European teams have basically had it their own way in the previous editions of the FIFA Club World Cup.
The last 11 editions of the old, seven-team Club World Cup were won by European sides, who normally entered the tournament at the semi-final stage.
Teams from CONMEBOL, which is responsible for South American football, last produced a winner in 2012, when Brazilian team Corinthians of Sao Paulo defeated Chelsea. Since the tournament’s inception in 2000, no African team has lifted the trophy.
When FIFA announced the new expanded 32-team tournament, featuring the world’s wealthiest teams such as Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Manchester City, many people thought it would be a straight shootout between the European giants for the golden trophy.
However, despite the odd hammering inflicted on the Asian and Oceania teams, we have seen a competitive tournament that has produced many shock results and opened the football world’s eyes to life outside the major European leagues.
It took until Friday night for South America’s unbeaten run at the Club World Cup to come to an end as Boca Juniors succumbed to a late defeat against Bayern Munich in Miami.
The Argentine giants’ phenomenal support at the Hard Rock Stadium could not quite get them over the line, as Michael Olise’s late goal inflicted a first loss in 10 games for teams from CONMEBOL.
The African teams have also come to play and not just make up the numbers, with South Africa’s champions Mamelodi Sundowns going toe to toe with last year’s UEFA Champions League finalist Borussia Dortmund in an epic 4-3 defeat.
Sundowns, especially, have crept deep into football fans’ hearts with their performances and their willingness to take the game to the likes of Dortmund instead of just sitting back and defending.
DAZN has highlighted Sundowns’ impressive pressing game high up the pitch, which led to the German team panicking when playing out from the back and making mistakes. Of course, Sundowns also fell victim to the Dortmund’s press, but at least they came to play.
But the evidence so far in the United States suggests that if anyone is going to stop a European side winning the new 32-team competition, it will likely be a club from South America.
Copa Libertadores winners Botafogo edged out European champions PSG 1-0 in Pasadena while Flamengo, Brazil’s biggest club, came from behind to stun Chelsea.
Palmeiras, Boca Juniors and Fluminense have all held European opposition too, and South American clubs are set to feature heavily in the knockout stages.
Amazing support
The support for Flamengo against Chelsea in Philadelphia was impressive too, with a large percentage of the crowd of over 54,000 clad in the black and red of the Rio de Janeiro side.
In comparison, few supporters have travelled from Europe, even if large numbers of American soccer fans have turned out wearing the colours of teams such as Chelsea and Manchester City.
European experience
Real Madrid topped the list with revenues last year exceeding €1 billion, while Flamengo sneaked in at 30th with €198 million.
However, they have shown the strength of their squad, which is filled with experienced international players, including Italy midfielder Jorginho.
“These players have played a lot of big, big games in their careers,” said Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac when asked about the quality of Brazilian teams.
Rio club Fluminense held Dortmund to a 0-0 draw in their first match.
“I am convinced that most of these South American teams will pass into the next round,” Kovac said.
Players looking to impress
A lot of talented African and South American players are also looking to impress to try and secure lucrative moves to Europe. They are playing with a lot more hunger and than their European counterparts, as they know this tournament can possibly change their lives for good.
Social media have been raving about Bafana Bafana players Iqraam Rayners of Sundowns and Wydad’s Thembinkosi Lorch, which will no doubt lift their profiles and attract interest from the European clubs.
Heat and fatigue
It may also be the case that the often stifling conditions make it harder for Europe’s clubs, something Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca hinted at before facing Flamengo.
Then there is the fact that Europe’s elite sides have all crossed the Atlantic Ocean at the very end of a long and exhausting season, whereas clubs in Brazil and Argentina started their campaigns earlier this calendar year.
PSG had played almost 60 matches up to their Champions League final win against Inter Milan in late May. They may not have a lot left in the tank, as their players will also have one eye on their holidays.
Additional reporting by AFP
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