Real Madrid took on Kashima Antlers on Sunday in what was the final of 2016 FIFA Club World Cup. Zidane went with a full strength side as Sergio Ramos returned to captained the side. It took just 9 minutes for Real Madrid to get on the scresheet when Karim Benzema scored to make it 1-0. However Madrid fail to added another goal and Kashima Antlers scored late in first half to level things up and make second half interesting spectacle. Kashima found themselves 2-1 up after the break but that came Ronaldo who scored a hattrick of goals to secure world cup title for Real Madrid.
Match Highlights (English)
Real Madrid 3-2 Kashima Antlers Highlights
[ FIFA Club World Cup 2016 Final ]
09′ 1 – 0 Karim Benzema scores early in first half to put Real Madrid 1-0 up after superb goal.
44′ 1 – 1 Gaku Shibasaki brought Kashima Antlers back into the game at stroke of half time.
52′ 1 – 2 Gaku Shibasaki
60′ 2 – 2 Cristiano Ronaldo
97′ 3 – 2 Cristiano Ronaldo
104′ 4 – 2 Cristiano Ronaldo
Real Madrid disposed off mexican side Club America in the semifinals beating them 2-0 thanks to goals from Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo. Now they can win their second Club World cup in three years by defeating Kashima Antlers and add yet another international trophy to their already record breaking haul which makes them the most successful team in history of club football.
On paper Madrid looks clear favourite and rightly so when they have recent crowned Ballon Dor winner Cristiano Ronaldo playing upfront with talented players like Karim Benzema and Lucas Vazquez. Ronaldo scored his 500th club goal in the semifinal and will be hunting for more in the final.
Team News & Possible Lineups: We can expect similar starting lineup which took the field against Club America on thursday with Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Luka Modric starting in midfield while Sergio Ramos might replace Nacho Fernandez in the back four.
This is how I expect both teams to lineup on Sunday morning in Yokohama. Real Madrid can not take Kashima Antlers lightly as they will be playing pretty much at home and will pose threat on counter attacks.
Match Predictions: Zidane has broken all kinds of records since taking over as Real Madrid manager a year ago. He has possibility to win his third international trophy since taking charge. Madrid has already won Champions League and UEFA Super Cup wins earlier in the year and Club World Cup will be on the list for Madrid and newly crowned Ballon Dor winner Ronaldo.