River Plate announced their Club World Cup ambitions in style, cruising to a 3-1 victory over Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds at Seattle's Lumen Field.
It all began in the 12th minute when Facundo Colidio rose highest to head home a perfect cross from Marcos Acuña, sparking celebrations among the traveling River fans.
Just three minutes into the second half, Sebastian Driussi doubled the lead but hit the deck prone after a collision with goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa. He limped off holding his ankle; Marcelo Gallardo confirmed he'll face scans in the coming days.
The Urawa Red Diamonds pulled one back in the 58th minute as Yusuke Matsuo coolly converted a penalty following a foul by Acuña – who also picked up a yellow card in the ensuing skirmish.
River restored control in the 73rd when Maximiliano Meza tapped in his side's third from another inch-perfect Acuña corner. And in the 90th minute, goalkeeper Franco Armani froze Thiago Santana's powerful effort to seal the win.
Though just 11,974 fans packed Lumen Field (17% capacity), the match buzzed with South American flair and Japanese grit. Acuña's two assists and Meza's clinical finish underscore River's creativity and depth under Gallardo's guidance.
With this result, River Plate emerge as early favorites to lift the Club World Cup, their blend of wing wizardry and clinical finishing making them a team to watch on the global stage.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
