FIFA Club World Cup final: Real face difficult game against Antlers —Zidane

Kashima Antlers will act like a “crocodile” attacking their prey when they play Real Madrid in today’s FIFA Club World Cup final in Yokohama.

The Japanese side are the first from Asia to contest the final.

Antlers defender Naomichi Ueda said: “I’m a crocodile.

“Just as a crocodile will complete its conquest by dragging its prey into the water, I just want to bring them down – whether it’s in the air or on the ground, one on one.”

Kashima beat Atletico Nacional 3-0 in their semi-final, while Real beat Club America 2-0 – their 36th game without defeat in all competitions.

Real won the 2014 event in Morocco, with eight out of the last nine champions from Europe. Chelsea’s 2012 defeat by Brazilian side Corinthians remains the exception over the past decade.

Real boss Zinedine Zidane expects a “difficult game”.

“We are ready and motivated to win this trophy,” he said. “The key is to rest up as we have very few days to prepare for the final.

“We are just focused on the final and the trophy that is there to be won. We have come a long way and we have one game to go.”

Antlers striker Yuma Suzuki, 20, celebrated their third semi-final goal with a Cristiano Ronaldo-style pose, and wants the chance to do it again in front of the Real forward, who scored the following day against Club America.

“If I don’t score again in the final, I’ll quickly be forgotten,” he said. “It’s like a dream. Now I want to do it in front of Ronaldo’s very eyes.”