While fans have to wait until August for domestic football to return to their screens, the FIFA Club World Cup is doing its best to provide the action in the meantime – and now, we are heading into the latter stages of the Stateside showpiece: all eight Round of 16 matchups have been readied.
Surprisingly, none of FC Porto, Atletico Madrid or Boca Juniors have made it out of the group stages, while the likes of Botafogo, Flamengo and Fluminense have all shocked the footballing world with their brilliant performances up to this point. But now, it’s time for business.
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It’s the best against the best and AI – by analysing the current bracket, team form and potential matchups based on data – has provided a detailed prediction of what fans can expect between now and when the final is upon us – from the Round of 16 fixture winners to who will be locking horns at the end.
Round of 16 Matchups and Predictions
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami fall at the hands of PSG
Kicking things off with our all-Brazilian matchup, AI believes that Palmeiras – who topped Group A on goal difference – will run out 2–1 victors against Botafogo, though it will be a tighter match than people expected because of their opponent’s defensive resilience.
Chelsea will join them after defeating Benfica 2–0, with the west Londoners’ pace proving a deadly tool against the Portuguese side. Fluminense’s campaign will end at this point as Inter Milan – who lost 5–0 to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final recently – put them to the sword in a 3–1 win.
Defending champions Manchester City are at their very best (again!), defeating Al-Hilal in a comfortable 4–1 triumph. Lionel Messi, upon locking horns with his former club PSG, is unable to produce the goods and Inter Miami are beaten 3–2 by Les Parisiens. It’s the end of the Argentine’s journey.
Despite winning Group D, Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich are on hand to end Flamengo’s Club World Cup campaign. A 2–1 win, even without Jamal Musiala, proves the Germans are high-flying; as are Real Madrid, who beat Juventus in a 3–1 win. Borussia Dortmund, beating Monterrey 2–0, are the final team through.
FIFA Club World Cup - AI's Round of 16 Predictions
Palmeiras 2-1 Botafogo
Benfica 0-2 Chelsea
Inter Milan 3-1 Fluminense
Manchester City 4-1 Al-Hilal
Paris Saint-Germain 3-2 Inter Miami
Flamengo 1-2 Bayern Munich
Real Madrid 3-1 Juventus
Borussia Dortmund 2-0 Monterrey
Quarterfinal Matchups and Predictions
PSG, Inter Milan and Dortmund all end their Club World Cup journeys
Heading into the quarterfinal stage, AI has predicted that some major teams – including PSG – are set to be packing their bags and leaving the United States prematurely. That’s because the French side are poised to lose 2–1 (after extra-time) to Premier League outfit Manchester City, who finished top of their group.
Chelsea are set to continue the English dominance with a 1–0 win over Palmeiras. A set-piece is the decider as AI said: “Palmeiras’ South American flair meets Chelsea’s Premier League physicality. Chelsea’s depth and defensive organization should prevail in a tight contest. Predicted Winner: Chelsea (1–0).”
One of the favourites to win the whole competition, Real Madrid – expectedly – advance through to the semifinals after a 2–0 win over Borussia Dortmund, which leaves it up to Bayern Munich to fly the Bundesliga flag high. But can they do it against Inter Milan, who are seeking revenge after their embarrassment in the Champions League final?
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The Netherlands international was also showered in anything the River Plate fans could get their hands on as he darted towards the tunnel.
Yes, they can, according to AI, who said: “Inter’s defensive structure faces Bayern’s attacking prowess. Bayern’s experience in big matches and Harry Kane’s form tip the scales. Predicted Winner: Bayern Munich (3–2, a high-intensity thriller)”. Another moment of disappointment for the Serie A side, though Vincent Kompany and his entourage will be eyeing another piece of silverware at this point.
FIFA Club World Cup - AI's Quarterfinal Predictions
Paris Saint-Germain 1-2 Manchester City
Palmeiras 0-1 Chelsea
Real Madrid 2-0 Borussia Dortmund
Inter Milan 2-3 Bayern Munich
Semifinal Matchups and Predictions
Four European heavyweights battle for a place in the final
The only two sides from England’s top flight will reach the penultimate round. Chelsea, managed by Enzo Maresca, and Manchester City are poised, according to AI, to kick-off semi-final proceedings with an all-Premier League clash. The Etihad Stadium outfit are predicted to win 2–1 as AI said:
“City’s attacking fluidity and midfield control should outmatch Chelsea’s resilience, though it’s close. Predicted Winner: Manchester City.”
Another classic showdown could be on the cards with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid the next two sides to butt heads late into the competition. AI predicts that the latter will reign triumphant: “Real Madrid’s knockout-stage experience and Vinícius Júnior’s flair edge out Bayern’s firepower. Predicted Winner: Real Madrid (3–2, after extra time, with a late Madrid goal).”
FIFA Club World Cup - AI's Semifinal Predictions
Manchester City 2-1 Chelsea
Bayern Munich 2-3 Real Madrid
Final Prediction
Fans are treated to a Manchester City vs Real Madrid encounter
Here we are. Two of Europe’s heavyweights are predicted to lock horns at the MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ, on July 13 in order to be crowned winners. Both sides are perfectly aware of what the other is capable of – but it’s all about thwarting the danger and springing their own, too.
AI, however, are certain that Pep Guardiola’s men – who were the only team to escape the group stages with the perfect record – will reign supreme over Xabi Alonso’s Los Blancos in a standard 2–1 victory, which they say will be decided by a late goal.
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Paying Liverpool €10 million to get Trent Alexander-Arnold earlier than expected and in time for the Club World Cup doesn’t pay off for the Spaniards, as AI predicts that Rodri’s presence in midfield will be the difference maker. “City’s depth and Rodri’s midfield dominance should secure their second Club World Cup title,” it said.
FIFA Club World Cup - AI's Final Prediction
Manchester City 2-1 Real Madrid