Sao Paulo-based Palmeiras won their first ever Copa Libertadores title in June to book their ticket to Tokyo, a neutral venue that suited the demands of commercial sponsors but also those of the clubs competing.

In the 1970s the Intercontinental Cup had grown increasingly rancorous, with some European sides boycotting the event in protest at the dirty tactics of their South American counterparts.

The 1975 and 1978 ties were cancelled, with the European Cup runners-up stepping in in other years when Ajax, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Nottingham Forest all declined to take part.

The move to Tokyo saved the tie's credibility, but did nothing to help England's standing in the world game. From 1980 to1984, South American sides were victorious, and for four of those five years English teams went home empty-handed. The 1981 tie between Flamengo and Liverpool was illustrative. The English side were then at the height of a glorious epoch in their celebrated history, sweeping all before them on the English and European stages.

But they reckoned without the brilliance of Brazil's midfield maestro Zico, who had a hand in all three goals which Flamengo swept into a bewildered Bruce Grobbelaar's goal.

In this decade Europe have been dominant, taking the past four titles, with Real Madrid beating Vasco Da Gama of Brazil 2-1 last year. Since 1980, South America have the edge with 10 wins to Europe's nine.

If Manchester United have their way, it will be honours even at least until January, when the inaugural eight-team World Club championship kicks off in Brazil.