Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Abu Dhabi: While many neutral fans may have been hoping to see Real Madrid and River Plate do battle in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain’s lionhearted displays have helped them to a surprise spot in a fairytale final of the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2018.
The UAE Pro League champions have won many new admirers along the way, giving UAE football a timely boost just two weeks ahead of the start of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 in the Emirates.
If Al Ain were to defeat the 13-time European champions and lift the trophy on home soil it would be a truly remarkable story. And while Real Madrid are overwhelming favourites, Zoran Mamic’s side have thus far shown that anything is possible.
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Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Al Ain City: Al Ain coach Zoran Mamic hailed his “incredible” players after they made FIFA Club World Cup history for the UAE on Tuesday.
A 5-4 penalty shootout victory over South American champions River Plate saw Al Ain become the first Emirati side to reach the final of the tournament.
It was the second time in three matches that Al Ain were taken to penalties, with Mamic’s side showing admirable endurance given a brutal recent fixture pile-up.
And the Croatian admitted he could barely believe how deep his players were able to dig for the victory.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Al Ain City: Goalkeeper Khalid Eisa was the hero as Al Ain roared into the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2018 final after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over River Plate on Tuesday.
Eisa made a string of fantastic saves during normal and extra-time before keeping out Enzo Perez‘s penalty in the shootout to propel The Boss towards a final meeting with either Real Madrid or Kashima Antlers. It is the first time an Emirati side has ever reached the FIFA Club World Cup final.
A brace from Santos Borre and a goal each for Marcus Berg and Caio left the match evenly poised at 2-2 after 120 minutes. And just as they had done in the tournament’s opening match against Team Wellington, Al Ain triumphed on spot-kicks.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Al Ain: Al Ain ensured there will be two Asian representatives in the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2018 semi-finals after a comprehensive 3-0 victory over African champions Esperance on Saturday.
Early strikes from Mohamed Ahmad and Hussein El Shahat set reigning UAE Pro League champions on their way and a second-half goal from Bandar Al Ahbabi secured the win. Al Ain will now take on Copa Libertadores winners River Plate in the semi-final back at their Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on Tuesday.
Both teams unfurled enormous banners ahead of the game and there was frenzied atmosphere throughout the all-Arab clash.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Abu Dhabi: After a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid, Kashima Antlers must dust themselves off for their third and final match at the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2018, against Argentine giants River Plate.
AFC Champions League winners have met Copa Libertadores champions twice before in third-place playoffs. Internacional beat Korea Republic's Seongnam 4-2 in an entertaining encounter in 2010, and Atletico Mineiro triumphed 2-1 over Guangzhou Evergrande in 2013.
But after River were stunned by Asian opposition in their semi-final it seems an evenly poised tie awaits, with the contest hinging on which club can most quickly put their recent setback behind them.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Abu Dhabi: Kashima Antlers coach Go Oiwa bemoaned his side’s lack of attacking intent but ultimately took the blame for the 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2018 semi-finals.
For the second time in two years, Kashima were beaten in the competition by Real, though Wednesday’s clash in Abu Dhabi saw a more comfortable victory for Los Blancos than the 2016 final in Hiroshima.
Despite facing a star-studded Madrid line-up, Oiwa had insisted before the game that he would set his team up to attack.
But after a promising start, Kashima faded and were ultimately overpowered by the European champions, who were inspired by a Gareth Bale hat-trick at the Zayed Sports City Stadium.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Abu Dhabi: Real Madrid booked a FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2018 final clash with Al Ain as Gareth Bale’s quickfire hat-trick ended the hopes of AFC Champions League winners Kashima Antlers on Wednesday.
Kashima managed to keep the European champions at bay for 44 minutes but a devastating spell either side of half-time consigned them to a 3-1 defeat and a third-place playoff against River Plate.
When Kashima and Real last did battle in the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup final it was a Cristiano Ronaldo treble that proved the difference but this time it was Los Blancos’ Welsh wizard showing his ruthless streak in front of goal.