Palmeiras in the quarterfinals: drama, goals and an unexpected hero!

Palmeiras in the quarterfinals: drama, goals and an unexpected hero!

On June 29, 2025, a gripping duel of the World Cup took place in Philadelphia in Philadelphia. In this exciting quarter -finals, Palmeiras was the first team to prevail 1-0 against the Brazilian champion Botafogo. Paulinho scored the decisive goal in the 100th minute of extension. This crucial performance meant that Palmeiras moves into the semi -finals after a long and competitive game.

Both teams offered little space in the game for mistakes. Palmeiras, who had the clearer chances in the regular season, finally took the opportunity to crack the Botafogo's defense. Paulinho, who was substituted in the 64th minute, came to a decisive role immediately after his substitution. Just ten minutes after the start of the extension, he scored 1-0 before he was replaced a little later to manage his recovery from a shin infringement. Palmeiras demonstrated his strength across the game, despite the late yellow-red card for captain Gustavo Gomez in the 116th minute, which gave the game an additional dramaturgy.

uncertained sequel to Chelsea against Benfica

In the second game of the evening between Chelsea and Benfica Lisbon, a thunderstorm broke out over Charlotte, causing the game to be interrupted in the 86th minute. At that time, Chelsea was 1-0 in the lead after Reece James surprised in the 64th minute with a free kick. Up to this point, the game was characterized by intensive duels, with Chelsea maintaining his offensive pressure through dangerous chances of Marc Cucurella.

The security protocol for major events in the USA came into force during the thunderstorm, which led to an uncertain continuation of the game. In the meantime, no rain had fallen in Benfica's surroundings, which also complicated the situation. The nervousness among the fans of the two teams was noticeable because they waited for the final decision of the organizers.

The context of the FIFA Club World Championship 2025

This year's FIFA Club World Championship, which takes place in the USA from June 14 to July 13, 2025, is the first of its kind in the new format with 32 teams. This tournament not only includes top European clubs such as FC Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, but also representatives from other continents. The event extends over numerous stadiums in the USA and comprises a total of 63 games. The winner receives a high premium of at least $ 50 million, while the total prize in prize money exceeds one billion US dollars.

Attention applies not only to the sporting performance, but also the organizational challenges associated with a tournament of this size. Critics, including player unions, express concerns about the additional burden for the kickers in an already packed game calendar. In addition, doping controls are carried out according to the standards of the WADA and referees receive body cams to create more transparency in the decisions.

Palmeiras, with the aim of playing in the semifinals on July 4, has successfully mastered the first hurdles and will have to compete for the next games without the blocked players Joaquin Piquerez and Gustavo Gomez. The pressure and expectations are increasing while the tournament is progressing and the teams are fighting for the prestigious title.

Overall, the tournament shows its exciting side, since the fans and players are confronted with an exciting mix of thrills, drama and unpredictable twists.