analysis
The spectacle in the final failed to materialize. For this there was a surprise winner with Chelsea. The Londoners sometimes performed Paris Saint-Germain in the 3-0 victory. What remains of this tournament – except for an embarrassing appearance by Donald Trump?
It should have been her big moment. For four weeks, the professionals of Chelsea fought, played, played and, above all, sweated in the United States. Now they were at their destination, were due to a convincing 3-0 final victory against Paris Saint-Germain “World Champions“Get, winner of the FIFA club World Cup, which was held for the first time with 32 teams.
But when they wanted to enjoy and celebrate their moment in the stadium of East Rutherford/New Jersey on Sunday, a man was pushing in the center of their winning stage, who always likes to stand in the front row: Donald Trump. Together with FIFA boss Gianni Infantino, the US president congratulated the players, presented them with their medals and even pressed captain Reece James into their hands. So far so good.
Irritated Cole Palmer
But when Infantino then wanted to leave the stage and asked Trump with a hand signal to follow him, the head of state simply stopped next to Reece James. Trump did not even think of clearing his place here in the spotlight, but clapped eagerly when the captain of the Londoner stretched the trophy under the cheers of his teammates.
Cole Palmer felt “A little irritated” from Trump’s behavior. “We knew that he was on stage at the award ceremony, but I had no idea that he would still be there when we hoisted the trophy”the 23-year-old continues. It was the only visit to the US President at one of the 63 tournament games – and it was: typically Trump. He stood in the spotlight that belonged to others. But at least this time the boos failed.
Trump: “Small sensation, great match”
They had previously been unmistakable when Trump entered the lawn of the stadium together with Infantino and made a large number of 81118 fans in the sold -out arena clear their displeasure. However, the 79-year-old did not show anything. When asked about the outcome of the game, he said: “It was a little sensation, but it was a great match, well played, incredible crowd.”
The clear final triumph by Conference League winner Chelsea over Champions League winner Paris Saint-Germain was actually surprising, but deserved. Cole Palmer scored in the 22nd and 30th minute with his strong left foot. Newcomer João Pedro completed a preparatory work from Palmer to 3-0 in the 43rd minute. The Parisians, who had only had to accept one goal in this tournament and sent Bayern Munich and Real Madrid home in the Ko round, seemed overwhelmed against Chelsea, how for a long time.
“World Champions” Chelsea
At the final whistle, the substitute players of the Londoners ran in Blauen “World Champions“-T shirts onto the field that they had eagerly mapped. Then the Chelsea professionals celebrated with their thousands of fans, while the club’s lime from the stadium speakers”Blue is the color“Through the arena sound. “It’s a great feeling, especially because nobody believed in us before the game”said Palmer.
One is “Very proud of this title”emphasized coach Enzo Maresca. It wasn’t long ago that the Italian still had the tournament as “Joke” Described after the round of 16 between Chelsea and Benfica Lisbon was interrupted for almost two hours for thunderstorm warnings.
“Extreme conditions, no sold -out stages”
The weather was a formative topic of this club World Cup. Players and fans sometimes suffered from temperatures beyond the 35 degrees Celsius. With six games – as many than ever at a FIFA tournament – forced breaks had to be taken due to heavy rain or thunderstorm warnings. “I can understand if games have to be interrupted because of security concerns”said Maresca. However, if this is necessary for so many games, then the Chelsea coach is “Maybe not the right place for such a tournament.”
Was big with Pascal “Especially during the preliminary round” no World Cup feeling. “Extreme conditions, no sold -out stages”complained by the Dortmund midfielder. Almost 8,000 fans had gathered in the stadium in Cincinnati for the group game of his Borussia against Ulsan HD from South Korea. Only 56 percent of the arenas were occupied in the preliminary round, almost 34,000 fans wanted to see the 48 games between Seattle and Miami on average.
Play better, stadiums full of in the ko round
Games, their quality BVB sports director Sebastian Kehl as “Not outstanding over 90 minutes” classified – and attributed this to the extreme temperatures. With a view to the Ko round and the associated duels “better teams” However, Kehl had expected a better product. The games actually got better – and the stadiums full of. The audience cut rose to 52100 fans in the KO round.
Pays like this presented infantino audibly proudly before the final in New York. The tournament, which was held for the first time with 32 teams and 63 games over four weeks, had become a personal matter of the heart for the Swiss. And so he left nothing to be unnecessary, the event as “Huge success” for sale. Almost $ 2.1 billion in income, revenues of $ 33 million per game. “Worldwide”so Infantino, would come “No other club competition approaches such figures.” The “Golden era of club football” started, he emphasized.
A lot of money, but no hype
At least financially, this applies. Chelsea flies back to London with total earnings of $ 114 million. PSG can comfort itself with around $ 107 million. In addition to the serious injury to Jamal Musiala, 58 million dollars remain for Bavaria, Dortmund earned $ 52 million in five games.
But what remains away from this data? Has this tournament advanced football in the USA? After the appearances of Dembele, Mbappe, Palmer and Kane, has the anticipation of the 2026 World Cup in the country? The answers are: no. There were undoubtedly great games, especially thanks to the South American fans, atmospheric football festivals. But there was never a hype or hysteria around this club World Cup.