Inter Miami must stop this FC Porto trio to prolong Club World Cup dream | OneFootball

Four days into the Club World Cup, Inter Miami managed to achieve a draw against Al Ahly SC.

Oscar Ustari had a brilliant game, saving a penalty moments before the end of the first half. Lionel Messi was the main threat to the Herons after the break, including an audacious late effort from distance that nearly found the top corner.

But Inter Miami couldn't score and ended the game with one point out of three. Still, luck was on their side, as Palmeiras and Porto also tied 0-0, keeping the group standings even.

That makes Thursday's match against Porto a make-or-break affair in terms of the Herons' ambitious goal to reach the last 16.

Here are three players Inter Miami need to limit to earn a positive result.

Fabio Vieira

Fabio Vieira of FC Porto reacts during the FIFA Club World... | Nicolò Campo/GettyImages

Simply put, he's Porto's most lethal player on the attack. The game against Palmeiras should help as an example of how to mark him. Vieira is the creative mind behind the Portuguese offense.

His passing and creativity make him a threat against the Herons' defense. Javier Mascherano needs to put either Busquets or Redondo near Vieira so he doesn't get the space he desires to orchestrate the attack.

To control the rival's offense, Inter Miami has to handle the 25-year-old midfielder.

Ivan Marcano

SE Palmeiras v FC Porto: Group A - FIFA Club World Cup 2025 | Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/GettyImages

He's the defense backbone. Marcano has been in great form since his return from injury, both in the Portuguese league and the Club World Cup.

The veteran center-back will be an aerial threat for the Herons to keep an eye on. He rarely loses a duel coming from a corner or a long ball.

Also, his long passes out of the back to find Vieira, Samu Aghehowa, or Rodrigo Mora will complicate the Herons' defensive efforts.

Alan Varela

Alan Varela of FC Porto looks on prior to the FIFA Club... | Nicolò Campo/GettyImages

He's Porto's midfield leader. Alan Varela is the most consistent midfielder in the squad. He will play between the Herons' midfield and strikers. His primary characteristic is to be the central axis of Porto's buildup.

It is common for Varela to descend to get the ball from the center-backs and create the game from there. Since joining Porto, the Argentinian midfielder has stood out for his defensive work.

He doesn't only create but also helps in the defensive phase. From his time at Boca Juniors, Alan Varela has a passing specialty: long crosses and long passes.

For him, it is easy to find an open teammate between lines or running to the space. The Herons need to stop him before he gets the ball to prevent him from starting Porto's game.