The atmosphere at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia felt more like a Copa Libertadores final than a Club World Cup match. Supporters of Palmeiras and Botafogo displayed impressive tifos and created a deafening noise, mirroring the intensity of the players` battle. This match marked the Club World Cup`s round of 16, a stage reached after Brazilian clubs demonstrated immense passion and readiness to challenge top European teams during the group phase.
After a physically demanding contest, only Palmeiras advanced, securing a 1-0 victory over Botafogo with Paulinho scoring the decisive goal in extra time.
Amidst waving flags, displayed tifos, and loud `Palmeiras` chants, Botafogo`s goalkeeper John Victor made numerous saves but ultimately succumbed to the relentless pressure. Botafogo`s defense had previously earned praise from PSG`s Luis Enrique after their surprising group stage victory against his team, and they showed similar resilience here. However, Palmeiras proved too strong in the extra period.
Other Brazilian sides, Flamengo and Fluminense, hope to progress further, but face tough challenges against Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, respectively. No Brazilian team has lifted the Club World Cup trophy since Corinthians in 2012, although a Brazilian club has reached the final in four of the last ten tournaments. This year, however, Brazilian teams are demonstrating a strong desire to end that drought.
This tournament marks the first time since 2012 that a Brazilian club has eliminated a UEFA opponent. This significant achievement has occurred multiple times already in this edition, with Botafogo overcoming PSG and Flamengo defeating Chelsea.
Although Botafogo`s campaign concluded, it was a memorable performance in a difficult competition, one they can be immensely proud of.
Botafogo manager Renato Paiva commented on his team`s performance: “The work we`ve put in since arriving in the U.S. is something we can be very proud of. Naturally, everyone wants to win, but only one team can. We don`t feel we were inferior to Palmeiras throughout the match; both teams had moments where they were superior. For a team that`s only been working with this coaching staff for a few months and incorporates new players, competing against these opponents gives our fans every reason to feel immense pride. In the dressing room, I told the players not to hang their heads; they should feel proud. Today, Botafogo announced itself to the world.”
As Botafogo`s memorable tournament ends, squad changes are anticipated. Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha are reportedly set to move to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. However, their successful run in the tournament provides the club with additional resources to sign replacements. Replacing key players, such as Thiago Almada and others from their strong previous squad, is a familiar challenge for successful Brazilian clubs whose players attract interest from international teams.
Palmeiras remains in Philadelphia for their next match on the Fourth of July, where they will face the winner of the Chelsea vs. Benfica tie. This gives their supporters extra time to prepare for the encounter. Having displayed numerous tifos and sung passionately against Botafogo, they`ll need to bring that same level of support and readiness to the quarterfinal. A key challenge will be the absence of center back Gustavo Gomes, who is suspended after receiving his second yellow card late in extra time against Botafogo.
The passion of South American fans has been a highlight of the tournament. With the Argentine teams eliminated in the group stage, the focus is now on Brazilian clubs to carry the continent`s hopes through the knockout rounds and potentially win the trophy. Brazilian football once held a central position globally, and this Club World Cup offers an opportunity to reassert that prominence. Palmeiras reached the final in 2021, losing to Chelsea, and could potentially have a chance to avenge that defeat in this edition.
Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira reflected: “Winning would be great, but if we lose, we must at least know we gave our absolute best, which is what we did today.” He added about the supporters, “I cannot adequately describe our fans; they were incredibly passionate and backed us right to the end.”
Palmeiras` journey in the tournament continues, and they show no signs of slowing down soon.
