Juventus vs Man City - Club World Cup: Pep's side hit FIVE to preserve 100% record in ominous warning to rivals

Well, that was easy.

For Manchester City at least, not for Juventus. Pep Guardiola's men taught the Italian side a lesson in how to play lovely possession-based football.

That was an ominous performance from the perspective of the rest of the teams in the Club World Cup. If City continue to play like that, they will waltz to glory.

Jeremy Doku took just nine minutes to open the scoring, and while Juventus hit back immediately, City never looked like they were going to lose from there on out.

An own goal then gifted City the lead again, but it was the second half where they really turned the screw on Juve.

Erling Haaland had an instant impact, as did Phil Foden, as they both scored off the bench, before an absolute crackerjack of a goal from Savinho.

Dusan Vlahovic did pull back a consolation, but by that point, the damage was done; City had run riot.

Now they just have to see who they will be facing in the knockout stages, with Real Madrid a real possibility.

Anyway, I'm going to dash now. Thank you for joining as ever, will see you all soon!

Teun Koopmeiners, Juventus goalscorer, speaking to Dazn:

Just look at that grin, Jeremy Doku is one happy bloke.

The Manchester City man gets a lot of flak for not being the finished article, but my word was he brilliant tonight.

The Juventus defence were on strings and he was the puppeteer doing anything and everything he wanted.

He scored one, but could have easily bagged more. It was a brilliant display from the Belgian.

No surprises he won Man of the Match.

Nope, I will refuse to recognise the award by its real name of 'Superior Player of the Match'.

I mean, what even is that?

Bernardo Silva, Manchester City captain, speaking to DAZN:

On Rodri's first start back:

How good was Rodri today, eh?

Well, for those of you who didn't follow the game, I'll tell you: he was class, top class.

His recent cameos after returning from an eight-month lay-off have been a little rusty; he didn't look great.

That was not the case tonight, though. From the first whistle, he looked as sharp as ever in the middle of the park.

It already looks as though a strong relationship between him and Tijjani Reijnders exists, which is frightening for the rest of the Premier League.

City's midfield was a real problem point for them last season, but it doesn't look like that will be the case next term.

Manchester City have been different gravy at the Club World Cup.

I mean, I could rave about that performance for hours, that's how impressive City were, but I won't go overboard.

However, that win does mean that they maintain their 100 per cent win record at this tournament.

They are the only team to have won every game.

I'd say they are now the favourites to win this tournament; they look hungry to lift that bizarre-looking trophy.

Rivals beware.

Shay Given, former Man City goalkeeper, on DAZN:

If we are going to look back at any of the Manchester City goals, it just has to be this one.

I had no idea that Savinho has this in his locker, but this is one hell of a hit from the winger.

The best of the lot, just the way he hits it first time, and it goes in off the bar. Just beautiful.

I may watch this a few times.

Now, that was the Manchester City we are used to seeing.

We didn't see City at their best too often last season, hence why they have brought in so much new blood this summer.

And well, the rebuild looks to have worked.

With Rodri back in the side, and the new boys chipping in, Pep Guardiola's side look well and truly back to their best.

Some of the football they played in that 90 minutes was just silly; they were so, so good.

If I were Liverpool or any of the teams in the Club World Cup, I would be worried about this City team.

They. Are. Back.

What a win for Manchester City.

The scoreline doesn't even tell the full story, which is saying something. City could have had 10, but they will have to put up with five as the final whistle comes.

This is the City side we haven't seen for 12 months, that was one hell of a performance, and it means they will top Group G with a 100 per cent record.

Next stop: round of 16.

Rayan Cherki... how have you not scored there?

The Frenchman is in acres of space in the box and just has to finish the move off.

You expect him to score, but he hammers the ball straight at Michele Di Gregorio.

Should do better - it should be six.

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.

You know a tournament isn't serious when the fans start doing a Mexican Wave in the stands.

I mean, imagine somebody tried to start one in a Premier League match. The response from most fans would be '... off'.

The fans over here don't care, though; they have got one going.

Stop that, Rayan!

Now, that is what you call a bit of cheeky play from Cherki as he nutmegs Filip Kostic down the City right.

Love it, and the crowd does too as they all go 'ooooo'.

