With Group B promising to deliver looks like the best group to watch
With the FIFA Club World Cup almost underway we take a look at Group B where we will give you the favorites, the standout players as well as potential dark horses. Group B which consists of PSG, Atletico Madrid, Seattle Sounders and Botafogo might just be the group of death given the level of competition in this group. Although it may seem like PSG and Atletico are easily expected to grab the top two spots Botafogo and Seattle Sounders will have a big say in that. Some exciting players that spectators of this club tournament can look forward to watching include Alvarez, Doue, Dembele and Griezmann. With these two European giants going head to head the biggest match up will be PSG vs Atletico.
Seattle Sounders hoping to upset the big names
Seattle Sounders secured their place in this tournament after securing the 2022 Concacaf Champions League. The Americans have had a quiet two seasons since going on to be champions of the Americas. Seattle Sounders will be hoping to make a statement in this tournament and possibly be in the conversation for one of the teams that pulls the rabbit out of the hat. Progression into the knockout phase for the Sounders will be a positive result on their end. They will also be hoping to put the rest of the Americas on alert with a good tournament that could boost the rest of their season. Despite not being expected to top European heavyweights like PSG and Atletico if they lean on their strengths they could just find themselves being a surprise package. Their ability to control games could potentially be frustrating to many teams which could work in their favor.
Botafogo hoping to make more memories
Botafogo arrive in the Club World Cup coming off the back of their first Copa Libertadores victory. When you top South American giants like Corinthians, River Plate and Boca Juniors you definitely start catching people’s attention. Just like Atletico Madrid they are known to completely frustrate teams with their compact shape at the back and shut them out. Botafogo’s strong defense will be put to the test when they compete in the world best tournament because shutting down defenses in South America is one thing but keeping out the likes of PSG and Atletico is another. If Botafogo takes the lead in any of their games they will be happy to sit back and defend. Given all these attributes Botafogo are serious contenders for being a potential dark horse.
With the UCL secured PSG have their eyes on the CWC
Paris Saint Germain will not be fazed by the fact that they are in a group where they face teams with strong defenses. After all just look at what they did to the best defensive team in Europe Inter Milan. Les Parisiens passing draws players out position as they pass their way forward towards the final third. Despite Inter trying to keep a tight shape they were quickly dismantled by the best attacking side in Europe. PSG arrive in this tournament as favorites and will be looking to secure yet another trophy to add to their famous quadruple. A victory in this tournament will also put up a heavy statement going into next season.
Atletico hoping to go all the way
Atletico were on to challenging for all competitions last season however getting the better of Real Madrid and Barcelona proved to be an obstacle they could not get over. Los Colchoneros have shown the same weaknesses over the last few seasons where they start then completely fall apart. Atletico may not be the first name that comes up when you think of a winner of a tournament of this magnitude. However it would not be a major upset if they won it either. Los Rojiblancos boast one of the strongest defenses in Europe. To add on to that they know how to counter attack quickly which vulnerable defenses may struggle to keep up with. Having fallen short Atletico will want to go all way in this tournament.
