Juventus FC vs Wydad AC
Cloud of Smoke. Juventus’ four goals were surprisingly the least impressive part of the day. That was reserved for the legion of Wydad AC fans who turned up in Philadelphia. In the face of a renowned European superpower, they never cowered. Flares up high, smoke bombs, and roaring chants that shook the mighty Lincoln Financial Field to its bones. Ref even had to pause the game to let things clear up. Or maybe he just wanted to take in the atmosphere. After all, it was a moving display of passion, worthy of the highest respect. On the field, Juve ran rampant, and Kenan Yildiz shined with a stellar brace. But in the stands, there was only one clear winner. It might be of little consolation for Wydad supporters as they exit the tournament, but they’ll forever be remembered around these parts. Yet another fanbase stamping their mark firmly on this tournament.
Photography by: Rodolfho Chona
Juventus continued their winning streak in the FIFA Club World Cup with a dominant 4-1 victory over Morocco's Wydad Casablanca at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field. With two goals and a key role in an own goal, Turkish forward Kenan Yildiz stole the show, cementing his status as one of the most exciting young talents in football.
The Italian side took control of Group G, sitting comfortably at six points after two matches. This result leaves Juventus on the cusp of securing a round-of-16 berth, pending the outcome of Al Ain’s clash with Manchester City.
Juventus wasted no time asserting their dominance, taking the lead in the sixth minute. A well-coordinated build-up ended with Wydad’s Abdelmounaim Boutouil inadvertently deflecting Yildiz's angled shot past goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid. Officially logged as an own goal, the Turkish star’s role in the opener was undeniable.
Ten minutes later, Yildiz doubled the lead with a breathtaking strike from the edge of the box. Andrea Cambiaso’s persistence created space for the forward, who unleashed a ferocious shot into the top-right corner, leaving Benabid with no chance.
The Moroccan side struck back in the 25th minute when Thembinkosi Lorch capitalized on a precise pass from Nordin Amrabat. Lorch’s cool lob over Juventus keeper Michele Di Gregorio sent the Wydad fans into a frenzy, their fervor briefly halting play as red and black smoke from flares engulfed the stadium.
Despite this momentum shift, Juventus regained composure in the second half, aided by the introduction of Teun Koopmeiners. Andrea Cambiaso came close to restoring the two-goal lead, hitting the post with a volley, but it was Yildiz again who delivered the decisive blow in the 69th minute.
Receiving a sharp pass from Randal Kolo Muani, Yildiz skillfully sidestepped a defender and calmly slotted the ball home for his second goal of the match.
Substitute Dusan Vlahovic capped off the performance in injury time, converting a penalty after being fouled by Wydad’s Guilherme Ferreira. The Serbian striker’s confident finish added a final flourish to Juventus’ dominant display.
Kenan Yildiz has emerged as a focal point for Juventus. With his combination of skill, composure, and vision, the 20-year-old forward continues to rise to the occasion in crucial matches. As coach Igor Tudor aptly remarked post-match: “He runs like a midfielder and has excellent technical quality. He’s a golden boy.”
Juventus will now prepare for their final group-stage showdown against Manchester City, with the top spot in Group G on the line. As the Old Lady advances, Yildiz and his teammates will look to maintain their momentum and solidify their title credentials.
