This was not the start to the Club World Cup that FIFA wanted. Ticket sales have caused concern for the sport's governing body, and a 0-0 draw between Inter Miami and Al Ahly will do little to build excitement. However, there is still a lot of soccer to be played. Whilst there is more expectation from the South American clubs, non-European teams such as Miami and Al Ahly need to improve if the competition is not to become a re-run of the Champions League.
Al Ahly–Inter Miami Club World Cup player ratings
Below, we're rating the Inter Miami players on a scale of 1 to 10.
Goalkeeper and defenders
Oscar Ustari (GK): 8
The goalkeeper made a great save to deny Wessam Abou Ali and Emam Ashour in the opening stages of the game. He then comfortably tipped over Abou Ali's free-kick. Ustari's quick reflexes from a corner kept out Achraf Dari's header. His most notable moment was saving Trezeguet's penalty.
Ian Fray (RB): 5
Fray was not afraid to get forward and tried his luck from range. However, his keenness to attack often left him exposed at the back.
Maximiliano Falcón (CB): 7
Falcón was always alert to clear the ball and make important challenges. He was also a threat from set-pieces.
Tomás Avilés (CB): 5
Avilés picked up a booking a in the first half, and it looked very possible he could get another. Therefore, Javier Mascherano opted to replace him with Marcelo Weigandt at the break.
Noah Allen (LB): 6
Miami were missing Jordi Alba, due to a muscle injury. However, Allen did a good job in the absence of the Spanish great. Often getting forward to provide an option for his teammates.
Midfielders
Tadeo Allende (RM): 5
Allende got into good positions but could not evade Al Ahly's defence. He saw a great chance of his saved by Mohamed El Shenawy from close range. Fafa Picault was subbed on for Allende and also missed a great opportunity to score.
Sergio Busquets (CM): 5
Busquets got back to cover his defenders well. However, Miami would have expected him to have had more of an impact with the ball.
Federico Redondo (CM) 6
Redondo was willing to get stuck in and make tackles. His passing was also excellent.
Telasco Segovia (LM): 5
Segovia had to do his fair share of defensive duties. However, he did give away a penalty for a foul on Zizo. The midfielder was more comfortable attacking, putting some good crosses into the box. Benjamin Cremaschi replaced him and worked well with Lionel Messi.
Forwards
Lionel Messi (CF): 7
Sections of the stadium thought his free-kick had gone in, but it hit the side netting. He linked up well with his teammates and was also able to deliver the ball well. A ball in by Messi hit was tipped onto the woodwork by El Shenaway. Even though it was a cross, if that had gone in, it would have been a dream for the FIFA president, Gianni Infantino.
Luis Suárez (CF): 5
Suárez struggled to get involved, but provided good service for his teammates from corners late on.
Substitutes
- Marcelo Weigandt, 6/10
- Benjamin Cremaschi, 6/10
- Fafa Picault, 5/10