Urawa Crimson Diamonds will face Al Ahly within the FIFA Membership World Cup third-place playoff on the Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah.
Match Preview
Urawa Crimson Diamonds managed a 1-0 win over Membership Leon earlier than falling 3-0 to Manchester Metropolis within the semi-finals. Maciej Skorza’s aspect displayed defensive resilience however couldn’t safe a breakthrough in opposition to Metropolis.
Having endured a difficult run with three wins in 11 video games throughout competitions, Urawa goals to bow out on a excessive in Skorza’s remaining recreation. Their earlier third-place playoff in 2007 noticed them clinch victory on penalties.
Al Ahly confronted a 2-0 defeat in opposition to Fluminense within the semis. Regardless of reaching the third-place playoff for the sixth time within the Membership World Cup’s historical past, they’ve but to advance additional.
They’ve featured in essentially the most video games in Membership World Cup historical past (24) and want to safe a win to finish the event on a optimistic observe earlier than returning to home competitions.
Crew Information
Skorza bids farewell in his final recreation, whereas Jose Kante, saying his retirement, will function for the final time. Urawa would possibly area an analogous lineup as of their earlier video games, with Alex Schalk hoping for a beginning spot.
Al Ahly’s Ahmed Kouka may return to the lineup after lacking the final recreation as a result of harm. Anthony Modeste, again from suspension, could function up entrance, whereas Ali Maaloul, Emam Ashour, and Hussein El Shahat are anticipated to retain their positions.
Predicted Lineups
Urawa Crimson Diamonds: (4-2-3-1)
Nishikawa;
Sekine, Scholz, Hoibraten, Akimoto;
Ito, Iwao;
Okubo, Yasui, Koizumi;
Kante
Al Ahly: (4-3-3)
El Shenawy;
Hany, Ibrahim, Abdelmonem, Maaloul;
Kouka, Ateya, Ashour;
Tau, Kahraba, El Shahat
Prediction: Urawa Crimson Diamonds 1-2 Al Ahly (after further time)
Anticipate a decent contest with each groups evenly matched. Al Ahly’s expertise and up to date kind might even see them edge previous Urawa in further time to safe the third-place end.