A surprise result occurred at the pre-season friendly tournament the World Club Football Challenge held at Atlanta Dome last night as Italian giants Ac Milan was beaten by Mexican side CF America 2-1. The rossoneri looked to be disappointed with the result as they fail to secure their first win in the tournament, as Club America, with this win they are now leading the table with 8 points, followed by Chelsea.
The match:
The first half started with a good pace and nice atmosphere as both team looked to impress the fans, however it was the Mexican side who arguably did most of the attacking intentions in the early part of the half, with Milan seems trying to get in to their stripes. Despite looking more dangerous, Club America didn't really trouble Milan except from one shot by Cabanas which was taken easily by the Italian team keeper Marco Storari. Meanwhile, the 7 time Champions League winner, who is still adapting with their new coach's system, despite not making lots of attempts in the first half, actually have the better chances. The first notable opportunities spurn by the Italian giants comes from their RB Luca Antonini, latching on Ronaldinho's pass, Luca sprung pass the offside trap but saw his shoot ballooned over the crossbar. Another clear cut chances for Milan came from Ronaldinho's free kick which just hit the top corner of the bar. Failing to convert anything, both teams gets back in to the dressing room with a stalemate result.
The second half saw a more exciting game, as Milan played much better and created more chances, where in the opposite, the Mexican team didn't manage to press the Diavolo Rosso as much as they did in the first half. Dominating the game, Milan created some good chances, in the early part of the game, Clarence Seedorf fires in from a close range after a nice combination with Ronaldinho, only to saw his shoot save by Club America's keeper. Another excellent chance for Leonardo's side came from their young striker Gianmarco Zigoni, who's header just hit the right post of the Mexican side. Despite Milan's dominance, it was Club America that manage to strike first blood after Esqueda tapped in Cabanas cross from the left side of Milan's defense. Stunned by the goal, the Rossoneri tried to up their tempo which causes the temper rises resulting on an incident involving Gattuso and some America players.
With the match boiling even hotter, Milan managed to keep on pushing and finding their equalizer 10 minutes after Club America's goal. It was Pippo Inzaghi once again that finds the net for the Italian Club, the veteran striker's goal was also a beautiful one as he Volleyed a wonderful 40 yard pass from Mathieu Flamini pass the goal keeper. However, just as the match looked to be concluded with a penalty shoot out, the Mexican team, took another surprised goal out of nowhere as another cross from the same area, managed to find Marquez's head, who despite Zambrotta's attention still managed to put the ball in the corner of Milan's goal.
Despite trying all they can to equalize and managing some good opportunities, with only a few minutes left there seems not enough time for Milan to get the equalizer. One of the notable chance to equalize once again comes from youngster Zigoni, who failed to convert a chance right in front of goal after seeing his shot wide of the post. Until the referee blows the final whistle, the scoreline remains Milan 1 Club America 2.
Keywords: Ac Milan, Chelsa, Club America, Club World Football Challenge, European Football, Fillipo Inzaghi, Friendly Game, Mathieu Flamini, Ronaldinho, Soccer
