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.
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