2023 Club World Cup: Fluminense To Final After Defeating Al Ahly
JAKARTA - The 2023 Club World Cup semifinal match brings together Fluminense against Al Ahly at King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, on Tuesday, December 19, 2023.
Fluminense as Conmebol's representative successfully stepped into the final after beating Al Ahly two goals without reply.
Tricolor, nicknamed Fluminense, does dominate possession of the ball over the African Confederation (CAF) representative. They pack 66 percent possession of the ball.
However, they actually created fewer chances than Al Ahly. Fluminense shot 14 times, five of them on target.
Meanwhile, Al Ahly fired 20 shots with six of them pointing at the goal.
Fluminense appeared pressing from the start of the match. They had opened up opportunities in the ninth minute through Jhon Arias. Unfortunately, his right foot volley still hit the bar.
Mistar goal again saved Al Ahly. Andre's hard shot from inside the penalty box after receiving a flat corner kick again hit the left post of goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy.
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Red Giant, nicknamed Al Ahly, is not without a fine chance. They almost scored in the 36th minute.
Starting from Hussein Al Shahat's action, who fired a shot from inside the penalty box, but was blocked by the opposing defender. The ball that changed direction was immediately struck by Kahrada's header right in the mouth of the goal.
Luckily, Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio had a good reflex to parry the ball.
Until the first half was over, the score remained eyeglassed. Both teams failed to take advantage of the opportunity.
Entering the second half, Fluminense immediately dismantled the Al Ahly defense when the game had only been running for seven minutes. Unfortunately, Keno's hard shot from the left side of the defense is still wide.
Tricolor's efforts only paid off in the 71st minute. It started Marcelo's penetration to the right side of the opponent's defense which had to be stopped by Tian Tau in the penalty box.
Without hesitation, the referee immediately pointed to the spot because Tau clearly pulled and tackled Marcelo after he was beaten. Jhon Arias who was appointed as the executor successfully carried out his duties.
Left behind by one goal, Al Ahly responded. However, none of their efforts paid off.
In fact, they missed the Fluminense quick counter-attack at the end of the match. Keno dribbled from his own area.
When he entered a third of the opponent's defense, he fired a pass at German Cano. However, the bait was successfully cut by the opponent.
The wild ball was immediately secured by John Kennedy who had just entered on 79th. He immediately burst into the penalty box and made a left-foot placing shot.
The shot slid off without El-Shenawy driving. The goal in the 90th minute was the last.
Fluminense maintains a 2-0 advantage until the game is over. Tricolor has the right to step into the 2023 Club World Cup final.
They will meet the winner between Urawa Red Diamonds vs Manchester City which will be played on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, early morning WIB, at King Abdullah Sports City.