Fansided

Liga MX: Chivas needs to win to face Real Madrid in FIFA World Cup

By Jahir M. Martinez

ZAPOPAN, MEXICO - OCTOBER 27: Players of Chivas react during a 14th round match between Chivas and Morelia as part of Torneo Apertura 2018 Liga MX at Akron Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by Refugio Ruiz/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
ZAPOPAN, MEXICO - OCTOBER 27: Players of Chivas react during a 14th round match between Chivas and Morelia as part of Torneo Apertura 2018 Liga MX at Akron Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by Refugio Ruiz/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
facebooktwitterreddit

Guadalajara is set to begin their first match of the FIFA Club World Cup against Japan’s Kashima Antlers on December 15, 2018. The match could determine whether Chivas gets the opportunity to face Real Madrid in the semi-final.

The FIFA Club World Cup brings together six continental teams champions, Real Madrid (Spain), Chivas (Mexico), River Plate (Argentina), Kashima (Japan), Wellington (New Zealand) and Esperance S. De Tunis (Turkey), plus a representative team hosting the Club World Cup, Al Ain. No Mexican team from the Liga MX has ever reached the finals in the FIFA Club World Cup something that could give an extra push or motivation for a team like Guadalajara who is one of the most popular and successful teams in Mexico.

More from Viva Liga MX

December is a crucially important month for Guadalajara. After three consecutive seasons not reaching the Liguilla, they will look forward to making a mark at the FIFA Club World Cup, which will take place in United Arab Emirates. The tournament offers an important step for the entire team of CD Guadalajara to erase all the unfilled expectations they did not achieve in the Liga MX.

Chivas’ journey will kick off on December 15, 2018 at Al Ain’s Hazza Bin Zayd Stadium against Japan’s Kashima Antlers who are the crowned Asian Champions. Guadalajara will first have to beat Kashima Antlers to obtain the opportunity to face one of the biggest, most elite clubs in the world: Real Madrid.

Guadalajara’s roster will have a total of 23 players that will attend the Club World Cup:

Goalkeepers

R. Gudino
M. Jimenez
A. Torres

Defenders

J. Van Rankin
C. Salcido
J. Perreira
H. Marin
E. Hernandez
M. Ponce
J. Sanchez
M. Basulto

Midfielders

O. Pineda
E.Lopez
I. Brizuela
G. Sandoval
M. Perez
A. Zendejas
A. Cervantes
F. Beltran
C. Huerta

Forwards

A. Pulido
A. Zaldivar
J. Godinez

Manager

J. Cardozo

Prediction: I strongly believe that Chivas can make their way to the FIFA Club World Cup final. With the players like Alan Pulido, Raul Gudino, Gael Sandoval, Orbelin Pineda and J. Van Rankin, Chivas has a group that could make a difference and lead to a big victory. Here comes a bold statement: Chivas has the capability to win their first match and on. It will not be easy, but I predict Chivas winning a good match 3-2 versus Kashima Antlers.

Home/Guadalajara