The Club World Cup Justified Its Existence Tonight | OneFootball

You can say a lot about tonight’s Round of 16 fixture between Manchester City and Al Hilal. Cynics and skeptics might scoff at the obscene wealth on display in two sides representing two different oil-rich states, and draw whatever conclusions their political bents lean them to. On most days, I would be one of them.

But not tonight.

At the end of a long, sticky, stifling evening in Orlando – a night thankfully bereft of thunderstorms – it came down to two sides battling it out over 120+ minutes. Putting aside all other factors, this was the beautiful game at its most intense. And it completely justified this bloated FIFA-inspired excess of a tournament.

I’ll Eat My Words

In a preview article I jokingly referred to an alternate universe in which the significant underdog Al Hilal wins. Happily, none of my predictions came to pass. Al Hilal didn’t need delays, red cards, an extra-dimensional portal or any other factors. They stood tall, looked City in the eye, did not blink and did it on their terms

Al Hilal’s record of the best defensive team in the group stage held up tonight despite conceding three goals. Inzaghi employed a 5-4-1 (employing two midfielders defensively) for the first time this tournament, stymieing City’s play with that low block. Moroccan goalkeeper Bono was simply outstanding, recording ten saves. There were too many defensive stops, blocks and interceptions to mention, but Ali Lajami clearing Haaland’s ball off the goalline in the 84th minute was HUGE.

Of course, Al Hilal’s offense simply exploded tonight. Out of six shots on frame, they scored four. Malcolm’s goal in the 52nd minute was a picture-perfect transition score. When they were given set pieces, they made them count. They exploited the wide spaces throughout the game, opening up the game with smart switching. Marcos Leonardo was an outstanding poacher, grabbing goals with will and moxie.

And let’s give some credit to City. They clearly wanted to win. Jérémy Doku’s left-side attacks were insanely dangerous (incredible game for him). Silva and Haaland were able to capitalize on the few mistakes Hilal made in the back. All their late substitutions were attack minded; Foden even put in the 3 – 3 equalizer five minutes after coming on for Rodri. Their singular focus of the entire squad on manager Pep Guardiola during the extra time break was incredible. But in the end they could not make it happen. Pep was surprisingly gracious in his post-game; Berdardo Silva acknowledged the individual talents on the Al Hilal team (including former Man City teammate João Cancelo).

A Modern Classic

I don’t think I’m exaggerating here. This match was special. Fair play to both sides. And to Al Hilal… get those electrolytes in and soak in the ice bath. You have until Friday to get ready for the next round against Fluminense.