THINGS WE LEARNT FROM THE FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP GROUP STAGE
In America, 32 teams have battled it out in the race for over 100 million dollars in prize money. Here's what we have learned from the group stages
With the first of its kind FIFA Club World Cup taking place in the United States. The games have brought up drama, delight and the wonderful feeling that football brings.
Riots and Celebrations, new names showing what they can do when the lights are bright and the South Americans showing the world that far away in Bahia, Buenios Aires, and beyond, there is football that the world has forgotten.
Here are things we learnt from the Club World Cup group stages
1. A record-breaking goal fest
The Club World Cup group stage saw 144 goals in 48 games, averaging three goals per match — and every one of the 32 teams found the net at least once.
This was an attacking spectacle with everyone putting their all as the goals, saves and defending all made a lively group stage that left the American crowd on their feet in applause.
2. A Truly Global Showpiece
The Club World Cup also had players from all around the world making it accommodating to different nationals across the teams from either country participating.
Players hailed from 72 different nationalities with Brazil (91 players), Argentina (73), Portugal (32), Spain (31), and even teams from Oceania and Africa well-represented in a first of its kind tournament.
3. Explosive Matches
Some scorelines were eye-popping, end to end while others humiliations. Bayern Munich 10‑0 win against Auckland City, Juventus and Manchester City putting eleven goals past Al Ain and the eight-goal thriller in the Porto vs Al Ahly game stole the spotlight
For the neutral, they would feel that perhaps the quality of some opposition should be against equal opponents, but Atletico Madrid and Juventus suffered huge losses too in 4–0 and 5–2 smashing as the former went out disgracefully
4. South American Teams Run Hot
All four Brazilian clubs from Palmeiras, Flamengo, Botafogo, Flamengo all advanced, showcasing why South America football may still have it.
With huge economies favoring leagues like English Premier League, Bundesliga etc., wins by Botafogo against PSG, Flamengo against Chelsea showed why Samba and football in Brazil, Argentina is a religion
Though their clinical edge remains a work in progress, South American teams showed improved tactical maturity and its no surprise why their players do so well when they move to Europe
5. Stars Shine Bright
Storms hitting several matches allowed teams to face delays during heavy rain, but this did not stop the stars from shining bright in America.
Standout performances include Dembele, Michael Olise, Ángel Di María, Lionel Messi, Esteva Williams, Kenan Yildiz, Abou Ali, Lucas Ribiero while Yassine Bounou of Al Hilal posted a stellar 91.7% save rate/
With the new season to start in August, this tournament has shown some new faces and others who are more than ready to take center stage in the biggest and best leagues in the world.
6. Underdogs show what they are worth
Everybody expected walkovers and stream rolls of the European teams against lesser opposition, but we were in for a rude shock as the games have shown that pedigree means nothing as small teams have provided shocking results which have drawn neutrals as the numbers at the stadium rise
From Mamelodi Sundowns, Botafogo and Flamengo, games have come thick and fast with the Brazilians win against Chelsea and mocking them with memes in a banter filled with fans and enemies joining on the fun.
Overall, It has been quite a tournament and with the round of 16 underway, more drama and upsets should be expected as 16 teams chase the prize money of 100 million Dollars.
Time and performance will tell who wants it more.
