Some of the groups of the Club World Cup have gone true to form, as River Plate, Inter Milan, and perhaps Monterrey all have the chance to reach the knockout stage of the Club World Cup. Fluminense and Dortmund are the favorites to reach that phase from the other group that plays on Wednesday, but upsets have abounded this tournament so the script could be flipped.
River Plate vs Inter Milan
(Wednesday in Seattle)
River Plate returned to the poor offensive standard they have set for much of Argentina’s domestic season, as they failed to score on Monterrey despite a significant advantage in terms of game control. Now any result is possible for three of the tour teams in this group. With River Plate on a +2 goal differential as it stands, all they have to do is win or draw to reach the knockout phase of the tournament.
Inter Milan on +1 after two late goals secured 3 points against a pesky Urawa Red Diamonds team, has to win to secure their position in the knockout phase. Inter have struggled through two games, they were locked down by Monterrey, and Red Diamonds implemented a similar game plan, scoring first, and looking set for a draw, until Valentin Carboni joined his fellow Argentine Lautaro Martinez on the scoresheet to make it 2-1. River Plate is a great team defensively, but their attack leaves a lot to be desired and this match could turn into an attritional contest, especially with River Plate having a suspended midfield. Prediction: 1-1 Draw (River Plate advances to the knockout phase)
Monterrey vs Urawa Red Diamonds
(Wednesday in Los Angeles)
Monterrey under their new manager has looked much better defensively than they ever did during the 24-25 LIGA MX season. Domenec Torrent has Monterrey organized and willing to suffer to grind out results against more talented opponents. The truth is, Rayados look much more composed, but struggled to get any foothold in the match against River Plate. Their own firepower was lacking, although Nelson Deossa has been a standout player. Urawa Red Diamonds have fought all tournament but lack the finishing touch and quality. Already eliminated, Urawa has less to “play for”, while Monterrey must win to advance from this group. Monterrey must push forward and try to win by 2 goals, meaning Urawa will have some chances to counter. Rayados quality should be enough to see them win their first game of the tournament and potentially reach the knockout phase. Prediction: Monterrey 2Urawa Red Diamonds 1
Borussia Dortmund vs Ulsan HD
(Wednesday in Cincinnati)
Dortmund have been woeful thus far in the Club World Cup, they drew Fluminense, then conceded 3 against Sundowns including the first goal off the foot of Lucas Ribeiro. At one point they recovered to lead 4-1, Jobe Bellingham scored for his new club, but defensive lapses brought the game back closer, and Dortmund only gained a goal on their South African opponents winning 4-3. This was a compelling clash where Sundowns had no fear of Dortmund’s achievements in Europe.
The winless Ulsan HD was locked in a battle with Fluminense. Colombian Jhon Arias scored a brilliant free kick, but Ulsan would fire two in reply only to concede two goals in the last 15 minutes of the match and lose 4-2. It doesn’t come as a great shock that Ulsan has already been eliminated from the Club World Cup, but they haven’t played badly, and Dortmund will need to be attentive to ensure they finish on 7 points and reach the knockouts. Prediction: Dortmund 3 Ulsan HD 1
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense
(Wednesday in Miami)
Fluminense didn’t score on Dortmund, while Sundowns scored three against them, the Brazilian side was also tested by Ulsan, and should by no means be a clear favorite to reach the knockout phase. Sundowns needs a victory to advance and they should play pleasant, attacking football rather than parking the bus in this one.
Fluminense has good pieces but unlike the other Brazilian teams in the tournament, they haven’t completely put it together and looked dominant in the run of play. I’ll still back them to advance, but Sundowns won’t make it easy. Prediction: Fluminense 3 Mamelodi Sundowns 2
Main Photo Credit: Imago Images
