Al Ain shock River Plate to reach Club World Cup final
Al Ain stunned River Plate 5-4 on penalties on Tuesday to clinch a place in Club World Cup final.
AL-AIN (AFP) - Al Ain stunned Copa Libertadores winners River Plate 5-4 on penalties on Tuesday after a lively 2-2 draw to clinch a place in the Club World Cup final and set up a potential showdown with Real Madrid in the United Arab Emirates.
Sweden international Marcus Berg flicked in a corner at the near post to give UAE champions Al Ain the lead on three minutes, but Rafael Santos Borre struck twice in quick succession to put River 2-1 ahead.
The Colombian forced in an equaliser from close range following a double save from Al Ain goalkeeper Khalid Eisa, and Santos Borre scored his second with a crisp finish from a Gonzalo Martinez assist.
Caio levelled for Al Ain on 51 minutes after a slick exchange with Japan defender Tsukasa Shiotani, before Atlanta United-bound Martinez slammed a penalty against the crossbar for River after Mohamed Ahmad brought down Milton Casco.
Al Ain converted all five of their spot-kicks in the shootout before Argentina midfielder Enzo Perez saw his effort saved by Eisa to send the hosts through to Saturday s final in Abu Dhabi.
"I hope not to be the Croatia of this World Cup because I hope to do better. They lost the final and I want to win it," said Al Ain s Croatian coach Zoran Mamic.
"Maybe it s something an Emirati must say. I ve been in this country for a couple of years, but I think yes, that we are perhaps looking at the greatest success in football in this country. I m proud to be part of this success. I hope the best is yet to come."
European champions Real, who are chasing a third successive Club World Cup crown, meet Asian champions Kashima Antlers of Japan in the second semi-final on Wednesday.
Earlier, African champions Esperance defeated Mexico s CD Guadalajara 6-5 on penalties to claim fifth place following a 1-1 draw in Al Ain.
Walter Sandoval converted an early penalty to give CONCACAF champions Guadalajara the lead, but Tunisian side Esperance levelled before half-time through a Mohammed Belaili spot-kick.
