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Copa Libertadores champions Flamengo suffered a surprising 3-2 Club World Cup semifinal defeat to Asian representatives Al-Hilal on Tuesday, meaning that South American sides have advanced to the final in only three of the last seven tournaments.
Flamengo manager Vítor Pereira and veteran defender David Luiz promised they wouldn't fall into the traditional Conmebol trap of overlooking their semifinal opponents while dreaming of Real Madrid, but before the halftime whistle had even sounded the Brazilian club had conceded two stupid penalties and been issued a red card.
The first was awarded by referee István Kovács and converted in the fourth-minute, while the second wasn't converted until 45+9' after the VAR instructed Kovács to look at the pitch-side monitor. The ref agreed with the VAR and pointed to the spot, meaning it was time for Kovács to communicate that decision with the entire stadium since FIFA is using the Club World Cup as a trial of live communication of VAR-related decisions.
Kovács is the second to do it (following in the footsteps of Chinese referee Ma Ning during Al-Ahly vs. Auckland City), but the Romanian official is the first to communicate the decision while telling players to f*** off and getting simultaneously blasted in the face by green laser pointers.
After VAR review, Gerson is seeing RED and now Flamengo is down to 10 men!
Al Hilal will be rewarded with a penalty kick! pic.twitter.com/Kyd6QaIYGG— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 7, 2023
The all-important third goal for Al-Hilal was scored by Argentine Luciano Vietto.
OH WHAT A BEAUTY @Alhilal_EN's Luciano Vietto provides a sublime finish in the box! pic.twitter.com/2l8SjO0lEo
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 7, 2023
No Saudi club had ever advanced to the final before, but Al-Hilal now awaits the winner of tomorrow's other semi between Real Madrid and Al Ahly.
