SEATTLE — Inter Milan triumphed over River Plate with a 2-0 victory on Wednesday night, securing their place in the second round of the Club World Cup. The key moments of the match came late in the game, as Inter pushed past their opponents to claim victory.
Francesco Pio Esposito’s decisive goal in the 72nd minute gave Inter the edge they needed. The opportunity arose just six minutes following a significant setback for River Plate, as their player Lucas Martínez Quarta was handed a red card. He fouled Henrikh Mkhitaryan during a breakaway run, thwarting a potential scoring chance for Inter Milan.
Just moments before this setback for River Plate, the team had a golden opportunity to take the lead. Manuel Lanzini delivered a cross to Facundo Colidio in the box. However, Inter Milan’s vigilant goalkeeper, Yann Sommer, managed an impressive save, maintaining the scoreline.
In the waning moments of the game, Alessandro Bastoni sealed the victory for Inter in front of over 45,000 spectators. He accomplished this with a left-footed strike from outside the box in the 93rd minute.
With this win, Inter Milan secured the top position in Group E, collecting seven points. Monterrey, who recorded a 4-0 surface over Urawa Red Diamonds on the same evening, followed closely in second place, two points shy of Inter. River Plate finished the group stage in third place with four points, while Urawa Red Diamonds ended their campaign without any points.
In a noteworthy highlight, Esposito, at only 19 years old, celebrated his first career goal for Inter Milan. Previously, he played a crucial role in the team’s 2-1 victory against Urawa Red Diamonds by providing an assist for the winning goal.
Looking forward, Inter Milan is slated to face Brazilian team Fluminense on Monday in Charlotte, North Carolina. Meanwhile, Monterrey will challenge Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday in Atlanta.
Reflecting on the match, Esposito stated through a translator, “It was a very intense game. Very well balanced, especially in the half time, but then we were playing better. For sure it was a great team, great fans and I respect all of them.” Inter Milan’s manager, Cristian Chivu, commended Esposito’s performance, noting, “I’m happy because he played a great game and joined a very difficult and real game and was up to the challenge.”