Juventus secured their second win at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a commanding 4-1 over Wydad AC after an outstanding display from Kenan Yildiz in Philadelphia on Sunday evening.
For the second game in a row at the tournament, Wydad got off to the worst possible start when Juventus scored with their very first attack in the sixth minute.
After a patient build up, Khéphren Thuram played a clever reverse pass to Yildiz, whose shot deflected off Abdelmounaim Boutouil and slipped in at the near post – and went down as an ‘own goal’.
Although the Turkish youngster was a touch unfortunate with the opener, the second goal left no doubt.
Just 10 minutes later, Andrea Cambiaso’s good work created the space, and Yildiz fired a thunderbolt into the top-right corner.
It was an early contender for goal of the tournament, leaving goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid rooted.
LORCH PROVIDES A GLIMMER OF HOPE
Despite the early setback, Wydad AC responded in the 25th minute.
Thembinkosi Lorch, one of the tournament’s standout performers, latched onto a well-weighted pass from Nordin Amrabat and produced a deft chip over Michele Di Gregorio to make it 2-1.
His goal briefly breathed life into the Moroccan side.
Lorch remained Wydad’s brightest spark throughout the contest.
Fellow South African Cassius Mailula was introduced in the 78th minute, but struggled to make an impact as Juventus continued to control proceedings.
JUVENTUS FINISH STRONGLY
Although Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso hit the woodwork from a corner and Randal Kolo Muani missed a close range chance, the Italians were never truly threatened in the second half.
Yildiz struck again in the 69th minute, this time showing finesse and composure. He received a pass from Kolo Muani, cut inside, and placed a calm finish past the ‘keeper for his second goal of the match.
In stoppage time, Dusan Vlahovic added further gloss to the scoreline. After being fouled by Guilherme Ferreira, the Serbian converted the penalty to make it 4-1.
WYDAD ELIMINATED
The result leaves Wydad AC bottom of their group, with zero points from two matches – and out of the tournament ahead of their final clash against Al Ain on Thursday, 26 June.
What did you think of Kenan Yildiz’s performance for Juventus?
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