Neymar wants to win Club World Cup

Santos striker Neymar knows his team faces a tough challenge in its hunt to become the first South American winners of the Club World Cup since Internacionals 2006 title.Champions League winner Barcelona and South American champion Santos of Brazil are the seeded teams in the tournament that features seven sides from FIFAs six continental confederations, and enter in the semifinal stage from Dec. 15.Santos will face the winner of Sundays quarterfinal between Japans Kashiwa Reysol and CONCACAF champion Monterrey of Mexico in Wednesdays semifinals, with a potential showdown with Lionel Messi and Barcelona awaiting in the final."If our opponents gave me a bit of space it would be nice because I am always receiving fouls," Neymar said at a press conference on Friday. "But this is the Club World Cup. There are a lot of very good teams here and we know the matches will be difficult.Despite widespread talk of a possible move to Real Madrid or Barcelona, Neymar agreed to a new contract with Santos last month that ties him to the club until the South American country hosts the 2014 World Cup.Brazils most promising young star in years, Neymar said the contract will allow him to stay near his family and friends for as long as possible.Santos won this tournament in 1962 and 1963 when it was known as the Intercontinental Cup, well before Neymars time and the 19-year-old is eager to make his mark in Japan."This tournament is very important for me and my teammates and we want to win this tournament very much, said Neymar, who scored 13 goals in 21 matches this season to be named player of the year in the Brazilian league.Barcelona is returning to the tournament two years after Messi led the Spanish giants to the title in the United Arab Emirates, scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 win over Argentinas Estudiantes.Santos coach Muricy Ramalho said the European champions are the clear favourites.
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