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Reuters
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Reuters
PSG go from European glory to Club World Cup woe
MIAMI, June 20 (Reuters) - European champions Paris St Germain arrived at the Club World Cup aiming to be crowned kings of the global game but defeat by Botafogo on Thursday showed the tournament will be a true test of their mettle and not just a celebratory lap of honour. The Ligue 1 winners went down 1-0 to Brazilian champions Botafogo at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, a result that threw Group B wide open and deflated the mood in the PSG camp after their emphatic 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid in their opener. Desire Doue, who scored twice in PSG's 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the Champions League final last month, said failing to take their chances had cost them. "We weren't efficient," the attacking midfielder said. "We had a lot of chances. They only had two or three shots and they scored. They were very efficient in front of our goal." Botafogo's compact, aggressive approach exposed signs of fatigue in PSG's ranks after a long season in domestic and European football. They had adjusted their schedule in California to allow players afternoons off to recover between training sessions. Coach Luis Enrique also rotated his squad, starting without regulars Joao Neves, Nuno Mendes, Fabian Ruiz and Marquinhos, who were introduced after halftime in search of a spark. But even with the reinforcements PSG failed to break through a determined Botafogo defence. The decisive moment came in the 36th minute when Igor Jesus beat Gianluigi Donnarumma. Luis Enrique did not look for excuses and praised the Copa Libertadores champions for their approach. "Botafogo were the best defensive side we've come up against all season — both in our league and in the Champions League. They were excellent," the Spaniard said. "They were simply highly efficient, very compact, and always had the threat of hitting us in transition. They scored a great goal through Jesus, and that gave them a real injection of belief. "We didn't create the number of chances we're used to. We're very accustomed to working against teams defending deep — but it's always difficult to break one down. In this case, Botafogo did it very well, and I congratulate them for it." Despite enjoying long spells of possession, PSG lacked their usual sharpness and Doue said the defeat should serve as a wake-up call. "We raised our level in the duels, but it was efficiency that was missing tonight. This match has to help us bounce back. Nothing is finished, we have another match and we're going to win it." PSG face Seattle Sounders in their final group game on Monday and Luis Enrique did not expect things to get any easier. "This is a very difficult competition. Every match will be like this," he added.
CNA
12 hours ago
- Sport
- CNA
PSG go from European glory to Club World Cup woe
MIAMI :European champions Paris St Germain arrived at the Club World Cup aiming to be crowned kings of the global game but defeat by Botafogo on Thursday showed the tournament will be a true test of their mettle and not just a celebratory lap of honour. The Ligue 1 winners went down 1-0 to Brazilian champions Botafogo at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, a result that threw Group B wide open and deflated the mood in the PSG camp after their emphatic 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid in their opener. Desire Doue, who scored twice in PSG's 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the Champions League final last month, said failing to take their chances had cost them. "We weren't efficient," the attacking midfielder said. "We had a lot of chances. They only had two or three shots and they scored. They were very efficient in front of our goal." Botafogo's compact, aggressive approach exposed signs of fatigue in PSG's ranks after a long season in domestic and European football. They had adjusted their schedule in California to allow players afternoons off to recover between training sessions. Coach Luis Enrique also rotated his squad, starting without regulars Joao Neves, Nuno Mendes, Fabian Ruiz and Marquinhos, who were introduced after halftime in search of a spark. But even with the reinforcements PSG failed to break through a determined Botafogo defence. The decisive moment came in the 36th minute when Igor Jesus beat Gianluigi Donnarumma. Luis Enrique did not look for excuses and praised the Copa Libertadores champions for their approach. "Botafogo were the best defensive side we've come up against all season — both in our league and in the Champions League. They were excellent," the Spaniard said. "They were simply highly efficient, very compact, and always had the threat of hitting us in transition. They scored a great goal through Jesus, and that gave them a real injection of belief. "We didn't create the number of chances we're used to. We're very accustomed to working against teams defending deep — but it's always difficult to break one down. In this case, Botafogo did it very well, and I congratulate them for it." Despite enjoying long spells of possession, PSG lacked their usual sharpness and Doue said the defeat should serve as a wake-up call. "We raised our level in the duels, but it was efficiency that was missing tonight. This match has to help us bounce back. Nothing is finished, we have another match and we're going to win it." PSG face Seattle Sounders in their final group game on Monday and Luis Enrique did not expect things to get any easier.
