DOHA: Bruno Henrique scored one goal and made two more to book Flamengo’s place in the final of the Club World Cup as the Brazilian giants came from behind to beat Asian champions Al Hilal 3-1 in Doha on Tuesday.
Salem Aldawsari gave the Saudi club a deserved lead in the first half of this semifinal on a rare rainy night at the Khalifa International Stadium, but Flamengo woke up after the interval and equalized through Giorgian De Arrascaeta in the 49th minute.
Bruno Henrique then headed home after 78 minutes and the Rio club made sure of their win when the same player’s low cross was turned into his own net by unfortunate defender Ali Albulayhi with eight minutes to play.
The Brazilians will play the winner of Wednesday’s second semifinal in Doha, when Liverpool face Mexican club Monterrey.
Fresh from winning the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian title in the last month, Flamengo are now hoping to win this trophy for the first time.
However, they did win the old Intercontinental Cup in 1981, a side captained by Zico defeating Liverpool 3-0 in Tokyo. A rematch between the clubs now looks to be on the cards, unless Monterrey can pull off a major shock.
However, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp — who was expected to attend this game before watching his own club’s second string play a League Cup tie against Aston Villa on television — will have identified weaknesses his side might be able to exploit in a potential final.
Indeed, it looked halfway through this game that there might be another shock, with Flamengo in danger of losing in the semifinals, just as River Plate had done last year in going out to Emirati side Al-Ain at the same stage.
Al Hilal won the Asian Champions League last month and boast the likes of ex-France striker Bafetimbi Gomis and diminutive Italian striker Sebastian Giovinco in their ranks.
They were the better team in the first half and deserved the lead given to them in the 18th minute when Salem met a low ball in from the right with a first-time strike that was deflected off defender Pablo Mari and into the net.
Flamengo’s Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus — formerly in charge of Benfica — managed to rouse his side at the interval, though, and they needed just four minutes to haul themselves level when a lovely move ended with Bruno Henrique squaring for the Uruguayan De Arrascaeta to score.
Bruno Henrique, who is a Brazilian international forward, then ended any possibility of the game going to extra time when he met Rafinha’s cross with a thumping header to make it 2-1 before forcing the own goal that made sure of the victory to the delight of the several thousand traveling Brazilian supporters.
Flamengo come from behind to deny Al Hilal in Club World Cup semi
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Flamengo come from behind to deny Al Hilal in Club World Cup semi
- Salem Aldawsari gave the Saudi club a deserved lead in the first half of the semifinal on a rare rainy night at the Khalifa International Stadium
- The Brazilians struck back with three goals and will play the winner of Wednesday’s second semifinal in Doha, when Liverpool face Mexican club Monterrey
Felix Auger-Aliassime and Jack Draper surprise youngsters at Dubai Tennis Championship clinic
- ATP stars connect with aspiring players during a special youth clinic at Dubai Tennis Stadium
DUBAI: Ahead of the ATP 500 men’s tournament at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, former world No. 6 Felix Auger-Aliassime and British No. 1 Jack Draper surprised young tennis players during a clinic at the weekend.
The two players joined for drills and training with the young players and shared their sports journeys.
Draper said in a press release: “I remember being around Andy Murray when I was younger at the National Tennis Centre.
“I didn’t actually take part in a clinic, but I think it’s really amazing to give back, especially to young players. I remember when I was much younger and how inspiring it was to be around players like that.
“The kids were amazing, and I think they definitely learned something. It was also really nice to see their reactions.”
Draper also spoke about meeting Murray: “I was probably between 10 and 13, around the same age as these kids. I remember feeling like my dream was becoming a little more real after meeting him.
“Just being in his presence definitely made me want to play even more, because I looked up to him so much.”
Draper offered some advice: “Just enjoy your tennis, keep it simple, listen to the people who are trying to help you, and most importantly, have fun and enjoy it.”
For Auger-Aliassime, the clinic was particularly meaningful. “A lot of kids were good players,” said the Canadian, who reached the final in Dubai last year.
“They have bright futures in front of them. They were all happy to see us, and it’s nice to share some time with them because of the innocence of being a kid and having this dream of being a tennis player.
“It’s very nice to see smiles on their faces, and they have good energy on the court. There could be professional players in that group.”
He emphasized the importance of daily commitment in a young player’s development: “I mean, it’s nice and it’s inspiring.
“Some of them can take a little bit of inspiration from this, but the most important thing is what they do every day, you know, with their coaches and their families, what time they put in every day, that’s the most important.”
Among the participants was Megan Uzokwe, 10, who said: “I was really surprised when they arrived. I felt amazing and so happy … I learned new techniques, especially volleys, and I think I’ll remember this experience forever.”
The championships runs from Feb. 23 to 28 at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.
