Zinedine Zidane says Real Madrid deserve place in Club World Cup final
Wednesday 13 December 2017 23:14, UK
Zinedine Zidane praised Al Jazira after they forced Real Madrid to come from behind to reach the FIFA Club World Cup final.
Real dominated the match against the UAE Pro-League champions and had 35 efforts on goal but were stunned by a goal on the break from Romarinho just before half-time.
Cristiano Ronaldo equalised in the second half and Gareth Bale netted the winner in the 81st minute with his first touch after coming off the bench.
The victory sets up a final on Saturday against Brazilians Gremio, with Real looking to win the title for the third time in four years.
Zidane told realmadrid.com: "We deserved the win and a place in the final. That's all we're worried about.
"It was a very strange first half. It's unusual not to score when you create that many chances. The great thing about football is that we had another 45 minutes to change things and that's exactly what we did. We were patient and we turned it around.
"Any opponents can get a goal against you. They were very good on the counter-attack. That's a weapon they had with their three guys up top.
"At half-time, I told the players to stay calm because the chances were going to come. We got the win, though not without digging deep.
"There's no such thing as an easy win in football. We have to congratulate Al Jazira because they did a great job."
Real also had a goal ruled out after video assistance, with Karim Benzema deemed to have been offside when Casemiro headed in.
There was confusion, with referee Sandro Ricci initially appearing to rule out the goal before awarding it and then changing his mind after watching the replay.
Zidane said: "It took about three or four minutes to reach a decision and it's not a pleasant experience. You've got to take the positives from these things and try to improve the more negative aspects."
Bale was also critical of the system but was pleased to make such a successful comeback from a calf injury.
The Welshman, whose future at the club has been the subject of much debate, said: "It's great to score.
"You want to have an impact when you come on as a sub, but the most important thing is that we've won and we're in the final.
"I have to improve a bit, but I have to be patient. I've had a few problems, I have to listen to my body but I'm going to work hard both on and off the pitch to get back to where I want to be."