Oh, that's a lovely finish.

Juventus have a consolation goal, and it's a fine strike from Dusan Vlahovic, I have to say.

Kenen Yuildiz fires the ball into Vlahovic's path with a lovely ball, and then the striker races away and arrows the ball into the bottom corner like a bullet.

It's too little, too late, mind.

Weston McKennie has had a hard day, and that's an understatement.

The midfielder looks as though he wants to scream after being given the run around in the middle of the park.

But now his nightmare is over as Vasilije Adzic replaces him.

That deserved a goal.

Rayan Cherki shows what he is all about with a good bit of skill before driving a teasing low cross across the box.

It's a ball that is screaming to be tapped home, but Erling Haaland can't get there.

City aren't stopping yet, that's for sure.

This is one hell of a statement from Manchester City.

After the season they have just had, to put away Juventus like this is one hell of an achievement. They have been dominant.

The Italian side can barely fashion a proper chance; they look about as threatening as a puppy.

As I type that Kenan Yildiz sends the ball to space.

WOW. WOW. WOW.

That is some hit from Savinho to turn this into a real rout, Manchester City are running riot.

Erling Haaland somehow doesn't add a fifth himself and sees an effort saved before the ball bounces all the way out to Savinho.

The Brazilian hits it first time from 25 yards out, and the ball smashes in off the bar.

That is how you hit them.

More changes for Man City.

One Rayan leaves the pitch and another joins it as Ait-Nouri makes way, and Cherki joins the action.

Meanwhile, Nico O'Reilly is on and Bernardo Silva comes off.

Jeez, this is a mauling.

Erling Haaland wants another and he blasts one hell of a strike toward the bottom corner.

But Federico Gatti manages tio get in the way of teh strike and limit the damage done to their pride.

For now, at least.

That goal has sucked the life out of Juventus, not that they had much of it beforehand.

Manchester City are now just knocking the ball about with ease and are sucking the life out of this game.

It could be a boring end to this game, I'll be honest.

An immediate impact!

Less than three minutes after being introduced, Phil Foden kills this game off with Manchester City's fourth goal of the night.

Erling Haaland slides a ball into Savinho's path, he goes past the goalkeeper, and then Foden pinches the finish away from him.

Game. Set. Match.

Ohhh, Dusan Vlahovic...

Juventus should have a goal back, that is a massive opportunity for the Serbian.

Kenan Yildiz sends him through, but the striker fluffs his chip attempt with Ederson steaming toward him.

That was the moment.

Rodri comes out unscathed.

The Spaniard makes it to 65 minutes without a problem, and now he has earned himself some rest.

Ilkay Gudogan comes on for the Ballon d'Or winner, while Jeremy Doku is replaced by Phil Foden.

Not bad substitutions, eh?

Another break in play.

This time it's because Pierre Kalulu cleans out Tijjani Reijnders with a challenge of pure frustration.

It earns him a yellow card.

Well, those substitutions have taken the oomph out of this game.

All the flow is gone. There seems to be a stoppage every few seconds; the ball has barely been in play for the last seven or eight minutes.

I might need to nap if it stays like this.

Oh dear.

This does not look good for Nicolo Savona; he can barely walk, and it looks like he is going to make way.

And as I type that, he does.

Federico Gatti is now on for the young defender, who needs two medical staff members to help him get off the pitch.

Right then, we may have a game now.

Juventus are finally going for it as Andrea Cambiaso, Khephren Thuram, and Kenan Yildiz are all on now.

Alberto Costa, Manuel Locatelli, and Teun Koopmeiners make way.

Juventus' defence simply can't cope with this City attack.

Pep Guardiola's side look as though they could score with every attack; they are ripping the Italians apart.

This could become a hammering.

This time, Erling Haaland does get on the end of the cross!

This goal is all about the pass from Tijjani Reijnders in the build-up, my word, it's sensational.

He slices Juventus open with a lovely ball through to Matheus Nunes, who then just puts the ball on a plate for Haaland to tap home.

He very nearly messes the chance up with a clumsy finish, but the ball bobbles in.

That should be that.

Jeremy Doku is having one hell of a game.

He has these Juventus defenders twisted up like a pretzel; he is roasting them time and time again.

