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Manchester City will compete against Fluminense in FIFA Club World Cup Final.
In Saudi Arabia, Manchester City and Fluminense will square off in the 2023 Club World Cup final.
After easily defeating their AFC rivals Urawa Red Diamonds 3-0 in the round of four on Tuesday, the Champions League holders take on the Brazilian giants in Friday’s marquee match.
After an own goal by Marius Hoibraten in the second half, Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva both found the back of the net. City, who had not missed the absent Erling Haaland, easily defeated their Japanese opponents to recover from an unusual stumble in the Premier League and advance to the final of their first-ever Club World Cup.
Fluminense, the current Copa Libertadores champions in South America, advanced to the final by defeating African champions Al Ahly 2-0 on Monday.
Manchester City vs Fluminense
Marcelo’s Fluminense will be waiting for Guardiola’s Manchester City in the Club World Cup final
The 2023 Club World Cup saw Fluminense win the first semi-final, opening the door for Marcelo to try and win his fifth Club World Cup title in the next match, which could be against Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.
After an incredible play by Marcelo, Arias’ penalty goal proved to be the game-winning play in the semifinal. Al-Ahly attempted to press harder in the 90th minute, but Kennedy’s goal sealed Fluminense’s victory with a 2-0 score.
The game began in an unexpected manner, with Al-Ahly dominating ball possession but failing to translate it into tangible results. Fluminense took control of the game, displaying their attacking prowess by hitting the crossbar twice in the first half.
Diniz’s tactical approach of leaving only one man on the ball during corners backfired when Al-Ahly took advantage of their inability to regain possession after a corner and launched multiple counter-attacks.
Arias took advantage of Ganso’s low corner, but he was once again met by the woodwork. Al-Ahly goalkeeper Fabio showed exceptional skill in denying Kahraba’s point-blank header, securing the last significant chance of the first half.
