Club World Cup, Fluminense first finalist

Fluminense in the finals at the World Club World Cup

Fluminense è the first finalist of the 2023 edition of the FIFA Club World Cup, the last with the format restricted to the clubs'champions of their respective confederations and a representative of the host country. Rio de Janeiro’s Tricolor got the better of Egypt’s Al Ahly 2-0 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in a match that è remained in the balance until the last minutes of play.

There was little excitement during the first half: the Brazilian team did not get into gear while the opponents, with little to lose by starting as clear underdogs, defended neatly and posed no particular danger. The match è lively but neither team manages to emerge at the level of chances and it goes to halftime on 0-0.

In the resumption, the match seems to continue along the same lines but at 70'comes the key episode: Percy Tau knocks down the veteran Marcelo, former Real Madrid, in the box; Jhon Arias converts from the penalty spot a minute later. The Egyptians uncovered themselves in an attempt to create chances for the equalizer but were further mocked in the 90': è John Kennedy to sign the 2-0 that closed the accounts in favor of the 'Nense'.

The reigning Copa Libertadores champions now await the result of the second semifinal, the one between Manchester City and Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds: a match that sees the Citizens heavily favored, but that is precisely why Pep Guardiola wanted to warn his side, urging them not to underestimate their opponents. It will be played on Tuesday, kickoff at 7 p.m. Italian.