The ex-Japan international, who played for Peixe in 1986 and 1990, has been named as an ambassador for the tournament, and is expecting the Copa Libertadores champions to show the watching world exactly what they are capable of.
“I’m looking forward to some real excitement from Santos,” Miura told FIFA.com. “It is an opportunity for them to show their brand of football on the world stage. Brazilian teams can be very shrewd. I am sure they will have done their homework on Barcelona.”
With Japan hosting the tournament, one side from the country’s J-League will take part in the competition, and Miura admits that should his fellow countrymen take on Santos, he would be torn on who to support.
“For obvious personal reasons I would like to see Santos make it to the final,” he continued. “Having said that, for them to get that far would mean them beating the team from the J-League, so it’s not an easy choice for me to make.”
The 2011 Club World Cup will take place in Tokyo, Japan between December 8-18. The confirmed sides thus far are Santos (CONMEBOL), Barcelona (UEFA), Monterrey (CONCACAF) and Auckland City (OFC), with three places still up for grabs.
