Guardiola urges City to ‘go for it’ and grasp a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity after reaching Club World Cup final
Manchester City became Club World Cup winners for the first time, when they beat Copa Libertadores champions Fluminese 4-0 in Jeddah.
Pep Guardiola’s side exemplified their fluid, attacking football, and Fluminese, who resolutely tried to play out from the back throughout the match, had little to offer in response.
City as reigning Champions League winners, Europe’s representative added another title to their crown, and their first of the season, making it their fifth in a single calendar year.
The Copa Libertadores champions had already struggled domestically this season but reached the final after beating Al Ahly 2-0 in the other semi-final.
Follow all the updates from the final below plus get the latest odds and tips right here:
FT: Man City 4-0 Fluminese
Here’s the match report:
Manchester City added the Club World Cup to last season’s treble with an emphatic 4-0 win over Brazilian side Fluminense in Jeddah on Friday.
Julian Alvarez struck twice, setting them on their way after just 40 seconds and wrapping up victory late on, while Phil Foden forced an own goal and grabbed the other himself.
It was manager Pep Guardiola’s fourth triumph in the competition but one that came at a cost as influential midfielder Rodri was forced off in the second half with an injury.
Sonia Twigg22 December 2023 20:11
FT: Man City 4-0 Fluminese
Phil Foden was interviewed after the match and said: “Fair play to them, I love the way they play. The short passes, so they’re a great side and they didn’t make it easy today.
“I thought the lads, not just showed quality, but heart and determination. We’re not used to playing in this heat so it was difficult, but delighted with the outcome.
“Over the world really, obviously this one is so important for the club as well so I’m delighted because it’s the first time we’ve won it so it’s massive for the club.”
Sonia Twigg22 December 2023 20:02
FT: Man City 4-0 Fluminese
Manchester City have won a fifth trophy in a single calendar year, and Pep Guardiola has another to add to his collection.
It was an utterly dominant performance, although City will not want to celebrate for long, with a trip to Goodison Park scheduled for 27 December.
Sonia Twigg22 December 2023 19:56
FT: Man City 4-0 Fluminese
FT: There was no added time, the whistle blows and the fourth goal was almost the final action of the game.
City have another trophy and it was completely deserved, it was a comfortable match for Guardiola’s side, but it looked as though there were some words exchanged after the final whistle.
Sonia Twigg22 December 2023 19:51
GOAL! Alvarez scores – Man City 4-0 Fluminese
88’ That was a clean strike and a brilliant finish from Alvarez, set up with a clever touch with the outside of his right foot to open up the space before firing home.
The goalkeeper was beaten by the power of the strike.
Sonia Twigg22 December 2023 19:48
GOAL! Alvarez scores – Man City 4-0 Fluminese
88’ GOAL! Alvarez makes it four!
Sonia Twigg22 December 2023 19:47
Man City 3-0 Fluminese
86’ The game just feels like it is meandering along to a pretty foregone conclusion. City are just four minutes of normal time away from becoming Fifa Club World Cup champions.
Sonia Twigg22 December 2023 19:46
Man City 3-0 Fluminese
83’ Kennedy has been shown a yellow card for a foul on Nunes, he was caught on the thigh there, not the nicest of tackles.
Sonia Twigg22 December 2023 19:44
Man City 3-0 Fluminese
82’ Fluminese play out from the back again, but there just looks like there is a little bit more space opening up.
They are having a bit more of the ball…
Sonia Twigg22 December 2023 19:42
Man City 3-0 Fluminese
81’ City sub Foden and Ake off for Matheus Nunes and Bobb
Sonia Twigg22 December 2023 19:40