Stern test awaits Al Jazira as they take on Al Hilal in Fifa Club World Cup

After a fairly comfortable start in the Fifa Club World Cup, Al Jazira now face Saudi Arabian powerhouse Al Hilal for a chance to face Premier League giants Chelsea in the semi-final.

The UAE champions outclassed Oceania’s representatives AS Pirae 4-1 in the opening game of the competition and meet Al Hilal in the second round at the Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium on Sunday.

Incidentally, the two teams are appearing in the Club World Cup for the second time. They have crossed paths four times, all in the AFC Asian Champions League, in which the Saudi side holds a 3-0 head-to-head lead with one game drawn.

Jazira manager Marcel Keizer is aware of the challenge and was more hopeful than confident of their chances.

“We know it’s going to be a difficult game but I have lots of individuals in my team to be a fairly good and exciting game, I hope,” the Dutchman said during the pre-match conference at the Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium on Saturday.

“For us, it will be the same as we always do. Hopefully we can score a couple of goals but we know it’s difficult.”

Hilal were held to a scoreless draw by Al Batin in their last game in the Saudi Pro League and are currently lying in third in the league table.

Milos Kosanovic celebrates scoring Al Jazira's third goal against Pirae in the Fifa Club World Cup at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National

“I can’t judge them from what they do in their league,” Marcel said of their current form in the domestic competition.

“I only know that I saw some games, like I always do, when I prepare my team. We know they are a good team. They have seven foreigners and they are champions of Asia.”

Jazira weren’t stretched by the Tahiti side in the opening match of the Club