Club World Cup: Juventus secure knockout ticket with win over Wydad

Kenan Yildiz was the star of the day for Juventus FC in their second game at the  FIFA World Club Cup in the USA as the Bianconerri secured a last-16 spot with a 4-1 win against Wydad Casablanca.

The Serie A giant went into the clash at the AC at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, knowing fully well that a win would guarantee them a knockout spot after winning their opening game against Al Ain.

Although the score looked an easy one, Juventus had to overcome a difficult challenge to defeat the Moroccan side on Sunday afternoon

All thanks to Yildiz, who scored a brace, one of which was a phenomenal strike on a chaotic Sunday afternoon in Philadelphia.

Their third match against Manchester City is expected to be a formality as the Citizens are tipped to defeat Al Ain later today. Barring a shock win for Al Ain, who lost their opening game to Juventus.

Now that the Bianconeri have qualified for the knockout stages,  who will earn the top spot will be known in their final game against Manchester City.

Juventus opened the goals account with an own goal from Abdelmounaim Boutouil just six minutes in. There was a clever one-two with Kephrem Thuram, and the young forward burst into the box and finished with a deflected strike past the goalkeeper.

The Bianconeri made it two with a phenomenal strike from the Turkish international moments later. Yıldız fired a sensational long-range strike into the top corner from the edge of the area after sustained pressure.

Wydad had a chance to reduce the deficit a few minutes later as Samuel Obeng had a decent chance after a mix-up between Weston McKennie and Andrea Cambiaso, but his finish lacked power, leading to an easy safe by Michele Di Gregorio.

Wydad showed resilience as Guilherme went close with a header that forced another good save from Di Gregorio, while  Bart Meijers got a booking as Juventus threatened on the counter.

Wydad eventually reduced the deficit in the 25th minute when Nordin Amrabat played a delightful through pass into the path of Lorch, who calmly slotted past Di Gregorio.

Juventus made a strong start in the second, dominating Wydad for the opening ten minutes. 

After Andrea Cambiaso hit the post with a close-range volley, they eventually restored their two-goal lead in the 69th minute.

The team goal was started by Randal Kolo Muani combined with Yildiz, who dribbled past a defender before placing it beyond the goalie into the bottom right corner.

Although their spirit looked dampened, Wydad nearly pulled another goal back in stoppage time, with an effort from Mohamed Moufid saved outstandingly by Di Gregorio in the Juventus goal.

Juventus wrapped up the game in the closing moments from the penalty spot.

Wydad defender Guilherme pulled down Dusan Vlahovic in the box to the Bianconerri a penalty. The Serbian confidently converted the spot-kick to wrap up the victory for the Old Lady.