River Plate kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup (CWC) campaign with flair, securing a 3-1 victory over Urawa Red Diamonds in the opening match of Group E.
In this inaugural competitive clash against South American teams, the Japanese club found themselves initially overwhelmed as River Plate took command in the first 20 minutes.
Sebastian Driussi was quick to apply pressure, finding space at the edge of the area. Despite the efforts of two defenders, he managed to unleash a shot that struck the post and was cleared to safety.
Los Millonarios soon gained a well-deserved lead just three minutes later, thanks to a precise cross from Marcos Acuna that caught both a defender and the Urawa goalkeeper off-guard, enabling Facundo Colidio to sneak in and head the ball home for the opening goal.
Responding positively to the setback, Urawa found their rhythm but their apparent equaliser was short-lived. Marius Hoibraten’s impressive header soared past River Plate keeper Franco Armani and nestled in the top corner, only for the Norwegian to be flagged offside by the assistant referee—keeping River ahead.
As the first half progressed, Urawa’s attempts to level the score seemed to dissipate in a moment that will haunt Hoibraten as he lay awake in Seattle.
The defender’s back header disappointingly fell well short of the goalkeeper, with Driussi quick to capitalise, nodding the ball over the onrushing Shusaku Nishikawa.
However, the match was far from settled as Acuna fouled Takuro Kaneko in the area, giving Yusuke Matsuo the opportunity to convert a penalty, bringing the score to 3-1.
Bolstered by their enthusiastic supporters, the Japanese side charged forward in pursuit of another goal, but any thoughts of a dramatic comeback were soon extinguished with just over 15 minutes to go.
As the match neared its conclusion, Maximiliano Meza met an Acuna freekick with a powerful header that buried itself in the net, sealing a triumphant start to River Plate’s CWC journey.
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Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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