Javier Mascherano is intent on cementing Barcelona’s standing as the best team in the world ahead their Club World Cup semi-final against Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao.
Advertisement
Around 300 screaming fans greeted the Spanish giants trying to take pictures of superstars Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez as they swept through Narita airport at around 0800 local time dressed in blue team tracksuits.
The five-time Chinese Super League champions were held by the Liga MX powerhouse to a goalless first half as the two teams were in a feeling out process early in the match.
Zheng got the equalizer in the 80th minute on Gao Lin’s smart touch in the middle of the box. Instead, they added to the catalogue of recent failures in the tournament for Mexican clubs, who come from Latin America’s richest league.
But Zheng Long equalised with 10 minutes remaining after a break down the left, and Brazilian midfielder Paulinho headed a dramatic victor from a corner in stoppage time.
“They have already show they are hard opponents, who are quick and play well on the counter-attack and are strong at set pieces”, said River midfielder Leonardo Ponzio.
“This is football, even in the last minute you should try to score”. Peralta easily headed home from close range.
“But we fought back and won and we should continue to dream big for the next match against Barcelona”.
“We were disgusting at the start of the second half and that is where the coach has to take some decisions”, said Scolari. Maybe on another night they might not have, but I know the team and I know what they are capable of.
South American champions River Plate, with the fanatical backing of thousands of fans who have made the marathon trip from Argentina, meet Sanfrecce Hiroshima, champions of host nation Japan, in the other semi-final in Osaka on Wednesday.
“We scored our first goal at a great time”, said Hiroshima coach Hajime Moriyasu.
Advertisement
Two minutes later, Benedetto’s strike from 18 yards stung the outstretched palms of Li and after being fed by Quintero, Pablo Aguilar was presented with just the keeper to beat, but drove the ball across the face of goal, albeit from a tight angle.
