Seattle, June 26: Inter Milan secured their place in the second round of the Club World Cup with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Argentine giants River Plate on Wednesday night, riding on late goals from Francesco Pio Esposito and Alessandro Bastoni in a high-stakes Group E clash at Lumen Field.
The match turned decisively in Inter’s favour in the 72nd minute when 19-year-old Esposito found the net with a cool finish—his first-ever senior goal for the Nerazzurri. The strike came moments after River Plate were reduced to 10 men, as defender Lucas Martínez Quarta was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who was racing toward goal on a dangerous counterattack.Before the sending-off, River Plate had a golden chance to snatch the lead when Manuel Lanzini whipped in a pinpoint cross to Facundo Colidio inside the penalty area. However, Inter’s veteran goalkeeper Yann Sommer was alert to the danger, pulling off a sharp save to keep the scores level.With a numerical advantage and momentum in their favour, Inter sealed the victory deep into stoppage time. Defender Alessandro Bastoni stepped up with a superb left-footed strike from outside the box in the 93rd minute, doubling the lead and extinguishing any hopes of a late River Plate comeback.
Esposito’s goal was a landmark moment for the young striker, who had already impressed earlier in the tournament by assisting Inter’s winner in their 2-1 victory over Urawa Red Diamonds. The teenager’s poise under pressure and growing influence on the pitch have given manager Simone Inzaghi another attacking option as the tournament intensifies.“It’s a special night for me and for the team,” Esposito said post-match. “Scoring my first goal in With this victory, Inter Milan finished top of Group E with seven points, two clear of Mexico’s Monterrey, who secured second place after a commanding 3-0 win over Urawa Red Diamonds earlier in the evening. River Plate ended third with four points, while Urawa exited the competition winless, losing all three of their group-stage matches. (AP)
