Martinez's stroke of genius and Carboni's lucky punch seal Urawa's exit
Inter Milan won 2-1 against Urawa Red Diamonds after a tough game. A stunning goal from Martinez and a late lucky strike from Carboni turned the game in the Nerazzurri's favor, sealing the Japanese club's elimination from the group stage of the Club World Cup.
Valentin Carboni (#45) celebrates his lucky punch in stoppage time. Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
After the 1-1 draw against Monterrey in the opening match of the Club World Cup, Inter Milan were already under pressure in their second match. Against Urawa Red Diamonds, who had lost their first match 3-1 to River Plate , coach Cristian Chivu completely restructured his back three: Dimarco, de Vrij, and new signing Luis Henrique replaced Acerbi, Bastoni, and the injured Pavard in the starting lineup. Zalewski also came on for Mkhitaryan.
Former Ingolstadt player Watanabe shocks InterThe Nerazzurri started off much improved compared to their opening match, with the ball flowing smoothly through the black and blue lines. Less than two minutes in, Luis Henrique missed a shot in the six-yard box, giving them the lead. What followed was a cold shower for Milan: On Japan's first attack, Kaneko left Carlos Augusto standing on the right and set up Watanabe at the penalty spot. The former Ingolstadt II player seized the opportunity and scored to give Urawa the lead (11').
Inter initially sought an immediate response. First, Carlos Augusto and Darmian both failed to capitalize on a double chance (16th minute), and three minutes later, Martinez blasted a header onto the crossbar. However, the Red Diamonds' compact defense increasingly lacked penetration and creativity, and chances to equalize were few and far between. Urawa went into the dressing room with a surprising lead. Inter had to find something to play for, or risk a quick elimination in the group stage.
Dimarco misses dream volleyFrancesco Esposito, the younger of the two Inter brothers, entered the game as a central striker in the second half, allowing Martinez to take on the role of mastermind. The Nerazzurri grew stronger, and the number of chances increased rapidly: Dimarco narrowly missed a dream goal with a volley (56th minute), Esposito fired a bicycle kick wide (58th minute), before the young striker headed a corner onto the roof of the net (64th minute). Substitute Mkhitaryan also missed the equalizer from a prime position (72nd minute).
It ultimately took a stroke of genius from the captain to bring Inter back into the game: From a corner, Martinez attempted an overhead kick at the near post and scored a stunning equalizer (78'). Inter then continued to increase the pressure, but Barella (88') and Esposito (90'+1') both missed excellent header opportunities. Finally, it took a lucky punch deep into stoppage time, with Carboni slotting home amid chaos in the Japanese penalty area (90'+2').
Summer saves Inter - and seals Urawa's exitWatanabe almost countered Inter's celebrated goal when he cheekily fired a free kick from the halfway line (!) straight at the goal. But Sommer tipped the ball over the bar with his fingertips, thus securing Inter's victory in the end (90+5).
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This means the Nerazzurri have their place in the round of 16 on the final matchday against River Plate (Thursday, 3 a.m.). Urawa, on the other hand, no longer has a chance of advancing to the knockout round; due to their loss against River Plate, the result in their final clash with Monterrey (Thursday, 3 a.m.) is irrelevant.
