YOKOHANMA: Barcelona forward Luis Suarez (2nd R) scores against Guangzhou Evergrande during their Club World Cup semi-final football match in Yokohama yesterday. — AFP YOKOHANMA: Barcelona forward Luis Suarez (2nd R) scores against Guangzhou Evergrande during their Club World Cup semi-final football match in Yokohama yesterday. — AFP

YOKOHAMA: Luis Suarez scored a hat-trick, including an exquisite second goal, as Barcelona strolled into the Club World Cup final with a 3-0 win over Asian champions Guangzhou Evergrande yesterday.

Guangzhou gave the European champions a couple of scares in the first half but the Chinese side were utterly outclassed by the end of a match that often resembled an attack-versus-defence training session.

Zou Zheng also suffered a horrific injury in the first half, appearing to break his leg as he fell awkwardly to the clear distress of his team mates.

Even without Lionel Messi, who was taken ill just hours before the game, and the injured Neymar, Barca enjoyed more than 70 percent of possession as they claimed a place in the final against South American champions River Plate.

It was Guangzhou's first defeat under Brazilian coach Luiz Felipe Scolari who took over in June.

Barca needed 39 minutes to break down the defence, Suarez pouncing to tuck in the rebound after goalkeeper Li Shaui failed to hold Ivan Rakitic's long-range drive.

The Catalans had a lucky escape just before that when Brazilian Elkesen just failed to make contact with Zheng Zhi's cross.

Javier Mascherano also twice made last-ditch tackles to prevent Guangzhou players having a clear run at goal, firstly on Ricardo Goulart and then Zheng Zhi, while Claudio Bravo made his only save just before halftime to tip away Elkesen's header.

The game was settled as a contest after 49 minutes when Andres Iniesta sent a beautifully-weighted pass into the area and Suarez caught it on his chest before volleying past Li in one movement. The Uruguayan completed his hat-trick by converting a penalty in the 67th minute.

MESSI IN PAIN

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi missed yesterday's Club World Cup semi-final against China's Guangzhou Evergrande in Yokohama because of abdominal pain, the Spanish club said.

The Argentine wizard, who returned last month after a lengthy knee injury, is suffering from renal colic, a problem commonly caused by kidney stones.

"His future availability will depend on the outcome of further medical tests," said a statement on Barcelona's website. Messi had appeared in good spirits since Barca arrived in Japan on Monday, joking with team-mates and signing autographs for local fans who turned out in their hundreds to watch their idols train.

"Leo is not right," said Barca technical director Robert Fernandez. "It's renal colic and we know what it is, and how painful it is usually.

"We will see how he is in the night, how his symptoms develop tomorrow and see if he is fit to play the next game."

Brazilian striker Neymar, who has been in a rich vein of form this season, will also miss the game as he recovers from a groin strain suffered in Barca's European Champions League clash at Bayer Leverkusen earlier this month. Luis Suarez, the third member of Barcelona's vaunted strike-force, starts.

European champions Barcelona are attempting to become the first side to win the Club World Cup three times. - Agencies