Lincoln Financial Field felt more like the setting for a Copa Libertadores final than a Club World Cup round of 16 match, as passionate fans of Palmeiras and Botafogo unfurled elaborate tifos and engaged in a loud war of noise matching the intensity on the pitch. This encounter followed a group stage where Brazilian teams notably demonstrated their fervor both on and off the field, signaling their readiness to challenge Europe`s elite.
After a notably physical contest, only Palmeiras remained in the competition, securing a 1-0 victory over Botafogo with Paulinho finding the net in extra time.
As flags waved and tifos were displayed, chants of `Palmeiras` and other team songs echoed through the stadium. Botafogo`s goalkeeper, John Victor, made every effort to protect his goal, but the relentless pressure eventually proved too much. Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique had previously praised Botafogo`s defense following their surprising group stage win against his side, and their resilience was evident again. However, Palmeiras held the edge in the extra-time period.
Other Brazilian teams still in contention, Flamengo and Fluminense, face formidable challenges against Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, respectively, as they seek to advance. A Brazilian side hasn`t claimed the Club World Cup title since Corinthians in 2012, despite clubs from the Brazilian Serie A reaching the final in four of the last ten editions. This year, however, they are making a strong statement in an effort to end that drought.
This tournament edition marks the first time since 2012 that a Brazilian club has defeated a team from UEFA, a feat accomplished multiple times already. Both Botafogo and Flamengo achieved this by overcoming PSG and Chelsea, respectively.
Although Botafogo`s journey in the tournament concluded, it was a memorable campaign that the club can be immensely proud of, given the tough competition.
“The work that Botafogo has done since we came to the U.S. has a lot of pride to offer us. We all want to win, but only one team could. We have no reason to believe that we were behind Palmieras during the match, there were times that they were better and there were times that we were better,” said Botafogo manager Renato Paiva. “For a team that`s been working with this staff for only a few months and with new players, to play against these other teams, we have only reasons for fans to feel pride in us. In the dressing room, I forbade them to keep their heads down because they should feel pride, and today, Botafogo made themselves known to the world.”
For Botafogo, the close of a memorable tournament brings anticipated changes, with Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha expected to move to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. The revenue from their tournament participation will provide resources for acquiring replacements. This is a familiar scenario for Brazilian clubs, who frequently need to replace talented players like Thiago Almada who attract interest from abroad, a common consequence of success in Brazil.
Palmeiras will remain in Philadelphia for their next match, scheduled for July 4th, where they will face the winner of the tie between Chelsea and Benfica. This gives their passionate fanbase additional time to prepare. Just as they mobilized significant support against Botafogo with tifos and songs, they will need similar energy for the next round, especially considering center back Gustavo Gomes` suspension after receiving his second yellow card deep into extra time.
The passion of South American fans has been a highlight of the tournament. With the early elimination of the Argentine sides in the group stage, the responsibility falls on the Brazilian clubs to carry the continent`s banner through the knockout rounds and potentially win the title. Brazilian football has historically been at the sport`s center, and the Club World Cup offers a chance to reaffirm that status. Palmeiras reached the final in 2021, losing to Chelsea, and may have an opportunity for a rematch and revenge, depending on future results.
“If we win, great. If we lose, at least we have to give our very best and that`s just what we did today,” commented Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira. “I have no words to describe our fans, they were passionate and supported us until the very end.”
Palmeiras`s tournament journey continues, and they are determined that it will not end any time soon.
