FIFA Club World Cup 2017

[Guest]

Its honestly just struck me that these are the worst champions since San Lorenzo. Luan and Arthur are literally the only reason they've won the Libertadores. There were a few other decent players like the full backs Cortez and Edilson but overall Atletico Nacional was 3 times the side these are.

[Guest]

Just now, Cannabis said:

Just proves that South America is not even close to being on Europe's level.

You're not wrong

But to say our football is irrelevant is a very European centric view.

[Guest]

@Cannabis These days South American clubs get their level through individualism and players who are capable to play in Europe rather than actual fully built squads like Europe is.

 

Flamengo with Guerrero, Trauco and Diego

Palmeiras last year with Mina and Jesus

Boca with Benedetto, Nandez and Cardona

River earlier this year with Driussi and Alario

Gremio with Arthur and Luan

 

As a few examples. Its all individualism and that's what will win them their next clash against the Europeans. Quality over quantity for them. European is quality and quantity.

Atletico Nacional of 2016 was the only team in the last few years that wasn't based of individualism and every player was just as good as each other. Had the team not been taken apart, they would have given Real Madrid a game.

[Panflute]

It was very nice to see Real play a game like this. Some will see this win as the logical result of the difficulty gap between South America and Europe in terms of club football, but this season in the league, Real Madrid has struggled in almost every single game. Compare this to the semi-final, where Real Madrid gave away so many chances against an inferior team, whereas Grêmio's only real opportunity last night was that Roberto Carlos-style free kick that flew just over the bar. The way they shut that team down, and the way players like Modric, Isco and Varane played, makes me a bit more optimistic about their possibilities for the rest of the season, although even last night it was obvious that Real Madrid has a problem when it comes to finishing.