Club world cup: City 3 good for Urawa, a win away from title

JEDDAH, December 20

Manchester City outclassed Urawa Red Diamonds in a 3-0 victory in the King Abdullah Sports City stadium on Tuesday to set up a Club World Cup final showdown against Brazilian side Fluminense.

European champions City were frustrated by a well-organised Japanese side during the opening half but took the lead with an own goal by Marius Hoibraten in stoppage time.

Mateo Kovacic made it 2-0 in the 52nd minute with his first goal since joining City from Chelsea and Bernardo Silva’s deflected shot a few minutes later meant City could play the rest of the game in cruise control.

Pep Guardiola’s City, who had won only three of their previous eight games in all competitions, are looking to become the fourth English club to win the title after Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea.

They will start as heavy favourites in Friday’s final against Copa Libertadores champions Fluminense who beat Egypt’s Al-Ahly 2-0. “To be in this final, you have to do incredible things like win the Champions League. This may be the only time we play this in our lifetime,” Guardiola said. — Reuters