2012 FIFA Club World Cup: News & Analysis [R]

Nico Limmat · Mar 16, 2012

It was the week of second leg comebacks...

UCL Results this week (R16; Second Leg):

Real Madrid (Spain) - CSKA Moscow (Russia) 4:1 [5:2 on Agg.]
Bayern Munich (Germany) - Basel (Switzerland) 7:0 [7:1 on Agg.]
Inter Milan (Italy) - Marseille (France) 2:1 [Marseille wins on away goals]
Chelsea (England) - Napoli (Italy) 3:1 [Chelsea won 4:1 in OT]

Chelsea managed to avoid complete disaster for England this year while Marseille eliminated Inter. The quarterfinal draw is later today.

CONCACAF Quarterfinals - Second Leg:

LA Galaxy (USA) - Toronto FC (Canada) 1:2 [3:4 on Agg.]
Monterrey (Mexico) - Monarcas Morelia (Mexico) 4:1 [7:2 on Agg.]
Santos Laguna (Mexico) - Seattle Sounders (USA) 6:1 [7:3 on Agg.]
Pumas UNAM (Mexico) - Isidro Metapan (El Salvador) 8:0 [9:2 on Agg.]

What a crushing result for the Galaxy and David Beckham who spoke of winning this competition. Seattle in the meantime also had high hopes in Torreon.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hzFO95N1xE"]Santos vs Seattle sounders 6-1 - YouTube[/ame]

The semis are set:

Toronto FC (Canada) - Santos Laguna (Mexico)
CF Monterrey (Mexico) - Pumas UNAM (Mexico)

Discovered an interesting fact. A Mexican win this year would set a new (sole) world record in terms of winning streak for a confederation's premier club competition. Right now it's tied at six with England:

- 6 England (1977-1982)
- 6 Mexico (2006-Present)

It's called FOOTBALL · Mar 16, 2012

So, another year of Mexican teams pummeling usa teams. And to think someone said "Galaxy would have done better in the CWC" in the previous CWC thread. The evidence has been presented beyond a reasonable doubt that the Mexican League is a clear cut above the rest of the region. Posters here gotta wise up.

Nico Limmat · Mar 16, 2012

UEFA Quarterfinal Draw:

X: Marseille (France) - Bayern Munich (Germany)
X: APOEL Nicosia (Cyprus) - Real Madrid (Spain)
Y: Benfica (Portugal) - Chelsea (England)
Y :AC Milan (Italy) - FC Barcelona (Spain)

X - Meet in Semis; Y - Meet in Semis

Looks like APOEL is going to regret getting this far. Real Madrid and Barcelona can only meet in the final in Munich. Bayern of course will try to prevent that.

Cyclonis · Mar 16, 2012

It's called FOOTBALL said: ↑

So, another year of Mexican teams pummeling usa teams. And to think someone said "Galaxy would have done better in the CWC" in the previous CWC thread. The evidence has been presented beyond a reasonable doubt that the Mexican League is a clear cut above the rest of the region. Posters here gotta wise up.
Click to expand...

GAAAAAAAAAAH!!!

Nico Limmat · Mar 17, 2012

Looks like India wants to host the CWC in 2015.

Would be a good choice in my opinion. The I-League is still not up to standard but this could motivate some development at the club level and football overall.

unclesox · Mar 17, 2012

SwissGCZ said: ↑

Looks like APOEL is going to regret getting this far.
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The aggregate will probably look embarrassing but to have a club with the stature of Real Madrid play a Champions League quarterfinal tie on their home ground, this is their dream. I don't think anything negative can come from the experience. Nevermind APOEL, who knows how long any Cypriot team will reach this far again in the future.

Paul Calixte · Mar 17, 2012

SwissGCZ said: ↑

Looks like India wants to host the CWC in 2015.

Would be a good choice in my opinion. The I-League is still not up to standard but this could motivate some development at the club level and football overall.
Click to expand...

If India were to get 2015/2016, assuming FIFA doesn't alter the format, the play-in game would get a lot more competitive.

