Bitter fruit for two Argentine giants

Semi-professional team's memorable moment at FIFA Club World Cup In the early morning of June 25, Auckland held Boca Juniors to a 1-1 draw in the final match of Group C, FIFA Club World Cup 2025™.

On the morning of June 26, River Plate, the top team in Group E, was unexpectedly eliminated from the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™. The most bitter scenario happened to the Argentine representative when they lost 0-2 to Inter Milan in a match that had a decisive meaning for their ticket to the next round. Two days earlier, Boca Juniors were also eliminated early from the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 with an embarrassing 1-1 draw against Auckland City.

Shame

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup was expected to cement South American football’s place on the international stage. But after the group stage, it was a huge disappointment for Argentine fans as the two giants River Plate and Boca Juniors were both eliminated early.

The defeat of the two most traditional teams in the land of tango has hurt the pride of fans and raised questions about the form, strategy and global competitiveness of Argentine club football. If Argentina is still a force at the national team level, things are completely different at the club level. Of the six South American representatives at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, all four Brazilian clubs have qualified for the round of 16, while the two Argentine clubs have been eliminated.

River Plate, with the highest wage bill in CONMEBOL and a squad that includes World Cup winners Franco Armani, Germán Pezzella and Marcos Acuña, are expected to go deep into the tournament. Boca Juniors, despite struggling domestically, still have stars like Edinson Cavani and are supported by a passionate fan base from their homeland in the US. However, inconsistent form has cost both River Plate and Boca Juniors.

River Plate did not play too badly in Group E, winning 1 and drawing 1 after the first two matches. But in the decisive match against Inter, they lost to the opponent from Europe. Meanwhile, Boca Juniors did not win any match in the group stage.

Even the fact that they were held to a 1-1 draw by semi-professional team Auckland City in the final match was considered by the Argentine media as a "historic disgrace" for the club. beIN SPORTS commented: "Boca Juniors, the most traditional team in Argentina, were held to a draw by a team consisting of a teacher, a storekeeper, and a barber. This is a shame."

Boca Juniors had a terrible match when they were held to a draw by Auckland City.

Worry

The financial consequences for Boca Juniors were immediate: They missed out on the $1.8 million the club would have received if they had beaten Auckland City, and were also denied the additional $7.5 million for reaching the round of 16.

The failure of River Plate and Boca Juniors surprised many, especially when South American football is enjoying a sublime 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. However, to be fair, over the years, Argentine clubs have not been able to match their rivals from neighboring Brazil, in terms of financial potential and ambition.

Both River Plate and Boca Juniors have struggled in the Copa Libertadores over the years. Their financial situation is also not good compared to top Brazilian teams like Flamengo or Palmeiras.

The defeat of River Plate and Boca Juniors at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup was a blow to the pride of Argentine football. The two giants were eliminated early in bitter scenarios, raising concerns about the form, tactics and global competitiveness of Argentine club football.

The financial and reputational impact of this defeat is significant, but it also opens up opportunities for River and Boca to reform and better prepare for the future. With Brazilian club football shining, teams from Argentina need to act decisively to regain their position.

Source: https://znews.vn/trai-dang-voi-hai-ga-khong-lo-argentina-post1563788.html