Both Milan and Boca are after the fourth World Cup win: whoever will win, it will be a record, since that none of the teams ever managed to do so. Rossoneri and Argentineans have triumphed 3 times.
YOKOHAMA – In front of Milan there isn’t only the possibility to play the Club World Cup, but also that of entering the history books. For the Rossoneri, who have won the Intercontinental trophy three times, there’s the real possibility of winning the fourth cup and it would be a record. The same story is valid for their opponents, Boca Juniors: even today the team coached by Russo, has the opportunity of climbing on top of the world for the fourth time. No other team managed to do so.
The Rossoneri won the Cup in 1969, 1989 and 1990, whereas the Argentineans won it in 1977, 2000 and 2003. With three wins there are also Real Maldrid, San Paolo, Nacional and Penarol, who did not take part in this edition.
If it should go like we all hope, Milan would be the only club to have won the World Cup 4 times. However, other records could be sealed on the 16th of December at Yokohama: Cafu could become the only World Champion to win the Cup both in a South American team (San Paolo in 1992 and 1993) and a European team; Paolo Maldini will play his sixth final, after winning two in 1989 and 1990 and the other three he lost in 1993, 1994 and 2003. Pippo Inzaghi, who came in against Urawa instead of Gilardino during the game, could instead become the only player to score in all competitions, if he finds the goal in the final.
However, apart from the personal records, there’s an entire Milan team which dreams of that trophy which has been missing for the past 17 years. The destiny, for the second time, sends the Rossoneri to face their latest rivals. Just like in the Champions League final, which was played again against Liverpool, following the incredible epilogue of 2005, Milan will have the opportunity for revenge against Boca, following the final won by Carlos Bianchi’s side in 2003. In that circumstance, Boca won from the penalty shoot-out, as regular time and extra time ended 1-1, with the goals in the first half by Tomasson and Donnet.
The story of the Cup is ready to write a new chapter, and for Milan and Boca it is a huge chance: to enter the legend.
It is also fair to remember that since Fifa has substituted the Intercontinental Cup with this competition, the champions have always been Brazilians: Internacional last year and San Paolo the previous year. Who will follow them, the Italians or Argentineans?
On Sunday the important verdict will arrive: appointment is for 16th of December, at 11.30am (Italian time), always at the International Stadium of Yokohama.
THE 3 VICTORIES IN THE WORLD CUP FOR MILAN AND BOCA JUNIORS
THE ROSSONERI TRIUMPHS
1969: MILAN-ESTUDIANTES 3-0//ESTUDIANTES-MILAN 2-1
1989: MILAN-ATLETICO N. MEDELLIN 1-0
1990: MILAN-OLIMPIA ASSUNCION 3-0
THE ARGENTINEAN TRIUMPHS
1977: BOCA JUNIORS-BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH 2-2//BORUSSIA M.-BOCA 0-3
2000: BOCA-REAL MADRID 2-1
2003: MILAN-BOCA 1-1, after extra time, 1-3, after penalties
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