A potential clash with Real Madrid awaits Olé Football Academy graduates Harry Edge and Callum McCowatt as their Auckland City side prepares for the 2017 FIFA Club World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
It is Auckland’s ninth time in the competition, which pits the winners of each confederation’s Champions League, though they are seeking to go past the first round for only the second time after making it to the semi-final in 2014.
If the Navy Blues do beat UAE champions Al-Jazira then another trip to the semi-final and a dream date with European champions Real Madrid is possible, though they would also have to defeat Asian champions Urawa Red Diamonds.
McCowatt and Edge are both likely to play with McCowatt starting all seven of Auckland’s ISPS Handa Premiership games this season, scoring three goals, while Edge has played in all of the last four, including two starts.
The teams on the other side of the draw are Brazilian club Grêmio, Mexican powerhouses Pachuca, and Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca.
Auckland City vs Al-Jazira
6:00AM Thursday 7 December (NZ Time)