New York Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
The Club World Cup's brightest young players – including Doue, Bellingham and Bayern's new Robben?
A summer tournament like the Club World Cup is a chance for emerging stars to showcase their talent. Some will already be familiar names and have been playing for the world's best teams in the biggest competitions already, while others will try to make an impact on the global stage this summer, and perhaps take the next step in their career. But who are they? Allow The Athletic to walk you through some of the brightest players aged 21 or under who will grace — or already have graced — pitches across the United States this summer. It is tricky to fly under the radar when wearing the colours of Paris Saint-Germain. Luis Enrique's quadruple-winning side put on the most comprehensive performance in UEFA Champions League history during a 5-0 thumping of Inter Milan last month — with a squad whose average age (25 years) was one of the youngest across the whole competition. Advertisement A then 19-year-old Desire Doue was the star of the show in Munich, his two goals and one assist demonstrating that he was unfazed under the spotlight. His quick feet were on show in Pasadena on Sunday as PSG pulled Atletico Madrid apart in their opening group game. While Doue did not score in that match, there was a teenager on the scoresheet, with Senny Mayulu's sharp finish continuing a memorable few weeks for the 19-year-old after scoring PSG's fifth goal in the Champions League final last month. Mayulu's five goals and three assists in all competitions are not to be sniffed at considering the minutes he has played, and this summer could be the perfect opportunity to make a further step up. Incredibly, neither Mayulu nor Doue were the youngest players to take to the field against Atleti, with 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye getting more minutes in a PSG shirt after breaking into Luis Enrique's squad this season. Mbaye needed little time to show off his powerful dribbling, with his direct running crucial in the lead-up to PSG's fourth goal at the Rose Bowl. More minutes should follow in the States, even if Mbaye has the unenviable task of trying to break into one of Europe's most devastating attacking tridents. In midfield, it is easy to forget that Portuguese terrier Joao Neves is still only 20 years old. With an old head on young shoulders, Neves played more than 3,700 minutes across 52 matches for PSG last season. His aggressive tackling was crucial in helping PSG regain possession high up in their first goal against Atleti on Sunday (see top right of pitch map). Then there is the prodigious talent of Warren Zaire-Emery, 19, whose 23 Ligue 1 starts in the heart of PSG's midfield were crucial to them winning the league title with six games to spare. While Neves, Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz became the core trio Luis Enrique trusted at the business end of the season, Zaire-Emery's impact was worthy of praise across the campaign. Luis Enrique's squad certainly packs a youthful punch. Bayern Munich have a talent pathway that is also looking rather healthy this summer. Their recent acquisition of Tom Bischof from Hoffenheim could provide them with a midfield engine for the next decade, with the 19-year-old's box-to-box style — coupled with a delicious weight of pass — the perfect match for Bayern's possession dominance. Advertisement Bischof did not get onto the field during Bayern's 10-0 thumping of part-time outfit Auckland City in their first group game, but there was a debut for Lennart Karl. The 17-year-old made Bayern's matchday squad multiple times at the back end of last season, but he finally got onto the pitch for the second half of Bayern's glorified friendly on Sunday afternoon. While his centre of gravity might be low, his confidence is anything but. Karl was demanding the ball from team-mates, taking corners, dropping a shoulder and pirouetting in the penalty area as though he were a prime Arjen Robben. Notwithstanding the quality of the opposition, such an impressive performance should be worthy of more minutes this summer. The same can be said of 19-year-old left-back Adam Aznou, who notched a handful of appearances in a Bayern shirt last season. The Spanish-born Morocco international spent the second half of the campaign getting experience on loan at Valladolid, and looks ready to be a regular member of Vincent Kompany's squad going into the new season. Head 90 miles east across the Austrian border, and the production line of young talent continues to serve in Salzburg. Red Bull Salzburg's Oscar Gloukh has been one of the few bright sparks in an otherwise disappointing season, shouldering a lot of his side's creative responsibility. Gloukh's close control, weight of pass, and two-footedness display a technical proficiency beyond his years. The 21-year-old operates as a No 10 but regularly drifts wide towards the left touchline. If we could cheat