Doku drives past one, then two, and three players, bas he darts inside and to the edge of the box.

The less said about the resulting shot, though, the better.

So nearly three!

Erling Haaland comes within inches of making an instant impact just 70 seconds after coming on at half-time.

Savinho burns away down the right for the umpteenth time today and drills a low ball across goal.

Haaland dives to try and get on the end of the cross and slide home, but he can't quite get there.

So close.

Manchester City have made Juventus wait, my word.

The Italian side are sent out ridiculously early and wait for over two minutes for City to come back out of the dressing room.

When they do, Erling Haaland can be seen stripped and ready as he comes on to replace Omar Marmoush for the second half.

And off we go again.

Callum Wilson, Newcastle striker, speaking on DAZN:

Shay Given, former Man City goalkeeper, on DAZN:

We have to watch this, don't we?

A lot was made about Ederson shutting down rumours of him leaving before the game, but well, maybe Pep Guardiola will fly him to Saudi Arabia himself after this mistake.

Ederson never makes errors like this under pressure; he almost always shows quality with his feet.

But not today.

So far, so good for Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola's side have put on a clinic here against Juventus; it's been pure domination.

The only thing that will concern the Spaniard is that his side only lead by one goal.

Juventus are still just about in this game.

Omar Marmoush loves a long-range belter, doesn't he?

The Egyptian realises he doesn't have many options from 30 yards out, so he just decides to have a crack.

And what a crack it is as he pings the ball toward the bottom corner with some venom.

But once again, Michele Di Gregorio denies him, and what a stop it is.

Well, the rain has stopped now.

The players only had to put up with the wild conditions for just a few minutes, and now they can dry off in the sunshine.

Meanwhile, four minutes of stoppage time have been added.

My word, the weather is crazy.

It's not just a little shower; this is a fully blown Florida thunderstorm, and the players are struggling.

They all look like they have been for a swim, and it's only been raining for three minutes.

They are all like drowned rats.

Another chance, another save.

Just as the rain begins to hammer down in Florida, Rayan Ait-BNouri nearly nets a stunning first goal for the club.

The ball drops his way outside the box, he lines up a volley, smashes the ball into the ground, and it looks destined for the corner.

But Michele Di Gregorio gets his mitts on the ball yet again.

Oh, what a goal that would have been.

There is a reason they call Savinho 'twinkle toes', and he has just shown exactly why.

The Brazilian dances through Juventus like he is on Strictly Come Dancing, or Dancing with the Stars, before letting fly.

But his effort is not quite as good as the run, and is saved comfortably.

The atmosphere here really is shocking.

Imagine England and Italy playing at the World Cup and then nobody turning up to watch it.

That's basically what's happening here; it's appalling.

Manchester City are really purring now.

Some of the football they are playing is filth, utter filth (in a good way). They cut Juventus open yet again, and Omar Marmoush has the chance to shoot.

The Egyptian sets his sights on the far corner, but Michele Di Gregorio does well to deny him.

I feel another coming... well, after they finish the water break they are now having.

Games gone, even if it is 33C.

I've just watched a replay of that own goal again and just can't stop laughing.

How did Pierre Kalulu manage to score an own goal there?

I mean, if anything, it's quite impressive that he has finished that cross off. Maybe he should become a striker.

What the hell is Pierre Kalulu doing?

I'm not sure what is in the water in Orlando because it's howlers galore at the Camping World Stadium.

Kalulu somehow gifts Manchester City the lead with a comical own goal. That really is a shocker.

Matheus Nunes picks up the ball on the overlap down the right, but a low ball across the box, but the Juve defender is in the perfect position to clear.

But nope, he gets his feet in a pickle and puts the ball in his own net.

Yikes.

Oooooft!

Now that has got to hurt.

Omar Marmoush unleashes a bullet of a free-kick, and it cannons straight into the head of Nicolo Savona.

I'm surprised it doesn't knock the lad out, but he is currently down holding his head.

I'm sure he will be up soon, though.

OK, OK, things are finally calming down.

Honestly, its been like a basketball match in these early stages, and I have been absolutely loving it. Jeremy Doku looks like he is as well; he's balling out.

But now it seems Juventus have opted to sit back and just soak up the pressure, which isn't as fun to watch.

