Hosts Al Jazira of the UAE edged past Asian champions Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan 1-0 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday to set up a FIFA Club World Cup semifinal clash with favorites Real Madrid.
The Japanese side had 65% possession but it was Ali Mabkhout who scored the winner seven minutes after halftime in the first all-Asian clash for a final four spot since 2010, Reuters reported.
The AFC Champions League winners could not break Al Jazira’s stubborn defense down, although Shinzo Koroki missed a great first-half chance, with Tomoaki Makino and Yuki Moto both wasting decent opportunities to score after the break.
Despite late heavy pressure from the Japanese side - Rafael da Silva hit the outside of the post with two minutes to go - home advantage helped the Abu Dhabi club to close out the victory and set up a clash with European champions and Club World Cup holders Madrid on Wednesday.
Earlier, Mexico’s Pachuca needed extra time to overcome Wydad Casablanca of Morocco and book their semifinal place against Brazil’s Gremio.
Victor Guzman headed in after 112 minutes against the Moroccans, who were left with 10 men after Brahim Nakach was sent off in the 69th minute.
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