Predicted Lineups
Hong Kong possible starting lineup:
Fai; Chow, Angel, Gerbig, Hall; Jantscher, Scott, Cleiton, Kwan; Gil, Awal
Inter Miami possible starting lineup:
Callender; Yedlin, Sailor, Allen, Alba; Taylor, Busquets, Farias; Borgelin, Messi, Suarez
Inter Miami Gears Up for Redemption in Hong Kong Friendly Ahead of 2024 MLS Season
As Inter Miami sets foot on the international stage for a friendly match against Hong Kong League XI at the Hong Kong Stadium this Sunday, the stakes are high for the Herons to secure their first pre-season victory.
The journey leading up to this encounter has been a rollercoaster for Inter Miami, marked by a draw and three consecutive defeats. The team faced a goalless stalemate with El Salvador, a 1-0 loss to FC Dallas, a challenging 4-3 defeat against Al Hilal, and a humbling 6-0 drubbing by Al Nassr. The much-anticipated 'last clash between the GOATs' saw Cristiano Ronaldo sitting out the entire game, and Lionel Messi making a late appearance in the 83rd minute. Despite the absence of these football icons, Al Nassr showcased an impressive goalscoring exhibition, including a memorable hat-trick from Talisca.
With 19 days left until their opening game against Real Salt Lake, Inter Miami aims to use the Hong Kong friendly and two more upcoming matches to fine-tune their strategy and, hopefully, secure some wins to build momentum.
Hong Kong League XI, comprising top players from the Hong Kong First Division League, poses a unique challenge for Inter Miami. The squad of 25 players, including Estonian international Henri Anier with 22 goals in 92 appearances for his country, brings a mix of local and foreign talent to the field.
This encounter marks the first-ever meeting between the two sides, and Inter Miami is keen to break their three-game losing streak in pre-season. Having conceded a total of 10 goals in their last two friendlies, the team faces the challenge of shoring up their defense while seeking to ignite their attacking prowess.
Key numbers paint a picture of Inter Miami's recent struggles, with three out of their four pre-season games ending without finding the back of the net. In contrast, Hong Kong League XI last took the field in January 2019, clinching a 1-0 victory against New Zealand's Auckland City. This historic meeting will see the Hong Kong side facing an American opponent for the first time in their history.
Despite Inter Miami's underwhelming pre-season performance, there is optimism that the team, equipped with quality players, can overcome the challenges posed by Hong Kong League XI. As the curtain-raiser approaches, this friendly serves as a crucial opportunity for Inter Miami to redeem themselves and gain the confidence needed for a successful 2024 MLS season.
Hy
ReplyDeleteHy
ReplyDelete