With Inter leading the way can River and Monterrey challenge
With the FIFA Club World Cup on the horizon, we take a look at Group E and assess each team’s chances of progression, potential dark horses, and which players to look out for. This group features the likes of Inter, River Plate, Monterrey, and Urawa Reds. Although clubs like Inter and River are expected to secure qualification, we can expect to see Monterrey and Urawa put up a fight. Players you can expect to see shine in their group are Martínez, Mastantuono, Ramos, and World Cup scoring winner Montiel. The biggest matchup from this group will be Inter Milan vs. River Plate, with the winner of this clash potentially clinching top spot. Unlike any of the Continental Champions Leagues, this tournament has three matches per group, leaving less room for error.
With Giants like Inter in their group will Urawa drown under pressure
Since going on to win the AFC Champions League in 2022, Urawa Reds have had a disappointing last couple of seasons. There is controversy that surrounds the Japanese club, as they were disqualified from the Emperor’s Cup in 2024 due to fan violence. They currently sit in third position in the J1 League. They arrive in this tournament in average form, having won 5 of their last 10 games, with three draws and two defeats as well. Despite all the controversy and poor performances from last season, the J1 League giants will at least be sealing their place in this tournament.
Ramos to lead the way for Monterrey
Monterrey will not be completely satisfied with the way they have entered this tournament. The Rayados were only able to secure 7th place in the Clausura and 5th place in the Apertura. This highlights that when it came down to competing with the best teams from Mexico, they fell short. Monterrey will hope to close the curtains on that chapter as they aim to have a good tournament. Classifying them as potential dark horses for the tournament may be too much of a stretch. Although capable of frustrating opponents, they lack the individual brilliance and the tactical setup to potentially upset the big names. They will, however, be motivated by being seen as underdogs and will gladly accept the challenge. We can expect to see them challenge River Plate, but at the end of the day, as previously mentioned, River and Inter may have too much for them.
River hoping to far in this competition
River come into this tournament with making a name for themselves very much on their agenda. Now that they are on the biggest stage, they will hope to relish the opportunity once given to them. River have the potential to go far into the tournament and cause major upsets. They excel in most areas on the pitch, such as attacking, defending, and pressing. How far they go will very much come down to individual brilliance as well as strong tactics. Luckily for Los Millonarios, Gallardo is a flexible coach and can adjust his tactics to catch opponents out. River also boast one of the best strikers on the South American continent in Miguel Borja. Los Millonarios will be relieved that they get to hang on to key Argentine prospect Mastantuono, whose ability to set teammates up could be key to River Plate’s chances of a good tournament.
Inter seeking redemption after UCL disgrace
Coming off the back of a humiliating 5-0 defeat in the UCL, Inter will want to make amends with their fans by performing well in this cup. They will hope to gather momentum in the squad in order to have a successful tournament. Although Inter clinching the title may not seem like a likely scenario, you certainly wouldn’t put reaching far in the tournament past them. The Nerazzurri’s quick counter-attacking transitions, as well as their organized defense, will be something that frustrates attacking teams. However, a few liabilities with this squad are that many of their players in key positions are old, and another liability is their lack of creativity in midfield. With Inzaghi having already departed, it will be interesting to see how Chivu takes on his managerial role at Inter.
