Al Ain are poster boys of Club World Cup success and Khalid Essa provides safest of hands

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  • Fine goals from midfielders Luka Modric and Marcos Llorente helped earn a fourth Club World Cup trophy in five editions for Real Madrid as they ended hosts Al Ain’s historic march to the final with a 4-1 win.

    At an expectant Zayed Sports City, Modric curled in a beautiful opener on 14 minutes shortly after Hussein El Shahat’s effort was cleared off the line by Sergio Ramos.

    Llorente’s half volley on the hour mark – his first for Madrid – and Ramos’ header then killed the game. A memorable headed consolation from Tsukasa Shiotani followed, prior to substitute Yahia Nader’s injury-time own goal.

    ONE BATTLE TOO MANY

    Al Ain’s name isn’t etched on the Club World Cup trophy, but they unquestionably provided the story of this edition.

    Simply to be competing against holders Real Madrid in Saturday’s gala final in Abu Dhabi represented the UAE club game’s grandest achievement, courtesy of a shootout victory against Argentine supremos River Plate.

    That they competed so well until tiring after Llorente’s stylish second for Madrid spoke volumes about the ability and desire within the Arabian Gulf League champions – Shiotani’s headed consolation will live in lore.

    Stalwart centre-back Ismail Ahmed showcased his timeless ability, young playmaker Rayan Yaslam that the club has many years of excellence to look forward to.

    Raphael Varane’s leg and Sergio Ramos’ block help twice deny Egypt midfielder Hussein El Shahat global stardom and winger Caio showed why he is so coveted.

    And to think they began a bedraggled mess, shamefully 3-0 down to amateurs Team Wellington. They then battered CAF Champions League heavyweights Esperance de Tunis 3-0 and went toe-to-toe with River in a 2-2 draw, then shootout triumph.

    This group could not repeat the scare domestic champions Kashima Antlers handed to Madrid in 2016’s showpiece. But for Al Ain, there was still immense credit in defeat.

    ESSA IS SAFEST OF HANDS

    There is something about the Club World Cup that brings out the best in UAE goalkeepers.

    Al Jazira’s Ali Khaseif launched a thousand memes with a redoubtable display during last year’s narrow semi-final defeat to Madrid. This time around, new UAE No1 Khalid Essa was superb throughout.

    He pulled off winning saves in shootouts against Team Welly and River even before he had to face Madrid’s superstars.

    On Saturday night, the highlight came in the 39th minute when successive corners forced acrobatic stops from player-of-the-tournament Gareth Bale’s header and Modric’s drive. No shame could be attached to conceding four goals.

    If only this tournament was in such safe hands. Rumours of FIFA’s meddling with the format, boosting it to 24 teams and holding it every few years, won’t go away.

    This 2018 edition was a roaring success.

    GRADE

    Al Ain – A

    Plentiful positives must be mined from both this final, and the tournament at large.

    Zoran Mamic’s troops competed superbly with several of the globe’s grandest sides. Across the pitch, the Croatian’s troops excelled.

    The rigour of a fourth match in 12 days told towards the end against Madrid. But Shiotani’s header spoke volumes about the Boss’ indefatigable character and ability.

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