In a thrilling twist at the FIFA Club World Cup, three heavyweightsInter Milan, Monterrey and Borussia Dortmundbooked their places in the round of 16.
In Seattles Lumen Field, Inter Milan kept their cool against nine-man River Plate, emerging with a 2-0 victory in front of 45,000 fans. Teenage breakout star Francesco Esposito netted his first goal for the Nerazzurri, before defender Alessandro Bastoni sealed the win as River Plate saw Lucas Martinez and Gonzalo Montiel sent off late on.
Meanwhile, over at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Mexican side Monterrey demonstrated clinical finishing in a 4-0 thrashing of Urawa Red Diamonds. Nelson Deossa opened the floodgates with a stunning long-range strike, German Berterame struck twice, and former Porto winger Jesus Corona capped the rout with another spectacular effort from 30 yards. The crowd of 14,000 witnessed Monterreys surge into the knockout stage.
Borussia Dortmund also topped Group F after a 1-0 win over Ulsan. Goals were hard to come by, but a single strike was enough to confirm German squads top spot. Next up, theyll wrap up pool play against Sergio Ramos and Monterrey, setting up a blockbuster rematch in Atlanta.
Up next in the round of 16, Inter Milan will face South Americas Fluminense in Charlotte on Monday, while Monterrey and Dortmund clash in Atlanta on Tuesday. Two Argentinian powerhousesRiver Plate and Boca Juniorsbow out despite their fans vibrant atmospheres, leaving the global stage wide open for the tournaments next chapter.
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Inter Milan, Monterrey join Dortmund in round of 16 at Club World Cup
cgtn.com
