Club World Cup Final Group Game Preview: A & B | OneFootball

What’s remarkable about today’s final set of fixtures is that there’s still so much on the line. Only one team, Seattle Sounders, is officially eliminated. All seven other teams have mathematical possibilities that could see them through to the knockouts. Exciting stuff!

Group B

Current standings (Source: Sofascore)

Fixtures

Few pundits outside of Brazil would have predicted Botafogo on top after two games. Their shock defeat of heavyweight PSG on June 19 threw the entire group into a tailspin. But they cannot rest on their laurels. Even with six points, they’re not guaranteed to move on. Their nightmare scenario (as implausible as it is) is a crushing defeat to Atlético coupled with a lopsided PSG victory over Seattle, leaving them in third on goal differential. Seattle was hopelessly outclassed in this tournament, despite mounting a late comeback against Botafogo. But they are playing in front of their home crowd, and pride can be a powerful motivator. PSG will have to look out, as anything less than a multiple goal win could see them gone.

The Hooligan Take

PSG will thump Seattle 4 – 1. Atlético will defeat Botafogo 2 – 1, missing out on the knockouts by GD.

Group A

Current standings (Source: Sofascore)

Fixtures

If anyone had told me that Al Ahly would have even a slim chance of advancing at this point in the tournament, I’d have laughed uproariously. The joke’s on me then.

We’re facing a wide-open set of scenarios for tonight’s games, which is thrilling. The top two, Inter Miami and Palmeiras, face off and cannot skate through this fixture. It’s an interesting place to be, knowing that a draw advances both teams, but also knowing that any hint of collusion will be met with harsh repercussions. Sure, you play hard, but do you play AS hard? We’ll wait and see. Personally, I think each team goes for the decisive win.

If you’re on the FC Porto and Al Ahly side, it’s do or die time. Nothing short of a multi-goal win will suffice, as you need a combination of points and goal differential to punch your ticket. Al Ahly must find their attacking flair. Porto must balance their offensive and tighten up in the back.

The Hooligan Take

Palmeiras will shock Inter Miami with a 3 – 1 win. FC Porto and Al Ahly will try, but only manage a 1 – 1 draw.