Juventus is closing in on the knockout stages of the FIFA Club World Cup (CWC) following Kenan Yıldız’s outstanding performance, which included two goals that propelled the team to a 4-1 victory over Wydad AC at Lincoln Financial Field. This defeat leaves the Moroccan outfit facing a potential early elimination.
Having suffered a 2-0 loss to Manchester City in their opening match, Wydad was eager to make a stronger start in this critical group stage encounter.
However, Juventus’ Yıldız quickly shifted the momentum in favour of his side, as he helped secure a two-goal advantage within the first 20 minutes.
First, the Turkish international executed a clever one-two with Khephren Thuram, ultimately guiding the ball in at the near post thanks to a fortunate deflection.
Yıldız then displayed his striking prowess with an emphatic shot from outside the box, sending the ball rocketing into the top corner and marking his name on the scoresheet for the second consecutive match.
To Wydad’s credit, they rallied after a shaky start, with Thembinkosi Lorch finding the net to reduce Juventus’ lead.
The seasoned forward demonstrated great composure, gently lifting the ball over goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio after receiving a perfectly timed through ball from Nordin Amrabat.
Despite Wydad’s response, Juventus maintained a slender lead at half-time, before returning to the pitch with renewed determination to restore their two-goal cushion.
Andrea Cambiaso came close to extending the lead, striking the woodwork from a deep corner, while Randal Kolo Muani narrowly missed connecting with a low cross from Lloyd Kelly.
Confident in his form, Yıldız seized the opportunity to score his second and extend Juventus’ lead to three in Philadelphia.
He latched onto a clever pass from Kolo Muani, then adeptly shifted back onto his right foot to slide the ball into the far corner.
Dusan Vlahovic sealed the match with a penalty in stoppage time after being brought down in the box, ensuring a comprehensive victory that sees Juventus take the lead in Group G. They will secure a top-two finish if Al Ain fails to beat Manchester City.
Wydad, on the other hand, now relies on Al Ain to produce a stunning upset to keep their slim hopes of progression alive.
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Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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