Inter Miami and Palmeiras Advance, Setting Up Fireworks in Club World Cup Knockouts
What a night it was in the Club World Cup, and all eyes were on Miami as Inter Miami and Palmeiras delivered a thrilling 2-2 draw that had it all—star power, dramatic goals, and major tournament implications. The match, held at Hard Rock Stadium, wasn’t just another group game—it was decisive. And it ended with both teams punching their ticket to the knockout stage, but it’s Palmeiras who top the group thanks to their late-game heroics.
For much of the game, it looked like Inter Miami were heading for their second straight win in the tournament. Tadeo Allende opened the scoring in the 16th minute, capping off a brilliant link-up with Luis Suarez, who had dropped deep to start the move. Then, Suarez himself lit up the night with a vintage finish in the 65th minute. He muscled off defenders, danced through a tight pocket, and unleashed a half-volley rocket that beat Palmeiras keeper Weverton at the near post—classic Suarez stuff.
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But Palmeiras had other plans. Down 2-0 and with the clock ticking into the final 10 minutes, they roared back. Paulinho gave them a lifeline in the 80th minute with a clever run and cool finish. Just seven minutes later, Mauricio was the fastest to react to a deflected clearance, hammering in the equalizer that silenced the Miami crowd and changed the entire dynamic of the group standings. That late equalizer pushed Palmeiras above Inter Miami on goal difference and set them up for an all-Brazilian clash with Botafogo in the next round.
Now, here’s the real headline: Inter Miami will face none other than PSG in the round of 16. Yes, Lionel Messi is about to square off against his former club, setting the stage for a high-stakes reunion. Add to that the presence of Suarez, Busquets, Alba, and even coach Mascherano—all familiar faces to PSG boss Luis Enrique from their Barcelona days—and this matchup feels more like a Champions League knockout than a Club World Cup tie.
Messi didn’t score against Palmeiras, but his influence was unmistakable. The rhythm, the calmness on the ball, the leadership—it’s all there. And now he’s got a shot to take down Europe’s current champions. PSG, meanwhile, cruised past Seattle Sounders 2-0 in their final group match with goals from Kvaratskhelia and Hakimi, so they’ll come into this one with confidence.
Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, are heading home. Despite beating Botafogo 1-0, it wasn’t enough due to goal difference. Griezmann scored late, but they needed a three-goal margin to stay alive, and they couldn’t find that extra gear. It’s a bitter end for Diego Simeone’s side.
As we head into the last 16, the Club World Cup is delivering drama and storylines worthy of the global stage. And Inter Miami vs. PSG? That’s one you don’t want to miss.
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