The highly anticipated 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicked off tonight with a surprising goalless draw between Egyptian giants Al Ahly and MLS powerhouse Inter Miami at Hard Rock Stadium. Despite the presence of Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets, Inter Miami struggled to break down a resolute Al Ahly defense, with both goalkeepers delivering stellar performances to earn their respective teams a point in Group A.
Al Ahly, making their tenth appearance in the Club World Cup, came out of the gates with considerable intent, dominating possession and creating the clearer opportunities in the first half. Their best chance came just before halftime when Mahmoud Trezeguet stepped up to take a penalty, only to be denied by a heroic save from the veteran Inter Miami goalkeeper, Óscar Ustari. Ustari, 38, was a standout performer, making multiple crucial saves to keep the Herons in the game during Al Ahly’s early onslaught.
Inter Miami, buoyed by Ustari’s heroics, grew into the match in the second half, with Lionel Messi at the heart of their attacking forays. Messi came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock, hitting the post with a free kick and later striking the crossbar with a curling effort in added time. Substitute Fafà Picault also forced a close-range save from Al Ahly’s captain and goalkeeper, Mohamed El-Shennawy.
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El-Shennawy, not to be outdone, matched Ustari’s brilliance in the latter stages, ensuring Al Ahly held firm. His dramatic fingertip save in the dying moments to deflect a goal-bound Messi shot over the bar secured the point for the Egyptian champions.
The draw leaves both teams with a point in Group A, setting up an intriguing battle to advance from a group that also features Brazilian giants Palmeiras and Portuguese side FC Porto. While not the fireworks many anticipated, the goalless draw showcased the competitive nature of the expanded Club World Cup and highlighted the vital role of world-class goalkeeping.
Inter Miami will be encouraged by their improved second-half performance and the ability to withstand early pressure from a seasoned international competitor. For Al Ahly, they will rue the missed penalty but can take confidence from their dominant spells and defensive solidity.
Final Score: Al Ahly 0-0 Inter Miami
Stay tuned for more updates from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup!
