Corinthians advance to Club World Cup final
Al-Ahly’s journey in competition is over as Corinthians have chance to become first South American champions since 2006.
Published On 12 Dec 2012
Peruvian striker Paolo Guerrero scored in the first half on Wednesday as Brazilian side Corinthians beat Egypt’s Al-Ahly 1-0 to advance to the final of the Club World Cup.
Midfielder Douglas sent a perfect cross into the box and Guerrero rose up to make an angled header past the outstretched arms of Al-Ahly goalkeeper Sherif Ekramy in the 30th minute.
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The Copa Libertadores winners will face the either Champions League winners Chelsea or CONCACAF champions Monterrey of Mexico in the final on December 16 at Yokohama Stadium. The second semifinal is on Thursday.
Corinthians won this tournament in 2000 but a team from South American hasn’t won since Brazil’s Internacional upset Barcelona 1-0 in the 2006 final.
The Brazilian team dominated the first half at Toyota Stadium but Al-Alhy came out with more purpose after the break.
Substitute Mohamed Aboutrika went close to an equaliser in the 70th minute with a long-range attempt that was just wide of the target and Walid Soliman hit a ball over the crossbar with five minutes left.
Brazilians abroad
A large contingent of Corinthian fans that traveled from Brazil made sure the South American champions were the crowd favourite.
Al-Ahly, who beat Japan’s Sanfrecce Hiroshima 2-1 in the quarterfinals, were appearing in their fourth Club World Cup.
In Wednesday’s game to determine fifth place, Hisato Sato scored two second-half goals as Hiroshima beat Asian champion Ulsan Hyundai 3-2.
Sato gave Hiroshima a 2-1 lead in the 56th minute when he deflected a cross from Satoru Yamagishi, and widened the advantage 18 minutes from time with a left-foot shot from close range. Ulsan defender Lee Yong scored a consolation goal from a free kick deep in stoppage time.
South Korean side Ulsan took a 1-0 lead in the 17th on an own goal by Hiroshima defender Hiroki Mizumoto, who redirected a headed ball past goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa.
Hiroshima equalised in the 35th when Satoru Yamagishi calmly tapped in a rebound from a save by Ulsan goalkeeper Kim Young-kwang.
Source: AP