Brazil’s Big Bite at the Club World Cup: Botafogo, Palmeiras, Flamengo & Fluminense Are On Fire!
"Many people didn’t believe this would happen. It is happening," declared Fluminense manager Renato Gaúcho, celebrating the fiery rise of Brazilian clubs at the Club World Cup. With Fluminense, Palmeiras, Botafogo, and Flamengo all storming into the last 16, Renato proudly hailed it as a moment when Brazilian football should hold its head high.
And he’s got a point. The group stage performances were nothing short of explosive. Botafogo stunned the world by toppling European champions Paris Saint-Germain, Flamengo dismantled Chelsea, and the only loss – Botafogo against Atlético Madrid – came when their focus had already shifted to the knockouts. Across 12 matches, Brazilian teams only tasted defeat once and conceded just nine goals. Dominance? Absolutely.
The action heats up this Saturday as Botafogo face Palmeiras in Philadelphia, reigniting a fierce modern-day rivalry. While not rooted in history or geography, this clash has taken center stage in Brazil’s domestic battles, resembling a samba-fueled version of Manchester City vs Liverpool – only spicier.
In 2023, Botafogo built a jaw-dropping 15-point lead in the league, only to see it slip. Their matchup with Palmeiras that year was pure drama – Botafogo went up 3-0, but a sensational comeback inspired by Endrick saw Palmeiras snatch it 4-3, and eventually, the title. The fallout? Explosive. Botafogo owner John Textor accused Palmeiras of corruption, which Palmeiras president Leila Pereira blasted as “criminal” and labeled Textor the “embarrassment of Brazilian football.”
Fast forward to 2024, and Botafogo had their revenge. They not only bounced back from heartbreak but made history with a league and Libertadores double, knocking Palmeiras out in the last 16. Though they’ve struggled this season – losing stars like Luiz Henrique and Thiago Almada (now on loan at Lyon, another Textor project) – their surprising success in the Club World Cup, especially the win over PSG, has reignited their spark.
Vitinho, the ex-Burnley defender, is fired up. “We’ve got a strong squad and we never stopped believing,” he said. “Our goal was to qualify, and we did it. Now comes the real test. Matches against Palmeiras have always been intense, full of unforgettable moments. Saturday will be no different.”
Meanwhile, Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton says they’ve been laser-focused on this tournament. “We started strong, we’re on the right track,” he said. “Competing with the world’s best is a golden opportunity, and the Brazilian teams are shining. But the pressure will only rise. We’ve got to keep pushing forward.”
He acknowledged the challenge Botafogo presents: “These Brazilian derbies are always tough. Both teams know each other well. But at least we know a Brazilian club is guaranteed a quarterfinal spot, and that lifts the entire image of Brazilian football.”
As for Flamengo, current league leaders in Brazil, they’ve got the toughest draw of the round: Bayern Munich. After topping their group, Flamengo were expected to face Benfica or Boca Juniors. But Vincent Kompany’s decision to rest players backfired – helping Benfica beat Bayern, altering the bracket and throwing Flamengo straight into the fire.
The winner of this last-16 blockbuster will go on to face PSG or Inter Miami, with a potential Real Madrid clash looming in the semis.
Still, club icon Zico is keeping things light: “We’ve got the edge – we’ve only played Bayern once and beat them 3-1,” he laughed, referencing a 1994 match in Kuala Lumpur. But this time, the prize is way bigger than a $20,000 check.
Flamengo boss Filipe Luís knows the mountain ahead is steep. He showered Bayern Munich with praise, calling them “dominant,” a “colossus” with an “extraordinary squad,” and coached at the highest level of European football. “They’re a club we admire – but football’s unpredictable. Anything can happen.”
He’s not planning to back down, though. “Flamengo’s DNA is all about pressing, controlling the game, and being vertical. We’re going to stay true to who we are. They’ll try to impose their rhythm – so will we. May the best team win.”
Meanwhile, some Flamengo fans are fuming. They believe Bayern threw the match against Benfica to settle for second, making Flamengo’s path much harder. A similar tactic seemed to come from Fluminense, who rested stars and drew with Mamelodi Sundowns, hoping to dodge giants like Dortmund or Inter. That strategy flopped – and now, Fluminense will face Inter in the last 16.
“There are no easy games now,” said Renato Gaúcho. “You can build a squad worth $500 million, but matches are won on the pitch.” With veterans like Thiago Silva anchoring their defense, this might be the perfect moment for Fluminense to take advantage of an ageing Inter side, especially after their crushing loss to PSG.
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"Brazilian giants Botafogo, Palmeiras, Flamengo, and Fluminense are dominating the Club World Cup 2024 with thrilling performances, fierce rivalries, and jaw-dropping upsets. Dive into the drama, goals, and glory as Brazil takes center stage on the global football scene."