for one moment, keep an eye on Gloukh's team-mate, Nene Dorgeles. At the ripe old age of 22, Dorgeles's 13 goals and four assists in the Austrian Bundesliga are worthy of note, with an elusive style that can see him fly past opponents in the blink of an eye. Still a few weeks away from his 18th birthday, Franco Mastantuono must feel invincible whenever he graces the field. As chief playmaker with an eye for a finish, Mastantuono arrives at the Club World Cup with seven goal involvements in his last 10 appearances for Argentine side River Plate. After this summer, the 17-year-old will be joining Real Madrid on a six-year deal for a fee of €63.2million (£53.9m/$73m). Advertisement The Club World Cup is an opportunity for Mastantuono to show he can cut it against European opposition, with River Plate drawn against Champions League finalists Inter in Group E. As a prodigious Argentine talent making the move across to Spain as a teenager, the Messi comparisons are already in full force, but Mastantuono plays with a different style, a different gait. Either way, as the graphic shows below, the teenager is in a hurry to make things happen when he receives the ball. Mastantuono might be wary of his game time at his future club, with the talented Endrick, 18, and Arda Guler, 20 — both of whom will be keen to impress new manager Xabi Alonso this summer — not hoovering up as many minutes as they would have hoped from attacking positions last season. With injuries still plaguing Madrid's squad, there is an opportunity for Alonso to showcase some of his young talent this summer, particularly during the group stage. As The Athletic has recently reported, he has plenty of options to choose from. Brazilian Estevao Willian is in a similar position to Mastantuono. The 18-year-old will move from Palmeiras to Chelsea at the end of the summer, but not before he tries to make an impact at the Club World Cup. With 13 Brazilian Serie A goals last season, the teenager has already shown he can dominate senior football. Operating largely from the right flank, he has the fearlessness of a typical teenager but with the dazzling quality to back it up as opposition full-backs underestimate the strength and speed he possesses in that wiry frame. Let's be honest, young playmakers are just so on brand at the moment. Manchester City have recently secured the services of 21-year-old Rayan Cherki this summer, tasked with filling a Kevin De Bruyne-shaped hole in Pep Guardiola's attack. Advertisement As one of Europe's most exciting creative players, Cherki can play comfortably off either foot and embarrass defenders with a mazy dribble or a razor-sharp through-ball with equal nonchalance. Guardiola might use this summer to fix up his defensive discipline, but expect to see Cherki's creativity in full flow against weary defences melting in the sweltering sun. City will face Juventus in Group G, with the Bianconeri possessing a young star themselves in Kenan Yildiz. Fleet-footed, fearless and forward-thinking, 20-year-old Yildiz is a box of tricks. His 113 take-ons were more than any other Juventus player in Serie A last season, and he often looks to drive forward with the ball after making the opposition commit. If it is young English talent you are after, head to… Germany. With 19-year-old Jobe Bellingham following in his brother's footsteps in making the move to Borussia Dortmund, there is an opportunity for the teenager to make an instant impact. 'Jobe has already made his mark in training during the first few days,' said Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl. 'That's why we're glad to have completed the deal before the Club World Cup. He will strengthen us, not just for this tournament, but hopefully for many years to come.' Bellingham joins fellow Englishman Jamie Gittens, who has had a mixed season. Fatigue meant the 20-year-old's blistering start to the season was curtailed slightly, but he is often the player Dortmund look to when building their attack. No Bundesliga player attempted more take-ons across the campaign, with Gittens relishing the chance to drive into the box from the left flank (as shown below). Other Englishmen include Chelsea's Tyrique George, who will be looking for more minutes after breaking into Enzo Maresca's side last season. The 19-year-old forward came on for the final 30 minutes of Chelsea's group game with LAFC on Tuesday, and has made a positive impact whenever he has played, popping up anywhere across the forward line. Sticking with Maresca's side, Andrey Santos will be hoping for some game time this summer after impressing on loan at Strasbourg last season. The 21-year-old midfielder did not make the pitch even after Maresca rang the changes in the second half of Chelsea's clash with LAFC, but his quality is too good to ignore. Advertisement At the sharp end of the pitch, Porto's Samu Aghehowa has scored 25 goals in 39 appearances across the Primeira Liga and Europa League, and the 21-year-old has shown he can become one of Europe's