While local hopes ended with Al Wahda’s disappointing quarter-final exit at the hands of South Korea’s Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma, there’s still been plenty worth cheering about in the latter stages of the FIFA Club World Cup.
With a place in the final at stake, there were fears the final four might deliver an overly defensive performance, robbing the enthusiastic fans of the drama they’d paid, travelled and slapped on buckets of face paint for. Luckily, quite the opposite proved to be true, with tournament favourites Inter Milan needing just three minutes to take the advantage against Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma, courtesy of a clinical, close-range finish from Dejan Stankovic. From here, the European champions never looked back, veteran winger Javier Zanetti firing in a second in the 32nd minute, before fellow Argentine Diego Milito sealed the victory by making the most of Samuel Eto’o’s rebounded shot in the second half. A dominant performance from the Italians, as expected.
Though there were fewer goals, it was the semi-final between TP Mazembe and SC Internacional that provided the greater drama, with the Brazilians taking a surprise 2-0 beating from the Congolese side. After a frustrating first half, the breakthrough eventually came in the 53rd minute, as Mulota Kabangu put the Africans ahead. Much to the surprise of the 36,000-strong crowd, the lead was doubled half an hour later by Dioko Kaluyituka, a blow that proved fatal as Mazembe made history by becoming the first African side ever to reach a Club World Cup final. They’ll have their work cut out for them against a strong Milan side, but in providing the shock of the tournament they’ll certainly arrive at Zayed Sports City on Saturday brimming with confidence.
Meanwhile, it was more heartbreak for local boys Al Wahda FC, as they snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in their fifth place play-off against Pachuca. Having made it to half time with a 1-0 lead thanks to Ismail Matar, all was looking well for the home side. And with Mahmoud Khamees snatching a second just 15 minutes from the final whistle, it looked as though the noisy crowd might finally have something to celebrate. But then, following two goals from Argentine striker Dario Cvitanich in the game’s dying moments, the Mexican side were suddenly level. The ensuing penalty shootout proved disastrous for Al Wahda, Abdulrahim Jumaa and Modibi Diarra both missing the mark as Pachuca remained strong and took the win 4-2.
Psyched about Saturday’s final? Call Flash on 800 35274 to grab your tickets.
