Yep, with the exception of the 2007 CWC I think every edition had the 5th place match. I don't miss it greatly, but it did allow us to comprehensively rank all participants.
And let's not forget Kashima Antlers pushing Real Madrid into extra time in the 2016 final! Good piece on Flamengo (Espn.com) That about sums up the mixed emotions of the Libertadores winners heading into the semis.
how about the champions of oceania, who fly in every year just for a preliminary match? And they are the poorest team
Real Madrid squad for the CWC No Courtois, Benzema, Hazard, and Militao due to injuries. I'm sure this is music in Ahly/Flamengo ears...
If FIFA doesn't come up with the prize money, I'm pretty sure European clubs will boycott this competition, especially when it expands to 32 teams. FIFA Clubs World Cup will be another friendly competition for them, like International Champions Cup. And a start to that could be the first loss for the Europeans against non-South American teams. If Al Ahly beat Real Madrid, the Spanish side will say they are focused for the Champions League and La Liga. And the same for the next UCL champions.
I guess. But this was probably going to be one of those rare occasions where Hazard may have started. Instead, Madrid will be forced to play someone who is (obviously) better.
Real Madrid have a long and glorious history in this competition. I don't think they would do that. Anyway, here we go! Flamengo - Al Hilal.
ugh this game is on too late Qatar time. Will watch to maybe full time, but extra time or penalties is a no-no unfortunately....
I agree with the referee, there was a foul there. And he is from Romania, even if he is blamed a lot here 2-1 Al Hilal and one less player for Flamengo for second half.
The first penalty was legit. The second was not. It was pure diving that ended with red card for the Flamengo player.
Halftime: Flamengo - Al Hilal 1:2 Yet another penalty for Al Hilal! Converted yet again by Salem Al Dawsari. The same Al Dawsari that scored the winner for Saudi Arabia against Argentina at that other World Cup thingy in Qatar. And to top it off, Flamengo down to ten men after a red card (second yellow) is given to Gerson. Ladies and gentlemen, we got ourselves a game here.
http://www.tv-sport-hd.com/WebTV/?MZY=7 with lots of ads but it works. FIFA+ has poor resolution for this game, probably shot with an old phone
... and missed a crucial against Poland that cost them a place in the round of 16. Am I not mistaken that all 3 of Hilal's goals in this competition have been penalties lol? I think the guy who scored the penalty against Wydad got sent off in that match too so that's why Dosari took them here. Given they had 5 penalites in the shootout in the quarterfinal. They've now had 8 penalties all converted...
They sure have mastered all penalties so far. I'm also sure the fact that Saudi Tourism sponsors this CWC has already been repeatedly raised on the Brazilian version of Bigsoccer. And now Al Hilal hit the bar!
Well don't think there are any in Riyadh so don't blame them Anyway, it's all Hilal atm, think we could be looking at what could be a great few months for Saudi Arabian football here... Edit: And there it is, 3-1