The first-ever 32-team FIFA Club World Cup kicked off at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens with a tense 0-0 draw between Inter Miami and Al Ahly, setting the tone for a fierce knockout stage.
Al Ahly, who boast plenty of experience in the tournament’s previous format, created early chances. In the seventh minute, Emam Ashour’s close-range effort was superbly blocked by goalkeeper Oscar Ustari. Wessam Abou Ali thought he had given Al Ahly the lead in the 29th minute, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Three minutes later, Achraf Dari’s header was punched away by Ustari. In the 41st minute, a penalty kick awarded to Al Ahly saw Trezeguet’s initial shot blocked and his rebound saved, keeping the score level at halftime.
Inter Miami’s first real opportunity came in the 44th minute when Lionel Messi’s curling shot from the edge of the box struck the crossbar. Late in the second half, Messi delivered a precise cross that set up Fafa Picault, but Al Ahly’s goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy produced a stunning save.
Miami went goalless for the first time since May 19, while securing their first clean sheet since April 19. On Thursday, Inter Miami will face Porto, and Al Ahly will take on Palmeiras. Before then, Porto and Palmeiras meet on Sunday in another Round of 16 clash.
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FIFA Club World Cup begins with 0-0 draw between Inter Miami, Al Ahly
cgtn.com
