Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams says coming to the FIFA Club World Cup and playing their usual game offers a sense of pride but admits frustration at not qualifying for the Last-16.
Williams featured in all three group games as Sundowns return home on Friday after their Group F elimination, with four points – one win, one draw and one defeat.
Having needed to beat Fluminense on Wednesday afternoon, they fell short with a goalless draw and were made to rue the missed chances throughout the tournament, particularly against Borussia Dortmund in the 4-3 defeat but also the Brazilian Serie A side.
“We have picked up it’s the efficiency [that is the difference], they don’t need a lot of chances to hurt you, we saw today the half chance they got, they hit the post, so they wait for the moment to hurt you,” Williams said.
“For us on the other side, we had so many chances throughout the tournament and our efficiency, our conversion rate is probably not the best but I’m just proud of the boys for the effort, the fight and the ability to play our own football.
“It’s what we proud of, people thought we would come here and be defensive but no we played our football, so I’m proud of the boys, there’s a lot of lessons to take definitely.
“We can only be proud… we have put Sundowns and South African football on the map, people will take a keen interest now.”
Williams says they believed that four points, would, potentially see them through into the knockout stages of the inaugural 32-team edition of the FIFA Club World Cup.
“Before we came here, our objective was four points and we thought it would be enough, normally it’s enough, but it wasn’t to be – you know. We know where we let ourselves down was the Dortmund game,” he continued.
“We’re so disappointed, but also proud of the achievement, we came here with an objective. We wanted to go to the next round, it wasn’t to be, but the ability to play our football, compete and show we can compete at this level, it’s amazing.”
