Club World Cup Final Group Game Preview: G & H | OneFootball

One group is a done deal; the other offers up some drama. These are the last games before the knockout rounds begin!

Group G

Current standings (Source: Sofascore)

Fixtures

This is a good time to remind everyone of the tie-breaker rules in the group stage:

With Manchester City and Juventus both coming into the final group fixture on six points and a goal differential of +8, a draw would see Juventus taking the top spot by virtue of goals scored (9 to 8). That’s pretty damned tight. The great thing about this tie is that we’ll see a knock-out round caliber match where there really is something on the line (top of the group), but both are still guaranteed to advance. Win win!

The Wydad AC / Al Ain match is a dead rubber in terms of standings, but there is a $3M check to whomever wins. That should be more than enough to motivate the clubs. Wydad is the only one of the pair to have scored, and Al Ain’s defense was hapless against the relentless attacking might of Juve and City.

The Hooligan Take

Group H

Current standings (Source: Sofascore)

Fixtures

This should have been an open-and-shut scenario for Real Madrid. They are clearly in a class above all other three teams, but find themselves having to win to guarantee moving on. Xabi Alonso is now forced to play his top squad, and the only question will be if he starts the ‘A’ side, or subs them on in the second half. Interesting dilemma.

Salzburg are also kicking themselves. Their insipid performance against Al Hilal was soccer cynicism at its worst. Bereft of energy and ideas, they limped into a nil – nil draw and now face an equally hungry but better opponent in this final reckoning match. All this makes for fine drama; we cannot guarantee fine soccer.

The above situation leaves Al Hilal in an enviable position. They are the only Asian Confederation club who’s still alive. Win and they become the de facto kings of the continent. Money doesn’t drive them; they have more than they need. But pride (and quite possibly a sweet bonus) might be enough. Pachuca will relish their spoiler role in this story. Tuzos like nothing more than ruining a nice patch of turf, or the hopes of the opposition.

The Hooligan Take