We can beat Euro giant, says Asian champYOKOHAMA — Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola resisted the temptation to bask in Saturday's electrifying 3-1 ‘Clasico' victory over Real Madrid after arriving in Japan for the Club World Cup. The European king overcame Real at the Bernabeu at the weekend to leapfrog its bitter rival at the top of La Liga, albeit having played a game more. But Guardiola insisted Barca was already focusing on a different threat in the Far East and the task of winning its second Club World Cup in two years. “Real Madrid were the team of the 20th century and it is true we have enjoyed some success over them recently,” Guardiola told a packed news conference Monday. “But there's hardly any difference between the two teams. Real Madrid are a great team, we know that,” he added after his eighth win in 12 ‘Clasicos' since taking over in 2008. “We have just have to get the players ready for this tournament now. We are here to win the Club World Cup. I want the players to relax and get over their fatigue properly.” Barca arrived in Japan late Sunday having jetted out of Spain immediately after its clash with Real. “We will do a little sightseeing in Tokyo, have some traditional Japanese food in the city to adjust from the tough trip and be ready to do the job,” said Guardiola. Guardiola admitted he knew little of Asian champion Al-Sadd, which could opt for damage limitation when it faces the Spanish title holder in Thursday's semifinal in Yokohama. “We haven't analyzed our opponents yet,” said Guardiola, once a player for Al-Sadd's Qatari rivals Al-Ahli from 2003-05. “Lionel (Messi) and everyone are fit but we will look at team selection after studying our opponents and after looking at the players in training.” “If we can have 15 or 16 players on the pitch we will have a good chance,” Al-Sadd coach Jorge Fossati said jokingly, when asked how his side could possibly beat Barca. “One sports manufacturer says ‘impossible is nothing', and I want to believe that. Of course Barcelona are the best in the world, which we recognize, especially after the match against Real Madrid. “But recently Getafe in Spain won against Barcelona (1-0). It sounds illogical and impossible. This is key. But as long as we are humble and maintain a strong spirit, we think it can happen.”
