FIFA Club World Cup

Bruno Henrique inspires Flamengo into the final

Flamengo into Club World Cup final
South American champions needed second-half comeback
They will face Monterrey or Liverpool

A Bruno Henrique-inspired second-half fightback saw Flamengo book their place in the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019 final with a 3-1 win over Al Hilal.

The rangy forward scored one and set up two after Salem Aldawsari's first strike saw the Asian champions threaten an upset.

The Saudi side were quick out of the blocks and impressed as Flamengo struggled to get out of first gear. A great chance for Aldawsari was well-saved by Diego Alves, but the Brazilians were already rocking on their heels and moments later Al Hilal achieved the knockdown.

Andre Carrillo spread the ball wide to Mohammed Alburayk, with the full-back cutting the ball back to the penalty area, and Aldawsari to not pass up this chance. Flamengo grew in confidence but always looked fragile on the break.

After half-time, they were a different beast. Faster, more cohesive and energised by the threat of an early exit, they were level within four minutes. A slick move saw Gabigol, Henrique and De Arrascaeta combine for the Uruguayan to tap in.

The momentum had swung and while Al Hilal stood strong, in the space of five minutes their resistance crumbled. Space on the right allowed Rafinha’s pin-point cross to be powered home by Henrique, before he turned provider again, forcing Ali Albulayhi to turn into his own net, trying to deny a certain goal.

A late dismissal of Andre Carrillo a minute later ended all possibility of a revival as Flamengo set their sights on the final.

Alibaba Cloud Match Award Winner: Bruno Henrique

Salem Aldawsari of Al Hilal SFC shoots

17 Dec 2019

DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 17: Salem Aldawsari of Al Hilal SFC shoots during the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final match between CR Flamengo and Al Hilal FC at Khalifa International Stadium on December 17, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by David Ramos - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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CR Flamengo v Al Hilal FC - FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019

17 Dec 2019

DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 17: Salem Aldawsari of Al Hilal SFC celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final match between CR Flamengo and Al Hilal FC at Khalifa International Stadium on December 17, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by David Ramos - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Salem Aldawsari of Al Hilal SFC celebrates after scoring his team's first goal

17 Dec 2019

DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 17: Salem Aldawsari of Al Hilal SFC celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final match between CR Flamengo and Al Hilal FC at Khalifa International Stadium on December 17, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by David Ramos - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Jorge Jesus, Head Coach of CR Flamengo looks on

17 Dec 2019

DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 17: Jorge Jesus, Head Coach of CR Flamengo looks on prior to the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final match between CR Flamengo and Al Hilal FC at Khalifa International Stadium on December 17, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by David Ramos - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Ali Albulayhi of Al Hilal SFC is challenged by Gabriel Barbosa of CR Flamengo

17 Dec 2019

DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 17: Ali Albulayhi of Al Hilal SFC is challenged by Gabriel Barbosa of CR Flamengo during the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final match between CR Flamengo and Al Hilal FC at Khalifa International Stadium on December 17, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

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Bafetimbi Gomis of Al Hilal SFC is challenged by Rodrigo Caio of CR Flamengo

17 Dec 2019

DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 17: Bafetimbi Gomis of Al Hilal SFC is challenged by Rodrigo Caio of CR Flamengo during the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final match between CR Flamengo and Al Hilal FC at Khalifa International Stadium on December 17, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Mike Hewitt - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Ali Albulayhi of Al Hilal SFC is challenged by Gabriel Barbosa of CR Flamengo

17 Dec 2019

DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 17: Ali Albulayhi of Al Hilal SFC is challenged by Gabriel Barbosa of CR Flamengo during the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final match between CR Flamengo and Al Hilal FC at Khalifa International Stadium on December 17, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

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Salem Aldawsari of Al Hilal SFC scores his team's first goal

17 Dec 2019

DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 17: Salem Aldawsari of Al Hilal SFC scores his team's first goal during the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final match between CR Flamengo and Al Hilal FC at Khalifa International Stadium on December 17, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by David Ramos - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Al Hilal SFC players pose for a team photo

17 Dec 2019

DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 17: Al Hilal SFC players pose for a team photo prior to the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final match between CR Flamengo and Al Hilal FC at Khalifa International Stadium on December 17, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

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The CR Flamengo players pose for a team photo

17 Dec 2019

DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 17: The CR Flamengo players pose for a team photo prior to the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final match between CR Flamengo and Al Hilal FC at Khalifa International Stadium on December 17, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by David Ramos - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Everton Ribeiro of CR Flamengo and Carlos Eduardo of Al Hilal SFC pose for a photo

17 Dec 2019

DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 17: Everton Ribeiro of CR Flamengo and Carlos Eduardo of Al Hilal SFC pose for a photo with the match officials prior to the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final match between CR Flamengo and Al Hilal FC at Khalifa International Stadium on December 17, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Mike Hewitt - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Al Hilal FC fans enjoy the pre match atmosphere

17 Dec 2019

DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 17: Al Hilal FC fans enjoy the pre match atmosphere prior to the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final match between CR Flamengo and Al Hilal FC at Khalifa International Stadium on December 17, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Mike Hewitt - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Everton Ribeiro of CR Flamengo leads his team

17 Dec 2019

DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 17: Everton Ribeiro of CR Flamengo leads his team out prior to the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final match between CR Flamengo and Al Hilal FC at Khalifa International Stadium on December 17, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by David Ramos - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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CR Flamengo fans show their support

17 Dec 2019

DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 17: CR Flamengo fans show their support prior to the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final match between CR Flamengo and Al Hilal FC at Khalifa International Stadium on December 17, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Mike Hewitt - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Al Hilal SFC fans show their support

17 Dec 2019

DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 17: Al Hilal SFC fans show their support prior to the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final match between CR Flamengo and Al Hilal FC at Khalifa International Stadium on December 17, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Mike Hewitt - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

© Getty Images