and we'll try and achieve it".