The history
Kicking off back in 2000, the Fifa Club World Cup was a replacement for the flailing Intercontinental Cup, which had taken place annually in Tokyo, Japan. But, after a few failed attempts to kickstart the competition, it floundered until it relaunched in 2005, when the two competitions merged and relaunched in Japan, owing to sponsors Toyota. Al Ahly of Egypt remain the team with the most appearances in the competition and, despite the regular appearance of big-name European sides, it is the Brazilians who have won the title the most, with Internacional, Sao Paulo and Corinthians taking a title each.
The tournament so far
2000 – Brazil
Famous for the appearance of a below-par Real Madrid and Manchester Utd. The Red Devils turned up half-hearted, under strength and duly paid for it, getting knocked out early on, while the Madrista finished fourth behind Brazilians Vasco Da Gama and eventual winners Corinthians.
2005 – Japan
Liverpool played well, but eventually stumbled to a 1-0 defeat against Sao Paolo – despite the antics of the Brazilians’ extrovert free-kick-taking goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni.
2006 – Japan
More Brazilian magic as Internacional beat a mediocre Barcelona side boasting then World Player of the Year Ronaldinho in their ranks.
2007 – Japan
Finally, the Europeans got their revenge, despite an iffy AC Milan under performing throughout the tournament. But a convincing 4-2 victory against Boco Juniors saw Kaka win the golden boot and Milan take the title.
2008 – Japan
The era of European dominance builds momentum as then treble winners Manchester Utd added another trophy to their cabinet, with Wayne Rooney the unequivocal star.
The future
For 2009 and 2010, Abu Dhabi is the home of the Fifa Club World Cup. After that, the competition reverts back to Japan. But, for the time being, the capital plays host to seven champions from across the world. Let the games commence.
