Crushing Al-Ain, Juventus shows off class at FIFA Club World Cup

(NLDO) - Juventus had a perfect debut at the FIFA Club World Cup when they easily defeated Al-Ain (UAE) with a score of 5-0, affirming their position as a championship candidate.

Highly regarded for both their class and squad quality, Juventus quickly took control of the game after the opening whistle. Their superiority was confirmed in the 11th minute when Randal Kolo Muani opened the scoring with a tricky header from a precise cross from the right wing by Alberto Costa. This was the first time the French striker had played at the FIFA Club World Cup and it did not take him long to make his mark.

Kolo Muani scores important goal for Juventus

Just 10 minutes later, the score was doubled for the Italian team. Alberto Costa still played the role of creator and Francisco Conceição skillfully turned in the penalty area before firing a shot into the roof of the net past fellow countryman goalkeeper Rui Patricio.

Francisco Conceicao scored a super goal to double the gap

Not stopping there, Kenan Yıldız - a rising young talent of Turkish football - made the audience admire with a beautiful long-range shot in the 31st minute, raising the score to 3-0, after an assist from Khephren Thuram. Applause echoed throughout the stands as recognition for a goal with star quality.

Kenan Yildiz scored the third goal for the Italian team

Just before the end of the first half, Khephren Thuram again made a very delicate pass, creating an opportunity for Kolo Muani to escape and then finish with a dangerous goal in a lightning counter-attack. The first half ended with a 4-goal gap and Al-Ain had almost no chance to recover.

Kolo Muani completed his double with Khephren Thuram bagging a brace of assists.

In the second half, coach Igor Tudor proactively let his players slow down to save energy. However, Juventus still scored the 5th goal in the 58th minute when Francisco Conceição took advantage of a mistake by Al-Ain's defense, ending the match in perfect fashion for the "Old Lady".

Conceicao was not to be outdone by Kolo Muani as he scored his second superb goal of the match.

According to statistics, Juventus controlled the ball more than 60%, launched 15 shots (9 on target) and achieved outstanding scoring efficiency. Meanwhile, Al-Ain only had 1 shot on target and did not create any dangerous opportunities.

The attacking trio Muani - Yıldız - Conceição played well together, moved flexibly, constantly swapped positions and left the Al-Ain defense unable to react.

The midfield with Locatelli and Thuram also ensured control of the midfield, helping Juventus completely dominate the game.

The trio Kolo Muani - Kenan Yildiz - Francisco Conceicao scored 5 goals for Juventus

The UAE representative - who reached the final of the tournament in 2018 - was completely outclassed in this return. Despite possessing some quality players such as Matías Palacios and Soufiane Rahimi, Al-Ain still could not develop the ball under constant pressure from the opponent.

With this victory, Juventus temporarily took the lead in Group G with a goal difference of +5 (compared to Man City who also had 3 points and a goal difference of +2), creating a clear advantage in the race for a ticket to the knockout round. The next match with Man City is considered the "early final" of the group, promising to be exciting as both teams have started well.

Coach Igor Tudor and his players enjoy the joy of victory on the opening day

The 5-0 victory over Al-Ain not only helped Juventus win all 3 points but also sent a strong message to the remaining candidates: "The Old Lady" is not returning to the international arena to play around... With an even force, reasonable tactics and determination, coach Igor Tudor's team is gradually proving that they are capable of conquering the Club World Cup throne for the first time in history.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/de-bep-al-ain-juventus-pho-dien-dang-cap-tai-fifa-club-world-cup-196250619103904666.htm