Club World Cup Round of 16 Preview: Palmeiras vs. Botafogo | OneFootball

Palmeiras vs. Botafogo

Saturday June 28 @ 12:00pm ET

Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA

While I think this will be one hell of a thrilling matchup, I’m a bit underwhelmed that two Brazilian teams are already facing each other. Of course, it was inevitable, as 25% of clubs entering this round are Brazilian. So let’s enjoy it for what it is: a clash of Brazil’s two biggest cities: Rio and São Paolo. Os Porcos against O Fogão.

Recent History

Being in the same league, these sides have a rich history to mine. Their last meeting back on March 30 was a nil – nil draw. Before that in November Botafogo put a 3 – 1 beatdown on a 10-man Palmeiras. The overall trends from their last ten meetings is Botafogo 4 wins, Palmeiras 3 wins and 3 draws. It doesn’t get any tighter than this!

How They Got Here

Palmeiras finished first in Group A with 5 points, edging out Inter Miami on goal differential. The team is equally content to sit back and absorb pressure as they are to hit teams on the counter. They averaged 18 shots per game with 5 on frame, but only saw four hit the net in total. Their 27.8% conversion rate (fourth worst among qualifiers) will need to improve in this match if they hope to have any chance. In this respect, all eyes will be on 18 year old Estévão. He has yet to score, though his dribbling is sublime. Time to put on the big boy shorts. The defense is anchored by Bruno Fuchs, who’s putting down 3 tackles and interceptions per game. Creatively, they need Raphael Veiga to continue to provide key passes into danger areas.

Botafogo were second in Group B on six points. Their defeat of the UEFA Champions League winners PSG sent shockwaves throughout the soccer community. Strategically, they rely on a stalwart defense, and had the lowest possession (36.1%) of any team to make the Round of 16. They’re also the worst performing for shots taken (8.8) and goal conversion (23.1%), and only scored three times in three games. But their attacking arsenal contains playmakers like Jefferson Savarino (2.3 key passes per match) and goal scorer Igor Jesus (two in the net). If this pair are unleashed, watch out.

Expected Conditions

The weather should be far kinder today than in the previous two weeks. Kickoff temperature will be 26.5C/80F but climb as the game progresses. Nothing excessive here, and shouldn’t be a factor.

The Hooligan Take

I’m going with Botafogo on a 2 – 1 victory. Igor Jesus will not be stopped today on this huge stage and he will once again throw down the Goku goal celebration.