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PSG Stunned By Brazilian Champions Botafogo

Brazilian side Botafogo pulled off the biggest surprise of the tournament so far with a 1-0 victory over European champions Paris St-Germain at the Club World Cup.

Striker Igor Jesus, 24, scored in the first half when his strike from outside the area deflected off defender Willian Pacho and past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Botafogo defended superbly to keep out Luis Enrique’s side, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Goncalo Ramos squandering good chances to equalise.

The victory leaves Botafogo, who won their first Copa Libertadores title in 2024, on the brink of qualification to the knockout stages.

What was the main talking point?
Much was made of the gap in quality between teams at the Club World Cup following Bayern Munich’s 10-0 win against Auckland in the opening game of the tournament.

Given Paris St-Germain’s riches and their status as the best team in Europe, they had been expected to beat Botafogo.

But the victory continues an encouraging trend that has seen South American teams go undefeated in the first week of the tournament.

It has helped to quieten claims that the tournament will be a procession for one of the European sides.

“A lot of people wondered, but we showed how strong Botafogo is,” Jesus said.

While Botafogo’s performance may have come as a surprise to many onlookers, PSG coach Luis Enrique was not one of them.

“We knew it was going to be a difficult match – they defended well,” he said.

“This Club World Cup is intense and difficult and all the teams are highly motivated, especially when they’re playing against us.”

Who stood out?
Brazil international Jesus has attracted attention from across Europe for his performances with Botafogo over the past 18 months.

Nottingham Forest are reportedly keen on signing the forward and are working on a deal to acquire him following the end of the Club World Cup.

He did little to dampen the excitement around him with another fine display.

Jesus, capped four times for Brazil, was largely starved of service throughout the game in California.

But he grabbed one of his rare opportunities when he was released on the break in the 36th minute. A fine piece of skill gave hime breathing space from PSG defender Pacho and enough time to line up his shot.

While the effort took a decisive deflection, it was reward for Jesus’ hold-up play and skill.

What’s next for these teams?
With two wins from two, Botafogo are virtually through to the knockout stages.

They face Atletico Madrid in their final group stage match on Monday (20:00 BST).

PSG remain favourites to also qualify and they play Seattle Sounders on Monday at the same time.

Bbc.com

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Related Topics:Botafogo Igor Jesus Paris St-Germain

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Boniface Prefers Germany, Spain Over Premier League

Super Eagles and Bayer 04 Leverkusen striker, Victor Okoh Boniface, has revealed why he wouldn’t fancy a move to the English Premier League, according to Soccernet.ng.

The 24-year-old had a brilliant debut season at the Bay Arena, but his second season was a little less so, largely due to the injury problems he suffered.

During the winter transfer window, Al-Nassr were interested in Boniface, but they signed Colombian forward, Jhon Duran instead.

The former Union Saint-Gilloise man has been linked with an exit from Die Werkself, with Newcastle United and AC Milan interested.

The one-time Bundesliga winner has always been clear that he prefers a move to La Liga over England, stating a preference for the style of football in Spain.

“I don’t really like the Premier League. It’s not like if I have the opportunity to go, I won’t take it,” the 2024 UEFA Europa League finalist said on The Culture League podcast alongside Frank Onyeka.

“If I’m going to make that move, it has to be to a certain type of team. “Before I agree to a transfer or join a club, I always look at the type of football they play.

“Will it suit me? Is it a team with too much pressure? because some players can’t perform well under pressure.

“So before I moved to Leverkusen, I had a great season in Belgium. There were offers from England, good money, but I just didn’t want to join that kind of team.

“If you put me in a possession-based side, I’ll give you everything. I can go to a club and be the standout player, but we might lose a game, and everyone points fingers at me.

“From the grassroots level, that’s how I’ve always played. If I’m on the pitch, I bring everyone along with me,” the Super Eagles star concluded.

Boniface is now set for his third season in Germany, this time under Erik Ten Hag, after Xabi Alonso moved to Spain to join Real Madrid.

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Beware Of Chelsea: PSG Get Final Warning Ahead Of Club World Cup Showdown, “We’ll Shock People Today” – James

Chelsea captain Reece James had made a bold statement ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final today, July 13

The England international believes the Blues are not pushovers despite all odds favouring the reigning UEFA Champions League winners

Both teams recorded one loss each during their group stage matches and are expected to light up the MetLife Stadium

Reece James is confident Chelsea will surprise doubters when they face Paris Saint-Germain in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final on Sunday, July 13.

The Ligue 1 giants have been labelled favourites to win the tournament, but the England international said the Blues will make a statement when they clash at the MetLife Stadium

The Premier League side outclassed South American side Fluminense by two goals to nothing in the semi-final last Wednesday, July 9.

New signing Joao Pedro, who was on holiday in Brazil, scored a brace for Chelsea against his boyhood club.

I don’t care- James

Chelsea captain Reece James said he is not bothered about the pedigree of Paris Saint-Germain during the Club World Cup.

According to Daily Mail, the 25-year-old said the Blues are preparing to win the tournament for the second time.

The England star emphasised that had had played for a favourite in the final, where they did not eventually win the trophy, adding that the same fate may befall PSG. He said BBC:

“I want to be honest with you, I do not care that everyone is hyping our opponent. The team is preparing right, and Chelsea is going to the final to win.

“As a player, I have been to many finals before where my team were the favourites but we ended up losing.

“PSG are amazing and we’re expecting a tough game, but we also have an amazing team and we’re going to surprise a lot of people.”

Stats on PSG form Paris
Saint-Germain are currently in the best form of their life since Lius Enrique took over as coach.

According to beINSPORTS, PSG have won a treble consisting of the French Cup, Ligue 1 and Champions League, and are a game away from a fourth major trophy of 2025 after dismantling Real Madrid 4-0 in their semi-final last Thursday, July 10.

The French giants have beaten other Premier League sides, Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal, in the Champions League before humbling Inter Milan 5-0 in the final.

Trump confirms presence at CWC final

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FIFA Club World Cup Winners: Full List Of Champions Emerge

The FIFA Club World Cup brings together some of the best club soccer teams from around the globe. This year, the final is set to be a good one as Chelsea and PSG square off.

Check out the complete list of FIFA Club World Cup winners, runners-up, and more.