Brazilian clubs fill the knockout bracket

South American power

Brazilian teams are so competitive in South America that they have won the past six editions of the Copa Libertadores, five finals of which have been all-Brazilian affairs.

Much of that success comes from attracting talent from all over South America, as has happened at the Club World Cup.

The Brazilian league attracts young footballers from across the region, before they move elsewhere for money and more prestige. But, some choose to stay and grow in a tough league outside of Europe, with up to six serious contenders for the trophy every year.

Flamengo playmaker Giorgian de Arrascaeta is Uruguayan. Botafogo's key player is Venezuela's Jefferson Savarino. Fluminense highly depends on Colombian Arias, while Palmeiras is trusting that Argentina's Flaco Lopez has a few more goals in him.

None of them have ever played in Europe.

"Many good things in soccer history come from South America," Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola said Sunday.

"The greatest players come from there."

Several Brazilian clubs have also successfully incorporated Portuguese coaches into their setups.

Paiva took over Botafogo from his countryman Artur Jorge.

Meanwhile, Abel Ferreira has won almost every title with Palmeiras since he joined the club in 2020.

"I am very proud to be in Brazil. I had many chances to leave, and I did not," Ferreira said at the start of the tournament.

Asked how big the gap is between his team and European clubs, Ferreira said: "It is minimal. We have to compete."

The knockout stage of the Club World Cup will tell whether he is right.

Agencies via Xinhua