Brazil shines at the Club World Cup, but what does the future hold?
The FIFA Club World Cup, held in Brazil, was a resounding success, both in terms of organization and its impact on Brazilian football. The atmosphere generated by the local fans, from the start of the tournament, forced critics to recognize that the event exceeded expectations, becoming much more than a simple preseason match.
With the participation of four Brazilian teams (Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense and Botafogo), the competition became a topic of conversation in every corner of the country. At certain times, the atmosphere was reminiscent of a World Cup, with fans supporting their teams as if they were the national team.
However, there is a significant difference: most of the players in the Brazilian national team play in Europe, while the Club World Cup provided an opportunity for domestic football stars to shine.
Brazil places great importance on the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, a tournament that pits the club champions of each continent against each other. Historically, this competition has been a challenge for Brazilian teams, who have often been surpassed by European teams and, on occasion, by teams from other continents. However, the Club World Cup represented a different opportunity, being played in the middle of the season, with the support of the fans and, in the case of Flamengo and Palmeiras, with specific preparation to reach their best level.
This edition, although it generated disappointments for some, such as the dismissal of the Botafogo coach and the internal crises in Flamengo and Palmeiras, left a positive balance. Brazilian football demonstrated its ability to compete internationally.
The elimination of Fluminense at the hands of João Pedro, a Brazilian youth player who scored for Chelsea, symbolizes the financial gap with elite European football. The transfer of Agustín Canobbio, Fluminense’s most expensive player, contrasts with the millionaire transfers of players like João Pedro, who has generated significant income for Watford.
Brazilian football continues to lose its young talents, such as Estêvão, the new promise, and Igor Jesus, who have gone to Europe. Gerson also left Flamengo. This outflow of talent seems inevitable.Fluminense was the only South American team to reach the Club World Cup semi-finals.Brazilian football has implemented a strategy to address this situation. Clubs use transfer income to repatriate players from Europe, whether they are veterans or players who failed to stand out. In addition, Brazil is exploring South American talent, which has resulted in the incorporation of key foreign players, such as Giorgian de Arrascaeta.
Jhon Arias, Colombian midfielder, was one of the outstanding figures. In total, 30 players from seven South American countries participated in the tournament with Brazilian teams.
The arrival of foreign coaches, especially from Portugal and Argentina, has boosted the evolution of the game. The influence of Jorge Jesus at Flamengo in 2019 marked a turning point, implementing new ideas and strategies. With European clubs focused on signing young players, Brazilian clubs have lost their promising talents, but not necessarily their best players.
Flamengo’s success in the 2019 Copa Libertadores, with a team balanced between experience and young talent, is an example of the quality of Brazilian football. Despite the loss of talent, Brazil has proven to be competitive, but still has room for improvement.
The clubs still don’t manage their own league, which affects the schedule and the number of matches. In addition, the quality of the fields and the implementation of synthetic surfaces are topics of debate.
Improving the spectacle, with the existing talent and the rich history of Brazilian football, could turn the local league into a global attraction.0:58Botafogo surprises PSG, Champions League champion.The future of South American football could be at stake. The idea of a Pan-American championship, although unsuccessful in the past, could resurface. The dominance of Brazilian clubs in the Copa Libertadores, with six consecutive titles, is an unprecedented fact. The matches between Botafogo and Seattle Sounders, and Palmeiras and Inter Miami, have demonstrated the appeal and economic potential of the clashes between clubs from different confederations. Despite the logistical challenges, the possibility of increasing the encounters between clubs in the Americas is a prospect that is being considered.