Nico Limmat · Mar 18, 2012

Paul Calixte said: ↑

If India were to get 2015/2016, assuming FIFA doesn't alter the format, the play-in game would get a lot more competitive.
Click to expand...

Indeed. The I-League is still a level below the UAE or Qatari league and we saw what can happen when Auckland catches a team like Al Ahli (Dubai) on an off-day.

Japan has also voiced interest once again for 2015 but that is a bit too soon. At this point I hope India gets it instead. Final in front of 120,000 in Calcutta?

Lusankya · Mar 19, 2012

Are there any European or South American countries that plan to host the CWC in the future?

Paul Calixte · Mar 19, 2012

Lusankya said: ↑

Are there any European or South American countries that plan to host the CWC in the future?
Click to expand...

Not that we know of.

Given that the host team needs to be good enough to not get embarrassed, but not good enough to actually win the CWC, I don't see FIFA considering a European hosting bid anytime soon. As for South America: with Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay out of the question (for the same reason as the potential European bids), I think Peru would have the best shot at hosting, what with their new National Stadium; but I don't see them coughing up the $35 million in guarantees for FIFA.

What I'd really like to see, though, is the US or Mexico bid for the tournament. A Club World Cup here in the States would be awesome to attend, while a Mexican bid would also guarantee that a non-Mexican team gets to participate (either by winning the CCL, or by being the best non-Mexican team in our Champions League and getting the hand-me-down "host" spot). And fortunately for FIFA, since the CCL champion would most likely be Mexican, there would be no problem if that team makes it to the Final.

jared9999 · Mar 19, 2012

SwissGCZ said: ↑

Discovered an interesting fact. A Mexican win this year would set a new (sole) world record in terms of winning streak for a confederation's premier club competition. Right now it's tied at six with England:

- 6 England (1977-1982)
- 6 Mexico (2006-Present)
Click to expand...

Discovered?? I wrote about that in the mexico boards weeks ago. I know you learned that from me.

Nico Limmat · Mar 20, 2012

Paul Calixte said: ↑

I think Peru would have the best shot at hosting, what with their new National Stadium; but I don't see them coughing up the $35 million in guarantees for FIFA.
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What I would like to see starting 2015 is annual host rotation.

You would perhaps see a few more bidders if it didn't mean back-to-back tournaments and a combined $70 millions in guarantees. The CWC is small enough that you can host it in numerous locations including city states like Singapore.

jared9999 said: ↑

Discovered?? I wrote about that in the mexico boards weeks ago. I know you learned that from me.
Click to expand...

So why didn't you come and share that knowledge with us?
(I honestly didn't see it there)

Anyway, more action in the ACL today. Adelaide United beat Gamba Osaka at home and got some late revenge for the 2008 final:

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4VLY1v9g5g"]ACL 2012: Adelaide United vs Gamba Osaka - YouTube[/ame]

jared9999 · Mar 20, 2012

SwissGCZ said: ↑

So why didn't you come and share that knowledge with us?
Click to expand...

because I`m not one to brag

Nico Limmat · Mar 21, 2012

The story of the 2012 ACL so far is definitely Thailand's Buriram United FC.

The team formerly known as Provincial Electricity Authority has now beaten the defending J.League and CSL champions. Thai club football is officially back on the map.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYej2LPQz_I"]ACL 2012 MD2: Guangzhou Evergrade vs Buriram United - YouTube[/ame]

druryfire · Mar 21, 2012

SwissGCZ said: ↑

The story of the 2012 ACL so far is definitely Thailand's Buriram United FC.

The team formerly known as Provincial Electricity Authority has now beaten the defending J.League and CSL champions. Thai club football is officially back on the map.

ACL 2012 MD2: Guangzhou Evergrade vs Buriram United - YouTube
Click to expand...

And there's two sides to the AFC story. They kept nations such as Thailand out of the compeittion to improve professionalism in the regional game. Seem's to have given Thai teams a kick up the arse to get their game in order.

