PSG stunned by Botafogo after Messi lights up Club World Cup
EUROPEAN champions Paris Saint-Germain suffered a shock 1-0 Club World Cup defeat to Brazilian side Botafogo on Thursday after Lionel Messi lit up the tournament with a brilliant free-kick winner for Inter Miami.
Atletico Madrid and Palmeiras also won as the second round of group matches began, but it was Botafogo who stole the headlines.
A first-half goal from Igor Jesus proved the difference as last year's Copa Libertadores winners all but sealed a place in the knockout rounds from Group B in front of 53,699 fans at the Pasadena Rose Bowl in California.
PSG are one of the favourites for FIFA's 32-team tournament after a dazzling season which culminated with a scintillating 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the Champions League final.
But their hopes of securing a victory which would have seen them become the first side into the last 16 were stymied by a resilient performance from their opponents from Rio de Janeiro.
'A lot of people wondered, but we showed how strong Botafogo is,' goalscorer Jesus said after the win, which kept all of South America's representatives unbeaten at the competition in the United States.
'It was a difficult game and we had to defend well, and we did our job and scored a goal.'
Botafogo took the lead against the run of play on 36 minutes as Jefferson Savarino's through ball split the PSG defence and released Jesus.
He then did brilliantly to wrongfoot the covering Willian Pacho before sweeping a shot that took a slight deflection past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma on its way into the net.
'We knew it was going to be a very difficult match -- they defended very well,' said PSG coach Luis Enrique.
'This Club World Cup is very intense and difficult and all the teams are highly motivated, especially when they're playing against us.'
Botafogo's win leaves them firmly on course for the last 16, with a final group game against Atletico to come on Monday.
Atletico off the mark
Atletico bounced back from a 4-0 loss to PSG as Diego Simeone's side beat Seattle Sounders 3-1.
Pablo Barrios scored twice, including an 11th-minute opener which crashed in off the underside of the crossbar.
Belgian Axel Witsel came off the bench at half time and almost immediately made it 2-0, nodding in from close range after a Marcos Llorente shot was tipped onto the woodwork.
Albert Rusnak quickly pulled one back for Seattle, only for Barrios to score again for 3-1.
Botafogo top Group B with six points, with PSG and Atletico each on three and Seattle facing probable elimination after two defeats.
Earlier, Messi scored a trademark free-kick to secure a 2-1 comeback win for Inter Miami against Porto in Atlanta in Group A.
The Argentine superstar found the top corner with a set-piece nine minutes after half time to clinch a surprise victory for the MLS side and give them a strong chance of progressing.
Samu Aghehowa's early penalty gave Porto the lead and they had the better of the first half.
But Telasco Segovia blasted Miami level and then Messi's free-kick helped them claim a noteworthy scalp.
'It's a huge joy, the whole team made a big effort, we worked really well,' Messi told broadcaster DAZN.
'It's a really important win for us and we have to enjoy it.
'You can see that we want to compete and today we competed against a really good European team.'
Javier Mascherano's Inter Miami have four points from two games, meaning they are level atop the group with Palmeiras.
The Brazilians beat Egypt's Al Ahly 2-0 at MetLife Stadium outside New York.
A Wessam Abou Ali own goal gave Palmeiras a 49th-minute lead before Flaco Lopez doubled their advantage 10 minutes later.
The match was then suspended in the 63rd minute because of a weather warning, with players and fans instructed to take shelter because of a nearby storm before the action eventually resumed.
