New Jersey ( Europe Brief News): Palmeiras claimed a 2-0 win over Al Ahly in their Club World Cup Group A opener on Thursday in New Jersey, securing an early lead in the tournament.
After two goalless draws in the opening round of games, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will play Porto in the other match in the group.
Players and spectators at the MetLife Stadium were told to “take shelter” due to a nearby storm, and the game was halted in the 63rd minute due to a weather warning.
At the moment, Palmeiras had a two-goal lead. Wessam Abou Ali’s own goal put the Brazilians ahead in the 49th minute, and ten minutes later, Flaco Lopez increased the lead over the Egyptians.
Palmeiras’ victory put them in a provisional lead with four points, while the other three teams were tied with one point each.
It was the third tournament match when bad weather has impacted play.
Due to a weather alert, Tuesday’s Mamelodi Sundowns game versus Ulsan HD was postponed for just over an hour before kickoff.
The game between RB Salzburg and Pachuca was then postponed for 97 minutes on Wednesday due to a storm.
In their first match, Palmeiras, led by the gifted young player Estevao Willian, who is expected to join Chelsea, played well but lost to Porto.
English referee Anthony Taylor sent out Palmeiras midfielder Raphael Veiga for a foul on Ahmed Zizo, but after a VAR review, he reversed his judgment, and Al Ahly held them at bay in a close first half.
Palmeiras took the lead when Palestinian striker Abou Ali headed a free kick from Anibal Moreno into his own net.
After Mauricio played him through on goal, Lopez coolly scored to give the Brazilians their second goal.
Palmeiras played out the rest of the game smoothly without jeopardizing their lead after the rain warning caused a 45-minute pause.
Despite being in the middle of their domestic seasons, South American teams have been in terrific form going into the tournament and have yet to lose.
How did Palmeiras exploit Al Ahly’s defensive mistakes to score their goals?
Anibal Moreno sent a free kick into the area after Palmeiras won it on the left wing.
Wessam Abou Ali, a defender for Al Ahly, tried to clear the ball under pressure from the set piece but unintentionally headed it into his own net.
Palmeiras had a 1-0 lead thanks to an efficient set-piece delivery that caused confusion in Al Ahly’s defense, which led to this defensive blunder.
Ten minutes or so later, Palmeiras regained possession and took advantage of a swift transition. During a swift counterattack, José Manuel López was freed and completed with a perfect left-footed shot that went past El Shenawy, the goalkeeper for Al Ahly.
Palmeiras’ lead was increased to 2-0 thanks to this goal, which took advantage of Al Ahly’s defensive lapses and slow recovery after losing the ball.
