Inter Miami Draw with Palmeiras and Prepare for Tough Test Against PSG
Inter Miami came heartbreakingly close to a second major win at the FIFA Club World Cup but had to settle for a two all draw with Brazilian side Palmeiras.
The American club took a two nil lead thanks to goals from Tadeo Allende in the 16th minute and Luis Suarez in the 65th. But Palmeiras fought back with goals from Paulinho in the 80th minute and Mauricio in the 87th to level the match.
Despite the late equaliser, Inter Miami still advance to the Round of 16 in the tournament. The draw means they finish second in their group and now face a very difficult test against European champions Paris Saint Germain on Saturday 29 June in Atlanta.
Inter Miami defender Noah Allen called the result bittersweet. His team had been just minutes away from topping the group and potentially facing an easier opponent in the next round.
Paris Saint Germain are the current UEFA Champions League winners and will present a major challenge. The French side are also the former club of Lionel Messi, who joined Inter Miami after winning the World Cup with Argentina.
Inter Miami are the only Major League Soccer club to win a match in this year’s Club World Cup. They beat Portuguese side FC Porto two one and drew nil nil with Al Ahly of Egypt before the draw with Palmeiras. The win over Porto was historic, making Inter Miami the first North American club to beat a European team in this tournament.
Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano said he was proud of his players and their performance in the group stage. He called it a historic night for Major League Soccer and said the league should be proud of how far the club has come.
The team’s progress is even more impressive given their poor form two months ago. Inter Miami had only won three of their previous ten league matches and were struggling to stay near the top of the MLS Eastern Conference.
Now they are one of the last sixteen teams in the world’s biggest club tournament. Their next task is to prepare for a showdown against one of the best teams in the world.
Left back Jordi Alba said the team is ready to compete and fight for a win, even against a side as strong as Paris Saint Germain. He said it is only one match and anything can happen in football.
The stage is set for a huge match between the young American club and the European giants. Inter Miami will train and recover over the coming days tor the big challenge.
