After 2 games in the Club World Cup, what do the Sounders have to show for it? | OneFootball

As anticipated, Atlético was too much for the Seattle defense. The constant pressure exploited multiple mistakes and provided the Spanish team with numerous goal-scoring opportunities. They missed multiple chances to bury Seattle in the first half alone.

The ebb and flow of any two good teams goes through times of pressure for the defense and times for the attack to apply pressure. The Sounders made too many mistakes as a makeshift back line, and Atlético was just too skilled which forced Seattle to play catch-up for the majority of the game. The Sounders did have some good looks, and Rusnak's goal gave the team and the fans a lift.

It probably didn't help that the "group of death" was filled with prideful teams. Botafogo was upset after only beating the Sounders by a goal. Atlético had something to prove after losing to PSG 4-0. Next, the Sounders will face PSG, who lost to Botafogo and are looking to win to ensure moving to the next round. Additionally, each team was pressured to perform well against the Sounders because losing to a MLS team would be an embarrassment (aside from Miami with Messi).

In order for the Sounders to advance to the elimination round, Botafogo would have to beat Atlético and the Sounders would have to beat a vengeful PSG by at least 6 goals. While possible, the chances of that happening are so small that it isn't reasonable even with the possible availability of Jordan Morris.

With that said, the Sounders have shown that they can score against these top teams, they haven't been embarrassed and run off the pitch, and they have gained quality experiences that will help them playing against other MLS teams. Even things that are perceived as mistakes are good learning experiences. Nouhou was antagonized into reacting and he reacted, giving up a free kick that ended up being the game winning goal. Players in the MLS don't generally use this tactic, so exposure to tactics that are used in Brazil can only help him in the long run.

What was also apparent was the Sounders lack a significant threat up front. Both Musovski and Ferreira do not have the consistency that the Sounders need for a successful attack. Musovski had a hot run for 5 games, but has not scored in any of his other games. Ferreira scored just before the birth of his child, but otherwise has been a bust up front. Much like Nelson Valdez, he has some skill, but the way he is performing now, he may not be able to contribute in a meaningful way.

It should be a packed house against PSG, but even if the Sounders don't win by six or more, it may provide them momentum moving into the second half of the season. A win against PSG would send a shockwave around the world of soccer. Besides being good for players, it could attract more talent to Seattle and add another notch to the MLS dynasty moving forward.