Goalkeepers Oscar Ustari and Mohamed El Shenawy starred in a goalless Club World Cup draw between Inter Miami and Al Ahly on Saturday in Miami (Sunday early morning SAST).
Lionel Messi failed to get on the scoresheet in the opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which saw Africa’s most successful club take on Inter Miami.
Goalkeepers Dominate Opening Club World Cup Match
The opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup between Inter Miami (4.90) and Al Ahly (5.40) ended in a 0-0 draw.
The game, held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, showcased exceptional performances from both goalkeepers.
Oscar Ustari of Inter Miami made several crucial saves, including a penalty stop against Trezeguet in the first half.
Mohamed El Shenawy of Al Ahly also impressed with key saves, notably denying Messi’s long-range shot in stoppage time.
Al Ahly Dominant In First Half
Al Ahly — who had appointed José Riveiro as head coach ahead of the Club World Cup — controlled the first half, creating multiple scoring opportunities. Despite their dominance, they couldn’t break the deadlock due to Ustari’s outstanding goalkeeping.
The Egyptian side’s pressure was relentless, but Miami’s defence, led by Ustari, held firm. The first half concluded with the score still 0-0, setting the stage for an exciting second half.
Inter Miami Show Resilience In Second Half
In the second half of the Club World Cup opener, Inter Miami found its rhythm, with Lionel Messi orchestrating several attacking moves. However, El Shenawy was equal to the task, making crucial saves to keep the score level.
The match continued at a high tempo, with both teams pushing for a breakthrough. Despite their efforts, neither side could find the back of the net, and the game ended in a 0-0 draw.
Looking Ahead
Both teams will be aiming for victory in their upcoming Group A matches.
Inter Miami is set to face FC Porto at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, while Al Ahly will meet Palmeiras at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The opening match, despite ending in a draw, highlighted the high level of competition and set an exciting tone for the rest of the tournament.
This could be one of the most unpredictable sports tournaments at the moment. It’s also a goldmine for those analysing online sports betting odds and matchups.
