Inter Miami Challenges Expectations at the Club World Cup
Inter Miami CF coach Javier Mascherano stated that the club continues to exceed expectations in the Club World Cup, following the 2-1 victory over FC Porto in the second matchday of the group stage. The criticisms prior to the tournament questioned the team’s performance.Mascherano also added:I think everyone in the club agrees that the team has taken a step forward in the competition, proving that we are up to the challenge. Perhaps there were some doubts before the start of the tournament, but I don’t want to go into that.
Javier Mascherano
Inter Miami will face Palmeiras in the last match of the group stage, with the possibility of qualifying for the knockout round. A victory against the Brazilian team would guarantee Inter Miami first place with seven points, giving them the opportunity to face the second-placed team in Group B in Philadelphia on June 28. A draw would allow the club to secure second place and qualify for the round of 16.I think this is not the time to analyze the Club World Cup. The analysis should be done when it’s over. We are in the middle of the competition and we must focus on continuing to compete. Tomorrow we will have a very difficult match, but we must overcome it.
Javier Mascherano
- If the club loses against Palmeiras and Al Ahly falls to FC Porto, Inter Miami would qualify for the round of 16 in second place.
- A defeat against Palmeiras and a defeat of Al Ahly over Porto, however, would force a tie in the group and automatically activate the tournament’s tie-breaking criteria.
Mascherano also commented on the team’s strategy:We are facing possibly one of the most important matches in the history of our club. Above all, may that fill us with enthusiasm to be able to play it, may it not be a burden, but an emotion and a challenge for this group of players who are doing well so far.
Javier Mascherano
The coach emphasized the importance of planning:It would be a big mistake if we went in thinking about not playing it and only about the result. I think that when you think about the result and not about getting into the game, certain things can happen during the match that make it very difficult to get back into the game. In the end, our idea is to go and win the match as we always have, as every time we enter a match, whether it’s in the Club World Cup, MLS, the Champions League or any other competition in which we participate.
Javier Mascherano
Mascherano confirmed that Lionel Messi will be available for the match after feeling some discomfort against Porto, and that left-back Jordi Alba could return to the starting eleven. Alba participated in the second match of the group stage of the tournament after three weeks out with a hamstring injury, playing important minutes to regain his physical form. The qualification for the round of 16 would meet the success criteria defined by Mascherano and co-owner Jorge Mas before the start of the tournament.But from there, we clearly want to win it through a plan. We don’t go crazy, knowing that we have to minimize many of Palmeiras’ strengths and try to take advantage of and expose their weaknesses.
Javier Mascherano
