Key Points

Juventus cruised past Wydad AC 4-1 thanks to a dazzling brace from Kenan Yildiz, including a stunning long-range strike. Wydad briefly threatened with a Thembinkosi Lorch goal but couldn't contain Juve's attack. Meanwhile, Salzburg missed a chance to advance after a 0-0 draw with Al Hilal, where Yassine Bounou made a crucial save. Dusan Vlahovic sealed Juve's win with a late penalty.

Key Points: Kenan Yildiz Double Leads Juventus Past Wydad in Club WC

  • Yildiz nets sensational strike for Juve
  • Wydad briefly rally with Lorch goal
  • Salzburg held by Al Hilal in goalless stalemate
  • Vlahovic seals win with late penalty
2 min read

Club WC: Juventus see off Wydad; Salzburg and Al Hilal play out goalless draw

Juventus dominate Wydad 4-1 with Kenan Yildiz's brace while Salzburg and Al Hilal draw 0-0 in Club World Cup action.

"Yildiz produced an early goal of the tournament contender. – FIFA"

Philadelphia, June 23

A double from Kenan Yildiz - including a sensational strike - inspired Juventus to 4-1 win despite Wydad AC netting their first goal.

For the second game in a row, Wydad got off to the worst possible start when Juventus scored with their very first attack in the sixth minute. A patient build-up saw Kephren Thuram thread a clever reverse pass to Yildiz. The Turkish star's shot took a nick off Abdelmounaim Boutouil and the ball squeezed in at the near post.

If he was unlucky not to get the credit for the opener, there was no doubting where the credit belonged ten minutes later when Yildiz produced an early goal of the tournament contender, FIFA reports.

Good work from Andrea Cambiaso created the chance, and the Juve youngster absolutely fizzed an unstoppable effort into the top-right corner to give keeper Mehdi Benabid no chance.

However, Wydad gave themselves a lifeline in the 25th minute when Thembinkosi Lorch collected Nordin Amrabat's pass and clipped a tidy finish past Juve keeper Michele Di Gregorio.

The woodwork prevented Juve skipper Andrea Cambiaso from restoring their two-goal lead from a corner in the second half, before Randal Kolo Muani turned a cross wide from a couple of feet out.

But the Italians made sure of the points with more Yildiz magic when he collected a Muani pass, cut inside and tucked in a composed finish. Dusan Vlahovic then added further gloss to the scoreline in injury time when Guilherme Ferreira bundled him over and the Serbian striker converted the resulting penalty.

Elsewhere, FC Salzburg missed the chance to book their place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 as they were held to a goalless draw by Al Hilal after a stunning point-blank save from Yassine Bounou.

Thomas Letsch’s side knew that a win would take them through after victory over CF Pachuca in their opening match, but neither side could break the deadlock at Audi Field in Washington D.C.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the Club World Cup article:
R
Rahul P.
Juventus showing why they're one of Europe's elite clubs! Yildiz was on fire 🔥. But I must say, Wydad AC showed great spirit scoring against such strong opposition. African football is improving rapidly - hope to see an Indian club at this level someday!
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Priya K.
That Yildiz goal was pure class! Reminds me of some vintage Del Piero strikes. But honestly, why is the Club WC being held in USA? FIFA should consider hosting it in Asia next time - maybe India could bid for it? Our stadiums are world-class now.
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Amit S.
As an ISL fan, watching these matches makes me realize how far behind we are in terms of quality. Our clubs need to invest more in youth development like Juventus does. That Yildiz is just 19 years old! When will we produce such talent? 🤔
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Sunita M.
The Al Hilal vs Salzburg match was disappointing. Expected more from Al Hilal considering they have Neymar! Shows money can't always buy success. Meanwhile, Juventus proving that proper academy system works best. More Indian clubs should focus on grassroots.
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Vikram J.
Good to see Asian and African teams competing at this level, though the gap with European clubs is still visible. That said, Wydad's goal was well-taken! Hope AFC Champions League winners get more competitive in future editions. Maybe Mumbai City FC can qualify one day?
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Neha R.
The match timing was terrible for Indian viewers - 2:30 AM IST! 😴 FIFA should consider Asian time zones when scheduling. Anyway, Juventus looking strong for the title. Would love to see them face an Indian club in a friendly someday - that would be a dream!

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