Brazil’s four football representatives are holding strong in the FIFA Club World Cup and already starting to crunch the numbers and project paths to the round of 16. According to CNN Brasil, Flamengo, Palmeiras, Botafogo, and Fluminense wrapped up the second group stage matchday unbeaten and leading their respective groups.
Flamengo is the only one already mathematically qualified with the top spot secured in Group D. With six points earned and an advantage in tiebreakers over Chelsea and Espérance, the team led by Filipe Luís awaits its round-of-16 opponent from Group C. Benfica, Bayern Munich, and Boca Juniors are still vying for that spot, with the Portuguese currently the most likely foe.
Palmeiras and Botafogo close to qualifying, possible Brazilian clash
In Group A, Palmeiras has four points, same as Inter Miami, but leads on goal difference. Al Ahly and Porto each have just one point. A draw between Verdão and the North American side on Monday (23) at 10pm (Brasília time) at Hard Rock Stadium guarantees both teams’ advancement, with the Brazilians topping the group.
Group A’s matchup is with Group B, led by Botafogo. The Rio side won its first two games for six points. Paris Saint-Germain and Atlético de Madrid have three points each. Botafogo needs just a draw against the Spaniards, also on Monday at 4pm, to secure the top spot.
But risks remain. If Botafogo loses by three or more goals and PSG beats Seattle Sounders, Botafogo could be eliminated in the group stage.
If Palmeiras and Botafogo advance, a Brazilian clash in the round of 16 is possible if one finishes first and the other second in their groups. Under the current scenario, Verdão would face PSG and Botafogo would draw Inter Miami. Fluminense decides spot against South Africans.
Fluminense leads Group F with four points as well, holding a goal-difference edge over Borussia Dortmund, which has the same tally. South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, with three points, faces the Tricolor on Wednesday (25) at 4pm at Hard Rock Stadium. A draw qualifies the Rio side. In defeat, Flu can still advance if Borussia Dortmund loses to already-eliminated Ulsan HD. If it confirms qualification, Fluminense’s round-of-16 opponent will come from Group E, where Inter Milan, River Plate, and Monterrey are battling for positions. Currently, the Italians look like the most likely opponents.
Upcoming Brazilian matches in the Club World Cup
• Botafogo x Atlético de Madrid — Monday (23), 4pm, Rose Bowl Stadium
• Palmeiras x Inter Miami — Monday (23), 10pm, Hard Rock Stadium
• Flamengo x Los Angeles FC — Tuesday (24), 10pm, Camping World Stadium
• Fluminense x Mamelodi Sundowns — Wednesday (25), 4pm, Hard Rock Stadium
With strong campaigns so far, the Brazilians are fueling hopes of advancing en masse to the knockout stage and keeping alive chances for titles and domestic showdowns in the world’s top club tournament.
Source: www.brasil247.com