FIFA Club World Cup: Antlers Hold Off Goats To Get Crack At Blancos; Al-Ain Roll Over ES Tunis To Get Shot At River Plate

The quarterfinal round of the FIFA Club World Cup took place on Saturday with two games, both contested at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

In the opener, Hiroki Abe scored the winning goal in the 84th minute as Japan's Kashima Antlers (representing Asia) held off Chivas of Guadalajara of Mexico (CONCACAF) 3-2 in advance to Tuesday's semifinal match against reigning champs Real Madrid.

That's Antlers' Serginho, center, celebrating with teammates after converting a penalty kick in the 69th minute.

Reuters photo by Ahmed Jadallah





In the nightcap, Juma Ahmed (2'), Hussein El Shahat (16'), and Bandar Al-Ahbabi (60') each scored once as Al-Ain, representing the host nation, dominated African champs Esperance du Tunis of Tunisia 3-0 to earn the right to face Argentina's River Plate (South American champs) on Wednesday, also at Al Ain.

Here's Al-Ain's Mohamed Ahmed, in the above photo,  going for the ball with ES Tunis' Mohammed Belaili.

Associated Press photo by Kamran Jebreili