That's more like it from Ederson.

The sweeper keeper we all know and love looks like himself again as he sweeps up the danger 25 yards from goal, which then leads to a promising attack.

Bernardo Silva tries to find Omar Marmoush, but he just can't get the weight of his pass right.

One heel of a pace to this game, jeez.

'Imagine he makes an absolute howler, leading to a goal after all the comments he made about staying put.'

That is something I wrote about Ederson in the build-up.

And well, it was tongue-in-cheek, I didn't expect him to actually make an error like the one we have just seen.

Awkward.

Well, that didn't last long.

It's an absolute howler from Ederson as he passes the ball straight to Teun Koopmeiners, who then slides the ball under him at the near post.

It's one hell of a response from Juventus, with Dusan Vlahovic missing a big opportunity just a minute earlier.

I told you this would be a belter!

Ohhhh, what a move!

That is Manchester City at their very best, they carve Juventus open like a Turkey on Christmas day to take the lead.

Rayan Ait-Nouri produces a brilliant reverse pass to slide Jeremy Dojku in, who cuts inside and then bends the ball into the bottom corner.

Lovely, lovely, lovely.

Is that the Ederson who believes he is good enough to stay at City?

If so, yikes.

He gives the ball straight to Manuel Locatelli and is lucky that his outfield team-mates bail him out.

Sloppy, sloppy play.

Ohhhh, that's a huge stop!

I was about to type about how nothing had happened yet, and then Manchester City decide to click into gear.

Rayan Ait-Nouri does brilliantly own the left before clipping a ball to the back stick, which Bernardo Silva races on to.

He gets a good head on the ball and for a second it seems like the ball is going to hit the back of the net.

But no, Michele Di Gregorio gets low to deny him well.

This is meant to be one of the most exciting games of the tournament on paper, and you'd think fans would flock to watch.

But nope, this place is dead.

So many empty seats and very little noise being made. Some Juve fans are chanting, but there aren't loads of them.

Bizarre, and a shame.

Thank goodness that pre-match faf is over.

The players take to their positions, there is a wierd countdown, and then Juventus get this game underway.

I have to say, this stadium is very empty...

I really, really don't like the walkouts at this tournament.

The players don't look like they do either, not a single one is smiling from either Man City or Juventus as they walk out one by one.

City seem to be wearing a weird kit, by the way.

They are wearing their home shirt with navy blue shorts and socks to avoid a kit clash. It just looks so wrong.

I know I am in a moany mood, but I promise the coverage will be much more positive once the game gets underway.

Those walkouts just annoyed me.

Pep Guardiola, Manchester City boss, on Dazn:

Right guys, we are nearly there.

The players have just wrapped up their warm-ups, not that they really needed them in this heat.

It means there are now just 10 minutes until they take back to the pitch and the game gets cracking.

Before then, we will have to watch their naff walkouts, mind.

Callum Wilson, Newcastle striker, speaking on DAZN:

Manchester City are not fans of Juventus.

If you have followed them much recebntoy, you will know that Juventus beat them during their rancid run of form toward the end of 2024.

It was one of the many low points during that time of the season for City. And I mean, MANY.

They may be in better form right now, but the record shows that fans shouldn't get their hopes up.

Manchester City have only beaten Juventus once before in seven attempts (drawing two and losing four) - 1-0 in the UEFA Cup in September 1976.

Not ideal, really.

Weston McKennie, Juventus midfielder, speaking to Dazn:

You know I said it was hot, right?

Well, as I type this, the temperature is reading 33C and I'm sure it's only going to get hotter.

That is going to be brutal to play in, and it's making me glad that I am based over in the UK during this tournament.

I'd melt in that sunshine.

Callum Wilson, Newcastle striker, speaking on DAZN:

Florent Malouda, former Chelsea forward, speaking to Bet365:

Ahhh, this is much better.

Finally, we have some photos of football stars smiling before a game. That almost never happens.

Even Pep Guardiola is happy to be there, and normally, he always looks stressed out before games.

No scratches on his head today, that's for sure.

Igor Tudor, Juventus manager, speaking on Wednesday:

About blooming time.

I've been waiting and waiting, and finally Juventus have revealed their team news for the night ahead.

