2023-12-12 20:18:27
Al-Ittihad, the “representative of Saudi Arabia,” launched its campaign in the Club World Cup in Jeddah in the best possible way, and presented itself wonderfully in the opening match once morest New Zealand’s Auckland City, raining down a hat-trick that led it to reach the second round of the tournament, and set an “Arab” date with its rival, Al-Ahly of Egypt, the African champion. Next Friday.
Amid an amazing audience presence and under rain showers, the FIFA Club World Cup competitions were opened in Jeddah following a wonderful ceremony at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium minutes before the start of the match between Al-Ittihad and Auckland City, New Zealand, on Tuesday.
Al-Ittihad fans recorded a large attendance at the match (AP)
The fireworks signaled the beginning of the opening ceremony, which relied on lasers and lights, with 7 banners announcing the clubs participating in the tournament, with the phrase “Hello Champions” written on the field.
Kante made his mark in the match (Photography: Ali Khamaj)
Al-Ittihad clubs are participating in the tournament, as they are the champions of the host country league, Saudi Arabia, Auckland and Al-Ahly of Egypt, the African champions, Brazilian Fluminense, the Copa Libertadores champions, Mexican Club Leon, champions of the North, Central American and Caribbean Confederation (CONCACAF), and Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan, the Asian champions, in addition to Manchester City. European champion and first candidate for the title.
Zakaria Hawsawi is fouled by the New Zealand player (Photo by: Ali Khamaj)
Al-Ittihad fans painted a wonderful picture of support and support for their team across the stands, as their chants did not stop the whole time, and gave their players a great morale boost for the opening match.
Karim Benzema led the Al-Ittihad squad once morest Auckland, and coach Marcelo Gallardo preferred to rely on the 35-year-old French striker, followed by Romarinho and Igor Coronado, while striker Abdel Razzaq Hamdallah sat on the bench. Gallardo made several changes to the squad that lost to Damak in the last league match last week.
Egyptian defender Ahmed Hegazy returned to lead Al-Ittihad’s defense alongside Hassan Kadesh, Zakaria Hawsawi and Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti, and behind them was Brazilian goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe, who lost in the tournament final with Gremio in 2018.
Al-Ghamdi, Al-Ittihad player, in a discussion with American match referee Tori Penso (Archyde.com)
N’Golo Kante, who won the championship with Chelsea in 2021, Brazilian Fabinho, who won the title with Liverpool in 2019, and Faisal Al-Ghamdi led Al-Ittihad’s midfield.
Brazilian Romarinho, in turn, opened Al-Ittihad’s goals in the 29th minute with a powerful shot from outside the box, taking advantage of Zakaria Hawsawi’s cross. Frenchman Kante added the second goal in the 35th minute in a wonderful way following taking advantage of a rebound from the New Zealand goalkeeper and shooting it directly into the net.
A stunning opening at the World Championship in Jeddah (Archyde.com)
In the 40th minute, Frenchman Karim Benzema scored the third goal for Al-Ittihad following a perfect cross from Muhannad Al-Shanqiti, as he found himself directly in front of the net to leave his mark for the fourth time in the tournament, and become the first player in its history to score in 4 different editions: 2014, 2016, and 2022 with a Real Madrid shirt and in 2023 with a Real Madrid shirt. the Union.
Al-Ittihad did not add any other goals during the second half of the confrontation. The New Zealand team, in turn, intensified its defensive barricades, while it seemed clear that coach Al-Ittihad Gallardo set his sights on saving effort, in anticipation of the awaited public summit once morest Al-Ahly of Egypt.
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