Paris Saint-Germain 4-0 Inter Miami CF
Goals: Joao Neves (6 & 39), Tomas Aviles OG (44), Achraf Hakimi (45+3)
A first-half pummelling powered Paris Saint-Germain past Inter Miami CF and into the FIFA Club World Cup™ quarter-finals. Luis Enrique’s charges will return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Saturday to play the CR Flamengo-FC Bayern München winners.
Central midfielders put PSG in command. Joao Neves headed home the opener from a Vitinha cross and tapped home the second from a Fabian Ruiz centre. Tomas Aviles then inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, before Achraf Hakimi effectively put the contest to bed on the stroke of half-time.
Inter Miami, with Tadeo Allende and Lionel Messi threatening on the break, performed better following the restart, but they failed to trouble goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. An excellent afternoon for PSG was enhanced with go-to player Ousmane Dembele getting 30 minutes of action on his return from a hamstring injury.
Quotes
“I’m happy, I liked the way we started the match. We managed it well, we created a lot of chances even though we had fewer opportunities in the second half. But I’m happy. I’m pleased with all the players, they had the right mentality.”
Luis Enrique, PSG manager speaking to DAZN
“I think we played a very good game. Even when we were winning 4-nil we didn’t stop. We kept playing our game and I think it was a positive day for us. It’s the first time I’ve scored two goals in one game, so I’m very happy but I’m happier for the victory. I think we have the same confidence because we play our game no matter against whom, so we are confident and we are happy.”
Joao Neves, PSG player speaking to DAZN
“People often talk about how I need to improve in order to replace Marquinhos when the time comes. I work hard every day in training and do everything I can to contribute to the game. Since I arrived, the team has been incredible with me and it’s been easy to settle in. We have a young team that has helped me from the start. Both on and off the pitch, my teammates support me. I try to help them too, but in any case, it’s phenomenal for me to be in Paris.”
Willian Pacho, speaking to DAZN
“The message is that when we’re committed and we all work together, you can compete. If there’s one sport that gives you the chance to compete, it’s football, regardless of the differences. Clearly, today the difference was huge; we were up against, probably, the best team in the world with a fantastic coach. Until the very last minute we tried to stand tall, so I’m proud of the players.”
Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami head coach to DAZN
Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match
Joao Neves (Paris Saint-Germain)
