Apple pie is as symbolically American as The Star-Spangled Banner, bald eagle and Statue of Liberty. Banana cream, key lime, pecan and pumpkin pies were also on must-try lists read by those flocking to the USA for the first FIFA Club World Cup™. Yet the most consumed since it started has been the humble pie.
This ground-breaking tournament would, said the consensus, be all about the Europeans. There was little splitting Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid C.F. atop the favourites’ chart. Bayern München were just in behind. Then came Atlético de Madrid, Chelsea FC and FC Internazionale Milano. Next were Borussia Dortmund, FC Porto and Juventus FC.
Brazilian teams weren’t even given a shot at reaching the quarter-finals. The Botafogo coffin was dug when the draw pitted them against Atlético and PSG. CR Flamengo, Fluminense FC and Palmeiras had hope of finishing second in their sections behind Chelsea, Dortmund and Porto respectively, but that was akin to receiving tickets home following the last 16.
The ruling has proven radically wrong. The Fogão floored PSG. The Mengão beat the Blues. Only exceptional performances from Claudio Ramos and Gregor Kobel denied the Verdão and Flu victories over the Dragões and BVB. When their first phases were over, Palmeiras and Flamengo advanced as group winners and Botafogo and Fluminense as runners-up.
“I think the Brazilian teams have played a great tournament, have showcased a really high level,” Brazil and Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton told FIFA. “A competition of this standard, it’s a great opportunity for us to show what we’re worth, show our football.
“I think the teams have been doing this really well. We’ve been preparing for this competition for a long time. I think we’re reaping the rewards of what we planted months ago to be able to give our best at this tournament. The Brazilians deserve credit for everything they’re doing. It’s an opportunity for us to show the standard Brazilian football is at.”
One Brazilian side will be in the last eight: Palmeiras and Botafogo will collide for that privilege at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday. The Rio de Janeiro outfit have won three and drawn two of the teams’ last five tussles, including a 3-1 triumph in Sao Paulo in November that was central to conquering a first Brasileirão title in 29 years. Weverton doesn’t believe that recent head-to-head record means anything.
“I think every game has its own story,” he said. “Everything that’s happened in the past won’t be carried on to the pitch. You’ve got two great opponents who know each other so well, who’ve met many times. Without any shadow of a doubt, it’s a special moment for both teams, in such an important competition.
“I think the match will write its own story, provide its own difficulties. I hope we have a good day, play a great game. Our target, without any doubt, is to go in search of qualification.”
Two men handicapping Abel Ferreira’s side booking a quarter-final against SL Benfica or Chelsea are John, who was named the best goalkeeper in last season’s Brasileirão and Copa Libertadores, and Brazil striker Igor Jesus, who’s been in scintillating form stateside.
“John and Igor Jesus are two great players, two huge figures in their team,” said Weverton. “One is a goalkeeper in great form. Igor Jesus is their top goalscorer and is also in really good form. There’s no doubt we’ll have to give him special attention. We’ll prepare well to take them on and play a good game.”
Palmeiras do, of course, have someone to make Botafoguenses tremble. Estevao, like Igor Jesus, has seized two Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match awards at this FIFA Club World Cup. The 18-year-old Brazil winger’s mind-blowing skills and elite end product make him seemingly destined to follow in the footsteps of Neymar and Vinicius Jr.
“Estevao’s a superstar,” said Weverton. “He’s so young. He’s already given us so much joy. He’s in really good form. We’re privileged to be able to work with him.
“He is, without any doubt whatsoever, going to be one of the biggest names in world football. It’s a pleasure to play alongside him. I hope that, while he’s still here, he keeps up doing his great work.
“I hope he continues the way he has been: helping us in big games. Now we have some really decisive games ahead. We hope we can count on him being in inspired form and help us greatly.”
Another ‘player’ – “our 12th player,” as Weverton puts it – has been helping Palmeiras tremendously in the US.
“The Palmeiras fans have put on this incredible party,” said the 37-year-old Olympic gold-medallist. “We’ve seen it inside the stadium when we’ve been playing, but day after day here in the United States they’ve put on this amazing party.
“They’ve helped us a lot. They’ve done their best so that, out on the pitch, we can give our all and bring them happiness. Everyone deserves congratulations. We’re really happy. We’re always grateful for this affection, this support from the fans.
“I’m sure that, for our next match in Philadelphia, they’ll pack the stadium yet again, help us, push us on. We hope that, on the pitch, we can do our job to bring them joy.”
