River Plate Shine in Club World Cup with 3-1 win over Urawa Red Diamonds

River Plate started their FIFA Club World Cup on a high note, defeating Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds 3-1 in the Group E match.

Facing South American resistance for the first time in a significant game, Urawa were nervous in the early goings as River Plate dominated possession and tempo. Sebastián Driussi was the closest to putting the Argentine giants in front during the first 20 minutes, finding some room along the fringes of the box and hitting the post with a shot that narrowly missed opening the scoring.

The breakthrough came seconds later. Marcos Acuña delivered a pinpoint cross that landed just between Urawa defence and goalkeeper, which allowed Facundo Colidio to find some space and head in the first goal. Urawa responded strongly and thought they were level when Marius Høibråten's looping header went in, only for the assistant referee's flag to rule the Norwegian offside, leaving River Plate with the lead.

Urawa was revitalized in the second half, but their hopes were dashed at the beginning of the second half. Høibråten's ill-timed back header was pounced upon by Driussi, who headed the ball past the onrushing Shūsaku Nishikawa to make River's advantage two goals. There was to be no letting up yet as Acuña fouled Takurō Kaneko in the box, giving Urawa a lifeline. Yūsuke Matsuo netted with ease from the penalty spot to tie things at 2-1.

Roared on by their support, Urawa pushed for a leveling goal, but River Plate sealed it in more than 15 minutes. Maximiliano Meza jumped above everyone to head an Acuña corner past the keeper and into the net, giving Los Millonarios the perfect start to their Club World Cup campaign.

River Plate's thumping performance sends a strong message to their Group E rivals, and Urawa Red Diamonds will look to regroup in the next game.