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Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Luiz Araujo were on target for Flamengo as the Brazilian giants began their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a comfortable win.
Flamengo players celebrate after their first goal. (AP Photo)
Brazilian giants Flamengo advanced to a Club World Cup clash with Chelsea by securing a 2-0 victory over Tunisia’s Esperance in their opening game on Monday. Goals on either side of half-time from Uruguayan international Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Luiz Araujo ensured a dominant Flamengo, coached by former Chelsea player Filipe Luis, earned a deserved win in the Group D match in Philadelphia.
Flamengo, who qualified for the tournament as recent Copa Libertadores winners, fielded a strong lineup featuring several Brazilian internationals and debuted Italy midfielder Jorginho, who recently arrived from Arsenal. Jorginho will face his former club Chelsea when the teams meet in their second match on Friday, after the Premier League club defeated Los Angeles FC 2-0 earlier on Monday.
De Arrascaeta opened the scoring for the Rio de Janeiro side in the 17th minute at Lincoln Financial Field, finishing first-time from a Luiz Araujo assist. This triggered wild celebrations among the Flamengo supporters, who made up the majority of the 25,797-strong crowd in the stadium, which can hold nearly 70,000.
Flamengo had opportunities to extend their lead, while Tunisian champions Esperance created few noteworthy chances before their Algerian winger Youcef Belaili almost equalised midway through the second half. Shortly after, Flamengo scored again when Luiz Araujo found some space in the box in the 70th minute, turned, and curled a low shot into the far corner, making it 2-0.
With AFP Inputs
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A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you live updates, breaking news, opinions and photos from the wide world of sport. Follow @News18Sports
- Location :
Philadelphia (USA)
- First Published:
