Tuesday 17 December 2019, 19:18

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