Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano is expecting a hard physical battle against Qatari side Al Sadd in Thursday's Club World Cup semifinal, but the Argentine insists his team has no plans to deviate from the fast-passing style that has brought it so much success in recent years.
Barcelona takes on the Asian champions in Yokohama on Thursday in its first game since arriving in Japan late Sunday night, with the Qataris having already tasted tournament action with a 2-1 quarterfinal win over Tunisia's Esperance earlier the same day.
Barcelona has no need to fear anyone after beating Manchester United in May to capture the Champions League for the third time in six years, but Mascherano knows he and his teammates cannot afford to sleepwalk against Al Sadd.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.