Six years ago Hekari United FC was an amateur club in Papua New Guinea. Today, they are two wins away from playing a competitive fixture with Inter Milan.
Inter Milan v Hekari United FC. Isn't this sport grand?
Today is the start of the Club World Cup, a tournament that gets less respect than Mo Johnston at the Red Patch Boys Christmas party.
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Yes, we get it. Europe and South America are far and away more powerful than the other confederations. It's understood that playing in the CWC is a burden to the big European clubs (the South Americans are game as it gives them a chance to measure up against the Euro sides). It's probably a money grab by FIFA.
Yet, the CWC should matter. Here's why:
One of the great things about football is the way it connects the whole world. Although it's not the most popular sport in all the world football is the most popular sport in the world and it's played in every corner of the world. To have a tournament that cements that by giving every club team in the world a chance, however remote, of earning a game with one of the big boys is worthwhile.
It's also not too much to ask of the big clubs. Two games a year, only one against a minnow. It's not that taxing.
The tournament will continue to struggle for attention until there is an upset. Actually, even after a non-Euro - South America final it will still not be considered a big deal until there is a third confederation that steps up and consistently challenges.
But even if that day never comes it's still an event worth playing and watching.
The teams:
Inter Milan
Internacional
Hekari United FC
Pachuca
TP Mazembe Englebert (Congo DR)
Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (Republic of Korea)
Al Wahda Sports Club (UAE)