Unbeaten at the Club World Cup! 3️⃣ reasons for South American dominance | OneFootball

After Palmeiras' 2-0 win over Al-Ahly, it will remain that way until at least tonight on the sixth tournament day at this year's Club World Cup: The South American teams are unbeaten - despite partially tough opponents. How can that be?

1. Familiar conditions

South American clubs are clearly benefiting from their familiarity with high temperatures, high humidity, and frequent climate changes at the 2025 Club World Cup. While European teams start the tournament exhausted or out of shape after a long season, many South American teams are in the middle of the game - physically fitter and better adapted to the climatic conditions. Their experience with long trips and changing game locations from continental competitions like the Copa Libertadores gives them an additional advantage over European competitors.

2. Passion and playing style of South America

Games like Boca Juniors against Benfica (2-2) and Botafogo's narrow 2-1 win over Seattle emphasize the fighting mentality, typical strengths in offensive play, and intense pressing. This emotional energy often becomes the decisive factor - especially against technically strong but coldly calculating European teams.

📸 JUAN MABROMATA - AFP or licensors

3. Group draw & tactical discipline

Some clubs like Palmeiras and Fluminense benefited from favorable groups in which they could play out their defensive strength and tactics excellently - for example through strategic control in goalless games against Dortmund or Porto. This combination of defensive compactness and discipline allows them to keep even stronger teams in check.

Paris Saint-Germain can end South American dominance tonight. At 3 am German time, the CL winner meets Botafogo. Or will the Brazilians succeed in the next surprise?

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

📸 FRANCK FIFE - AFP or licensors