Luis Suarez scored a hat-trick, including an exquisite second goal, as Barcelona strolled into the Club World Cup final with a 3-0 win over Asian champions Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao last night.
Guangzhou gave the European champions a couple of scares in the first half, but the Chinese side were utterly outclassed by the end of a match, which often resembled an attack-versus-defense training session.
To make matters worse, Zou Zheng suffered a horrific injury in the first half, appearing to break his leg as he fell awkwardly to the clear distress of his teammates.
Photo: AP
Even without Lionel Messi, who was taken ill just hours before the game, and the injured Neymar, Barca enjoyed more than 70 percent of possession as they claimed a place in the final against South American champions Club Atletico River Plate.
It was Guangzhou’s first defeat with coach Luiz Felipe Scolari in charge after the Brazilian took over in June.
Barca needed 39 minutes to break down the defense, Suarez pouncing to tuck in a rebound after goalkeeper Li Shaui failed to hold Ivan Rakitic’s long-range drive.
The Catalans had a lucky escape just before that when Brazilian Elkesen just failed to make contact with Zheng Zhi’s cross.
Javier Mascherano also twice made last-ditch tackles to prevent Guangzhou players having a clear run at goal, first on Ricardo Goulart and then Zheng Zhi, while Claudio Bravo made his only save just before halftime to tip away Elkesen’s header.
The game was settled as a contest after 49 minutes when Andres Iniesta sent a beautifully weighted pass into the area and Suarez caught it on his chest before volleying past Li in one movement.
The Uruguayan completed his hat-trick by converting a penalty in the 67th minute.
Messi missed the game complaining of abdominal pain, the Spanish club said.
The Argentine wizard, who returned last month after a lengthy knee injury, is suffering from renal colic, a problem commonly caused by kidney stones.
“His future availability will depend on the outcome of further medical tests,” a statement on Barcelona’s Web site said.
Messi had appeared in good spirits since Barca arrived in Japan on Monday, joking with teammates and signing autographs for local fans who turned out in their hundreds to watch the team train.
“Leo is not right,” Barca technical director Robert Fernandez said. “It’s renal colic and we know what it is and how painful it is usually. “We will see how he is in the night, how his symptoms develop tomorrow and see if he is fit to play the next game.”
European champions Barcelona are attempting to become the first side to win the Club World Cup three times.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely