Esperance Tunis Beats LAFC 1-0, Keeps Club World Cup Hopes Alive

Esperance Sportive de Tunis secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Los Angeles FC in their FIFA Club World Cup Group D match, keeping their hopes alive for advancing to the knockout phase. The only goal came from Youcef Belaïli in the 70th minute, as he skillfully converted a loose ball into the net past LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. LAFC was denied a late equalizer when Esperance's goalkeeper Béchir Ben Said saved a penalty in stoppage time, extinguishing LAFC's chances and eliminating them from the tournament. The match featured a number of controversial VAR decisions, including a penalty overturned against Esperance and goals disallowed for offside against LAFC. Esperance now sits level on points with Chelsea, with the winner of their upcoming match to advance, while Flamengo leads the group. The win marked a significant moment for Esperance, who dominated most of the match and limited LAFC to a single shot on target.