Rodri of Manchester City is challenged by Jose Kante of Urawa Red (©Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Rodri of Manchester City is challenged by Jose Kante of Urawa Red (©Francois Nel/Getty Images)

CWC: Brave Urawa Reds could only poke City, as Pep's crew reach finals

Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 19.12.23. | 22:57

Manchester City will face the Brazilian greats Fluminense in the Club World Cup showdown on Friday

It took them more than 45 minutes to find the key for the Urawa Reds lock but once it went in - and it was a tragic own goal - everyone knew how this one would end. That was the first of Manchester City's three goals against the Japanese slot that provided Pep Guardiola's side with a 3-0 landslide victory and the ticket for the Club World Cup showdown. On Friday, the Cityzens will face the Copa Libertadores winners, Fluminense, who defeated Al-Ahly in the other semi-final fixture.

The stubborn Asian minnows managed to keep their goal safe for the vast part of the first half, preventing City's offensive ideas with a low block almost sitting in its own area. Unfortunately for them, their centre-back Hoibraten made an accidental clearance in the first-half stoppage-time that ended in the back of their own net for a 1-0 lead for the favourites.

That moment made all the difference, as the second half was as one-sided as it gets. After a perfect three-piece team effort, Kovacic doubled the lead, dashing into Urawa's box from almost straight from the halfway line for a flawless, resolute finish.

Finally, who other than Bernardo Silva wrapped up things with a bit of help from Urawa's defenders, who deflected his shot and fooled their impeccable keeper.



tags

Manchester CityFIFA Club World CupUrawa RedsPep GuardiolaMateo Kovacic

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