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| Club World Cup 2025 Kickoff: Inter Miami and Al Ahly Battle to Goalless Draw. |
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup officially kicked off with a high-energy showdown between MLS powerhouse Inter Miami and Egyptian giants Al Ahly at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. In front of a roaring crowd of over 60,000 fans, the two sides fought tooth and nail—but neither could find the back of the net.
Despite the lack of goals, the match was anything but dull. With big-name stars like Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez on the pitch, both teams created serious chances, only to be denied time and again by brilliant goalkeeping.
Oscar Ustari Steals the Show With Incredible Saves
The biggest moment of the match came in the 43rd minute when Al Ahly were awarded a penalty. Egypt’s fan-favorite Trézéguet stepped up, but veteran Argentine keeper Oscar Ustari guessed right and made a full-stretch dive to keep the score level.
That wasn’t his only highlight—Ustari, now 38 years old, racked up eight total saves in a performance that earned him Player of the Match honors. He was a wall in goal and played a crucial role in helping Inter Miami earn a valuable point.
Messi Threatens, But El Shenawy Answers Back
While Ustari starred for Miami, Mohamed El Shenawy was just as impressive for Al Ahly. The Egyptian goalkeeper made five clutch saves, including two late-game efforts to stop trademark curling shots from Messi. Both keepers put on a masterclass that frustrated attackers on both ends.
Abou Ali’s Goal Ruled Offside, History Still Awaits
One of the match’s biggest "what ifs" came when Wessam Abou Ali slotted the ball past Ustari in the first half, only for the goal to be disallowed due to an offside call. That moment could have been historic—the first goal of this newly expanded 32-team Club World Cup—but fans will now have to wait for day two of the tournament.
Both Teams Take a Point Into Group A Battle
Even without a goal, both teams will feel satisfied walking away with one point each in a tough Group A. The result keeps things wide open for the rest of the group stage.
Next up, Inter Miami face FC Porto, while Al Ahly go head-to-head with Palmeiras. Both matches are scheduled for Thursday and could shake up the group standings.
Player Ratings: Who Stood Out?
Inter Miami (4-4-2 Formation)
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GK: Oscar Ustari – ⭐ 9.5
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RB: Ian Fray – 7.5
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CB: Tomás Avilés – 5.5
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CB: Maxi Falcón – 6.5
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LB: Noah Allen – 7.0
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RM: Tadeo Allende – 6.0
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CM: Federico Redondo – 7.5
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CM: Sergio Busquets – 7.5
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LM: Telasco Segovia – 7.0
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ST: Luis Suárez – 7.5
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ST: Lionel Messi – 8.0
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Substitutes:
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Marcelo Weigandt (46’) – 6.5
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Benjamin Cremaschi (72’) – 7.0
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Fafa Picault (81’) – 7.5
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Al Ahly (4-3-2-1 Formation)
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GK: Mohamed El Shenawy – ⭐ 9.0
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RB: Mohamed Hany – 7.0
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CB: Achraf Dari – 7.0
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CB: Yasser Ibrahim – 7.5
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LB: Ahmed Kouka – 8.0
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RM: Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane – 8.0
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CM: Marwan Attia – 7.5
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LM: Hamdi Fathi – 6.5
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CM: Trézéguet – 5.5
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CM: Emam Ashour – 6.0
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ST: Wessam Abou Ali – 8.0
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Substitutes:
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Zizo (14’) – 8.0
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Hussein El Shahat (65’) – 6.5
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Taher Mohamed (65’) – 6.5
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Mohamed Afsha (79’) – 6.0
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Nejc Gradisar (79’) – 7.0
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The opening match of the 2025 Club World Cup may not have delivered any goals, but it gave fans plenty to cheer for—tight defense, top-tier saves, and legendary names giving it their all.
If you’re rooting for Inter Miami or Al Ahly, don’t miss the next matchday—it’s shaping up to be a wild group stage!
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