With the opening phase of the new look tournament now completed, it is time to think about who exceeded expectations and who has fallen miserably
Nobody really knew what to expect from the renewed Club World Cup, while the elite from the planet flew to the United States for the extensive summer tournament. But after a phase of the RIP-Ranning Group that has not led any drama shortage, it is sufficient to say that we are locked up.
We have seen disturbances, really remarkable scorel lines, large strikers who pack and even sent some Lionel Messi Heroics under the bakzon – almost everything you are looking for from a large tournament in the modern era.
But who have been the success stories and surprise packages, who has exceeded expectations and who fell miserably? Here are the winners and losers of Goal from the group phase of the Club World Cup …
Winner: Brazilian clubs
The representatives of Brazil have not only brought the vibes to their competitions that many others were very missing, with their loud, colorful and brightly passionate supporters, but their clubs appeared on the field in a large way, which also turned out to be the general surprise package of the tournament so far.
Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense and Botafogo have all anticipated the last 16 largely against expectations, with the last result of the tournament so far produced with a stunning 1-0 upset by the European Champions Paris Saint-Germain who made everyone sit and drive. The Brasileirao clubs are the story of the group stage.
Loser: Auckland City
It would always be difficult to participate in Auckland City, who was in the same group as two legendary European clubs, as well as Argentinian Giants Boca Juniors, but they probably hoped for better than 16 goals in the space of two games.
The New Zealanders were worked 10-0 by Bavarian Giants Bayern Munich before a less heavy but still 6-0 thrashing by Benfica ended their extremely slim hope for progress. However, with a deserving 1-1 draw with Boca, they bowed, even though they had only 26% of the possession.
Winner: Estevao
All eyes are aimed at the 18-year-old Estevao Willian in Palmeiras' Games as far as the prodigy is preparing to switch his long-awaited £ 56 million ($ 71 million) to Chelsea Post-Tournament. Until now, the Wonderkid has not disappointed.
Without fire the world, the teenager back-to-back player from the Match Awards against Porto and Al Ahly claimed and delivered a third consecutive impressive performance against Inter Miami when he was confronted with one of his idols in Messi. The scary thing is that there is clearly so much more; Chelsea must use that potential.
Loser: Atletico Madrid
Victims of the success of the Brazilian clubs, the Spanish giant Atletico Madrid have crashed from a group with PSG, Botafogo and Seattle sounders – mainly a result of a heavy opening defeat for the winners of the Champions League.
The 4-0 Bonnnissen and the shock victory of Botafogo on PSG meant that Athleti had to beat the Brazilian side with a margin of at least three goals in their last game to continue to the last 16, but they could only manage a late 1-0 victory while they are struggling to break down a tails defense.
Winner: Messi & Miami
After the furore around the nature of their qualification, Inter Miami is the only MLS club that has reached the round of 16 at the Club World Cup -and of course they have the goat -Messi to thank for that.
The victory over the respected Champions League tribe guests Porto was undoubtedly the highlight, because the sublime of the Timeless Argentinian sublime second half of free kick saw its side a stunning comeback, while a draw with Palmeiras insured the passage of the herons. For Club and Land, Messi never failed in a group stage during his shimmering career.
Loser: Nicolas Jackson
You have to wonder what sometimes goes through the head of Nicolas Jackson. The divided striker again cost Chelsea in the shock 3-1 defeat against Flamengo, because he was shown a red card for a reckless challenge only four minutes after he came out of the couch and moments after the Brazilians took the lead.
That was the second resignation of the Senegal International in just four club performances after his late season that was sent to Newcastle in the Premier League loss, and it led to immediate questions about his long-term future with the blues with his discipline a clear problem. His ban was expanded to two games, so that he may be eradicated from the rest of the tournament.
Winner: Chelsea
Chelsea seriously got away with one in the group phase; From general it was expected to consist of a swimming pool of flamengo, Lafc and Es Tunis, the blues together sweather to finish second after a shock destruction at the Brazilian club after that Jackson Red Card.
Dat leek de mannen van de Enzo Maresca te hebben gezet op een botsingscursus met Bayern München in de laatste 16, maar het eigen verrassingsverlies van de Bavarians tegen Benfica heeft het beeld dramatisch veranderd: Chelsea zal nu geconfronteerd worden met de Portugese reuzen in de laatste 16, terwijl Palmeiras of Botafogo zou wachten in de kwartfinale in de kwartfinale in wat een Frastant route is. Bayern will probably have to record European champions PSG.
Winner: The Bellinghams
Following the footsteps of his brother, Jobe Bellingham completed a large move from Sunderland to Borussia Dortmund on time to join the older brother or sister and Real Madrid-Superster Jude to the Club World Cup.
After non -spectacular impressions in their respective group openers, both JOWE and Jude scored and the player of the Match Award claimed in their second outings. Jude even admitted that he “had to do something” against Pachuca after seeing his younger brother the day before. Both players would also collect help with their latest group matches.
Loser: the players
With the Club World Cup something of a rehearsal for the next summer in the World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada, it is sufficient to say that there have been some teething problems – and the players have the consequences.
There have been problems with the quality of the pitches, but the sizzling heat and the volatile weather have been the biggest problems, with some parties struggling to train in 40C+ temperatures and games paused because of 'extreme weather'.
Winner: Concacaf & Conmebol -Landen
Some parties have seamlessly adapted to the circumstances, which suggests that the ConmaFebol countries can have an advantage over their European counterparts when the World Cup starts in 12 months.
We have already mentioned the performance of the Brazilian clubs, while the best Boca Juniors and River Plate of Argentina also looked at home in humidity. The clubs of Africa are not well equipped enough to challenge, but their leading countries will be competitive in the international arena. Argentina, however, will support itself to hold their crown.