The match was a matter of life and death for both Inter Milan and River Plate, who were aiming to survive in the FIFA Club World Cup. As a result, it was predictable that the final match of the ‘E’ group stage between the two continental giants would be a tough one. However, the Italian club Inter had the last laugh in the exciting match. On the other hand, the Argentine River Plate, who lost 2-0 and were eliminated from the tournament, saw two red cards as a bonus. Angry spectators also threw various objects from the gallery.
The two teams’ on-field performances were overshadowed by a last-minute physical altercation at Washington’s Lumen Field early on Thursday, which resulted in the second Argentine player being sent off. Albiceleste national team stars Gonzalo Montiel and Lucas Martinez Cuarta were the ones who suffered the sting. Inter’s Argentine star Lautaro Martinez, on the other hand, was the most prolific in his team’s bid to eliminate his home club. However, he missed several chances to score.
Both goals in the match came in the second half. Neither team was able to score in the first half, but the deadlock was broken in the 72nd minute by Inter’s 19-year-old Francesco Pio Esposito. River Plate had been fighting hard until then, but they suffered a major setback. However, they were reduced to ten men seven minutes before the first goal. Defender Lucas Martinez was shown a red card for a hard tackle on an Inter player as he was about to enter the D-box, outpacing almost everyone on River.
Then, in the third minute of added time at the end of the 90th minute, Nerazzurri defender Alessandro Bastoni put the final nail in River’s coffin. His left-footed shot from the corner of the box went into the net, securing Inter’s full three points. A minute later, River Plate were reduced to nine men. Montiel had to leave the field after seeing a second yellow card. Then, as the referee blew the final whistle, the players of the two teams went face to face. Which started with an argument between River’s Marcos Acuna and Inter’s Denzel Defries, which later turned into a team fight.
With this loss, both Argentine clubs have confirmed their exit from the ongoing Club World Cup. Although Boca Juniors are slightly behind, River Plate had a strong chance of reaching the knockout round. But they are ending the season with a win, a draw and a loss in 3 matches. In total, they have 4 points. On the other hand, Inter Milan will enter the knockout round from the top of Group ‘E’ with 7 points in 3 matches. Another team to advance from this group is Sergio Ramos’ Monterrey. The second-placed team has 5 points.
Security personnel and match officials had to intervene to stop the Inter-River players from leaving the field. The fans also added to the tension by throwing glasses and symbolic trophies towards the players’ tunnel. Inter will face Brazilian club Fluminense in the last 16 of the World Cup on June 30. CF Monterrey will face CF Monterrey in another match.
FAQ
What was the final score between River Plate and Inter Milan?
Inter Milan defeated River Plate 2-0 in the final group-stage match of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Why was this match so important for both teams?
It was a do-or-die match for both clubs, with qualification for the knockout stage on the line. The loser faced elimination.
What caused the “rage” mentioned in the title?
River Plate players and fans were furious over controversial refereeing decisions and the emotional fallout from being knocked out of the tournament.
How many red cards were shown in the match?
River Plate received two red cards during the match, reducing them to nine men and severely impacting their chances.
