By Mohammed Al-Kinani
JEDDAH – Italian League leader Inter Milan beat Al-Hilal 1-0 in a friendly match marking the retirement of former Saudi international Nawaf Al-Timyat in Riyadh Saturday.
A late Diego Milito goal proved enough for the night. Both teams, playing with 5-4-1 formation, started with their key players. Hilal looked confident making several attacks on the visitor’s goal. Hilal’s Swedish striker Christian Wilhelmsson disturbed the Inter defense more than once.
Nawaf Al-Timyat also put on a good show. His 21st minute kick from outside the area went wide.
On the other hand, neither Samuel Eto’o nor his teammates threatened Al-Deayea’s goal in the first half.
Inter threatened Hilal more often after the break. At least three real chances were foiled by substitute keeper Hasan Al-Otaibi. Most dangerous of these was Barwuah Balotelli’s kick, from close to the spot kick area, which Otaibi managed to convert into a corner in the 47th minute.
Balotelli came face to face with Otaibi again in the 71st minute, but the keeper won the contest. Soon after a Balotelli header missed the bar.
Al-Timyat was replaced in the 55th minute by his Romanian teammate midfielder Meriel Radoi. He was seen off warmly by the players and the fans.
Argentinean Diego Milito scored for Inter Milan in the 85th minute after Majid Al-Marshadi failed to control a cross. The striker dribbled past defenders before putting the ball in the Hilal net.
Hilal pressed the visitors after the goal and Radoi almost scored the equalizer from a foul kick, which the keeper saved.
During the break, Prince Sultan Bin Fahd, President of the General Presidency of Youth Welfare, and his Deputy Prince Nawaf Bin Faisal presented memorial shields to Timyat.
“Al-Timyat is a special player of good conduct. He has served Al-Hilal and the national team well and I wish him the best,” Prince Sultan said.
Timyat thanked Prince Sultan and Prince Nawaf for their support to Saudi sportsmen.
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