elite finishers. At 6ft 4in (193cm), he has the strength to hold off defenders while possessing the poise and movement of a striker a fraction of his size. In an era where traditional No 9s are hard to come by, Samu is something of a throwback. Behind Samu in Porto's attack is the diminutive playmaker, Rodrigo Mora, who is one of the most exciting young talents coming out of Portugal. With silky touches, mazy dribbles and an eye for a finish, Mora's 10 league goals were more than any other under-20 players across Europe's top seven leagues last season. Given his small frame, you might miss him in the crowd, but give him the ball and you will struggle not to sit up and watch. There are also plenty of young, talented players at the other end of the pitch, including Real Madrid's Dean Huijsen. The 20-year-old is keen to clock up minutes and acclimatise to his new club after making the move from Bournemouth this summer. Similarly, it feels like Benfica's Antonio Silva has been playing senior football for over a decade, but somehow the front-footed, aggressive centre-back is still only 21. But look beyond the obvious names and you have Botafogo's Jair Cunha who, at 6ft 6in (198cm) tall, has all the attributes to be an elite centre-back. Jair is just 20 years old and looks bound for Nottingham Forest this summer. He has already made an impact in the Club World Cup — rising highest from Alex Telles's free kick to open the scoring against Seattle Sounders. Sounders' Obed Vargas played in that game. The 19-year-old can play as a defensive midfielder or a No 8 as he looks to dictate the game's tempo and progress the ball forward. Advertisement The same can be said of Boca Juniors' Milton Delgado. Having only just turned 20 this month, the Argentine's talent must be nurtured, but there is poise and maturity in the way that he plays as a defensive midfielder. In April, CIES Football Observatory ranked Delgado as, statistically, the best under-20 defensive midfielder in the world, so there are plenty of reasons to keep an eye on his progress — both this summer and beyond. (Top images: Desire Doue by Alex Pantling; Jobe Bellingham by Hendrik Deckers/Borussia Dortmund; both via Getty Images)
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
The five youngest goalscorers in a Champions League final
Paris Saint-Germain are champions of Europe for the first time after thrashing Inter Milan in the Champions League final. The Parisians secured a record-breaking 5-0 win in Munich, courtesy of contributions from some exhilarating young talent. Just twice previously had a teenager scored in a final during the Champions League era, but PSG saw three of their five goals scored by players under the age of 20. Advertisement Following an unforgettable final, we've ranked the five youngest scorers in Champions League finals. The five youngest goalscorers in a Champions League final 5. Lars Ricken – Borussia Dortmund, 1997 (20Y 10M 18D) Borussia Dortmund were crowned European champions for the first time in 1996/97, after beating defending champions Juventus 3-1 in Munich. Lars Ricken sealed the win with a stunning third goal, netting just 16 seconds after his introduction from the bench. After racing onto a through ball, Ricken chipped Angelo Peruzzi from distance with his very first touch to net the fastest-ever Champions League final goal by a substitute. 4. Desire Doue – Paris Saint-Germain, 2025 (19Y 11M 28D) Desire Doue became the first teenager to score twice in a Champions League final after starring during Paris Saint-Germain's 5-0 win over Inter Milan in 2025. The winger set up Achraf Hakimi's opener for the French side, before smashing home a deflected second just eight minutes later. He capped a man-of-the-match performance to net the third, as the Parisian side secured the biggest-ever final win. Advertisement 3. Carlos Alberto – FC Porto, 2004 (19Y 5M 15D) Carlos Alberto netted the opening goal as FC Porto thrashed AS Monaco 3-0 to win the Champions League under Jose Mourinho in 2004. The Portuguese side upset the odds to be crowned European champions, with the 19-year-old scoring a stunning opener. The striker's snap-shot found the top corner after 39 minutes, but it proved the highlight of a Porto career that failed to reach great heights. He netted just five times in 34 appearances for the club before leaving for Corinthians. 2. Senny Mayulu – Paris Saint-Germain, 2025 (19Y 14D) Senny Mayulu turned 19 just two weeks ago but now has a Champions League final goal on his résumé. Brought on in the 84th minute of PSG's win over Inter Milan, he scored only three minutes later. An incredible moment for the teenager born in the Paris suburbs, with sheer disbelief etched across his face. 1. Patrick Kluivert – Ajax, 1995 (18Y 10M 23D) Patrick Kluivert holds the record as the youngest-ever Champions League final scorer. Advertisement The Dutchman's memorable moment came in the 1995 final, as an inexperienced Ajax beat holders AC Milan. Just a year on from Milan's famous 4-0 win over Barcelona in the decider, Kluivert came off the bench to down the Rossoneri in Vienna. The 18-year-old prodded home with just five minutes to go to seal Ajax's fourth European crown. Read – PSG finally reach Champions League holy grail and have potential for dominance See more – Every record PSG broke or equalled in historic Champions League final Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
