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Thursday, 15th December 2011
In Japan Sports News, Sports,
Barcelona star David Villa breaks leg in Japan 2011 World Club Cup
Barcelona reached the final of the FIFA 2011 World Club Cup with a commanding 4-0 victory over Qatari side Al Sadd, but the victory came at a high price.
Spanish forward David Villa suffered a broken leg during the game, fracturing his left tibia after falling awkwardly shortly before the half time whistle was blown.
Barcelona will now face Brazilian side Santos in the final, who dispatched the Japanese team Kashiwa Reysol 3-1 in the other semi-final match yesterday (December 14th).
Fans at the International Stadium Yokohama watched as the European champions demonstrated why they are the clear favourites to win the competition, with Adriano scoring twice in the first half to effectively end the game before the break.
Further goals by Maxwell and Keita in the second-half sealed the victory, setting up the eagerly anticipated final in which Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi will face Brazilian wonderkid Neymar.
With rumours that Premier League clubs including Liverpool and Chelsea were preparing bids for the player in the January transfer window, all of the headlines ahead of the final will focus on the loss of Spanish star Villa.
"Missing him in the team is going to be a blow," said Barca coach Pep Guardiola.
"I understand it is going to be a long time. We all love David. His personality is great. We all worry about him."
Barcelona midfielder Thiago echoed his coach's view when he said: "We hope it isn't too bad. When you play you never think that these things can happen. It was bad luck."
Now, the Spanish side must prepare for the final against Santos at the Yokohama stadium on December 18th when Japan tunes in for the final of the prestigious competition.
The FIFA World Club Cup brings the six continental club champions together alongside the domestic league champion from the host nation.
Written by Mark Smith
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