Mateo Kovacic Scores First Goal For Manchester City After Fine Run From Midfield

Mateo Kovacic scored the first goal of his Manchester City career in a FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against Urawa Red Diamonds. Watch Kovacic's goal here.

Mateo Kovacic scored the first goal of his Manchester City career on Tuesday.

It arrived 52 minutes into City's semi-final clash with Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds at the FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia.

An own goal by Urawa defender Marius Hoibraten had earlier broken the deadlock in first-half added time.

Bernardo Silva later wrapped up a 3-0 win for City, who will face Fluminense in the final on Friday.

👀What a night!😂
After 1 own goal, 1 deflection & a powerful shot from Kovacic, #ManCity have progressed to the Final of the Club World Cup to face Fluminense🔥

✅Keep up to date on the latest in sports via the StarTimesON app here: https://t.co/MiAgfwR3lr💯#SportsOnStarTimes pic.twitter.com/WXMiBFEurw

— stkenya (@StarTimesKenya) December 20, 2023

City had started Tuesday's game without a recognized striker.

Erling Haaland missed the game with a foot injury, while Julian Alvarez began the match on the bench.

Nevertheless, City's starting team featured plenty of creative players, including Silva, Matheus Nunes, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden.

But it was right-back Kyle Walker who provided the defense-splitting assist to set up Kovacic.

Walker prodded a brilliant pass with the outside of his right boot and Kovacic ran in between two defenders to get to the ball.

Kovacic then carried the ball for 25 yards before smashing a fine shot high into the net.

Mateo Kovacic pictured celebrating after scoring his first goal for Manchester City during a FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against Urawa Red Diamonds :: IMAGO/Bildbyran/Joel Marklund