The FIFA Club World Cup semifinal between Inter Milan and Seongnam Ihwa saw the Nerazzurri suffer a major blow almost immediately after the final whistle, as Wesley Sneijder had to leave the field after just one touch due to a left leg muscle strain. Just as everyone lamented Inter's bad luck, Dejan Stanković stepped up. The veteran Inter player delivered a precise left-footed low shot to give the team the lead! Turning misfortune into fortune, Stanković perfectly embodied this saying.
In fact, Inter's second goal was also thanks to Stanković's masterful cross-field pass: in the 31st minute, Stanković received the ball with his back to the goal, seemingly sensing a Korean player coming from behind to tackle him. Without hesitation, he quickly distributed the ball to the open space on the right flank, enabling Javier Zanetti to proceed through layers of defenders, ultimately helping Inter Milan secure a two-goal lead by halftime. Even Gonzalo Higuaín’s goal owed much to Stanković's brilliant pass; at that moment, the Serbian sent the ball to the left, leading to Samuel Eto'o's powerful shot, which allowed Diego Milito to capitalize on the rebound.
Whenever the emergency squad member Dejan steps out to fetch the aspirin, the Nerazzurri are sure to recover. From authoritative media Opta's data, it is evident that Stanković delivered an impeccable performance: he made 38 passes with 33 successful ones, including three key passes. One shot resulted in one goal. Additionally, there were seven crosses and one successful tackle.
Interestingly, during the midweek, Eto'o had predicted that Stanković would open the scoring for Inter Milan. Although number five did not replicate another hat-trick as Eto'o had said, Stanković's goal was invaluable. Recently, in an exclusive interview with Inter Channel, Stanković revealed some secrets.
Currently planning to retire in 3-4 years, Stanković once felt so ashamed after Inter's crushing defeat to Villarreal that he even considered retirement. Stanković said, "That match left me feeling deeply humiliated; the fans were furious, and they were right. I even thought about leaving Inter Milan." This was the first time Stanković might have left Inter Milan. The second time was after Roberto Mancini's departure when Stanković nearly moved to Juventus. However, thanks to José Mourinho's last-minute persuasion, Stanković achieved today's success. Stanković recounted, "Mourinho told me, 'Dejan, I don't care what the media reports. Here's my opinion: even if Frank Lampard arrives, it won't affect your position. For me, you're not a problem but the solution to the problem!'"
Stanković's goal came at the 2:40 mark when Samuel Eto'o dribbled past two defenders on the left flank before sending a low cross to Milito. Milito attempted a turn-and-shoot but was dispossessed. Stanković then seized the ball, evading Cho Byung-gook's tackle. A huge gap appeared in Seongnam Ihwa's central defense. Stanković cut into the box and completed the goal with a left-footed low shot! The goal was so sudden and swift that everyone was caught off guard. Fans were still worrying about the recently departed Sneijder when they were quickly brought back to joy by Stanković's goal. *Gazzetta dello Sport* exclaimed, "Under the watchful eyes of two Korean defenders, Stanković delivered a effortless strike!" It's hard to imagine what result Inter would have faced without Stanković's goal, just like his heroic performance against Parma.
Stanković's masterclass also impressed the media, who praised the veteran's remarkable form. *Tuttosport* commented, "The Serbian magician has struck again! He's the pure man among Inter's core players, delivering an absolutely masterful performance!" And when *Inter Channel* awarded Stanković the highest score of 7.5, they compared him to the soul of the team: "He's omnipresent, the soul of the team. It's this man who gave wings to Zanetti and orchestrated the second goal."