Credited from: ALJAZEERA
In a stunning upset, Brazil's Botafogo defeated European champions Paris Saint Germain (PSG) 1-0 at the FIFA Club World Cup, held at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles. The victory puts Botafogo in a strong position within Group B, while PSG will need to regroup after the defeat. Igor Jesus netted the only goal of the match in the 36th minute, taking advantage of a defensive lapse from PSG, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.
Despite PSG controlling possession, Botafogo's defense proved resilient, effectively shutting down several attempts from the French side. PSG had the ball in the net during the second half, but the goal was disallowed for offside, highlighting Botafogo's ability to withstand pressure. This match marked the first competitive encounter between the two teams, according to Al Jazeera.
Botafogo's midfielder trio, consisting of Marlon Freitas, Gregore, and Allan, played a crucial role in disrupting PSG's attacks, ensuring that their skilled playmaker Vitinha received minimal opportunities to influence the game. Igor Jesus expressed confidence in his team, acknowledging the significance of their victory against a team that had recently won the UEFA Champions League, stating, "A lot of people wondered, but we showed how strong Botafogo is," according to Reuters, Channel News Asia, and Al Jazeera.