Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City inches closer to historic quintuple after Club World Cup victory

Manchester City secured a Club World Cup semi-final win against the Japanese Diamonds, becoming the first English side to win five major trophies in a single year. The match saw Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva score in the second half, and Marius Hoibraten's own goal in the first half. City now faces Fluminense in the final, aiming for an unprecedented quintuple.

Zor

December 20, 2023

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City cruised to a Club World Cup semi-final win against the Japanese Diamonds, securing a place in the final and edging closer to making history as the first English side to win five major trophies in a single year. The match saw second-half goals from Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva, with an own goal by Marius Hoibraten in the first-half stoppage time.

City dominated the game from the start, displaying their ability to control possession and position. Even without star players Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne, City proved far superior. The first-half highlight came when Hoibraten inadvertently redirected Nateus Nunes’ cross into his net. Kovacic extended the lead with a precise finish after a brilliant defense-splitting pass from Kyle Walker.

While the Japanese outfit struggled to mount any significant challenge, City continued to press forward. Nunes missed a headed opportunity, but Bernardo Silva capitalized on a deflection off Hoibraten to secure the third goal. With this victory, City sets up a final clash against Brazilians Fluminense, bringing them one step closer to achieving an unprecedented quintuple.

Here is the highlight video of Manchester City vs. Urawa Red Diamond, which ended with a 3-0 victory for City.