Soccer-Al-Ittihad cruise to 3-0 win over Auckland City at Club World Cup

Soccer Football - Club World Cup - First Round - Al Ittihad v Auckland City - King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - December 12, 2023 Al Ittihad players celebrate after the match REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh

JEDDAH (Reuters) - First-half goals from Romarinho, N'Golo Kante and Karim Benzema earned Saudi champions Al-Ittihad a 3-0 win over Auckland City at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Tuesday to progress to the second round of the Club World Cup.

Making their first appearance in the tournament since their run to the semi-finals in 2005, Al-Ittihad dominated the game at their home ground to set up a clash against African champions Al Ahly at the same venue on Friday.