Very fair, I think so too. I don't know why and how the betting platforms see Seattle as favorite // edit: Right now I see Seattle odds increased from 2.60 to 2.85 and Al Ahly odds decreased from 2.80 to 2, 55. By me, is somewhere 60/40 for Al Ahly (even 65/35) because is played in Northern Africa and Al Ahly should have a great fanbase there. For the second match... I think Wydad doesn't have much in common with the Moroccan national team, while Saudi Arabia had 90% of Al Hilal players. But, Wydad will have the "12th player" there. And Africa's top football is quite close to the Asian side. This really is a game that can be decided on penalties.
Yeah, this makes no sense to me and can only be explained with ignorance about Al Ahly outside the MENA region. It seems it is held against Al Ahly that they didn't put five or six past Auckland (i.e. they didn't "impress" the first time viewer in Seattle). But why would you look for a statement win when you can conserve energy and still get a comfortable result? How many times have we seen a club "struggle" in the opener only to then see them reach the final? Think Raja Casablanca in 2013, or Al Ain in 2018. All Access | Road to the FIFA Club World Cup An inside look at our preparation for this historic journey. 🎥💚 pic.twitter.com/19EmBkOO3i— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) February 3, 2023 Interestingly for me the Seattle-Ahly match is also Swiss duel of sorts. You've got Switzerland and Grasshopper Club legend Marcel Koller coaching Al Ahly while Sounders keeper Stefan Frei, unknown to most in Switzerland, has had quite the career in MLS. I think quite a few will recognize this Saudi player on Al Hilal. And of course Al Hilal would love to get a rematch with Flamengo after the 2019 CWC.
Heated match right away between Wydad and Al Hilal Wydad pushing forward, backed by their boisterous fans.
Wydad started better but Al Hilal calmed down the game. In second part I think Al Hilal will be more dangerous. And Wydad have the pressure from the fans if they don't score
Did you try FIFA+? I guess when you throw together a tournament at the last minute, television rights are also an issue. Scoreless at halftime. A Wydad goal was (rightly) disallowed due to offside. Al Hilal had more of the possession overall, but it was the harmless kind. Wydad certainly had the better chances but are sloppy in and around the box. A goal would open up this match.
I did. Only games from Botola Espoirs which apparently is Moroccan top league plus Burkina Faso and Gambia I will find ways to see the semis
Did you try this link? (not the general FIFA+ watch section) But yes, it is frustrating this year. I also have to watch in "creative" ways.
I honestly can't see for the life of me how Seattle are considered favorites here. First of all, Al Ahly are experienced veterans in this tournament with his being their what 7th 8th tournament? This is unchartered territory for an MLS club. Also, Ahly will be virtually at home I'm assuming in north Africa. I'm assuming the local crowd will get behind them a lot more than they will Seattle. Also, you have to remember that MLS doesn't start for another 3 weeks and Seattle Sounders are just barely in pre-seaons. Their last competitive game was almost 4 months ago, and given they were eliminated from playoff competition even before that, it was even longer since Sounders played a meaningful match. This is one of the main reasons why we haven't seen an MLS club in the Club World Cup before, as MLS is a summer league and Concacaf Champions league knockouts would start while the US was still in preseason. This is the Egyptian league leaders v the team that finished 21st in MLS out of 28 teams last year. If it was vs LAFC or Philadelphia Union in May or June in Tokyo, it might be different, but to be honest I can actually see this game being a blowout for Al Ahly. Wouldn't be surprised if it ends 3 or 4 nil.... hope I'm wrong though...
Sorry, due to rights issues this FIFA+ content is not available in your region Oh, I missed that because the streaming was down
Yeah, I get the same message. I wonder which "50 territories" have access to it. Anyway, match getting heated again. I predict some red card(s) in this one.
Not done here yet! Penalty for Al Hilal (seemed a bit harsh). [Edit #1] Wydad pick up a stupid red card arguing. [Edit #2] And Al Hilal equalize. How things have changed!
And extra time it is. What a dramatic finish. Wydad seem rattled by the equalizer, and down one man they will likely hope to save themselves into the penalty shootout. The lack of spacing between matches is yet another example of poor organization for this CWC. What will television stations do?
I said this is a match which will be decided on penalties // oh, I forgot that I have a VPS hosted in Germany ))) I can see the matches on FIFA+ now
In the US, FS2 has switched to the Seattle game. Just a video feed with no announcers so far. Fox Deportes sticking with the first game.
Ha! The stream I was watching has switched to Seattle - Al Ahly. Would have really liked to see the conclusion of the first match. [Edit] Ok, got the Wydad match back.
Yes, a penalty shootout as dramatic as the rest of the match. The sole Wydad miss hit both posts! Al Hilal get their "revenge match" against Flamengo in the semis.