PSG aims for Club World Cup glory after historic Champions League win
Los Angeles FC players celebrate a goal by Igor Jesus during the second half of a FIFA Club World Cup play-in soccer match against the Club América, Saturday, May 31, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong) FILE - Edinson Cavani of Argentina's Boca Juniors strikes the ball during a Copa Sudamericana Group D soccer match against Bolivia's Nacional Potosi at La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, May 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko, File( FILE - Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez shoots to score the opening goal during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Slovan Bratislava at Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, File) FILE - Teammates celebrate with Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10), center, after he scored his side's second goal against Columbus Crew during the first half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, May 31, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File) FILE - PSG's Desire Doue scores his side's second goal past Inter Milan's Federico Dimarco, left, during the Champions League final soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, File) FILE - PSG's Desire Doue scores his side's second goal past Inter Milan's Federico Dimarco, left, during the Champions League final soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, File) Los Angeles FC players celebrate a goal by Igor Jesus during the second half of a FIFA Club World Cup play-in soccer match against the Club América, Saturday, May 31, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong) FILE - Edinson Cavani of Argentina's Boca Juniors strikes the ball during a Copa Sudamericana Group D soccer match against Bolivia's Nacional Potosi at La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, May 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko, File( FILE - Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez shoots to score the opening goal during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Slovan Bratislava at Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, File) FILE - Teammates celebrate with Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10), center, after he scored his side's second goal against Columbus Crew during the first half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, May 31, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File) FILE - PSG's Desire Doue scores his side's second goal past Inter Milan's Federico Dimarco, left, during the Champions League final soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, File) Just weeks after winning the Champions League for the first time in its history, Paris Saint-Germain's eyes are now fixed on FIFA's shiny new Club World Cup. The newly-crowned European champion can add the world title to a trophy haul that also included a French league and cup double this season. Advertisement 'We want to finish the season in style with the cherry on the cake,' coach Luis Enrique said. PSG had already qualified for the rebooted Club World Cup in the United States, but its Champions League triumph may still have come as a relief to FIFA. That's because, while the winner of the bumper tournament will officially be crowned the best club soccer team in the world, there are some notable absentees from the 32-team roster. Some big names are missing The Club World Cup will be without the champion of the most popular league in the world — the Premier League — given Liverpool's failure to meet the qualifying criteria. Advertisement The same goes for Barcelona and Napoli -- champions of Spain and Italy, respectively. No place either for current Asian champion Al-Ahli from Saudi Arabia or Pyramids — the African champion from Egypt. FIFA likely breathed a sigh of relief then when PSG and Inter Milan advanced to the final of the Champions League, with both teams having already secured their place at the Club World Cup via ranking points for recent runs in Europe's top club competition. Had either of the losing semifinalists — Barcelona or Arsenal — gone on to lift the trophy, then the flagship new tournament would have been without the reigning champion of Europe as well. The qualifying criteria were based on winners of continental trophies in the four years prior to the tournament, but not including the season directly before it. Advertisement That's why Chelsea — Champions League winner in 2021 — has a seat at the table despite finishing fourth in the