“Europeans don’t care about the Club World Cup.”
“Who said they don’t care?”
“South Americans are used to heat, and Europeans suffer more, makes a difference in the field.”
“The temperature is the same for both sides, it’s excuse!”
The Club World Cup comes to an end on Sunday (13). In this first longer edition there are opinions and teachings. Another tournament in a crowded calendar or showcase for clubs and players? It seems that it depends on the point of view.
The extreme heat during the matches was a preview of what will happen in a year at the World Cup of teams. On a planet that doesn’t stop warming up, is the sport prepared for the future? Games at noon and early afternoon on American soil under nearby or above 40 ° C will be a reality, thinking about Europe’s audience.
And speaking of extreme weather events, the storm alert protocol and adverse conditions was necessary and at the same time controversial. Will it be adjusted for 2026?
I followed the coverage of the sports press of Brazil and England. Among the English, the tone was much more critical, and this is part of good journalism. One point, however, requires context: the “empty stadiums”, something often highlighted in European media.
In the United States, men’s soccer has no tradition and competes for the attention and money of the fans with other modalities, including university students. Many matches were early, on weekdays, in NFL -worn arenas, such as New Jersey, with a capacity of over 80,000 fans. Therefore, if a game receives 40,000 people, the stadium is half empty, which does not mean that the number is bad.
In the sport, it expected: two Europeans, Chelsea and PSG in the final. European powers played with the rules book under their arm. At the end of the club season, some entered the group stage resting holders. Others, in fact, may have underestimated the level of South Americans.
Gradually, the scenario has changed. Athletes want titles, and clubs know that being here is a big deal, both for the awards and the opportunity to exhibit their brands in the powerful North American market. Closer to the final phase, the interest of the European fan grew.
The calendar debate will continue. We will see soon if the warning of coaches that athletes will pay the price next season, suffering more injuries, will materialize.
Regardless of the champion, the competition confirms PSG as the most victorious team on the planet at the moment. It will not be surprised if Dembélé is elected best player in the world, for the whole of the work French Championship Champions-Copa Club Championship.
Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense and Botafogo come out much stronger than they entered. Respect for them in the sport world has increased. In the semifinal between Fluminense and Chelsea, João Pedro’s goals against the club that has revealed him scanned the financial reality of football: Brazil needs to sell because Europeans have money to buy. But it also reminds them that they are only so victorious because they have our talents.
The columnist is in the United States as a member of the organization responsible for the official transmission of the Club World Cup.
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