Argentina’s Marcelo Gallardo-led Al Ittihad defeated New Zealand’s Auckland 3-0 today to advance to the second round of the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
At the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Gallardo’s side dominated the match in the first half thanks to goals from Brazil’s Romarinho and France’s N’Golo Kante and Karim Benzema.
Next Friday, Al Ittihad will face Egypt’s Al Ahly FC in the second round, and the winner will face 2023 Copa Libertadores champions Fluminense of Brazil in the semi-finals after beating Boca Juniors 2-1. Played at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on 4 November.
In the second half, Argentina forward Emiliano Tate, born in Santiago del Estero, entered the New Zealand team and became the most capped player at the Club World Cup.
Tate, 35, played in his first Club World Cup in 2011 and has since gone on to participate in the 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2022 editions.
The Santiago native started his career at Villa Miter in his home province until 2009 when he moved to New Zealand where he played for Wellington, Auckland City and South African sides AmaZulu and Mamelodi.
The 20th and last edition of the Club World Cup will feature “Muñeco” Gallardo as a guest team.
Starting in 2025, there will be a new Club World Cup with 32 teams, as confirmed by FIFA.
The final will be held on Friday 22nd at King Abdullah Sports City and the third place match will be held at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium on the same day.
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