Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Paris Saint-Germain, Botafogo, Inter Miami and Palmeiras reached the FIFA Club World Cup round of 16 on Monday while Atletico Madrid was eliminated on goal difference.
Porto and Al Ahly also bowed out after a frenetic 4-4 draw in New Jersey, where Wessam Abou Ali struck a hat trick for the Egyptian side.
In Pasadena, Botafogo progressed despite a 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid in sweltering heat at the Rose Bowl. Needing to win by at least a three-goal margin to advance, the Spanish club dominated for long periods but struggled to find a way past the Brazilian side’s low defensive block.
Antoine Griezmann finally broke Botafogo’s resistance three minutes from time when he capitalized on lax defending to sweep a first-time effort past goalkeeper John Victor after Julian Alvarez’s cross.
But it proved too little too late as the Colchoneros were sent packing from the tournament.
“The team did what was needed to get to the next stage,” Botafogo’s former Manchester United defender Alex Telles said after the match.
“Some people said we were only here to see Mickey Mouse at Disneyland, but we’ve made it out of the group of death. It shows the work done by this incredible group of players.”
Botafogo, which finished second in Group B, will meet Brazilian rivals Palmeiras in the next round at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday.
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone said he was disappointed but not concerned by his team’s early exit.
“We have the feeling of frustration at not being able to progress,” the Argentine said. “We are calm. We are more than clear about what needs to be improved and this helps us to do so. I’m proud of the work that the players have done. We gave absolutely everything we have. We won two games out of three. And sadly, we are out.”
In Seattle, Paris Saint-Germain comfortably secured its passage to the next stage with a 2-0 victory over Seattle Sounders.
The European champions opened the scoring in the 35th minute when Vitinha’s long-range effort deflected in off teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Achraf Hakimi doubled the lead just after the hour, controlling Bradley Barcola’s cross before rifling a shot past Swiss goalkeeper Stefan Frei.
PSG will vie for a place in the quarterfinals against Inter Miami in Atlanta on Sunday.
“We want to go as far as possible, and I think the players are ready,” PSG manager Luis Enrique told a post-match news conference. “The real competition starts now, and it will be very difficult.”
In Miami, Brazil’s Palmeiras recovered from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw with Inter Miami.
Tadeo Allende handed Inter Miami the lead with a clinical finish following a counterattack before Luis Suarez made it 2-0 by dancing around Bruno Fuchs and firing a shot past goalkeeper Weverton.
But the Sao Paulo-based club lifted its intensity and Paulinho pulled a goal back by slotting home from 10 yards after Allan’s layoff. The equalizer came three minutes from time when Mauricio pounced on a loose ball and smashed a rising effort beyond Oscar Ustari.
“We weren’t able to play the way we wanted to in the first half but in the second half we regained our fighting spirit,” Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira said.
“Our first objective is now completed. Now we can rest, recuperate and prepare for the knockout phase.”
In Monday’s other match, Abou Ali’s fine solo performance was not enough to earn Al Ahly a spot in the next round as the Egyptian side drew 4-4 with Porto, which also exited the tournament.
Abou Ali netted in the 15th minute before converting from the penalty spot just before halftime and adding a third goal shortly after the restart.
Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane was also on target for the Cairo-based side while Rodrigo Moura, William Gomes, Samu Aghehowa and Pepe scored for the Portuguese outfit.
Both teams managed only two draws each from their three group fixtures.
