Gomis emerged as the hero for Al Hilal as he came off the bench in the 65th minute to score the only goal eight minutes later to steer Al Hilal into the semi-finals where they will meet Copa Libertadores champions Flamengo.

Al Sadd needed extra time to defeat the Oceania champions 3-1 at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium and the former FC Barcelona midfielder believes that his side should have converted the chances they created throughout the 90 minutes.

After taking the lead in the first half, Al Sadd lost their advantage as the Oceania champions leveled the tie in the first minute of the second half which then saw several missed chances from Al-Sadd.

Abdelkarim Hassan and Pedro, however, scored a goal each in extra-time to steer Al Sadd to the second round where they will meet CONCACAF Champions League winners FC Monterrey of Mexico on Saturday.

A win over the New Caledonia side, who are making their debut in the global event, will take Qatar champions Al Sadd to a second round meeting with Mexican outfit Monterrey and Xavi is hoping his team can emulate recent showings by Asian teams in the FIFA Club World Cup.

UAE's Al Ain FC made the final last year while Japan's Kashima Antlers were runners-up in the 2016 edition. Al Sadd finished third in the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup.

Should Al Sadd navigate past Hienghène and Monterrey, their semi-final date will be against UEFA Champions League winners Liverpool.

The 16th edition of the global showpiece will pit the champions from the six Continental Confederations, as well as the host nation's league champions, with the final on December 21 at the Khalifa International Stadium.

Hosts Al Sadd will have to negate the first round against New Caledonia’s Hienghene Sport, who won the 2019 OFC Champions League, while Al Hilal will lock horns with 2019 CAF Champions League winners Esperance ST of Tunisia in the second round.

During his visit, the AFC President will also be attending FIFA’s Executive Committee meeting on December 18 which will be chaired by FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter and which is set to discuss a number of topics related to global football.

Shaikh Salman has expressed his confidence in Morocco’s ability to provide everything necessary to ensure a successful hosting of the FIFA Club World Cup. Shaikh Salman also praised the arrangements made ahead of the start of the latest edition of this major international tournament.

“Morocco succeeded tremendously in embracing the previous edition of the tournament which was admired and recognised internationally,” said Shaikh Salman.

“We believe that the FIFA Club World Cup organising committee gained significant experience from the last tournament, something which paved the way for them to organise another edition of the competition.” 

Speaking exclusively to FIFA.com, the 34-year old Frenchman revealed the secrets to his impressive performances this season: “I worked hard on every level to score all these goals: technically, tactically and physically. The fitness coaches helped me a lot and thanks to my teammates I ended up the AFC Champions League’s top scorer and best player. I’m fortunate to be playing with a generation of talented Saudi players.”