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Guangzhou end Club World Cup journey on high note

(Xinhua)    09:41, December 22, 2013
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MARRAKECH, Morocco, Dec. 21 -- Guangzhou Evergrande finished fourth in Chinese club's debut at Club World Cup here on Saturday after losing 3-2 to Copa Libertadores champions Atletico Mineiro from Brazil.

The substitute Luan scored the winner in the stoppage time for the South American champions, giving Cuca's side the third-place and only victory of the tournament after they were upset by the hosts Raja Casablanca in the semifinal.

Before the dramatic finish, both sides delivered an open and balanced match full of attacking football.

Chinese winger Gao Lin twice created opportunities for Muriqui and Dario Conca to score.

Diego Tardelli's early goal and Ronaldinho, the former FIFA player of the year, scored his second free-kick of the tournament, putting the duo 2-2 draw in the first half.

However, Ronaldinho was sent off with three minutes left before Luan's cool finish in the area.

Despite the late defeat is hash, Guangzhou, the first-ever Chinese club appearing in this tournament, showed their spirit and quality in this match by responding well from the semifinal debacle to Bayern Munich.

The Chinese Super League champions in the rein of Italian famous coach Marcello Lipp also saw off eight-time African champion Al Ahly 2-0 in the quarterfinal.

Thus, Lippi's side can leave the stage with their heads high.

And the semifinal entry is the best-ever result for Chinese professional league in world stage after Guangzhou became the first club from the country to win the Asian Champions League in November.

Though the focus of the day is the final between Bayern Munich and local side Raja Casablanca, the match for third-place proved it was the tasty appetizer.

Tardelli opened the scoring just after two minutes when he picked up a right-wing cross to make a close-range finish, gifting the South American champions a dream start.

Guangzhou responded quickly seven minutes later. Elkeson's driving shot was denied by the woodwork, but Gao Lin followed in-time to pass the rebound back to the central area before Muriqui tapping in with ease.

Gao Lin again showed his threat on the right wing six minutes later. Chinese ace striker won a penalty after he was fouled by Mineiro's Lucas.

Conca, the Argentina playmaker, who will finish his contract with Chinese club after this match, scored on the spot to help his side overtake the lead.

Ronaldinho, the former leader for Brazil and Barcelona, scored his second free-kick in Morocco just before half-time. He also delivered one in the 3-1 defeat to Raja Casablanca on Wednesday.

The dismissal of the former best player of the world came in three minutes before the final whistle. Ronaldinho was shown a straight red card following a challenge on Zhao Xuri.

However, with one man down, Mineiro fought for the winner.

Luan was sent free with a through pass to dash into the area before beating Chinese keeper Li Shuai with a low-shot on a one-to-one chance.

(Editor:KongDefang、Yao Chun)

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