In a gripping Club World Cup semi-final clash at King Abdullah Sports City on Monday, Fluminense, the Copa Libertadores champions, secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Al-Ahly from Egypt. The dynamic duo of Jhon Arias and John Kennedy found the net in the second half, showcasing Fluminense’s determination.
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Fluminense’s Hard-Fought Victory
Despite their dominance in possession, Fluminense had to contend with the threat of Al-Ahly’s counter-attacks, adding an extra layer of intensity to the match. The Brazilian side’s resilience paid off, earning them a well-deserved spot in the final. Now, they eagerly await the outcome of the semi-final between Manchester City and Urawa Red Diamonds to discover their opponent in Friday’s ultimate showdown in Jeddah.
Colombia’s dynamic winger, Arias, proved to be a relentless force in the Club World Cup semi-final, constantly wreaking havoc as he darted up and down the right channel. The first half saw Arias come close to breaking the deadlock twice, unlucky to see his efforts hit the post.
Intense Dynamics: Possession vs. Counter-Attacks
On the other side, Africa’s champions, Al-Ahly, showcased their speed with Kahraba and Percy Tau leading swift counter-attacks. Despite their efforts, Al-Ahly couldn’t capitalize on several opportunities. Kahraba faced disappointment as he was thwarted from two clear-cut chances, with Samuel Xavier making a heroic goal-line clearance in the 19th minute. Adding to the frustration, goalkeeper Fabio pulled off a remarkable one-handed save just before the halftime whistle, denying Al-Ahly a close-range header and keeping Fluminense’s lead intact.
Under the guidance of Brazil’s caretaker manager, Fernando Diniz, Fluminense regained control in the second half of the Club World Cup semi-final. Despite their dominance, goalkeeper Fabio had to make another crucial save, this time denying a threatening counter from Tau.
The breakthrough for Fluminense finally came through the skillful play of former Real Madrid fullback Marcelo. Displaying his finesse, Marcelo nutmegged a defender, maneuvered into the box, and was fouled from behind.
This set the stage for a pivotal moment as Arias stepped up to take the penalty in the 71st minute. With precision, he slotted the ball just inside the right post, eluding the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy. Fluminense seized the lead, marking a turning point in the match.
Marcelo’s Pivotal Role in Penalty
“I always try to do something different (the nutmeg). I’ve always tried in my whole career,” Marcelo shared with Brazilian TV Globo, reflecting on the pivotal moment in the Club World Cup semi-final. “At that moment, the game was in deadlock. I didn’t even think about a nutmeg, it happened. I thought about dribbling to get inside the area. So I managed to get in front of him, and he fouled me… It wasn’t thought out, it came on the spot, and it was nice.”
Fluminense’s pivotal penalty moment in the Club World Cup semi-final carried significant weight, and while the decision might have been subject to debate, once awarded, it stood firm. Marcelo, known for his football intelligence, showcased his mastery in controlling the ball with precision. Aware of his opponent’s proficiency in the opposite penalty area, Marcelo strategically positioned himself, recognizing an opportunity to take advantage.
In a move reminiscent of his former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcelo orchestrated the situation. Acknowledging that his current pace might not facilitate setting up a chance, he astutely stepped across the forward, patiently waiting for the anticipated contact from behind. The subsequent foul led to the awarded penalty, a testament to Marcelo’s strategic thinking on the field.
Fluminense’s Final Push: Kennedy’s Decisive Strike
Following Marcelo’s inventive play, Fluminense took the lead with Arias converting the penalty in the 71st minute. Al-Ahly had a chance to level the score one minute later, but Tau missed a golden opportunity, heading into the goalkeeper’s hands from point-blank range.
As Al-Ahly pressed for an equalizer, they left themselves exposed, allowing Fluminense to capitalize. Substitute Kennedy sealed the victory for Fluminense in the 89th minute with a decisive strike, capping off a well-executed counter-attack. The win propelled Fluminense to the Club World Cup final, showcasing their resilience and tactical prowess.
