Matvei Safonov saves 4 penalties to safe a 2-1 shootout win over Flamengo in Qatar
DOHA:
Again-up goalkeeper Matvei Safonov saved 4 penalties as Paris Saint-Germain edged out Brazilians Flamengo 2-1 in a shoot-out to win the FIFA Intercontinental Cup remaining in Qatar on Wednesday.
PSG led via Khvicha Kvaratskhelia earlier than Jorginho’s spot-kick levelled for Flamengo as the sport completed 1-1 after additional time.
Copa Libertadores winners Flamengo defeated Mexicans Cruz Azul and African champions Pyramids final week to earn the fitting to face PSG and pushed the European champions all the best way with a dogged show.
However Luis Enrique’s males, who obtained a bye to the ultimate, have been indebted to Safonov and adopted within the footsteps of Actual Madrid who lifted the inaugural title final yr.
“I believe this yr is unimaginable to repeat for Paris Saint-Germain. It is an unforgettable yr,” stated Luis Enrique.
“Six trophies, not dangerous. We should maintain going. It is our mentality to maintain successful and maintain making historical past. That is what we wish.”
PSG thought that they had taken the lead within the ninth minute when Fabian Ruiz cleverly hooked the ball into an empty web after Flamengo goalkeeper Agustin Rossi miskicked a clearance whereas attempting to stop a nook.
However the aim was dominated out by VAR as a result of Rossi had narrowly didn’t cease the ball from going out of play.
However PSG did break the impasse eight minutes earlier than half-time courtesy of one other Rossi error.
The Argentinian turned Need Doue’s low cross, which appeared to be too sturdy for Kvaratskhelia, straight into the Georgian’s go for the only of tap-ins.
Flamengo managed to remain within the recreation, although, and have been awarded a penalty on the hour mark for a foul by Marquinhos on Uruguay midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta after a VAR assessment.
Former Chelsea and Arsenal participant Jorginho stepped as much as ship Safonov the mistaken manner in trademark trend.
PSG pressed for a winner, sending on Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele who arrange a last-gasp probability for Marquinhos.
However the centre-back couldn’t react shortly sufficient to get his effort heading in the right direction because the ball flashed throughout aim and the sport headed into additional time.
Each groups noticed half-chances come and go within the added half-hour, with Dembele flashing a shot narrowly off course within the 116th minute.
That set the stage for Safonov — enjoying instead of common first-choice Lucas Chevalier who continues to be regaining full health after an ankle damage — to steal the headlines and spare the blushes of Dembele and Barcola who each missed for PSG.