Only concern, AFC continues to keep some nations out of participation for the ACL, wonder how many other nations might hae a fairy tale story around the corner?

As for the Buriram United game, the Buriram coach said after the match that he was initally worried about Cleo, Conca and another before the match and planned to tactically play to mark these such players. After 10 minutes or so he noticed that that players aren't as good as the ones in the domestic Thai Legaue and changed tact. Maybe Chinese clusb are paying over the odds!! Conca gets paid more than the wole Thai league together.

Apparently Guangzhou's first defeat on home soil in 2 years, well done PEA/Buiriam PEA/United!!

Nico Limmat · Mar 23, 2012

What's interesting is that all of last year's losing finalists aren't doing too well, if they made it back at all that is:

UEFA / Manchester United
- Eliminated in Group Stage

CONMEBOL / CA Penarol
- A single point so far in three group stage matches. Last in group.

AFC / Jeonbuk Motors
- Two group stage matches. Two 5-1 defeats.

CAF / Wydad Casablanca
- Did not qualify.

CONCACAF / Real Salt Lake
- Did not qualify.

OFC / Amicale FC
- Eliminated in Group Stage.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI5mUBrW7WI"]Peñarol 0 - Nacional 4 : Copa Santander Libertadores - YouTube[/ame]

Paul Calixte · Mar 23, 2012

SwissGCZ said: ↑

Peñarol 0 - Nacional 4 : Copa Santander Libertadores - YouTube
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Penarol getting blown out by Nacional...ouch.

Nico Limmat · Mar 26, 2012

UEFA finally had a clear ruling on the six Welsh "exiles" in the English system:

"Welsh clubs, like Swansea and Cardiff, will be able to qualify for European competition through the English system," confirmed a Uefa spokesman. The ruling is a blow to the FAW who wanted to offer the exiles the carrot of Europa League qualification to persuade them to play in the Welsh Cup.
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Not that any of them will be in the running for a CWC spot anytime soon, but it's interesting to see the latest take on this issue. The deal-breaker across confederations seems to be that an association can't have a firmly established division one at home if it wants to nominate a club that is playing abroad.

What's the situation in Puerto Rico these days?

Paul Calixte · Mar 26, 2012

SwissGCZ said: ↑

UEFA finally had a clear ruling on the six Welsh "exiles" in the English system:

Not that any of them will be in the running for a CWC spot anytime soon, but it's interesting to see the latest take on this issue. The deal-breaker across confederations seems to be that an association can't have a firmly established division one at home if it wants to nominate a club that is playing abroad.

What's the situation in Puerto Rico these days?
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The Islanders and Bayamon FC are both set to participate in the next CFU Club Champions Cup.

Nico Limmat · Mar 29, 2012

UCL Quarterfinals, First Leg:

Marseille (France) - Bayern Munich (Germany) 0:2
APOEL Nicosia (Cyprus) - Real Madrid (Spain) 0:3
Benfica (Portugal) - Chelsea (England) 0:1
AC Milan (Italy) - FC Barcelona (Spain) 0:0

Not a good round for the home teams, but things remain interesting between Milan and Barcelona. Benfica still has chances to turn it around as well.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4avw2GpgrXY"]Chelsea Vs Benfica 1-0 Full Match Highlights And Goals 27-3-2012 - YouTube[/ame]

CCL Semifinals, First Leg:

Toronto FC (Canada) - Santos Laguna (Mexico) 1:1
CF Monterrey (Mexico) - Pumas UNAM (Mexico) 3:0

Impressive first leg by defending champions Monterrey...

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXEUklTuCGg"]3.28.12 CCL Highlights Monterrey v Pumas - YouTube[/ame]

morange92 · Apr 4, 2012

i'd like to see an mls team get into the club world cup... i follow international soccer, but tbh it's kind of a pain to follow european clubs so im hoping the MLS gets good enough to be able to compete in these kind of events

Nico Limmat · Apr 5, 2012

morange92 said: ↑

i'd like to see an mls team get into the club world cup... i follow international soccer, but tbh it's kind of a pain to follow european clubs so im hoping the MLS gets good enough to be able to compete in these kind of events
Click to expand...

