In an electrifying start to the FIFA Club World Cup, Inter Miami and Al Ahly battled to a 0-0 draw at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday. The match marked the kickoff of the tournament’s first-ever 32-team edition, and neither side disappointed.
Al Ahly, experienced veterans of the competition’s previous formats, dominated early with several close calls. In the 7th minute, Emam Ashour nearly put the Egyptian side ahead, but Inter Miami’s goalkeeper, Oscar Ustari, made a crucial save with his left leg. Al Ahly thought they had broken the deadlock in the 29th minute when Wessam Abou Ali found the net, but the goal was ruled offside.
The Egyptian side continued to press, earning a penalty kick in the 41st minute. Trezeguet’s initial shot was blocked, and his follow-up attempt was confidently saved by Ustari, keeping Inter Miami in the game.
Inter Miami struggled to find their rhythm but nearly took the lead just before halftime. In the 44th minute, Lionel Messi unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box, only to see it crash off the crossbar. The Argentinian superstar continued to create opportunities, setting up a header for Fafa Picault in the 84th minute, but Al Ahly’s goalkeeper, Mohamed El Shenawy, was equal to the task.
The match showcased stellar defensive performances from both sides. Miami failed to score for the first time since May, but they also kept a clean sheet for the first time since April. Meanwhile, Al Ahly demonstrated why they are a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
The draw sets the stage for an intense group phase. Inter Miami will next face Portugal’s Porto, while Al Ahly is set to meet Brazil’s Palmeiras on Thursday. Before that, Porto and Palmeiras will clash on Sunday, adding more excitement to the tournament.
The FIFA Club World Cup’s expanded format promises plenty of drama and high-quality football, and if the opening match is any indication, fans around the world are in for a treat.
