Thursday, December 13, 2007

Milan meets Boca in the final

The crowd at the International Stadium in Yokohama provided an excellent atmosphere to a close fought encounter between Urawa Red Diamonds and AC Milan, which the Europeans edged, thanks to Clarence Seedorf's 68th minute goal.

AC Milan had the better of the opening stages. Andrea Pirlo saw a free-kick well saved by the goalkeeper and captain Massimo Ambrosini's header was narrowly off target. The Italians had the majority of the possession, but were frustrated by a well-organised Urawa defence.

The Japanese team had two good chances to score after half time when Alessandro Nesta almost put the ball through his own net and Dida had to be alert to keep out Washington's attempt.

The matchwinning goal came when Ballon d'Or winner Kaka received the ball on the left, beat his marker and reached the byline. He crossed the ball into the box which Seedorf controlled expertly, before lashing the ball into the net with his left foot.

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