Monterrey Blanks Urawa to Advance to Knockout Rounds in FIFA CWC

Nicholai Rhiz
Jun 25
2 min read

Updated: Jun 26

German Berterame of CF Monterrey protects the ball from Yoichi Naganuma of Urawa Red Diamonds. Photo by Katareena Roska for Tangent Zine.

Mexico’s Club de Futbol Monterrey advanced in style to the FIFA Club World Cup round of 16 by routing Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds 4-0 on Wednesday at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. Combined with Inter Milan's 2-0 win over River Plate, the Rayados accumulated five points to finish second in a competitive Group E.

Nelson Deossa initiated the scoring for Monterrey with a long-range left-footed shot in the 30th minute, putting Rayados ahead.

CF Monterrey's midfielder, Nelson Deossa, netted two goals against Urawa, aiding the Mexican team in achieving a second-place finish in the competitive Group E. Photo by Katareena Roska for Tangent Zine.

Monterrey increased their lead when Germán Berterame scored in the 34th minute. He found the bottom right corner from the left side of the box, capitalizing on an assist from Alfonso Alvarado.

Urawa's situation deteriorated further when Jesús Corona scored the Rayados' third goal in the 38th minute with a powerful left-footed shot from a distance, potentially making it a contender for the tournament's best goal.

Berterame clinched his second goal during stoppage time with a shot from inside the penalty area, sealing the result. After 17 years and four unsuccessful attempts, the Rayados finally broke the curse that had plagued Liga MX teams against Japanese opponents at the Club World Cup.

The Rose Bowl hosting its final Club World Cup, game saw a modest turnout, with only 14,312 spectators, yet the atmosphere was festive. The Japanese fans exemplified loyalty and passion for their team, singing throughout the game, offering unwavering support, and applauding their club's every action, regardless of the score.

Monterrey will take on the German team Borussia Dortmund in the Round of 16 on Tuesday in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.