Club World Cup Final Group Game Preview: C & D | OneFootball

If these four matches are a fraction of the craziness and brilliance of yesterday’s, then we’re in for something special.

Group C

Current standings (Source: Sofascore)

Fixtures

I’m not going to pretend that Auckland City has a chance here. They don’t. But that doesn’t mean this game is meaningless. Second place will likely be determined through goal differential, so Boca will be highly motivated to rack up the score. They need 8 or more to leapfrog ahead of Benfica; 12 to surpass Bayern. Sadly, the former scoreline is possible unless Auckland can lock down their defense.

Weather will play a huge role in both fixtures. A 3pm kickoff condemns all four teams to playing in the hottest part of the day in two regions experiencing extreme heat. Nashville should see KO temps around 96°, but the GEODIS field will be nearly 100% exposed to sun. Charlotte is expecting 99° weather at kickoff, with the Heat Index exceeding 105°. Both are really nasty.

It’s possible that Bayern and Benfica choose to coast through this, providing the minimal effort necessary. But I doubt it. I think Bayern’s style of play is better suited to extreme heat; their efficient passing should force Benfica to chase while saving their players’ reserves. We may not see the Munich ‘A’ team, though. Kane and Olise might give way to Müller and Kimmich/Musiala, and Vincent Kompany will make full use of his subs to minimize player fatigue.

The Hooligan Take

Group D

Current standings (Source: Sofascore)

Fixtures

Weather will also be a factor in these games, though the evening kickoffs will mollify the temperature slightly. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has already complained to the media how his side cannot train due to the high daytime temperatures. Ah, poor sausage sizzling in the Philly heat!

The Flamengo / LAFC game is a bit of a nothing burger… the Brazilian team has already secured advancement and the MLS side knows they’re going home after the final whistle. As the winner of this group plays the number two of Group C, Flamengo should know who they will face under either scenario and adjust their game strategy accordingly. They will not want to face Bayern.

Quite the opposite situation up in Philadelphia. Chelsea and Espérance both understand the “win and in” equation. Chelsea have the edge not only in goal differential (a tie puts them through), but in talent. Chelsea’s estimated annual payroll of $231M (as reported by Capology) is 1000% higher than their opponents. Reece James’ salary alone would pay for 84% of Espérance’s ENTIRE team wage bill.

Of course, none of that will matter to the diehard and ebullient supporters who sport the red and gold. Advancement to the next round, along with the millions in prize money, is within their grasp. Expect Lincoln Financial Field to have large swaths of red vigorously chanting “Allez Allez EST!”

Espérance supporters celebrate victory over LAFC at GEODIS Stadium in Nashville. Photo by the author.

The Hooligan Take