Igor Jesus (foto: Getty Images)
Brazilian sides dominate the Club World Cup in the USA — Fluminense, Palmeiras, Botafogo and Flamengo are all unbeaten and lead their groups.
The Club World Cup in the USA is dancing to a samba beat — and so far, no one’s stopping the Brazilians.
Brazilian teams have shown impressive form at this year’s expanded tournament: Fluminense, Palmeiras, Botafogo and Flamengo are all unbeaten and top their respective groups after two of the three group-stage rounds.
In Group E, Argentina’s River Plate leads the way, but elsewhere only three European sides are first in their groups: RB Salzburg, Juventus and Bayern Munich.
Despite the samba dominance, most European clubs remain on track to reach the knockout rounds. The main disappointments so far are Porto and Atlético Madrid, who have underperformed.
Tonight brings more action, with Slovenian defender Marcel Ratnik, recently signed by UAE club Al Ain, set to face Italian giants Juventus. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will aim to secure top spot when they play Mexican side Pachuca — although they’ll have to contend with extreme heat, with temperatures expected to reach 41 degrees Celsius.