Manchester City vs Fluminense 4-0: Club World Cup final – as it happened

Manchester City secured a convincing victory over Fluminense in the Club World Cup final, winning 4-0 in a dominant display of football.

The match took place at the Yokohama International Stadium in Japan, with both teams vying for the prestigious title of Club World Cup champions. Manchester City, the English Premier League champions, were the favorites going into the game, while Fluminense, the Brazilian Serie A champions, were looking to cause an upset.

The game started off with Manchester City asserting their dominance, controlling possession and creating numerous chances. Their attacking trio of Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, and Gabriel Jesus proved to be too much for Fluminense’s defense to handle.

It didn’t take long for Manchester City to open the scoring, with De Bruyne finding the back of the net in the 10th minute. The Belgian midfielder unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, leaving the Fluminense goalkeeper with no chance.

Fluminense tried to respond and had a few opportunities of their own, but they were unable to find the back of the net. Manchester City’s defense, led by the solid partnership of Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte, remained resolute and denied Fluminense any clear-cut chances.

In the 35th minute, Manchester City doubled their lead through Sterling. The English winger made a darting run into the box and calmly slotted the ball past the Fluminense goalkeeper. The goal showcased Sterling’s pace, skill, and composure in front of goal.

As the second half began, Fluminense looked to mount a comeback and put pressure on Manchester City. However, their hopes were dashed when Jesus scored Manchester City’s third goal in the 55th minute. The Brazilian striker displayed his clinical finishing ability, latching onto a through ball and placing it into the bottom corner of the net.

With a comfortable lead, Manchester City continued to dominate the game, controlling possession and creating chances. Fluminense struggled to break through their defense, and Manchester City’s goalkeeper, Ederson, was rarely tested.

In the 80th minute, Manchester City put the final nail in the coffin with a goal from Phil Foden. The young English midfielder received the ball on the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful strike into the top corner, leaving the Fluminense goalkeeper helpless.

The final whistle blew, and Manchester City celebrated their victory, lifting the Club World Cup trophy. The win capped off a remarkable season for Manchester City, who had already secured the Premier League title and reached the final of the UEFA Champions League.

Fluminense, despite the loss, can take pride in their journey to the Club World Cup final. They showcased their quality and resilience throughout the tournament, defeating strong teams along the way.

The Club World Cup final was a fitting end to a thrilling tournament, showcasing the best club teams from around the world. Manchester City’s dominant performance highlighted their status as one of the top teams in world football, while Fluminense’s run to the final demonstrated the strength of Brazilian football.

As the players celebrated and the confetti rained down, the Club World Cup final will be remembered as a showcase of skill, determination, and the pursuit of footballing glory.