GOAL writers analyze the opening weekend of the CWC, and when tournament will heat up with high-octane games to come
Fans packed into Hard Rock Stadium for the Club World Cup opener between Inter Miami and Al Ahly. The stage was set for a fine occasion. The opening ceremony did its job – just enough pomp and circumstance without being indulgent.
And then there was that Leo Messi guy kicking a ball around with 21 others. The product on the pitch on Saturday night, though, didn't quite live up. It wasn't a question of tired legs or slow minds. Rather, there were a lot of almost moments, but ultimately, no goals.
And the CWC has simmered without exploding ever since. Bayern did what they should have and battered Auckland City 10-0, with Jamal Musiala netting a hat-trick. And although there was some excitement to be found here and there, the tournament still needs a signature fixture to get into high gear.
Yet talking points remain. PSG look just as good as the side that blew Inter away in the Champions League final. Inter Miami are still in it after results elsewhere helped their cause. And Chelsea started strong.
But what to make of it all?
GOAL US writers break down the early goings of the CWC in the latest edition of… The Rondo.
AFPWhat were early CWC highlights?
Tom Hindle: There wasn't loads to say on the pitch, so let's go with Sergio Furnari, the mad Italian man who pulled up to MetLife Stadium driving a pickup truck with a massive sculpture of Ronaldo on the back for Sunday's Palmeiras-Porto match. Ronaldo is not playing in the tournament, and Furnari has no apparent connection to him, but the fans came out in droves to see the chainsmoking maniac. Culture.
Alex Labidou: The European clubs have bought in, no surprise money talk, and the quality of play is better than expected. Prior to the tournament, there was genuine worry that teams might coast through this, collect a check, and move on. Yes, money is certainly a motivator here, but all of the teams – especially the non-European ones – appear to be really invested in showcasing their quality properly.
Jacob Schneider: Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawi’s performance against inter Miami. The veteran goalkeeper stood on his head in a standout showing.
AdvertisementGettyWhat to make of the lopsided scorelines?
TH: What are you gonna do when proper teams beat up on small sides such as Auckland City and Atletico Madrid? In all seriousness, Auckland are a feel-good, semi-pro team, and Bayern are a top-10 side in Europe. PSG are Champions League winners, and Atleti looked knackered. There might just be some blowouts here, especially at the end of a long season for European teams. Nothing to be done.
AL: When Bayern vs. Auckland City was announced, there weren't many who thought it would be a competitive match – for obvious reasons. Bayern are one of the top-five teams in the world, Auckland City have part-time footballers taking PTO to play in this tournament. But that's what makes this all kind of fun. What if there was a Mexico-Dominican Republic or Costa Rica-Suriname outcome in these fixtures? That could have significant outcomes for all involved, players would become household names in an instant. As much as fans would love to see matches be more competitive, this is the beauty of the sport – seeing how teams from different cultures, levels of resources and talent fare against each other. Wouldn't change it.
JS: It comes down to power curves. At this point, results like Bayern vs Auckland are expected when they go head-to-head. From a competitive standpoint, though, no – it’s not ideal.
Getty Images SportHow would you rate the initial MLS performances?
TH: A bit mixed, really. Miami were lucky not to be 3-0 down at half time in the opener, but could have scored two or three in the second half – which is why 0-0 feels like a fair result. Seattle, had they been a little more expansive, could have beat Botafogo. And LAFC gave a good account of themselves in a 2-0 loss to Chelsea. One draw and two losses doesn't look great, but all three can hold their heads high. Most importantly, everyone is still alive.
AL: Disappointing, but not entirely surprising. From the outside looking in, MLS clubs – and the league as a whole – have approached this tournament more as a financial opportunity than a true competitive priority – which is frustrating for both players and fans. It’s especially disappointing to see clubs from Mexico and South America make real efforts to strengthen their squads ahead of the tournament, while neither Seattle nor Inter Miami were able to add impact players. Ironically, the team with the least preparation time – LAFC, with just two weeks – was the only one to bring in reinforcements. The performances highlight a concerning gap in quality. Chelsea were always going to be favorites against LAFC, so that result isn’t shocking. But to see Inter Miami and Seattle so thoroughly outplayed against opponents such as Al Ahly and Botafogo – teams MLS should be competitive with – should serve as a serious wake-up call for the league. This simply wasn't good enough.
JS: Not great, Bob! Miami were abysmal in their opening game, minus a few moments of Messi magic and a brilliant Ustari penalty save. LAFC were completely outclassed by Chelsea – who just weren’t at their attacking best, but utterly dominated the match. Seattle had the best showing. A horrid first 45 was countered by a lively high-press of constant pressure in which they nearly secured a draw. Overall, though, it was poor. MLS is a level behind.
Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream nowGetty Images SportWhat are Miami's chances of getting out of the group?
TH: About as they were before: on a knife's edge. Their 0-0 draw was a little underwhelming, but they were massively bailed out by Palmeiras and Porto also drawing. They now probably need four points from the last two games, which seems pretty doable. A win over Palmeiras and tie with Porto – or vice versa – isn't far-fetched. Let's see, but they're in the hunt.
AL: Not good. The Al Ahly game is one in which Miami should have been slight favorites, thanks to Messi and Luis Suarez as finishers. Now, they have to rally and try to beat Porto – a giant in Portugal, and perennial participants in the Champions League – or Palmeiras, a top Brazilian team with pace, flair and young attackers. It isn't as challenging as what Seattle now faces, but there are no guarantees.
JS: They needed a win in the opener, and now, likely have to win-out to guarantee things.