Botafogo deserve respect for progressing from 'group of death', says Freitas
PASADENA, June 23 (Reuters) - Botafogo have defied their critics by making it to the Club World Cup last 16, captain Marlon Freitas said, even after his side lost 1-0 to Atletico Madrid and finished second in Group B on Monday.
Antoine Griezmann's late strike secured victory for Atletico, but it was not enough to overhaul the Brazilian side's goal difference as they finished second to Paris St Germain in Group B.
Freitas emphasised the achievement of advancing to the knockout stage from what many had dubbed the "group of death".
"Sure, we wanted to win, and I think we had our chances. We knew how to defend, and I believe we deserved at least a draw. Conceding that late goal was heartbreaking because we wanted to finish top of the group," Freitas told TV Globo.
"However, we should celebrate because, before the tournament started, everyone thought we had no chance against two top opponents from major European leagues. We've shown the value of Brazilian football. We are champions of South America, and we deserve respect."
Veteran defender Alex Telles echoed Freitas' comments.
"It's difficult to talk about it right now," Telles said.
"PSG and Atletico showed us more respect than most fans and pundits did. The team did what it had to do to advance to the next stage.
"Here we are, those who some said came to see Mickey in Disneyland, through to the round of 16 in the group of death. Qualifying shows the work done by this incredible group of men."
Botafogo will now face the Group A winners on Saturday, while PSG take on the runners-up on Sunday.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Reuters
14 minutes ago
- Reuters
Palmeiras, Inter Miami through to Club World Cup last 16
MIAMI, June 23 (Reuters) - Palmeiras rallied from two goals down to snatch a 2-2 draw against Inter Miami and qualify top of Group A for the Club World Cup last 16 on Monday, a result that sent both teams through to the knockout phase. Goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez gave Miami a two-goal lead before Paulinho and Mauricio scored in the last 10 minutes to get Palmeiras back on level terms. Both teams finished on five points, with Inter Miami second on goal difference. Al-Ahly and Porto were both eliminated. Lionel Messi's side will take on European champions Paris St Germain while Palmeiras face Botafogo in an all-Brazilian clash for a place in the quarter-finals.
Daily Mail
30 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Lionel Messi and Inter Miami advance to the knockouts of the Club World Cup despite collapse to Palmeiras
Inter Miami was set to face Botafogo in Philadelphia after Luis Suarez scored a sublime goal to put The Herons up 2-0 on Brazilian giants Palmeiras. What followed was a stunning collapse which will see them reach the knockout stages - but just barely as the finale of Group A featured two stunning results. Inter Miami gave up two late goals to the Alviverde to draw 2-2 and let slip the chance to win Group A. Now, that disaster will set up one of the most exciting matchups in the Round of 16: Messi, traveling to Atlanta, to take on his former club Paris Saint-Germain. MORE TO FOLLOW.
Reuters
3 hours ago
- Reuters
Atletico's Club World Cup exit is latest setback to Simeone's reign
June 23 (Reuters) - Atletico Madrid will have to pick themselves up again as they pack their bags to travel back home earlier than most expected from the Club World Cup, after being knocked out of the tournament in the group stage. Diego Simeone's side were eliminated despite a 1-0 victory over Brazil's Botafogo in their final Group B match on Monday, as they finished third in the so-called "group of death", level on six points with Paris St Germain and Botafogo but falling short on goal difference. The damage was largely inflicted in that opening 4-0 thrashing by PSG, a scoreline that would ultimately prove fatal to their ambitions in FIFA's revamped multi-million dollar showcase. Simeone's men arrived in the United States with high hopes, boasting a squad that included Argentinian forward Julian Alvarez, former France captain Antoine Griezmann, and several other international names. However, their heavy loss to PSG and lacklustre performances overall raised further questions about the team's direction under their long-serving manager. Reflecting on the campaign, Simeone expressed pride in his players' efforts but lamented what he deemed poor officiating. "Proud of the boys' work. We gave absolutely everything we had. We won two out of three matches and even so, sadly we're out,' he told DAZN after the Botafogo win. "With six points, it wasn't bad, but the match against PSG condemned us, where every refereeing decision always went against us. Today's game also had a penalty decision overturned after a VAR review. It's more of the same. We know what we need to improve, and this will help us move forward." Griezmann was the standout performer against Botafogo, scoring the decisive goal and providing a rare spark for a side that has struggled to replicate the defensive prowess seen in Simeone's best years, when they reached two Champions League finals. Despite dominating possession, Atletico rarely troubled Botafogo's organised defence and needed their goalkeeper Jan Oblak to work their magic against their Brazilian rivals to avoid a worst result. The previous defeat by PSG had already exposed familiar weaknesses, including frail defending against wide players and a lack of creativity in the final third—issues that have plagued them during their four consecutive trophy-less seasons. Blaming the refereeing rather than facing their own issues seems like a tough pill to swallow to Atletico fans as this latest disappointment heaps further pressure on Simeone, Europe's highest-paid manager, as he prepares for his 14th season in charge of the Madrid side. Critics and fans alike are questioning whether the Argentine's leadership can still inspire a squad that has stagnated in both domestic and European competitions. Adding to Atletico's woes is the sight of bitter rivals Real Madrid poised to advance in FIFA's revamped tournament. With an off-season of introspection ahead, Atletico face mounting challenges to rebuild and reclaim their status as contenders on all fronts.
