Lincoln Financial Field felt more like the venue for a Copa Libertadores final, as passionate fans of Palmeiras and Botafogo displayed impressive tifos and engaged in a vocal rivalry that mirrored the intensity on the pitch. This was, however, the setting for a Club World Cup round of 16 match, part of a tournament where Brazilian teams have showcased significant passion both on and off the field, demonstrating their readiness to compete with the top European clubs.
In a highly physical encounter, only Palmeiras emerged victorious, defeating Botafogo 1-0. The decisive goal was scored by Paulinho in extra time, ending Botafogo`s tournament run.
The atmosphere was electric with flags waving, tifos displayed, and chants of `Palmeiras` and other songs echoing throughout the stadium. Botafogo`s goalkeeper, John Victor, made several crucial saves, but ultimately the relentless pressure from Palmeiras in extra time proved too much to withstand. PSG manager Luis Enrique had previously praised Botafogo`s defense after their upset win against his team in the group stage, and their defensive resilience was evident again, but Palmeiras found a way through.
Other Brazilian teams remaining in the competition, Flamengo and Fluminense, still have their challenges ahead, facing tough opponents in Bayern Munich and Inter, respectively. A Brazilian team hasn`t lifted the Club World Cup trophy since Corinthians in 2012, despite Brazilian Serie A clubs reaching the final in four of the last ten editions. However, this year`s strong performances suggest a potential shift.
This edition has already been significant, marking the first time since 2012 that a Brazilian team has eliminated a UEFA opponent. This feat has been achieved more than once this year, with both Botafogo triumphing over PSG and Flamengo overcoming Chelsea.
Although Botafogo`s journey in the tournament is over, it was a memorable and commendable performance in a challenging competition, leaving the team with considerable pride.
Botafogo manager Renato Paiva reflected, “The work Botafogo has done since arriving in the U.S. is something we can be incredibly proud of. Everyone wants to win, but only one team can. We don`t feel we were inferior to Palmeiras during the match; there were periods where they were better, and periods where we were better. For a team that has only been working with this coaching staff for a few months, and with new players, competing against these teams gives us every reason for our fans to be proud. In the dressing room, I told the players they should not hang their heads. They should feel pride, because today, Botafogo made themselves known to the world.”
For Botafogo, the end of their memorable tournament also brings looming changes, as players like Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha are expected to transfer to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. Their success in the tournament, however, should provide additional resources to find replacements. This is a familiar situation for Botafogo, who had to replace key players like Thiago Almada from previous campaigns, reflecting the reality of success in Brazilian football where talented players often attract interest from clubs abroad.
Next, Palmeiras will remain in Philadelphia to face the winner of the match between Chelsea and Benfica on the Fourth of July, allowing fans extra time to prepare for the occasion. They demonstrated strong fan support and tactical readiness against Botafogo, and they will need even more against their next European adversary, especially with key center back Gustavo Gomes suspended for the quarterfinals after receiving his second yellow card deep into extra time.
South American fans have been a highlight of the tournament so far. With the Argentine teams eliminated during the group stage, the onus is now on the remaining Brazilian clubs to carry the banner not only through the knockout rounds but also in the pursuit of winning the trophy. Brazilian soccer once held a central position in the global football landscape, and the Club World Cup presents an opportunity to remind the world of that legacy. Palmeiras themselves reached the final in 2021, where they lost to Chelsea, and depending on the outcome of the upcoming matches, they might have a chance for redemption.
Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira commented, “If we win, it`s great. If we lose, at least we have to give our very best, and that`s exactly what we did today. I have no words to describe our fans; they were passionate and supported us until the very end.”
Their journey has not concluded, and they are determined that it won`t end anytime soon.
