Urawa Red Diamonds, a club from Japan as Asian Champions down to play in 3rd place match after losing to Manchester City, a club from England as European Champions scoring 0-3 in the FIFA Club World Cup 2023 semi-final at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Jeddah.
Urawa had the ball controlled by City in the first half. They had 0 shots, and City faced over 10 shots. However, they survived the first 45 minutes with fine saves from goalkeeper Nishikawa. However, they conceded a goal in first-half stoppage time. He was carried close to his own half by M. Nunez, and after exchanging passes with Bernardo Silva, he was further advanced to the side of the PA. Huibraten touched the ball as it was turned back to the centre, but unfortunately, it turned into an own goal.
Urawa ended the first half with a score of 0-1. City added Foden to the centre and B. Silva to the right side, further increasing their attack.
Seven minutes into the second half, Urawa conceded their second goal. Kyle Walker entered from the right side of his own half and made a long through pass with the outside of his right foot. Kovacic, who was on the front line, reacted and entered the PA. He hit the net with a powerful right-footed shot.
Urawa made two changes in the 57th minute. Ito and Okubo were moved, and Takuya Ogiwara and Alex Schalk were added.
However, in the 59th minute, things were ruined. Manuel Akanji made a vertical pass from the back, and Matheus Nunes hit a right-footed middle ball. Goalkeeper Nishikawa flicked the ball away with one hand, but as soon as it spilled out, Silva was targeted with a left-footed shot. The ball hit Huibraten and went into the right corner of the goal, widening the lead to 0-3.
Urawa forced City from the front in the 66th minute. Schalk and Sekine set up a press inside the enemy’s PA, inducing mistakes from the opponent. However, although he stole the ball, he was unable to take a shot.
Urawa is in an aggressive stance. In the 80th minute, Nakajima entered the centre of the PA but was unable to take a shot. Immediately after, Ogiwara made a bold move and entered the left side of the PA. Little by little, they began to threaten the opponent’s goal.
However, the match ended mercilessly. Urawa suffered a complete defeat, 0-3. They will play against Al-Ahly (Egypt) in the third-place match on 22 December. With a comfortable victory, City will go on to battle against Fluminense (Brazil) in the final on the 22 December for their first victory.
Credit Photo : Eurasia Sports Images
