Washington, June 26 (V7N) – Argentine giants River Plate were knocked out of the FIFA Club World Cup following a 2-0 defeat to Italian club Inter Milan at Lumen Field in Washington. Despite a promising start to the tournament, River failed to maintain their momentum and exited the group stage with 4 points from three matches in Group 'E'.

Heading into their final group match early Thursday morning (Bangladesh time), River Plate needed at least a draw to stay in the race for the Round of 16. But Inter Milan, led by star forward Lautaro Martínez, proved too strong.

The high-stakes encounter saw fierce exchanges and flaring tempers from both sides, forcing the referee to issue 8 yellow cards. River’s Gonzalo Montiel and Lucas Martínez Quarta both received red cards, reducing the Argentine side to nine men.

After a goalless first half, Inter broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute through 19-year-old forward Pio Esposito. Defender Alessandro Bastoni sealed the victory with a second goal three minutes into stoppage time.

With this win, Inter Milan topped Group 'E' with 7 points from three matches and advanced to the Round of 16. Mexican club Monterrey, led by veteran defender Sergio Ramos, also moved forward with 5 points. River Plate were left heartbroken, finishing with 4 points—a win, a draw, and a loss.

This result also confirms the exit of both Argentine powerhouses from the tournament, as Boca Juniors had already been eliminated earlier in the group stage.

END/RH/AJ