Seattle, 22 June (H.S.): Inter Milan defeated Urawa Red Diamonds 2-1, eliminating the Japanese side from the Club World Cup. Urawa’s Ryoma Watanabe scored early, but Inter’s captain Lautaro Martinez equalized with a clever overhead kick in the 78th minute. Valentin Carboni, making a comeback after a long injury layoff, netted the winner in injury time, marking a dramatic return for the 20-year-old. Martinez praised the team’s effort, stating they needed to play with pride and humility to counter Urawa’s passionate performance. This victory positioned Inter at the top of Group E with four points, while Urawa was left heartbroken after their second consecutive defeat.

In another thrilling match, Borussia Dortmund narrowly beat Mamelodi Sundowns 4-3. Jobe Bellingham scored his first goal for Dortmund, who labored under the Cincinnati heat. The South African team initially led with a stunning solo effort from Lucas Ribeiro. However, an error by Sundowns’ goalkeeper Ronwen Williams allowed Dortmund to level through Felix Nmecha. Serhou Guirassy put Dortmund ahead, and Bellingham, following in his brother Jude’s footsteps, extended the lead to 3-1. An own goal from Khuliso Mudau made it 4-1, but Sundowns fought back with goals from Iqraam Rayners and Lebo Mothiba to make the score closer.

Dortmund’s coach Niko Kovac remarked on the challenging conditions, while Sundowns’ coach Miguel Cardoso expressed pride in his team’s performance despite the loss. The outcome leaves Sundowns with hopes to qualify in their final group match. Later, Fluminense faced Ulsan in the second Group F match of the day.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar