When the usual proceedings of the football seasons around the world came to a close, the attention slowly turned towards the United States and the new format of the FIFA Club World Cup. With caution, almost, if you want, in a shy way, we were all attentive of what the competition that sparked a lot of debate had to offer.
Citing player’s exhaustion and calendar congestion as one of the main problems, alongside the lack of interest from the local public and tricky weather conditions, the skeptics were loud in the build-up of the competition. And, even though it started to look like they were right, the tournament picked up traction as it progressed and fulfilled it’s primary purpose – that of entertainment and excitement.
There is, undeniably, something different about this tournament. The passion the African and South American teams bring to the stands, the intensity with which Brazilian and Argentinian sides compete, it all helps create a truly unique environment.
And, after three rounds of group stage matches, a few upsets and surprises, the competition reaches it’s best part – the knockout phase! Eight matchups lie ahead, so let’s dissect them one by one!
Palmeiras – Botafogo
A group stage provided yet another testament to the strength of Brazilian club football. They’ve been dominating the Copa Libertadores in the previous years, featuring as much as for different clubs in this competition thanks to the fact that all for have won their continent’s elite tournament.
They, however, proved equally apt to the challenge on the international stage, as all four teams made it into the Round of 16 without too much problems.
Palmeiras made it through undefeated, after scraping a goalless draw with European powerhouse Porto, followed by a smooth win over Egypt’s Al Ahly. Two late goals that salvaged a draw against inter Miami meant, also thanks to another Porto slip-up, that their four points were enough to go through to the next round.
The reigning champion of South America made headlines around the world after stunning the Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in the second round. That, together with a win against Seattle Sounders in the first round, was just enough to push Atlético out of the Round of 16 picture.
Next up: An encounter with a very familiar opponent in the City of Brotherly Love.
SL Benfica – Chelsea
Another pairing consisting of two teams from the same continent. The first thing that comes to mind with these two is their encounter in the 2013 Europa League final that was won by Chelsea.
Benfica seemed to be in a tricky situation ahead of the final round, needing a win against Bayern München to progress. They defied the odds with a very brave performance and went through the group stage undefeated, collecting 7 points.
Their opponents, Chelsea, were stunned in round two by Flamengo, but looked solid elsewhere and progressed easily as the remaining two sides in their group, LAFC and Espérance, weren’t up to the task.
Two wingers, Pedro Neto for Chelsea and the veteran Ángel Di María, who’ll be leaving Benfica after this tournament, lead the way for their teams. It’s all promising a real showdown in Charlotte!
Inter – Fluminense
The third matchup provides a real treat, a clash of styles, countries, continents – what this competition is all about.
Inter Milan had a shaky start under their new manager, former Nerazzurri player Christian Chivu. A slim draw against Monterrey in the opener was followed by conceding an early goal to Urawa Red Diamonds, which they could only undo with two very late goals. They found their groove against River Plate to book their ticket for the round of 16.
Fluminense, on the other hand, always looked solid and on course, keeping two clean sheets and making easy work of Ulsan to earn their sport in the round of 16.
Manchester City – Al-Hilal
Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal bears not only the hopes of the fast-growing Saudi football, but those of an entire continent. Their task, however, could not be harder.
Manchester City is the only team to have won all three group stage games in this tournament, doing it in a very convincing manner. The long-awaited return of the last Ballon d’Or winner, Rodri, seems to be the spark Pep Guardiola’s side needed to be back at their brilliant best.
They’ve already held two European sides at bay in the group stage, drawing with Real Madrid and Red Bull Salzburg, but this one will be a much bigger task for Al-Hilal and their new manager Simone Inzaghi.
Paris Saint-Germain – Inter Miami
In the build-up to the tournament, the predictions for these two sides were completely the opposite. One is en route to completing them, and have looked good despite their slip-up against Botafogo, but Inter Miami has already exceeded, we can safely say, all expectations by making it out of their group.
Porto was their biggest victim, punished by yet another flash of brilliance by Lionel Messi who scored a free-kick to turn the game around. A goalless draw against Al Ahly was their foundation, and a point, or better said, two points dropped against Palmeiras, given that they entered the last 10 minutes two goals up, proved enough for Messi & Co. to stay in the competition and treat their fans with a huge matchup with an opponent from the very top.
Flamengo – Bayern München
Another Brazil-EU matchup! This one will also be more than worth watching, pairing two teams led by two young, up and coming coaches, both former defenders and Premier League winners.
Filipe Luis has been earning plaudits ever since taking over Flamengo‘s first team for his attractive, easy-on-the-eye style of play that suits the stature of one of Brazil’s biggest sides. On the other side, Vincent Kompany also opts for a similar style of play, looking to attack and entertain, probably influenced by his playing days under Pep Guariola.
Bayern arrive to this one after a slip-up against Benfica, but have looked extremely dangerous throughout the group. Same could definitely be said for Flamengo who’s big win over Chelsea was one of the highlights of the tournament so far.
It promises to be a fun encounter in Miami!
Borussia Dortmund – Monterrey
Similar to Al-Hilal’s case, Monterrey carries the hopes of the passionate Mexican fan base after making it through to the group stage.
Led by an inspired veteran, Sergio Ramos, who scored the goal that was worth a big point against Inter Milan, Los Rayados will definitely feel they’ll have a thing or two to say against Borussia Dortmund.
The German’s point count says that it hasn’t been a bumpy ride so far, but they looked vulnerable at times. Their second round match with Mamelodi Sundowns provided great entertainment, ending 4-3.
All things considered, this one should be a closely contested one in Atlanta!
Real Madrid – Juventus
What. A. Classic. A matchup, at least looking at the history and the scale of the teams, worthy of a Champions League final. It was, in fact, a Champions League final in 2017, but a lot has changed since.
Exciting times lie ahead of Los Blancos with one of Europe’s most exciting up-and-coming managers, Xabi Alonso, taking over from his former manager Carlo Ancelotti. Tactically, the team is going through quite a big overhaul and will certainly take time for players to fully adapt to new requirements.
However, with a dressing room so stacked with serial winners, the competitive edge will definitely be there to make up for any possible flaws. Juventus is going through a similar process, with their manager Igor Tudor only being officially announced and signing a new contract this summer, after firstly intended only as a caretaker option.
He’s won over the players and the board, and earned a shot at designing a squad to his liking. Knowing Tudor’s playing history, intensity and commitment will be non-negotiables, and all that suggest we’re in for a treat in Miami.
Conclusion
Not a lot can be said with certainty, and that is always a good thing regarding football tournaments. Some big names will definitely miss out on the last 8 and, after seeing them in action during the group stage, we won’t be too surprised if someone shows up from the shadows and mounts an exciting title run in the States.