Inter Milan secured their place in the FIFA Club World Cup's knockout stage with a decisive 2-0 victory over Argentina's River Plate in Seattle on Wednesday, while Mexico's Monterrey joined them after overpowering Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds 4-0. The results set up high-stakes clashes as Europe's Borussia Dortmund also progressed by topping Group F.
In a tense match marked by disciplinary drama, River Plate saw two players sent off – Lucas Martinez and Gonzalo Montiel – as Inter capitalized with goals from Francesco Esposito and Alessandro Bastoni. The Italian side will now face Brazil's Fluminense in Charlotte on Monday, while Monterrey prepares to challenge Dortmund in Atlanta.
Monterrey's dominant performance at Pasadena's Rose Bowl featured a first-half scoring spree, with Nelson Deossa and German Berterame netting spectacular goals. The Mexican club's victory eliminated both Japanese and Argentinian contenders, despite passionate support from traveling fans.
Tournament dynamics shifted significantly as South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns held Fluminense to a goalless draw, ensuring the Brazilian side's progression behind Dortmund. The elimination of River Plate and rivals Boca Juniors marks the first time since 2012 that no Argentinian team reaches the knockout phase.
With attendance figures ranging from 14,000 in Pasadena to 45,000 in Seattle, the global tournament continues to showcase football's international appeal. Analysts predict heightened competition in the coming matches as European powerhouses face rising challengers from the Americas.
