South American football after decades of decline
The world championship at the club level will naturally be contested by the European champion against the South American champion? There was a time when it was thought that "it was natural". In the past, it was the Intercontinental Cup, or Toyota Cup (named after the sponsor), which took place regularly since 1960. In the first 4 editions, the South American Copa Libertadores champion won 3 times the European Cup winner in this arena. There was a period (1977 - 1984), when South America always won Europe. And up until the end of this tournament in 2004, the number of cup wins by South American representatives was still more than Europe.
Young talent Franco Mastantuono (30) of River Plate Club
PHOTO: AFP
However, in the modern era, the balance of power between Europe and South America has completely broken down. In the last 11 finals of the FIFA Club World Cup (old style, last in 2023), the championship has always belonged to the champion of the European Champions League. Let alone the ability to compete with the European "super clubs", South American football is not even better than the rest of the world. In the last 8 finals, South American representatives appeared 4 times, Asian or CONCACAF teams also appeared 4 times (and of course, all lost to European representatives). No one does not see the biggest reason. South American football is never lacking in talent. But any talent that rises in South American football will be transferred to Europe. At this year's FIFA Club World Cup, all 9 of the most serious candidates for the championship are European teams. South American representative Fluminense (Brazil) is only rated equal to Inter Miami (USA) and below Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia).
Waiting to see the new stars at Club World Cup 2025
The unpredictable thing: this is the first time FIFA has expanded the scale and completely changed the competition format of the FIFA Club World Cup. There are up to 6 South American representatives competing in this year's tournament, so the probability of South American football causing a surprise may increase. That is one of the interesting details, worth waiting to see in the coming days. The problem is not just the number. The competition schedules of the continents around the world are not similar to each other. In theory, the best form of European teams has passed in May. European players are exhausted at the end of the season, while South American players are in the best form at the moment.
FIFA limits the number of teams: maximum 2 per country, unless they are continental champions. As a result, Brazil is the country with the most teams at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup: Flamengo, Fluminense, Botafogo, Palmeiras (all winners of the Copa Libertadores in the last 4 years). The other two South American teams are River Plate and Boca Juniors, both from Argentina. Brazilians are also the most represented (142, followed by Argentina with 104 and Spain with 54). Palmeiras' Estevao (just 18) will attract special attention, having just signed a contract worth 57 million euros, moving to Chelsea immediately after this tournament.
Estevao's teammate Allan (21 years old) is also worth watching. Next is striker Nathan and defender Jair of Botafogo. Flamengo has Wesley and Joshua. They are all young talents on the rise, determined to show their full potential to... catch the eye of European clubs. For them, this could be the most important tournament, the turning point that opens up a glorious future... in Europe.
River Plate have Franco Mastantuono, who is only 17 but has already played for Argentina. Real Madrid have been quick to sign this talent. Boca Juniors have midfielder Milton Delgado, considered one of the best U.20 players in the world today. In a way, the FIFA Club World Cup is like a "self-promotion" opportunity for South American football talents. This is also worth watching.
Matches broadcast on FPT Play
The opening match takes place at 7am on June 15 with a clash between Lionel Messi's Inter Miami and African champions Al Ahly, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, USA.
The round of 16 will be held from June 28 to July 2. The quarter-finals will take place on July 5 and 6, and the semi-finals on July 9 and 10. The final is scheduled for 2 p.m. on July 14 at MetLife (New Jersey) - the venue for the 2026 World Cup final.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/lich-thi-dau-club-world-cup-2025-co-hoi-chao-hang-cua-bong-da-nam-my-messi-va-inter-miami-xuat-tran-185250613222532351.htm
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