DOHA (Qatar): Striker Bruno Henrique turned out to be the hero on a rain-drenched Khalifa International Stadium on Tuesday night after he guided Flamengo into the FIFA Club World Cup final following a hard-fought 3-1 win over Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal.
Bruno, who contributed in all the three goals including one against his name, thanked the Flamengo fans.
The Copa Libertadores champions will meet the winner from Liverpool vs Monterrey semifinal on Wednesday, with final coming off two days later.
Flamengo fightback after interval
The hard-working Bruno had set up Giorgian de Arrascaeta for the equalizer in the 48th minute after Salem Al Dawsari had put the Asian champions in the lead in the 18th.
The 28-year-old forward also got onto the scoresheet when he headed home a cross from Rafinha to restore the lead in the 78th minute.
Four minutes later Hilal centre-back Mohammed Al Burayk scored an own-goal after he deflected a Bruno shot into his own goal.
“The fans is our 12th player. They made the effort to come to Qatar. We’re happy to have them by our side,” said Bruno after the match.
On their final against the winner of Liverpool-Monterrey semis, Bruno said, “It will be a great game. We are already in the final. Now is to wait for the next opponent, with humility, respecting how we did during the year.”
The hard-working Bruno had set up Giorgian de Arrascaeta for the equalizer in the 48th minute after Salem Al Dawsari had put the Asian champions in the lead in the 18th.
Flamengo also struggled due to the heavy pitch conditions following the evening shower.
However, all that changed after the interval when they came back with a renewed confidence.
In quick time, they regained composure with the likes of Bruno and Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa led a flurry of attacks that had put the Hilal back-line in a spot of bother.
The equalizer was inevitable, and it brought Flamengo back into the game.
“Whatever comes to us will face a lot of responsibility and dedication,” Bruno said of the final.