I'm not sure what Weston McKennie was so moody about, considering he has been selected to start tonight.

You will also notice a certain former Bournemouth and Newcastle defender, Lloyd Kelly, at the back.

Look who else has arrived.

Erling Haaland also looks moody, and I bet that's because he has been dropped today. I mean, he hates not playing.

Obviously, I'm just speculating here, but I'm just trying to have fun while posting some rather bland photos, that's all.

Oh, hello lads!

The Juventus players have arrived at the Camping World Stadium - and yes, I can't get over that name either - but they don't look gassed to be there.

Maybe Weston McKennie and Francisco Conceicao have been benched and that's why they seem moody.

Well, you will find out very soon.

Rodri, Manchester City midfielder, on his progression after injury:

Normal service resumed, am I right?

Ederson has been the subject of a barrage of interest from the Saudi Pro League as rumours swirl about his future at Manchester City.

Let's be honest, he's not quite the keeper he used to be, and I wouldn't be stunned if he was moved on.

Saying that, based on what he said earlier, it doesn't look like he will be going anywhere.

‘My head is here, it stays with City,’ the 31-year-old said. ‘My future is here. It gives me everything to go back to the Premier League again and try to win the Champions League as well. My mind is staying in the club.’

And tonight, he starts between the sticks again.

Imagine he makes an absolute howler, leading to a goal after all the comments he made about staying put.

Not that I'm manifesting it... that would be cruel.

Jeeez, Pep Guardiola is not holding back.

The Manchester City boss has made nine changes from the side that smacked Al-Ain about last week.

Rodri is, of course, one of those, while Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matheus Nunes are the only two to keep their places.

Not a bad side considering all the switches, eh?

BIG news!

I have just had a sneak peek at the team news and I can tell you that Rodri has been selected to start a football match for the first time since September.

Two 30-minute cameos this tournament are apparently enough to earn him a start. He is all good again.

I bet the Spaniard is buzzing as he arrives at the stadium, he won't be able to stop smiling, surely?

Anyway, I will give you the full team news very soon... I just want to keep you in suspense for a little while longer.

I know, I'm mean.

Alexa, play The Merrymen's biggest banger...

'Now playing Feeling Hot Hot Hot by The Merrymen'

That is the song that is going through my head as I think about the sunshine in Orlando today. The heat in Florida is mental.

The players are in for a toughie today; they will be melting.

Pep Guardiola, Manchester City boss, speaking on Wednesday:

The best venue in Orlando is not Disney World, it's not Universal Studios... it's the Camping World Stadium.

Well, that's what I would be saying if I were a nutter.

I'm sorry, but nothing beats seeing Magic Kingdom in person ot going to Harry Potter world within Universal. We are all still kids at heart.

That being said, it's not like the Club World Cup can be played inside Epcot or one of the other theme parks. The oddly-named stadium in the photo below will have to do.

At least the weather is nice (not that this is a picture from today).

There's one big thing on the line tonight.

Now, both Manchester City and Juventus are already through to the knockout stages, so they don't really have to take this game seriously. Expect some changes.

Still, they will want to make sure they have the easiest round of 16 fixture they can possibly get.

Whoever wins this game will finish with a 100 per cent record and will finish top of Group G. And if they draw, Juventus will go through based simply on goals scored, as their goal difference is the same.

Even when this game is over, though, we won't know who City have up next. All we know for now is that they will either face Real Madrid, Salzburg, or Al Hilal, based on the results of their matches in the early hours of the morning.

I'm pretty sure City will want to avoid Madrid, don't you?

Ohhhh, now we are talking.

It's fair to say, the Club World Cup hasn't exactly thrown up many exciting match-ups, so far. My favourite was Bayern Munich's battering of Auckland... not exactly a fair fight.

But tonight, we have one hell of a scrap on our hands. Manchester City and Juventus are two of the biggest teams in Europe - this is a matchup I can get behind.

Also, what's even better is that it's at a watchable time. What a bonus, eh?

So, for those of you in the UK, you can settle down, kick your feet up, and enjoy the show without dozing off.

I, for one, am very excited about this one, and you should be too. It's going to be a fun night in Florida, I promise.

Right then, shall we get this show on the road?