Well, it's not looking good. Mexico set a new world record of seven consecutive titles today and looking at the scorelines that record may extend well beyond ten.

CCL Semifinals, Second Leg:

Santos Laguna (Mexico) - Toronto FC (Canada) 6:2 / 7:3 on agg.
Pumas UNAM (Mexico) - CF Monterrey (Mexico) 1:1 / 1:4 on agg.

FINAL: CF Monterrey (Mexico) - Santos Laguna (Mexico)

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCmi835KGrY"]4.4.12 CCL Highlights Santos v Toronto - YouTube[/ame]

UCL Quarterfinals, Second Leg:

Bayern Munich (Germany) - Marseille (France) 2:0 / 4:0 on agg.
Real Madrid (Spain) - APOEL Nicosia (Cyprus) 5:2 / 8:2 on agg.
Chelsea (England) - Benfica (Portugal) 2:1 / 3:1 on agg.
FC Barcelona (Spain) - AC Milan (Italy) 3:1 / 3:1 on agg.

No surprises in UEFA, Chelsea managed to overcome Benfica. Barcelona are now only three games away from returning to Japan.

In the O-League the last group match determining the second finalist had to be moved to April 15 (in Auckland) due to a severe storm in Fiji.

El CHarro_NEgro.... · Apr 5, 2012

By probability alone, another CONCACAF league is going to grab the trophy sooner or later. Starting next tournament, Mexicans teams are more likely to drop at the group stages thanks to the new format. One freaky result may suffice in some instances.

morange92 · Apr 5, 2012

SwissGCZ said: ↑

Well, it's not looking good. Mexico set a new world record of seven consecutive titles today and looking at the scorelines that record may extend well beyond ten.

CCL Semifinals, Second Leg:

Santos Laguna (Mexico) - Toronto FC (Canada) 6:2 / 7:3 on agg.
Pumas UNAM (Mexico) - CF Monterrey (Mexico) 1:1 / 1:4 on agg.

FINAL: CF Monterrey (Mexico) - Santos Laguna (Mexico)

4.4.12 CCL Highlights Santos v Toronto - YouTube

UCL Quarterfinals, Second Leg:

Bayern Munich (Germany) - Marseille (France) 2:0 / 4:0 on agg.
Real Madrid (Spain) - APOEL Nicosia (Cyprus) 5:2 / 8:2 on agg.
Chelsea (England) - Benfica (Portugal) 2:1 / 3:1 on agg.
FC Barcelona (Spain) - AC Milan (Italy) 3:1 / 3:1 on agg.

No surprises in UEFA, Chelsea managed to overcome Benfica. Barcelona are now only three games away from returning to Japan.

In the O-League the last group match determining the second finalist had to be moved to April 15 (in Auckland) due to a severe storm in Fiji.
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ouch... yeah i guess i'll have to be a little patient... it's probably worse for me since i "root" for dc united since they are the local team, but i heard they aren't very good right now even for the MLS.

Nico Limmat · Apr 6, 2012

morange92 said: ↑

ouch... yeah i guess i'll have to be a little patient... it's probably worse for me since i "root" for dc united since they are the local team, but i heard they aren't very good right now even for the MLS.
Click to expand...

DC United's golden age was in 1998 when they were the first American team to win the (then) CONCACAF Champions Cup as well as the (now discontinued) Interamerican Cup. It is still the most notable achievement by any MLS team.

Anyway, big weekend coming up in Africa where the first round is coming to a close. Ghana's Berekum Chelsea hammered Raja Casablanca 5:0 in the first leg. TP Mazembe is finally back in action and has to defend a 1:1 draw from the first leg against Zambia's Power Dynamos:

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKnAI4QrmKQ"]RESUME POWER DYNAMOS vs TP MAZEMBE - YouTube[/ame]