Manchester City continued their dominance on the global stage as they were crowned champions of the world, defeating Brazilian side Fluminense in a commanding 4-0 victory at the Club World Cup final on Friday night.

City got off to a scintillating start, with Julian Alvarez displaying his improvisational skills to give his team the lead. The dynamic Argentinian forward reacted swiftly to a rebound, expertly knocking the ball into the net. The Premier League champions then extended their advantage through Fluminense's misfortune, as an own goal from Nino doubled City's lead.

Despite Fluminense's efforts to mount a comeback, the gulf in quality between the two sides was evident. Phil Foden struck City's third goal, showcasing his clinical finishing ability. Alvarez, having already proven his prowess in front of goal, secured his brace to seal the deal and wrap up the game in style.

The victory, however, came at a cost for Manchester City, as their influential midfielder Rodri suffered a painful-looking ankle injury around the hour mark. The absence of Rodri has proven to be a significant issue for City in previous matches, as they have suffered defeats in all four games without him this season. It remains to be seen if the lynchpin will recover in time to face Everton next week, a crucial fixture for Guardiola's side.

The Club World Cup final itself has garnered much attention, especially due to its imminent format change. While the fixture holds immense importance in Brazil, even surpassing the Copa Libertadores for some, it still lags behind in significance for British football enthusiasts, ranking below the League Cup. Guardiola's acknowledgment of Fluminense's threat was met with criticism in Brazil, but he fielded a strong starting lineup and demonstrated respect for the talented Brazilian side.

Fluminense, known for their distinctive style of play, showcased their capabilities in the first half and posed some challenges to City. Yet, the financial gap between European clubs and the rest of the world is undeniable, making it difficult for teams outside Europe to compete at the same level. FIFA's attempts to revamp the competition, including a proposed 32-team format every four years, might not completely bridge this divide but seek to inject new life into the global tournament.

Manchester City's fast start against Fluminense indicated their determination and lack of complacency, defying expectations that they would ease off after a successful season. Pressing high and stifling the Brazilians, City capitalized on their opponent's weaknesses. Phil Foden, the star of the match, praised Fluminense's playing style and acknowledged the challenge they posed.

Looking ahead, Manchester City will face Everton in a Premier League clash on December 27, just days after their return from the Club World Cup. The reigning champions have an impressive recent record against Everton, with only one draw in their last 12 encounters. The fixture promises to be an exciting challenge for Guardiola's squad as they aim to continue their domestic dominance.

Manchester City's triumph in the Club World Cup further solidifies their status as one of the world's premier football clubs. Their relentless pursuit of excellence and tantalizing brand of football make them a force to be reckoned with on any stage.