Scolari looks on in the game.

Luiz Felipe Scolari sees no reason why his Guangzhou Evergrande side cannot beat Spanish giants Barcelona when they meet in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup on Thursday. Evergrande, the reigning AFC Champions League winners, booked their place in the last four of the competition on Sunday, when they produced a spirited display to come from behind and defeat Mexico's Club America 2-1 at the Nagai Stadium in Osaka.

They were initially trailing to Oribe Peralta's close-range header in the 55th minute, although Zheng Long equalised with ten minutes remaining when his 20-yard drive squirmed under opposition keeper Moises Munoz and into the back of the net.

Deep into injury-time, with virtually the last touch of the game, Paulinho beat Munoz in the air to nod home a corner and hand the Chinese Super League side the victory.

With his side flying high after Sunday's victory, Scolari has challenged them to keep on believing when they take on European champions Barca in Yokohama on Thursday.

"Club America are a huge team with a fantastic history," he said on FIFA's official website.

"But we fought back and won and we should continue to dream big for the next match against Barcelona.

"Victory is not impossible."

Scolari certainly had Paulinho to thank for the victory following the Brazil international's pivotal display, as he played a hand in Zheng's equaliser before popping up with the winner right at the death.

Paulinho's heroics were enough to see him claim the Player of the Match award, although he was quick to share the credit with his team-mates.

"Everyone played their part so I'm humbled to receive this award," explained the ex-Tottenham midfielder.

"It was incredibly special to come from behind and win in the manner in which we did."

Evergrande also reached the last four in their previous appearance at the Club World Cup in 2013, although defeats to Bayern Munich and Atletico Mineiro meant they had to settle for fourth spot.

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