Beauty doesn't count for anything when faced with power: City beat Fluminense 4-0 to win Club World Cup

A Julian Alvarez goal inside the opening minute and an unlucky own goal proved Fluminense's undoing when pitted against Manchester City in the FIFA Club World Cup final on Friday night. Phil Foden's third, some 20 minutes before the final whistle and Alvarez's second were the icing on the cake.

It was a demonstration of power at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. One could say it was also a demonstration of the power of the Saudis, but we'll leave that discussion for another day. On the pitch, though, South American joga bonito was second-best in just about every aspect of the game.

FIFA held the last Club World Cup tournament in the current format this year. An expanded Club World Cup featuring 32 men's teams will take place in the United States starting June 2025, with Manchester City and Chelsea already guaranteed participation due to their Champions League win. Pep Guardiola was delighted to end an era with a win that's seen his team win its fourth trophy of the year. They added the World title to the UEFA Champions League, Premier League and the FA Cup. The only piece of silverware they missed on was the FA Community Shield, the game they lost to Arsenal after a penalty shoot-out.

South American champions, who won the Copa Libertadores in that exciting final against Boca Juniors, displayed all the things that made their innovative coach Fernando Diniz a bit of a cult figure in world football - especially among football hipsters and conossieurs. But their flamboyant style can take them ever so far - and City was an obstacle too far.

The Sky Blues took the lead in the first minute. Nathan Ake fit the post with a long-range shot, and Julian Alvarez was on hand to put the ball over the line with his chest. The Argentine has become only the third player to win Copa America, Copa Libertadores, FIFA World Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Champions League - Brazilian legends Cafu and Dida being the other two.

Phil Foden's attempted cross from the left wing was directed into his own net by Fluminense captain Nino, and Alvarez turned provider for Foden late in the game to make it 3-0.

Argentine starboy Alvarez won the World Cup with his national team just over a year ago, and tonight he sealed the win with a calmly taken fourth to ensure his man of the match award.

Manchester City is the best team in the world.

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP

Final

Friday

Manchester City - Fluminense 4-0 (2-0)

/Alvarez 1, 88, Nino 27 og, Foden 72/