By Mohamed Islam Bouteraa

First Half Recap:

A Fierce Opener Ends Goalless at the Break

The much-anticipated opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium saw Al Ahly and Inter Miami locked at 0-0 after a tense and action-packed first half. Despite the lack of goals, the match delivered plenty of drama, with both teams showcasing their intent to make a statement in this expanded global tournament.

Al Ahly Dominate, Miami Hold Firm

Al Ahly, Africa’s most decorated club, asserted themselves early, controlling possession and creating the better chances throughout the half. Trezeguet was especially lively on the right wing, repeatedly troubling the Miami defense and forcing the American side onto the back foot. The Egyptian champions looked composed and dangerous on the counterattack, with their quality evident from the outset.

Inter Miami, meanwhile, leaned heavily on their experienced stars. Lionel Messi, captaining the side, was at the heart of Miami’s best moments, winning free kicks and orchestrating attacks, but often found himself isolated by Al Ahly’s disciplined midfield. Miami’s goalkeeper, Oscar Ustari, emerged as a key figure, making several crucial saves to keep the scores level.

Key Moments

• Early Chances: Al Ahly nearly broke the deadlock in the opening ten minutes, with Trezeguet and Wessam Abou Ali both testing Ustari.
• Disallowed Goal: Around the half-hour mark, Al Ahly had the ball in the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
• Goalkeeping: Ustari’s reflexes were on full display, notably tipping a powerful Abou Ali free kick over the bar and blocking a close-range header from a corner.
• Messi’s Influence: Messi won a dangerous free kick and was involved in a near-assist, but was also brought down hard by Atti, sparking calls for a booking.
• Physical Encounters: The match was not without its physicality, with several players picking up yellow cards as tempers flared in the Miami heat

Tactical Overview

Al Ahly’s pressing and fluid attacking play gave them the edge in the first half, but Miami’s defensive organization and the individual brilliance of their stars—particularly Messi and Ustari—kept them in the contest. The oppressive humidity in Miami may also have played a role, with both sides pacing themselves for what promises to be a demanding second half.

Looking Ahead

With the match finely poised at 0-0, both teams will be eager to seize control after the break. Al Ahly will look to convert their dominance into goals, while Inter Miami will hope their attacking trio of Messi, Suárez, and Busquets can find a breakthrough in front of their home fans. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to this Club World Cup opener.

Second Half Report:

The second half of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 opener between Al Ahly and Inter Miami delivered high drama and intensity, even as the match ended in a goalless draw.

Al Ahly Push for a Winner

After a balanced first half, Al Ahly came out with renewed purpose, controlling possession and dictating the tempo. Their midfield pressed high, and the Egyptian side created several promising opportunities. Mahmoud Trezeguet and Zizo were particularly active, testing Miami’s defense with quick passing and dangerous runs. The best chance of the half—and perhaps the match—came when Al Ahly were awarded a penalty. Trezeguet stepped up, but Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari produced a brilliant save to keep the scores level.

Miami’s Resilience

Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, struggled to find their rhythm in the face of Al Ahly’s pressure. The home side relied on counterattacks, with Messi and Luis Suárez combining for a few half-chances, but they rarely threatened Mohamed El Shenawy in the Al Ahly goal. Miami’s defense, marshaled by Ustari, held firm under sustained pressure, blocking shots and clearing dangerous crosses.

More Pressure and Missed Opportunities

Al Ahly kept pushing hard after the break, pinning Miami back in their half. Despite efforts from stars like Zizo and Ben Romdhane, who tried several times, the Egyptian team could not break through Ustari, whose speed and reflexes kept Inter Miami in the contest. The Miami frontline of Messi and Luis Suárez was contained mostly to a string of short breaks, with the defense well-coordinated and ready.

Conclusion

Deep in the game, Messi curled a free kick that hit the side net. Substitute Fafà Picault also had a vital save from Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy. Both goalkeepers were the heroes of the night, pulling off important saves to keep the game tied.

Tactical and Player Highlights

• Al Ahly's Control: The Egyptian champions controlled possession and territorial control, highlighting their tactical discipline and attacking ability.
• Ustari's Performance: The 38-year-old goalkeeper made eight saves, including the penalty stop, and was man-of-the-match.
• Messi’s Influence: While unable to score, Messi’s creativity and set-piece threat kept Miami competitive.
• Physical and Intense: The game was extremely physical in nature, with plenty of yellow cards and tough battles in the intense heat of Miami.

Looking Ahead

The scoreless draw sets up a competitive Group A of the new Club World Cup format. Both sides showed they can do business at this level, but Al Ahly will lament the chances which got away from them, not least the penalty. 

Inter Miami, spurred on by the heroics of Ustari and the lead shown by Messi, will hope to take this performance and result as a platform to face even stronger opponents like FC Porto and Palmeiras in the days to come.

Conclusion

The Inter Miami and Al Ahly match was strategic and exciting with very good goalkeeping. Though there were no goals, the match was a captivating teaser for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, an event that promises a lot and includes the drama of world football.