Despite losing 1-0 to Atletico Madrid, Brazilian side Botafogo were unable to save their place in the last 16 of the Club World Cup on Monday.
In their opening match of the competition, Atletico knew they would need a significant win to advance, but Paris Saint-Germain gave them a 4-0 lead.
In a second sweltering midday kick-off in front of 22, 992 fans at the Pasadena Rose Bowl, PSG defeated the Seattle Sounders 2-0 elsewhere in Group B.
In the 87th minute, former France international Antoine Griezmann lashed home a Julian Alvarez cross to give Atletico a victory that was ultimately in vain.
Botafogo finished in second place in the group stage six points behind the French giants, who lead the division in terms of goal difference, after defeating European champions PSG 1-0 in their second group game.
In terms of goals scored, Botafogo and Atletico, who also finished with six points, came second.
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We regret not being selected because we had six points, according to Atletico coach Simeone. We were punished at the end of the day because it wasn’t enough.
I’m proud of my guys’ efforts. We played our hearts out, won two games, but we are, regrettably, not succeeding.
The South American champions Botafogo made a strong start to their match against Atletico, with Jefferson Savarino, a lively Venezuelan international, taking on Jan Oblak in the opening minutes.
However, as the first half progressed and the competition progressed, Atletico gained control of the ground and possession.
Alvarez, an international striker from Argentina, opened the scoring in the 41st minute but his shot dangled off Botafogo center-half Alexander Barboza for a corner.
Atletico believed to have made a crucial breakthrough just before half-time when Alvarez appeared to have been kicked in the penalty area, prompting a video assistant referee to check his position.
However, the review found a foul on Barboza in the build-up despite Alvarez’s appearance, so there was no sanction.
Following the incident, Simione described the incident as “none of the decisions went our way.”
With the Brazilians reportedly soaking up pressure during the second half, Atletico spent extended periods camping in Botafogo territory.
On 67 minutes, Rio de Janeiro’s side broke the deadlock with Igor Jesus’ first-time goal from Cuiabano’s cross that Oblak had to parry for a corner.
Source: Channels TV
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