2-0: Fluminense are through to the final and Marcelo’s dream is still alive

Marcelo’s dream of winning the fifth Club World Cup of his career at the age of 35 is still alive. After achieving four at Real Madrid, The left-back scored the penalty that opened Fluminense’s 2-0 victory over Egyptian Al Ahly, African champions, at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia). The Copa Libertadores winner’s opponent in Friday’s final kicks off tomorrow with Manchester City-Urawa Red Diamonds.

The first semifinal was a gift for the audience as both teams did not speculate at any time and came out determined to attack. Fluminense, under the direction of Brazilian coach Fernando Diniz, who is also himself had the ball a little more but Al Ahly, without respect famous rivals like Marcelo, Felipe Melo and Ganso, He did not hesitate to find the goal.

Jhon Arias is the most dangerous player of Fluminense for its speed and mobility. The Copa Libertadores champion’s two shots were his in the first half and both hit the posts. In the 8th minute, the Colombian striker hit the outside of the crossbar with a massive volley after Keno’s cross.

Arias’ second post

And, in the 24th minute, Arias himself, after a practice corner kick, saw his shot hit the post again from the edge of the area.

Al Ahly, led by Hussein Elshahat Assisted on the right wing by Ali Maaloul, he finished more times in this first half with his pointer Mahmoud Kahraba as the main asset. In the 18th minute, centre-back Mohamed Abdel Monem headed towards the near post and full-back Samuel Xavier prevented Kahraba from firing into the net for the second.

After half an hour, a close header from Kahraba, after a defensive rebound, Goalkeeper Fabio took it out with a miraculous hand with a display of reflexes.

Felipe Melo made history at 40 years old

Al Ahly attacked with determination but Brazil’s defense remained strong led by the center back Felipe Melo, who at 40 years old became the oldest player to compete in a Club World Cup, lose Paolo Maldini, who won it in 2007 with 39 defending Milan.

After the break the tone was maintained. Fluminense had the first chance when a cross shot by Argentine Germán Cano went close to the post. Elshahat responded with another diagonal shot stick to the post rejected by Fabio, one of the keys to Fluminense’s success.

Marcelo is still decisive at the age of 35

The decisive game came in the 70th minute. Marcelo controlled Ganso’s change of play on the left, tackled and He caught Percy Tau with a pipe and the South African dragged him from behind.

The penalty was converted by Arias, who beat Mohamed El Shenawy, who in the previous tie saved one from Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad).

Goalkeeper Fabio, key and another historic goal for Kennedy

Fluminense had to sweat more because Al Ahly did not give up and created danger at every turn, but Fabio answered each of them to thwart the attempts of Kahbara and Taher Mohamed.

As the statute of limitations was about to expire, the newly introduced John Kennedy was sentenced. He received from Cano, clipped a defender and finished with a placed kick. The young Brazilian forward is decisive again, just like the goal that defeated Boca Juniors in the Libertadores final last November in Maracaná (2-1). Now Fluminense will go for more glory.

Data sheets

Fluminense: Fabio; Samuel Xavier (Guga, m.83), Nino, Felipe Melo (Marlon, m.75), Marcelo (Diogo Barbosa, m.79); André, Martinelli; Jhon Arias, Ganso (Lima, m.79), Keno (Kennedy, m.79) and Germán Cano.

Al Ahly: El Shenawy; Hany, Yasser, Abdelmonein, Maaloul; Emam (Rami Rabia, m.91), Akram (Afsha, m.75), Marawan (El Solia, m.91); Tau (Fouad, m.75), Kahraba (Taher, m.75) and El Shahat

Goals: 1-0, m.71: Jhon Arias, penalty. 2-0, m.90: Kennedy.

Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland). He showed a yellow card to Martinelli for Fluminense (45′) and Abdelmonein for Al Ahly (69′).

Incidents: Club World Cup first semi-final played at King Abdullah Sports City stadium in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia).