"We can achieve something special" - Darren White

Words: ACFC Media

Monday 4 December 2017

Picture: Phototek

AL AIN, UAE - Darren White believes Auckland City FC can achieve something special at the FIFA Club World Cup in UAE.

The 28-year-old right back joined the Navy Blues almost five years ago in a glittering career with the Kiwi giants that has seen him pick off 12 major honours.

The high point for White was the bronze medal win in Morocco three years ago and last January's Nike Lunar New Year Cup victory in Hong Kong that saw the Navy Blues knock over K-League champions Seoul FC 1-0.

But as White reflects on a period of his sporting life where winning has been as regular as drawing breath he says Auckland City FC still have more history to write.

"We've got a lot of players that have big game experience. We have seven or more players who have played over 100 games for the club now and that stands us in really good stead for the game coming up.

"The youngsters coming through are capable of playing a really good style of football and gelled well with the older players. We believe this team has a really good chance of doing something special.

"The game we had the other night with Al Ittihad was very tough after coming off a 17-hour flight.

"You could tell the boys were a little bit fatigued and that reflected in the way we played but overall we delivered a good performance.

"We exploited Al Ittihad in the right areas at times but we lacked a little bit we needed because we were tired. If we can get to 100 percent on December 6 we definitely have a chance of causing Al Jazira problems," he said.

White scored in the Navy Blues two penalty shoot-out victories over Moghreb Tetouan and Cruz Azul so knows a thing or two about whats required to harness that winning edge.

"When you walk out onto the pitch you have to be mentally ready to soak up that atmosphere, be prepared and be confident and believe that you belong out there on that pitch and you're just as good as the player you're up against.

"Confidence is a massive quality - you have to be calm and composed when you get the chance because if you're not, you'll struggle. But if you can enjoy the atmosphere its something you can use to your advantage," he said.

Auckland City FC face Al Jazira in the FIFA Club World Cup playoff on Thursday 7 December at 6am NZST.

The winner advances to the quarter-finals where they will meet AFC Champions League winners Urawa Red Diamonds on 10 December.

A semi-final in Abu Dhabi with European champions Real Madrid awaits the winner of the last eight clash while the loser plays off for fifth place in Al Ain.

On the other side of the draw Pachuca and Waydad Casablanca vie for a semi-final with Copa Libertadores winners Gremio.

The FIFA Club World Cup final is set for 16 December in Abu Dhabi.

Ends

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