Inter Milan displayed solid football throughout the match but struggled to find the net until a turning point in the 66th minute. River Plate defender Lucas Martinez committed a foul on Henrikh Mkhitaryan and was shown a straight red card, reducing the Argentine side to 10 men.
Inter capitalized on the numerical advantage brilliantly, defeating River Plate 2-0 and securing a spot in the knockout stage of the FIFA Club World Cup. Goals came from Francesco Pio Esposito in the 72nd minute and Alessandro Bastoni in stoppage time (93rd minute) with a stunning left-footed strike from outside the box.
River Plate had a golden opportunity just before the red card when Manuel Lanzini delivered a perfect cross to Facundo Colidio, but Inter keeper Yann Sommer pulled off a crucial save to deny the goal.
To add to River Plate’s woes, Gonzalo Montiel was sent off in the 95th minute after receiving a second yellow card, leaving his side with nine men at full time.
With this victory, Inter Milan topped Group E with 7 points and advanced to the second round. Monterrey secured second place with 5 points after a 3-0 win over Urawa Red Diamonds. River Plate finished third with 4 points, while Urawa ended bottom of the group without a single point.
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FAQ
1. What was the turning point in the match?
The key moment came in the 66th minute when River Plate defender Lucas Martinez received a straight red card for fouling Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Playing with 10 men, River Plate lost control, and Inter Milan capitalized to score two goals and seal the win.
2. Who scored the goals for Inter Milan?
Francesco Pio Esposito opened the scoring in the 72nd minute, and Alessandro Bastoni added the second in the 93rd minute with a superb left-footed strike from outside the box.
3. What does this result mean for Group E standings?
Inter Milan topped Group E with 7 points and advanced to the knockout stage. Monterrey finished second with 5 points, River Plate third with 4, and Urawa Red Diamonds ended last with 0 points.