As the inaugural match of the FIFA Club World Cup has come to an end, here is a post-match report of the goalless draw between Messi’s Inter Miami and Egyptian giants, Al Ahly.
FIFA Club World Cup begins:
The moment that many fans were waiting for is finally here, as today was the inaugural match of the Club World Cup. This match has marked the beginning of the Club World Cup, and many fans feel that the game was a dull one to begin the tournament with.
Pre-Match Show:
Before the match started, FIFA conducted a large-scale pre-match show in the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami in which several famous artists, including famous rapper, French Montana, performed.
FIFA also changed the entrance of players on the pitch, as they somewhat took inspiration from the NBA. So, instead of the entire team walking out at once, players walked one by one onto the pitch.
A goalless draw between both clubs:
As soon as the match began, it was evident from the start that Al Ahly were the stronger team as they were constantly putting pressure on Miami’s defence. Al Ahly were putting pressure by taking shots on every attempt, which the Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, was saving with ease.
At the 43rd minute, Al Ahly managed to win a penalty in their favour as substitute player ZIZO managed to fake a shot at the defender and then fall in the penalty area. Still, Oscar Ustari managed to save the penalty and denied Al Ahly their best opportunity to score in the match.
As the second half started, it was evident that both teams were trying to take the 3 points home. Yet no team managed to score despite Messi’s attempt hitting the crossbar and Oscar Ustari denying several shots from the Al Ahly forwards.
Goalkeeping masterclass from both keepers:
The reason for this match being a nil-nil draw for both teams was the masterclass that Miami keeper Oscar Ustari and a great performance from Egyptian keeper El Shenawy. Oscar Ustari, due to his fabulous performance, managed to take home the Player of the Match Award.
El Shenawy’s highlight moment came in the match when he saved Messi’s outside-the-box shot, which was almost going in.
Here is a detailed match preview for the next match: Match preview: Bayern Munich VS Auckland City in the FIFA Club World Cup