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FIFA Club World Cup

Barcelona and the Pohang Steelers have never clashed on the pitch, but that may change in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.

The Steelers have a chance to set up a dream match against the European champions in FIFA showpiece tournament for clubs, but Pohang's coach Sergio Farias is downplaying his side's chances in the competition.

"We've managed to win at least one trophy each year so far. Now we've won everything in Korea, the Asian Champions League and we're taking part in the Club World Cup," said the Brazilian to the Korea Herald.

"Honestly I don't think we're capable of winning the competition at the moment, but I think it's possible for us to win it someday. Nobody knows the limit in football, and anything can happen. In Pohang, we have a very good side and we're aiming at a higher level. It would be foolish to underestimate us, because we are the champions of Asia."

A match against the La Liga title holders would signal the end of a superb year for Korean football, with the game itself a David-and-Goliath showdown that the Korean fans and media are desperate to witness. If the match does happen, it would mean a third consecutive year that the Asian Champions League champion would do battle with the European one.

In 2008, Manchester City dismantled Gamba Osaka 5-3, and Barcelona defeated that Red Devils side later that season in the UEFA Champions League final to be viewed as arguably the best team in the world currently.

With Lionel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thierry Henry, Xavi Hernandes and Andres Iniesta, the current Blaugrana lineup is feared for its explosive attack, but also admired for its ability to play beautifully with the grace of an Olympic gymnast.

Pohang, for its part, must make it to the final to have a chance to play against the treble winners.

The Steelers will have to beat both TP Mazembe and then Estudiantes to make it to their dream match.

The Spanish champions will have to hold off with the winner of the Auckland City-Atlante-Al Ahli showdown to move into the final.

One thing Pohang has in its favour if it makes the final is the number of games Barcelona have played since the start of its season in August. The jet lag experienced on the trip, as well as the climate differences between Dubai and Barca's European Champions League game in Kiev could play in the Steelers' favour as well.

Pohang might never make that far, but if they do, playing in a competitive finals will be good news for Korean football and Asian football in general.

"Our South American and European counterparts may enter the tournament at the semi-final stage, but we've got some players who are more than capable of competing in the leagues in South America and Europe," added Farias.

"We don't want this big opportunity to pass us by. We will give our all to achieve as much as we can."