A draw between Inter Miami and Palmeiras on Monday will send both teams into the last 16.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
NBA great Vlade Divac injured in Montenegro motorcycle crash
BELGRADE: Former basketball star and LA Lakers centre Vlade Divac is recovering today after breaking his hip in a motorcycle accident in Montenegro, hospital staff told AFP. The 57-year-old was injured late Thursday after falling from his motorcycle near the coast, said hospital spokeswoman Ljubica Mitrovic. "Divac was immediately brought to the hospital in Risan, where doctors conducted thorough examinations," she said, referring to a town about 47 kilometres (29 miles) west of the capital Podgorica. "Unfortunately, it was confirmed that he had suffered a hip fracture. Surgery was performed." Divac is in a stable condition at the hospital. Drafted into the NBA in 1989 by the Los Angeles Lakers, the towering centre became one of the first European players to make an impact in the league. He played seven seasons for the Lakers before moving on to the Charlotte Hornets then the Sacramento Kings, and eventually finishing his NBA career back with the Lakers. Mentored by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson, he quickly adapted to the NBA and became the first player born and trained outside the United States to play more than 1,000 games in the league. A silver medallist in Olympic basketball with both Yugoslavia and later Serbia, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019 and the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2010. He played 117 games for the national team of Yugoslavia and later Serbia and Montenegro, winning World Championship titles in 1990 and 2002, and was also crowned European champion in 1989, 1991, and 1995. The hospital has asked the public and media to respect Divac's privacy during his recovery. - AFP
The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
Flamengo Ready for Chelsea Clash in Club World Cup
FLAMENGO manager Filipe Luis vowed on Thursday that his team will remain faithful to their 'fierce, relentless style' as they prepare to face Chelsea in a highly anticipated Club World Cup encounter on Friday. Flamengo, who top the Brazilian league, will look to end a 13-year winless streak for South American teams against European counterparts. The side enter the match in scintillating form after five consecutive victories in all competitions, including a convincing 2-0 win over Esperance de Tunis in their tournament opener. Ahead of the match, Filipe Luis emphasized his unwavering belief in his team's philosophy. 'Never give up on your convictions. I have a conviction, a very clear idea of what I think about the game,' he told reporters. 'I would never, ever change my team because of an opponent. It would be completely and absolutely wrong for the players. We will play the way we have been preparing for eight months.' Filipe Luis has built a Flamengo side that thrive on controlling possession and dictating the tempo of matches. He acknowledged, however, that Friday's clash with Chelsea will require 'sacrifice' and highlighted the importance of an experienced defense featuring former Juventus fullbacks Danilo and Alex Sandro against the Premier League side's quality. 'Experience always helps because these elite clubs have decisive players who don't lose the ball and create dangerous plays,' the Flamengo coach said. 'We know it will be a game of sacrifice. We won't always have the ball, and when we don't, we'll have to run and fight together as a team. The players understand this because they've been doing it ever since I was their teammate and now as their coach.' Flamengo lead Group D with three points, edging Chelsea to the top spot due to the tiebreaker criterion of yellow cards. Los Angeles FC and Esperance have yet to register a point and will meet in Friday's other group fixture. Filipe Luis, who played for Chelsea during his career, expressed confidence in his team's unity and determination. 'The only way to win is with all 11 players pulling in the same direction. Knowing this is the way forward, we definitely have a chance,' he said. Friday's match promises a clash of styles, with Flamengo's attacking flair and possession-based approach going up against Chelsea's defensive solidity and elite individual talent.
The Sun
7 hours ago
- The Sun
CHiQ Captivates Global Audiences with Smart Living Innovation at 2025 Terra Wortmann Open
BERLIN, GERMANY - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 June 2025 - Following the success of its debut partnership, CHiQ, the pioneering smart home technology brand, returned for the second year as the official partner of the 2025 Terra Wortmann Open in Halle, Germany, on 14 June, showcasing how CHiQ's 'Smart with Style' seamlessly integrates with premium sports entertainment. Immersive Technology Takes Center Court This year, CHiQ's presence was woven into every aspect of the Terra Wortmann event. From the bold brand logo at the main venue to immersive, audience-focused experience zones, CHiQ embodied a youthful spirit and an unwavering commitment to excellence in a dynamic and engaging way. CHiQ's VIP lounge showcased next-generation QLED smart TVs, delivering crystal-clear tournament coverage that transformed passive viewing into an engaging sensory experience. The exhibition's centerpiece, CHiQ's revolutionary 10KG ColorLuxe Washing Machine drew continuous crowds with its sleek aesthetics, intuitive interface, and advanced performance capabilities. Visitors experienced firsthand how CHiQ's smart living philosophy translates complex technology into elegant, user-friendly solutions. Digital Amplification Reaches New Audiences CHiQ extended its tournament impact through strategic influencer partnerships across Europe, collaborating with prominent sports and fashion personalities to create compelling social media content. By leveraging these dynamic short-form videos, the brand resonated with younger demographics, establishing itself as a symbol of contemporary lifestyle and technological sophistication. Strategic Partnership Accelerates Market Expansion The tournament ran concurrently with CHiQ's groundbreaking collaboration with Ochama, Europe's leading e-commerce platform, launching the exclusive 'CHiQ Super Brand Days' campaign. This strategic alliance represents more than traditional co-branding, opening new pathways for CHiQ's European market penetration while setting innovative standards for integrated marketing approaches. The partnership demonstrates CHiQ's commitment to making advanced smart home technology accessible across European households through established retail networks and enhanced consumer touchpoints. Building Momentum Across European Markets Following its successful partnership with Germany's Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in May, CHiQ continues deepening its European market penetration through strategic sports marketing initiatives that expand brand influence boundaries. From thrilling on-court competition to CHiQ's futuristic smart living experiences at exhibition venues, the brand consistently delivers innovative experiences that resonate with European consumers. Moving forward, CHiQ will maintain its global vision combined with localized execution, leveraging sports' powerful unifying effect to integrate its 'Smart With Style' brand philosophy into consumers' daily lives while unlocking the brand's limitless potential.
