United States, Second Home of Brazilian Football

MIAMI, THURSDAY - Brazilian and American football have a history marked with golden achievements. Whenever they appear on American soil, Brazilian teams always manage to find glory. This includes their accomplishments in the Club World Cup. All four representatives from Brazil have secured their places in the round of 16. Fluminense became the last Brazilian representative to earn a ticket to the knockout stage after drawing 0-0 with Mamelodi Sundowns FC at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, USA, on Thursday (26/6/2025) early morning WIB.

The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) sent six representatives to the Club World Cup. Of these six representatives, two are from Argentina and the rest from Brazil. Unlike their counterparts from Argentina who were eliminated prematurely in the group stage, Botafogo, Palmeiras, Fluminense, and Flamengo have been able to make a significant impact. All four teams have not yet suffered a defeat in the group stage.

Their success shows how the US has become like a second home for Brazilian football.

"This is an extraordinary moment for me, the team, the fans, and our country. We have four Brazilian teams in the round of 16. So the feeling is incredible. We need to enjoy it now, take a moment to rest, and savor this moment because it is a unique moment in the club's history. For us, it is not a surprise (that four Brazilian teams performed very well in the Club World Cup) because we already know the level of our game and our quality. This tournament gives us the opportunity to showcase the quality of the Brazilian League," said Fluminense midfielder, Nonato, after the match, as quoted from the FIFA website.

Fluminense can be considered quite fortunate to have secured one point and advanced to the round of 16. They managed to force a draw until the end amidst the relentless onslaught from Sundowns FC.

From the start of the match, Sundowns played aggressively, creating numerous dangerous threats from the flanks as they needed a full three points to advance. Meanwhile, Fluminense was more passive as a single point was sufficient to take them to the knockout stage.

From three golden opportunities to score, Sundowns FC failed to capitalize on all of them. Fluminense's fortunate fate, which managed to survive the onslaught from Sundowns, impressively suggests that they are "blessed" by the land of the United States.

In the past, Brazil had sweet memories while competing in the United States. The "Samba" team achieved its fourth star or won the World Cup when the United States hosted the event in 1994. In the final held at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, the Brazilian national team defeated Italy through a penalty shootout after finishing 0-0 at the end of regular time.

The myth of Brazil's fortune on American soil began with this match. Marcio Santos, who took the first penalty for Brazil, failed to execute his task. Fortunately for Brazil, Franchino Baresi's penalty attempt subsequently failed to give Italy the lead. After that, three Brazilian kickers, Romario, Branco, and Carlos Dunga, successfully fulfilled their duties.

Unfortunately for Italy, their most talented player, Roberto Baggio, who should have easily scored, unexpectedly failed to put the ball in the net. Baggio's shot soared far above the crossbar of the Brazilian goal. Baggio, unable to believe that his execution had missed by such a distance, displayed a deeply sorrowful expression that would become iconic for many years thereafter.

Aura of good fortune for similar teams is once again emanating from the four representatives of Brazil in this year's Club World Cup. The success of advancing to the round of 16 further fuels optimism to end the dominance of European representatives. Botafogo's coach, Renato Paiva, has even boldly claimed that the Club World Cup is the graveyard of strong teams that are favorites.

They are confident that this miracle is not a coincidence. Fluminense midfielder, Jhon Arias, believes that his team will once again create surprises and advance as far as possible in the Club World Cup.

“Our first goal is the Round of 16, but that is not the final goal,” Arias said.

The contrasting achievements of representatives from Brazil and Argentina in the Club World Cup feel ironic considering both countries have a strong tradition in football. What distinguishes the representatives from Brazil and Argentina is the financial situation. Boca Juniors and River Plate indeed have a very large fan base, but they are experiencing financial difficulties due to the ongoing financial crisis in Argentina.

Their revenue, particularly from sponsorship and marketing, is lower than that of the major Brazilian clubs, which are able to recruit and pay better players. This condition also explains how Brazilian clubs have been more successful in the Club World Cup compared to Argentina.