A goal and an assist from Phil Foden guided defending champions Manchester City to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca in their FIFA Club World Cup opener in Philadelphia on Wednesday.
Following opening-round victories by fellow European heavyweights Paris St-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea, Pep Guardiola’s side ensured they also began their campaign successfully.
In front of thousands of their own supporters at Lincoln Financial Field, City made a perfect start. Foden found the net just two minutes into the match, stroking a shot home from 12 yards out. The England midfielder then turned provider before halftime, delivering an inswinging corner that was converted by Jeremy Doku.
The Premier League side controlled the contest throughout, though Wydad, whose lineup included former Watford player Nordin Amrabat making his debut, had occasional moments on the counter-attack but were unable to trouble Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson.
The second half saw the welcome return of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who made just his second appearance since suffering a serious knee injury in September. Striker Erling Haaland also entered the action from the bench to a loud ovation, though he missed a promising opportunity and saw a late effort saved by Wydad goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid.
City’s victory was soured late in the game when defender Rico Lewis received a straight red card for catching Samuel Obeng in the face with his boot during a challenge for a loose ball. Lewis will now be suspended for City’s second group game against Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates on Monday.
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