Sommer's Inter Milan beat River Plate and advance to the last 16

Inter Milan struggled throughout the group stage of the Club World Cup but ultimately triumphed: the Champions League finalist beat River Plate 2-0 on Wednesday to take first place in their group, setting up a date with Fluminense in the round of 16.

Trailing against Monterrey before equalizing (1-1), trailing against Urawa Red Diamonds before turning the game around (2-1), Inter Milan, now coached by Cristian Chivu, decided to take the bull by the horns on Wednesday against River Plate, while three teams had four points before the last match.

The Italian club knew that Monterrey was likely to largely dominate the club from the Tokyo suburbs (which the Mexicans did, 4-0) and launched an early assault on the Argentinian goal at Lumen Field in Seattle.

Asllani, Esposito (26th, 44th), and Lautaro Martinez (32nd) were too imprecise to convert the numerous opportunities. But Inter's fundamental play, which allowed them to reach the Champions League final (a 5-0 defeat against PSG) by notably eliminating a powerful Barcelona, ​​was there, and confidence grew throughout the match.

The penalty came closer in the second half as Inter Milan gradually increased the intensity. Like a good captain, Lautaro Martinez, who has scored twice in two matches, led the way by hitting the post (52nd minute) and then making a superb cross to open up a duel with Franco Armani, which was spoiled by a shot that was too close (55th minute).

It was Lucas Martinez Quarta's red card in the 66th minute for a foul as the last defender that finally set the tone for the match. It took just six more minutes for the aging Inter midfielder, Sebastiano Esposito (22), to force the decision with a clinical shot into the far corner.

Finally, Bastoni sealed the victory by getting rid of two Argentinian players with a great bridge before beating Armani with a low shot (90+3).

CF Monterrey, for its part, easily defeated Urawa Red Diamonds (4-0) on Wednesday in Los Angeles. The Mexican team, which had its destiny in its own hands and could have secured its place with a victory, won by scoring three goals in nine minutes in the first half, through Nelson Deossa (30th), German Berterame (34th) and Jesus Corona (39th). Berterame added a brace in added time (90+7).

Monterrey, who finished second in Group E, will face Borussia Dortmund in the next round next Tuesday in Atlanta. Inter Milan will take on Fluminense on Monday in Charlotte.