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Rampant Man City clinch first Club World Cup title

Manchester City clinched a maiden FIFA Club World Cup title with a dominant 4-0 victory over Fluminense in the final on Friday evening.

City named three changes from the team that started the semi-final win over Urawa Red Diamonds, with Ruben Dias replacing Manuel Akanji, Rico Lewis filling in for Matheus Nunes while Julian Alvarez came in for Mateo Kovacic.

Alvarez took just 40 seconds to make an impact when he latched onto a loose ball off the post following Nathan Ake's shot and headed in on the rebound.

Fluminense were keen to match the Citizens in the high-press scenarios and turnovers before seeing a probing shot from Franca da Silva whizzled over the top.

The English giants extended the lead before the half-hour mark as Phil Foden combined with Rodri Hernandez's pass into space and rolled into gear to fire in off Nino.

Fluminense, who had their backs against the wall, introduced one of their heroes of last season's continental triumph in John Kennedy and sacrificed Keno after halftime.

City could've added a third goal though a double save from goalkeeper Fabio Lopes denied Foden's shot from the edge of the area and the follow-up from Bernardo Silva too.

The South American giants remained buoyant and saw a ball in-behind set Kennedy clear with a chance, but Kyle Walker raced back to court the player in his tracks.

However, City grabbed a third goal with 15 minutes to go when Alvarez made good use of a loose ball to play in a low cross where Foden pounced to tap in.

Alvarez continued to show force and completed his brace two minutes before time where he dummied a cutback from Matheus Nunes before picking out the bottom-corner.

The European champions ran out comprehensive victors in the end and bagged their first-ever Club World Cup title.

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