Vinicius stars as Real Madrid eases into Club World Cup last 16

PHILADELPHIA, United States, June 28 ------ Vinicius Junior scored one goal and made another with a touch of class as Real Madrid sealed its place in the last 16 of the Club World Cup with a 3-0 win over Salzburg.

The Brazil star opened the scoring after a superb defense-splitting pass by Jude Bellingham on 40 minutes, and then set up Federico Valverde for the all-important second goal in first-half stoppage time. Gonzalo Garcia wrapped up the win late on with his second goal of the tournament, and the result means Xabi Alonso's team end the first round of FIFA's new tournament unbeaten.

The squad goes through to the knockout stage as Group H winner on seven points, setting up a last-16 tie against Juventus in Miami on Tuesday. Salzburg goes out as Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia progresses in second place behind Real after defeating already-eliminated Pachuca of Mexico, 2-0, in Nashville.

Al Hilal plays Manchester City in the last 16. Madrid is adjusting in the United States to life under new coach Alonso and was again without top scorer Kylian Mbappe, with the Frenchman thus far not having played at the Club World Cup as he recovers from illness. But there was still plenty of star appeal for the 64,811 fans who filled Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia almost to capacity — they reserved their loudest cheers for Bellingham, and spirits were not dampened by wet, fresh conditions as the blistering heatwave of recent days suddenly lifted.

Source: philstar.com