ORLANDO — Al Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi paid glowing tribute to his players following their courageous run to the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup, highlighting their fighting spirit and quality performances against world-class opposition. The Roshn Saudi League champions capped off a historic fortnight in the United States with performances that captured international attention — drawing 1-1 with Real Madrid in the group stage and stunning English powerhouse Manchester City 4-3 after extra time in the Round of 16. Al Hilal ultimately bowed out in the quarter-finals after a hard-fought 2-1 defeat to Brazil's Fluminense on Friday, but not without winning admiration for their grit and attacking flair. "I congratulate my players on their heroic performance, both in tonight's match and in the tournament in general," said Inzaghi, who only took charge of the club two weeks before the tournament began. "They poured their hearts out on the pitch tonight. And, of course, we are sorry, but we need to be proud." The Italian tactician, formerly of Inter Milan, added: "I am proud to coach Al Hilal and proud of all the players in the team. I congratulated them all, without exception, for the wonderful level they presented in the Club World Cup." Al Hilal's campaign was marked by bold football and individual brilliance, most notably in their dramatic extra-time win over Pep Guardiola's City, a result widely hailed as one of the greatest in Saudi club football history. Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly, who scored in that victory, also praised the squad's resolve in the face of adversity. "Despite the significant absences like Mitrovic, Salem Al Dawsari, and Hassan Al Tambakti, we performed excellently and proved that Saudi football is advancing and competing globally," he said. "We are happy with what we presented, and we hold our heads high." Koulibaly added: "We've shown that we have a league capable of competing with the world's elite." Al Hilal now return to domestic action with confidence sky-high, having proven their mettle on the global stage and under a new coach who has quickly inspired belief.
