Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal stun Flamengo of Brazil to reach Club World Cup final

TANGIER: Al-Hilal are 90 minutes away from becoming world champions after a stunning 3-2 win over Brazilian giants and Copa Libertadores title-holders Flamengo in the semi-final of the FIFA Club World Cup in Tangier on Tuesday.

The most successful club in Saudi Arabia and Asia have dozens of trophies in their cabinet back home but have never come close to a prize such as this.

Al-Nassr may have Cristiano Ronaldo but Al-Hilal are close to unprecedented glory. These are heady times for Saudi Arabian football indeed.  

Saturday could be the best of the lot for Al-Hilal, though they are likely to find Real Madrid, arguably the biggest club on the planet, blocking their way in the final.

If the 14-time European champions lose their semi-final on Wednesday then the opposition will be Egypt’s Al-Ahly in what would be the ultimate dream match for fans in the Arab region.

Either way, it is going to be huge for Al-Hilal who, at the very least, have already improved upon their two fourth place finishes in their previous appearances in this tournament.

It wasn't just a battling performance from Ramon Diaz’s men, who came through a gruelling last eight test against local favorites Wydad AC just three days previously, it was an intelligent and controlled one.

Salem Al-Dawsari  stunned Argentina with the winning goal for Saudi Arabia in the World Cup in November and stunned Brazil with two first half goals at the Ibn Batouta Stadium.

Both came from the spot, sandwiching a Pedro equaliser and the second coming after Gerson was sent off. Luciano Vietto sealed the win in the second half despite a late consolation from Pedro.

The drama started in the fourth minute as the referee pointed to the spot after Matheuzinho had brought