Manchester City’s Kyle Walker proudly lifted the Club World Cup trophy yesterday at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. In a dominant display, Manchester City defeated Fluminense 4-0 to claim their fifth title of 2023.
City set the tone of the match just 40 seconds into the game when Julián Álvarez capitalized on a rebound off the post from Nathan Aké’s shot, finding the back of the net. Fluminense struggled to keep up with City’s relentless attack, and their hopes were further shattered when their captain, Nino, scored an own goal in the 27th minute.
The match was effectively over when Phil Foden scored a goal in the 72nd minute, guiding in a pass from Álvarez into an open net. Álvarez then sealed the victory for City with another goal in the 88th minute.
This triumph marked Manchester City’s first-ever Club World Cup title and Europe’s 16th in 17 editions of FIFA’s prestigious competition for continental champions. The win also highlighted the impressive form of City’s midfielder, Rodri, who not only played a crucial role in the final but also received the tournament’s Best Player award.
However, the game was not without its moments of controversy. Tempers flared after the final whistle, with City captain Kyle Walker confronting several Fluminense players, including veteran defender Felipe Melo. Walker appeared to take offense at the rough tackling that led to Rodri’s injury and subsequent substitution.
Despite missing star players Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne due to injuries, Manchester City showcased their depth and quality. This victory also made Pep Guardiola the first coach to win the Club World Cup with three different teams. He previously led Barcelona to titles in 2009 and 2011 and Bayern Munich in 2013.
After the match, Guardiola showed his sportsmanship by consoling Fluminense coach Fernando Diniz with a handshake and arm on his shoulder. It was a respectful gesture that emphasized the spirit of fair play that should prevail in football.
Fluminense, for their part, started the game with six players born in the 1980s. Despite their efforts, City’s dominance proved overwhelming, and they were unable to mount a significant challenge. Fluminense’s most celebrated player, Marcelo, was substituted after an hour, receiving warm applause from the crowd and a handshake from his former Real Madrid teammate, City substitute Mateo Kovačić.
Manchester City’s victory was a result of their attacking prowess, solid defense, and exceptional teamwork. They capitalized on their opponents’ mistakes and seized control of the match from the very beginning. With key players like Rodri in magnificent form, City showcased their ability to succeed even in the absence of their star forwards.
As Manchester City celebrates their historic Club World Cup triumph, they now turn their attention back to domestic and European competitions. With their stellar performance in Saudi Arabia, they have solidified their position as one of the world’s finest football clubs.