Sami Hyypia believes there is more at stake than just a trophy as he and his Liverpool team-mates prepare to launch their buttault for world domination in Japan. If the Reds can claim the title of world champions in Yokohama on Sunday then Hyypia expects their names to be inscribed forever in the annals of Anfield history.
And for a player who less than a year ago was part of a Liverpool team that was ludicrously described as one of the worst in the club's history he admits it would give him an extra sense of satisfaction.
The big Finn was the senior figure in the side that infamously bowed out of the FA Cup against Burnley in January and, in typical fashion, he gracefully took all the flak that was flying about back then in his stride. Now, having recently rediscovered his best form once again, he finds himself on the threshold of winning the ultimate accolade in club football and the irony is not lost on him.
"After Burnley a lot of people had their say and they were entitled to their opinions. But we just got on with our job. A lot has happened since then and now we have this great opportunity to be officially crowned the best team in the world," he says.
"Obviously this is the first time I'll have played in the tournament and it could be the last so I aim to make the most of it.
"There was a lot of travelling involved to get here and whether that turns out to be good or bad we'll have to wait and see. But it should be a good experience and one I am really looking forward to.
"It's an exciting adventure and it will be a great achievement if we manage to win it. To come back with the cup would mean so much and our names will be in the history books forever."
