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Kenan Yildiz delivered a standout performance with two goals and an assist as Juventus defeated Wydad Casablanca 4-1 at the Club World Cup on Sunday, moving within reach of the last 16.
The Turkish international’s early strike, which took a deflection off Abdelmounaim Boutouil and was officially marked as an own goal, set Juventus on their way. Yildiz followed up with a stunning long-range effort to double their lead.
Wydad briefly gave themselves hope when Thembinkosi Lorch pulled a goal back before half-time, but Yildiz struck again in the second half to restore Juventus’ two-goal advantage. Dusan Vlahovic added a late penalty to round off the convincing victory.
Having already dismantled Al Ain 5-0 in their opening Group G match, Juventus now have six points from two games with nine goals scored. Their qualification for the knockout rounds will be confirmed if Manchester City avoid defeat against Al Ain later on Sunday.
Juventus manager Igor Tudor praised his side’s quality, especially Yildiz, saying: “He has great potential. His skills are impressive, but his intelligence is even more important. He has a bright future.”
Wydad’s loss means they are eliminated from the competition after also falling 2-0 to Manchester City in their first match.
A crowd of nearly 32,000 at Lincoln Financial Field watched as Juventus, unchanged from their previous match, started strongly against the Moroccan side, who finished third in their domestic league. With stars like Vlahovic and Manuel Locatelli starting on the bench, Juventus wasted no time asserting dominance.
The breakthrough came in just the sixth minute when Khephren Thuram set up Yildiz, whose shot, aided by a slight deflection, found the net. Ten minutes later, Yildiz showcased his skill with a superb half-volley into the top corner following a surging run and pass from Andrea Cambiaso.
Wydad responded quickly as veteran Nordin Amrabat slipped a precise pass to Lorch, who calmly finished past the Juve keeper to make it 2-1.
Despite the scare, Juventus remained in control. Cambiaso struck the post shortly before Randal Kolo Muani missed a golden opportunity from close range. But the third goal came soon after when Kolo Muani set up Yildiz, who finished clinically for his third goal of the tournament and his 12th overall this season.
Yildiz was substituted late on, before Vlahovic sealed the win with a stoppage-time penalty after being fouled by Guilherme Ferreira.
Juventus face Manchester City in their final group match on Thursday in Orlando, with progression already within touching distance.