Premier League last month. Chelsea is arriving at the Club World Cup with a new team, coach and even owners since it won the Champions League four years ago. The club is one of 12 from Europe, including stellar names like Real Madrid, PSG, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Inter and Juventus. South American clubs are Europe's top rivals Some of Latin America's biggest teams are in the tournament — including reigning Copa Libertadores champion Botafogo from Brazil. Three other Brazilian teams have qualified: Palmeiras, Flamengo and Fluminense. Advertisement Argentina's famous rivals River Plate and Boca Juniors will also be there — and are expected to be backed by thousands of fans traveling to the U.S. It is the Latin American contingent that likely will likely present the biggest challenge to the European teams. 'Everyone wants to compete — the question is how you prepare to win, to try to win. That's what challenges me,' said Marcelo Gallardo, River Plate head coach. 'I want to win. I don't want to just go and see what happens.' Will it work? FIFA president Gianni Infantino believes the tournament is what the sport has been waiting for — a world championship for club soccer. Advertisement 'For the first time in history, the 32 best clubs in the world will compete in a tournament to determine finally who is the best club in the world,' he said this week. In its previous format, which involved a mini-tournament of just seven teams instead of 32, it never fully captured global interest. Played in the middle of the season for Europe's top leagues, it had the feel of an exhibition, rather than a serious tournament. European teams dominated the modern era, winning all but one of the last 17 editions. The new format will be a much more exacting examination of the eventual winner — not least because there are so many teams from Europe, but also because there has been a marked drive to improve levels in countries like the U.S. and Saudi Arabia following a slew of star signings such as Lionel Messi, who has transformed Inter Miami. However, it remains unclear how much of an appetite there is among fans for another elite tournament in a calendar that is already saturated. Advertisement Details on ticket sales have not been released, but prices have dropped as the tournament has drawn closer and seats for the opening game between Al Ahly and Inter Miami on Saturday were still available this week. Marriott Bonvoy, a U.S. Soccer Federation partner, has been offering free tickets to some of its elite members for some games. It also remains to be seen what the television viewing figures will be, with the tournament broadcast globally on streaming service DAZN, which has also made 24 matches available with English-language commentary to TNT in the U.S. Eye-catching matches Al Ahly vs. Inter Miami, June 14, Miami Advertisement Five years after its MLS debut, Inter Miami — the team owned by David Beckham — will kick off in the first game of the Club World Cup. Its opponent in the opener is Egypt's Al Ahly — the winner of a record 12 African championships. It's likely to be party time at the Hard Rock Stadium, but the chance of Al Ahly spoiling Miami's big day is very real. PSG vs. Atletico Madrid, June 15, Los Angeles It will be an early test for PSG against Atletico. This is the type of match that could grace the later stages of any Champions League campaign between two of Europe's finest. Chelsea vs. LAFC, June 16, Atlanta Advertisement LAFC got in through the back door via a playoff against Club America of Mexico and its reward is an opening game against two-time Champions League winner Chelsea. Real Madrid vs. Al-Hilal, June 18, Miami The anticipation around this one would have been so much more intense had Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal not released Neymar in January, but it still has other star signings like striker Aleksandar Mitrovic. Madrid has a new coach in Xabi Alonso, who can get off to a flying start by winning the world title. PSG vs. Botafogo, June 19, Los Angeles Champions League winner against the reigning Copa Libertadores champion. This is the type of match that would have been the final in the tournament's previous guise — the best of Europe vs. the best of Latin America. Advertisement Bayern Munich vs. Boca Juniors, June 20, Miami Two soccer giants from different continents clash at the Hard Rock Stadium. This is what this tournament is all about. Expect an electric atmosphere with Boca's fans likely to massively outnumber those cheering on German champion Bayern. Inter Milan vs. River Plate, June 25, Seattle Another clash of continental titans. Champions League runner-up Inter takes on Argentine giant River Plate. Juventus vs. Manchester City, June 26, Orlando City may have relinquished its Premier League title and ended the season empty-handed for the first time eight years, but there's still chance for Pep Guardiola to salvage the campaign with the world title. ___ James Robson is at ___ AP soccer:
