Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal made history on Tuesday night when they shocked Brazilian giants Flamenco in a 3-2 victory in the semifinal of the FIFA Club World Cup. This marks the first time that a Saudi Arabian team has reached the FIFA Club World Cup final.
Al-Hilal was awarded a penalty after just three minutes, with Salem Al Dawsari putting the underdogs in the lead. While Pedro equalized for the Brazilians, Al-Hilal’s lead was restored when Al Dawsari scored from the spot yet again. This time, Gerson was sent off for his foul.
Luciano Vietto grabbed a third goal for the Saudi Arabians after the halftime break, thereby providing them with some breathing space, while Pedro scored again in stoppage time to decrease the deficit. It proved too little too late for the Brazilians, however, as Al-Hilal held on for the win.
“Flamengo was surprised by our quality and by how prepared we were, mentally and strategically,” Al-Hilal head coach Ramon Diaz stated after the game. “Vietto ghosted behind their holding midfielders who we identified were not good on challenges. And he was brilliant, suffering both penalties and scoring a great goal for us.”
Al-Hilal will play the winner of the other semifinal between Real Madrid and Al Ahly in the final on Saturday night.
