Soccer-South American golf equipment present promise however European dominance continues

Jun 18, 2025 08:50 PM IST SOCCER-CLUB/ (PIX):Soccer-South American golf equipment present promise however European dominance continues By Fernando Kallas HT Image PHILADELPHIA, – Fluminense, Palmeiras, and Boca Juniors gave spirited performances within the opening days of the new-look Club World Cup within the United States, however Europe’s 13-year dominance over South American golf equipment stays intact after a sequence of attracts. Fluminense managed proceedings towards Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday however have been held to a goalless stalemate by the German aspect, due to a stellar show by Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. Similarly, Palmeiras dominated Porto however have been additionally pressured to accept a 0-0 draw. Argentinian giants Boca Juniors got here closest to breaking the European run, racing right into a two-goal lead towards Benfica earlier than the Portuguese membership rallied to safe a 2-2 draw. The outcomes underscore the problem South American groups face in ending Europe’s unbeaten streak, which stretches again to Corinthians’ victory over Chelsea within the 2012 Club World Cup last. Since then, European golf equipment have gone 33 matches with out defeat towards groups from different continents. Historically, South American sides loved success within the Intercontinental Cup, a contest that pitted the winners of the Copa Libertadores towards the European Cup champions and was the precursor to the Club World Cup. Memorable triumphs embody Penarol’s 4-0 mixture two-leg victory over Real Madrid in 1966, Pele’s Santos defeating AC Milan in 1963, Zico’s Flamengo beating Liverpool 3-0 in 1981 and Sao Paulo’s victories over stellar Barcelona and Milan sides within the early Nineties. HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT The rivalry typically led to ill-tempered clashes, equivalent to Racing Club’s video games towards Celtic in 1967 and each legs of Argentina’s Estudiantes towards Manchester United the next 12 months. Estudiantes’ second leg towards Milan in 1969 ended with three of their gamers being arrested within the hostile surroundings of La Bombonera stadium, resulting in many European sides refusing to play the fixture in the course of the Nineteen Seventies. Tempers calmed because the fixture grew to become a one-off match in 1980 and the aggressive degree remained fierce and balanced. However, the panorama shifted dramatically following the 1995 Bosman ruling, which allowed European golf equipment to area limitless EU gamers and bolstered their monetary and aggressive energy. South American golf equipment, in the meantime, have seen their prime expertise transfer to Europe at more and more youthful ages. Before the ruling, South American groups led European sides 20-14 in wins. However, European groups have gained 16 of the final 17 finals performed, reflecting a widening hole. The revamped Club World Cup, nonetheless, with 32 golf equipment from across the globe together with 12 European and 6 South American, opened the door for followers to look at totally different ranges of groups from every continent pitted towards each other. “Brazilian teams, Brazilian players are always very strong technically, it’s always difficult to play against them, Manchester City forward Bernardo Silva told Reuters on Tuesday. “Physically, I believe the Brazilian groups can be a bit higher ready than us, as a result of they’re in the midst of their season. The climate and circumstances listed below are extra much like what they’re used to. Small particulars might make the distinction in this type of event.” Five extra intercontinental clashes stay within the group stage, together with Thursday’s showdown between Copa Libertadores holders Botafogo and Champions League winners Paris St Germain. With Brazilian league leaders Flamengo getting ready for Friday’s conflict towards Chelsea with a 2-0 victory over Esperance de Tunis, South American golf equipment — buoyed by passionate travelling assist — are hoping to reignite the intercontinental rivalry and problem Europe’s supremacy as soon as extra. This article was generated from an automatic information company feed with out modifications to textual content. Stay up to date with the most recent sports activities information, together with newest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, the place Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all of the motion from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, observe your favorite soccer groups and gamers with the most recent match outcomes, and get the most recent on worldwide hockey tournaments and sequence. Stay up to date with the most recent sports activities information, together with newest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, the place Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all of the motion from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, observe your favorite soccer groups and gamers with the most recent match outcomes, and get the most recent on worldwide hockey tournaments and sequence. See Less