<
>

Cristiano Ronaldo and Benzema send Real Madrid to CWC final

Real Madrid forwards Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo scored as Mexican side Club America were beaten 2-0 in Thursday's Club World Cup semifinal at the International Stadium Yokohama.

Madrid had most of the possession and chances throughout the game -- with Benzema and Ronaldo scoring in added time at the end of each half to ensure Madrid's progress to Sunday's final against Japanese side Kashima Antlers.

Ronaldo coming close a number of times in the first half, including when his 20 yard volley was parried away by America goalkeeper Moises Munoz, but it was Benzema who broke the deadlock just before half-time when he expertly finished after being freed by Toni Kroos' precise through-ball.

Recently crowned 2016 Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo missed another couple of straightforward chances after the break, heading away from an open goal at one point.

But he got on the scoresheet in the 93rd minute by breaking clear and shooting past Munoz.

There was some confusion, though, as the goal was initially disallowed for offside before being confirmed by Paraguayan referee Enrique Caceres using FIFA's new pitchside video technology (VAR).

America battled hard throughout, without ever testing Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas, in what was a relatively low-tempo 90 minutes.