In the forthcoming Club World Cup Final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Manchester City and Fluminense, two squads yet to secure an intercontinental title, are set to engage in a momentous clash.
Since the year 2000, South American teams, similar to Fluminense, have claimed the Club World Cup only four times, all victories stemming from Brazil.
This season, the Copa Libertadores champions could potentially break the European dominance, a feat not achieved since Corinthians prevailed against Chelsea in 2012. Nevertheless, they face the formidable task of overcoming the illustrious Manchester City, the European treble winners.
Formerly recognized as the ‘Intercontinental Cup’ in the 20th century, the competition exclusively featured European and South American champions, with South American teams often emerging victorious in the head-to-head encounters held in Japan.
In the current century, the landscape has transformed, and South America’s premier players now ply their trade in European leagues. Gone are the days when icons like Pele devoted their entire careers to clubs like Santos in Brazil.
The economic disparity between the top clubs from both continents has widened, resulting in European clubs securing promising talents at an early stage.
Recently, South American teams have struggled to reach the final of the Club World Cup, with representatives from Mexico, Japan, and Saudi Arabia contending against European counterparts in their absence.
Pep Guardiola has expressed admiration for Fluminense’s style of play and their emphasis on ball possession. Fluminense, buoyed by their inaugural Copa Libertadores win this year, believe they can upset Manchester City, provided a bit of fortune is on their side.
Noteworthy individual talents like André and Nino, both contemplating a move to Europe in January, complement the experienced leadership of players like Marcelo and Felipe Melo.
Young prospects like John Kennedy, who scored in both the Copa Libertadores final and the Club World Cup semi-final against Al Ahly, add to Fluminense’s diverse arsenal.
Manchester City, having dispatched Urawa Reds in the semi-final, aim to cap off a record-breaking year with their fifth title of 2023. Despite the potential absence of their star striker Erling Haaland due to injury concerns, City is anticipated to assert dominance over Fluminense in the final.
The tactical approach of both teams will be intriguing to observe. While Fluminense is likely to adhere to their possession-oriented style, Guardiola’s men are unlikely to acquiesce easily.
This clash could evolve into an open and exhilarating encounter, with both teams vying to press and stifle their opponent.