Urawa Red Diamonds, a club from Japan as Asian Champions advance to sem-final after beating Club Leon, a club from Mexico as CONCACAF Champions scoring 1-0 in the FIFA Club World Cup 2023 second round at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, Jeddah.
Although Urawa took control from the start of the match, they were unable to convert many chances. In the 19th minute, Tomoaki Okubo got through to Kaho Koizumi’s through ball from the left side of the opponent’s side to the centre and had a one-on-one chance with the goalkeeper, but his left-footed shot was blocked by opposing goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota.
After a scoreless second half, they created a chance with a set play in the 54th minute. Takahiro Akemoto received the ball from a free kick from the right side of the opponent’s side, ran a chest trap to the left of the penalty area, and returned to the center, but Atsuki Ito’s shot went over the crossbar.
The match entered the final stages without breaking the deadlock, but Alex Schalk, who came on as a substitute in the 73rd minute, did a great job. In the 78th minute, Alexander Scholz, who carried the ball from the final line to the right, sent an early cross that missed Schalk, who was waiting, but the rebound went to Jose Kante.
After connecting the return pass to Schalk, he fired a well-aimed strike with his right foot from the right side of the box, giving Urawa the lead.
The game’s time is up. Urawa defeated 1-0, advancing to the semi-finals where European champion Manchester City (England) awaits.
Credit Photo : Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images
