Preview of the Next Round in Club World Cup

Despite their ability to keep possession of the ball, without Pavel Pardo, America seemed to lack their usual flair and creativity.

The Mexican team's captain, Blanco, played brilliantly delivering magnificent trick passes and finding space, but the rest of the team came up dry.

Jeonbuk forced America's Ochoa into a number of fantastic kick saves just to the keep the Mexican team in the game.

With poor play of this kind, the Mexican super club has no chance of edging out an underdog victory against Barcelona on Thursday.

The two teams met this past August in Houston as part of a special U.S. tour.

With Ronaldinho tending Barcelona's bench, the Mexican side managed to get a healthy two goal lead at 3-1. Nelson Cuevas led America with three first half goals, but against the magic of Ronaldinho there is no shelter.

Mexican International, Rafa Marquez scored Barcelona's only first half goal, but in the second half with the Brazilian Miracle Worker on the pitch, the onslaught began.

Despite one slip up in the back, which led to Club America's fourth goal, Barcelona recovered from an astounding 4-1 margin to earn a draw.

The late scoring started with Javier Saviola in the 85th minute, which was followed by a Ronaldinho penalty kick.

Barcelona was still down 4-3 with a minute left, but Samuel Eto'o found the back of the net with literally no time left on the clock to bring Barca even at fours.

Last night, Barcelona manager, Frank Rijkaard sat in the stands watching Club America flounder against Jeonbuk. This accomplished manager was certainly taking notes to avoid another emberassing tie with America. After this summer's fiasco in an exhibition match, Rijkaard certainly can't afford to lose in the Club World Cup.

The implications of a loss to a CONCACAF (North and Central American) team can not be understated. This cup, much like the World Cup, has always been won by either a CONMEBOL (South American) or UEFA (European) team. With African and North American teams constantly knocking on the door, no power house wants to be the first to falter in this competition.

Barcelona does have an extra advantage in the upcoming match. Pavel Pardo left Club America to play for Stuttgart, and the team will be without the famed Mexican National Team midfielder/forward.

At the same time, Barcelona's attack will be slightly hindered because Eto'o is still out on injury. However, Eidur Gudjohnsen has done a fantastic job filling in the star's shoes by scoring two goals in the Champions League and five in La Liga.

America fans don't count on Cuevas earning a hat trick this time around. For America to edge out a result, Blanco will have to play like he did in the 90's.

After last night's horrible performance in a sloppy win by America, expect to see Barcelona move on to the final with little effort.