Japan's Kashima Antlers became the first side to benefit from a video replay in a Fifa competition as they scored a penalty on their way to reaching the Club World Cup final. Referee Viktor Kassai stopped the game after being alerted to an incident by his assistant and gave a penalty after viewing footage on a pitchside monitor. Shoma Doi scored the spot-kick, which was awarded for an off-the-ball trip. Kashima beat Atletico Nacional 3-0 to be the first Asians to reach the final. Yasushi Endo backheeled in the second, while Yuma Suzuki added a late third for the Antlers who will play either Real Madrid or Club America in Sunday's final.

The Club World Cup features champion club sides from each of Fifa's six continental confederations. Video assistant referees have been able to assist officials during two international friendlies this year but the Club World Cup represents their first use in Fifa competition. Previous usage has been in what Fifa call a "semi-live" scenario, where the referee was not able to review decisions on a pitchside monitor.

Referee Viktor Kassai halted the game after listening to the video assistant referee. Hungarian official Kassai went to the side of the pitch as he was given further instructions from the video assistant. The Atletico Nacional players remonstrated after Kassai, who officiated the 2011 Champions League final between Manchester United and Barcelona, awarded the penalty.