Part II of our FIFA Club World Cup preview features the heavy hitters of this tournament. They represent the regions most familiar to the footballing world, Especially to those of us in the west. They include two continental powers and one big surprise.

Pachuca CF

Los Tuzos have won the last two CONCACAF Champions Cup and will be making their 2nd straight appearance in the FIFA CWC. Last year, they were stunned 1-0 by African champions Etoile Du Sahel in the quarters and look to get past Al-Ahly this year. Coach Enrique Meza has turned Pachuca into the premier team in CONCACAF. The oldest Mexican side has a South American core with their Colombian keeper, Miguel Calero and Argentine strikers Christian Giménez and Bruno Marioni as well as Brazilian playmaker Christian.
Prediction:
Will go out once again to an African side. One and done.

Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito

The team with the longest club name in this tournament belongs to the Copa Libertadores champions. The team more commonly known as Liga made history by becoming the 1st Ecuadorean team to win South America's greatest club competition. The player of the Libertadores, Joffre Guerrón is now at Getafe but coach Edgardo Bauza can still count on the core of veteran keeper José Cevallos, speedy winger Luis Bolaños, and Argentine strike force of Claudio Bieler & Damián Manso to bring the same energy to Japan as they did to South America.
Prediction:
Will lose a close one to Al-Ahly in semis

Manchester United

The Red Devils went undefeated in the Champions League as they won their 3rd European title. Everyone knows about their superstar player and recently awarded Ballon D'Or winner, cocky winger Cristiano Ronaldo but Manchester United really earned their place at the 08 FIFA CWC by playing fantastic defense. Especially in the knockout stage where they only allowed 2 goals. That defense is anchored in the middle by the pairing of Nemanja Vidic & Rio Ferdinand. Vidic has quickly become Sir Alex Ferguson's most reliable defender and in a tournament with teams whose offenses are of unknown potential, the partnership of Vidic & Ferdinand could be the difference.
Prediction:
Will be pushed by Al-Ahly in the final but will win its 1st FIFA CWC

The 2008 FIFA Club World Cup promises to be exciting and historic as the team that wins will claim its 1st ever World Club Championship. Let's hope for some exciting football with high drama. This year, the traditional powers of South America and Europe are not locks to reach the final despite the tournament's format. What a great story it would be if the Copa Libertadores champion or UEFA Champions League does not win the FIFA Club World Cup. Enjoy, it should be entertaining and a great way to end 2008.