Al Ain make hard work of Team Wellington in report card for epic Club World Cup opener

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  • Hosts Al Ain experienced a harrowing start to the 2018 Club World Cup against amateurs Team Wellington, having to come back from three-goals down to advance via a penalty shootout.

    The Kiwis were, shockingly, 3-0 up by 45 minutes at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium. Mario Barcia’s 30-yard screamer, Aaron Clapham’s measured finish and Mario Ilich’s tap-in did the damage.

    A response came in first-half injury time – after the video-assistant referee had previously denied the lively Caio – through Tsukasa Shiotani’s precise low shot. After the break, further goals followed via debutant Tongo Doumbia’s slide and substitute Marcus Berg’s resplendent half-volley.

    An eventful end to extra time saw Mohamed Abdulrahman dismissed for a second booking and Diaky bravely denied by goalkeeper Scott Basalaj. Amid a fevered – and partisan atmosphere – in the shootout, Wellington skipper Justin Gulley’s effort was saved by UAE No1 Khalid Essa to win it for the fortunate Boss.

    GOOD

    Comeback kids – Criticism for a shameful first half must equally be met by credit for the Arabian Gulf League champions’ second-half response. The timing of Shiotani’s morale-boosting opener was critical. Without it, there wouldn’t have been a hairdryer powerful enough in the Garden City to do the job for coach Zoran Mamic’s half-time rollicking. Brazilian forward Caio was effervescent throughout, plus replacements Berg – who appeared visibly unwell – and Ibrahim Diaky combined to telling effect. The 120 minutes ended with Al Ain boasting 63 per cent possession and 29 attempts on goal, to Wellington’s 15.

    Seize the moment – Team Wellington had not made it this far to make up the numbers. They’d broken great rivals Auckland City’s seven-year grip on the OFC Champions League to qualify. Their first three attempts on Essa’s goal flew in. Diligently prepared manager Jose Figueira 3-4-2-1 formation also caught out the hosts, just as opposite number Mamic had predicted.

    BAD

    Mamic’s wayward masterplan – Gasps greeted the Al Ain team sheet when it was released one hour before kick-off. Sweden No9 Berg, curiously, was on the bench, creaking centre-back Mohanad Salem started despite conceding five goals during defeat in the President’s Cup opener to Al Wasl last weekend and rusty CWC signing Doumbia played his first game since September 26 with Dinamo Zagreb. A 3-0 deficit was redeemable against minnows. Saturday’s quarter-final opponents, Esperance de Tunis, won’t be so generous.

    Witness the (lack of) fitness – Team Welly’s Twitter account proudly proclaims that they are “100 percent amateur”. This is why there was no surprise when their supreme performance levels dipped during the second half. A team of postmen and builders were always going to leave increasingly wide spaces. Berg, alone, spurned four huge chances and score once after his belated introduction on 78 minutes.

    KEY MOMENTS

    11th min GOAL – This CWC’s first goal is probably going to be goal of the tournament, thanks to Barcia’s 30-yard rocket.

    16th min GOAL – Al Ain’s defence, inexplicably, spreads apart. This allows conductor Andy Bevin to play Clapham in for a measured low finish. 2-0.

    29th min VAR – Al Ain think they have a way back in when Caio finds the bottom corner. But, with the help of the video assistant referee, it is a ruled out for a brutal earlier foul by Salem.

    44th min GOAL – Debutant Doumbia’s loose header, on the stretch, from a corner lands at the grateful Ilich’s feet.

    45’+2 min GOAL – Shiotani snaffles a lifeline when he bounces through and curls a low shot home.

    49th min GOAL – Caio looks up and sees the advancing Doumbia, who stretches out a giant leg from close range.

    85th min GOAL – The fans had chanted his name all night and substitute Berg duly delivered. A half volley on the turn was some way to get the leveller.

    PENALT SHOOTOUT: Berg and Angus Kilkolly miss, before Gulley’s decisive effort is palmed away by the jubilant Essa to seal Al Ain’s unconvincing victory.

    TACTICAL TALKING POINT

    Putting Salem out of his misery – Ismail Ahmed and Salem had right to be proclaimed as Asia’s greatest centre-back pairing at the 2015 Asian Cup. At a combined age of 68-years old, they are now weathered versions of their former selves. The gaping defensive chasm left by them for Team Welly’s second rivalled the Grand Canyon for scale. When Salem was hooked for adventurous UAE right-back Ahbabi in the 38th minute, it was a necessary act of mercy.

    VERDICTS

    Al Ain – B-: It was an effective comeback from the Boss, but they should never have been in this position. Puzzling tactics and team selections defined this contest from Mamic. A sharper focus is required in the latter stages.

    Team Wellington – A- Team Welly did almost everything right. A huge financial disparity between the teams could not be seen. They took their chances efficiently and were so close to a historic success.

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