Goalkeeper Eisa should start for Al Ain against Manchester City in Club World Cup

Juventus had never played a Club World Cup game before as they had never won the big European prize to qualify. This time they made it through their UEFA coefficient ranking over the past four years as the competition expanded to 32 teams. However, their debut has been emphatic as they defeated UAE's Al Ain 5-0 at Audi Field in Washington.

The match was practically over within 31 minutes with 3 goals scored, and it was 4-0 by half-time. Igor Tudor, the Juve coach, decided to sub off a couple of his players during the break. Juve managed only one more goal in the second half while making further changes. Even Al Ain rotated their squad to limit the damage.

The two teams met in a friendly two decades ago where Al Ain secured a 1-0 victory. But when the stakes were real, Al Ain just couldn't handle the pressure and obviously the quality they were up against. Al Ain tried defending with five men at the back, but Juve deployed a similar system with two attacking wing-backs and wide creators who absolutely created havoc.

Turkish sensation Kenan Yildiz, Portuguese trickster Francisco Conceicao, and Randal Kolo Muani — the French striker on loan from PSG whom they desperately want to sign permanently — gave Al Ain's defence nightmares. Conceicao and Kolo Muani, who deservedly won player of the match, both grabbed braces while Yildiz chipped in with one. Thuram in the midfield was absolutely brilliant as well for the Old Lady.

Even their new signing goalkeeper couldn't make any difference despite his experience, leaving Al Ain fans wondering if veteran Emirati keeper Khalid Eisa might have done better.

Al Ain managed nine shots with 36% possession. The star forward duo Laba and Rahimi combined for five attempts but couldn't even grab a consolation goal. Up next for them is Manchester City, who comfortably beat Wydad, and Al Ain need to show much more composure. The quality gap is obvious, but we expect a much better fight from Al Ain. Pep has already said he'll heavily rotate his squad.

Al Ain have to show some real spirit. We'll have to wait and see.