South American Clubs Shine, Advance In CWC

Maintaining the South American flavour to the Club World Cup (CWC), Botafogo and Palmeiras confirmed their spots in the last sixteen of the tournament, with the pair set to meet in an all-Brazilian affair.

Botafogo upset European champions Paris Saint-Germain in their opening game of the CWC and earned their berth in the next round at the expense of Atlético Madrid despite a 1-0 defeat to the Spanish side.

Atlético bested Botafogo with a late goal from Antoine Griezmann. However, with PSG defeating Seattle Sounders 2-0, it was not enough for the Madrid outfit to remain in the competition.

It’s the first major club to unexpectedly exit the competition in a sign that the playing field might be more level than previously anticipated.

The South American champions will meet familiar foes Palmeiras who drew 2-2 with Inter Miami, guaranteeing a Brazilian side in the last eight of the competition.

The Sao Paulo entity topped their group with five points – finishing ahead of their US-based opposition. Meanwhile, FC Porto and Al Ahly of Egypt drew 4-4 in a goalfest at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey – the result condemning both sides to an early competition exit.

Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira took responsibility for his side’s hard-fought draw: “I wasn’t able to help the team, but in the second half we made corrections. The subs helped a lot, the dynamic of Mauricio and Paulinho as well. We have the value what our objective – to pass the first round.”

Two more Brazilian clubs can reach the last sixteen with Fluminense in action against Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday in Group E. The Rio side top the group together with Borussia Dortmund after a 4-2 win against South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai and a goalless draw against the German club.

Crosstown rivals Flamengo are also well placed to progress with two victories from two, including a 3-1 upset against Chelsea. They wrap up the group stages against Los Angeles.

In the other confirmed round of sixteen tie, Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi will meet his former club PSG in a tantilising matchup that boasts exceptional marketing potential.

Insideworldfootball.com