Al-Hilal fly the flag for Asia in Club World Cup

NASHVILLE, Tennessee: Al-Hilal will be the sole representatives from Asia in the knockout stages of football’s glittering Club World Cup in the US.

The Riyadh club held Real Madrid to a draw in their opening match and won a decisive clash with Pachuca of Mexico in their last group-stage game, to ensure finishing second behind the Spanish giants and progressing to the last 16 of the tournament.

All but three of the teams through to the final stages are from Europe and South America. The exceptions are Al-Hilal, Monterrey from Mexico, and Inter Miami, where Lionel Messi leads a side filled with former Barcelona stalwarts.

Egypt’s Al-Ahly and Tunisia’s Esperance brought plenty of fans to create atmosphere in the large US stadiums, but went home disappointed. “The moment you drop a little bit your level against this quality of opponents, you pay a price,” Al-Ahly coach Jose Riveiro said.

“But the players had the opportunity to showcase their talent and a fantastic platform to do it. It’s a special occasion, for sure.”