Luis Henrique, newly signed by Inter Milan, expressed that European players were “surprised” by the performance of Brazilian clubs in the recent FIFA Club World Cup. Following their opening matches, the Brazilian teams demonstrated unexpected strength, prompting comments about the underestimation of South American football by their European counterparts.
Despite finishing their match against Monterrey in a 1-1 draw, the performances of Fluminense and Palmeiras drew praise. Luís Henrique noted, “What happens is that they don’t watch much of the leagues, whether Brazilian or South American, and are surprised, as seen with Fluminense stunning Borussia.” He highlighted the perception that European teams often underestimate the competitive spirit and quality of South American clubs.
In addition, he affirmed the seriousness with which the Inter squad is approaching the tournament, emphasizing their focus on winning. Another Brazilian on the team, left-back Carlos Augusto, echoed this sentiment, stating that he had warned his teammates about the skill of South American teams, acknowledging their tenacity on the field.
Brazilian clubs have made a strong showing in the tournament so far, with Botafogo beating Seattle Sounders 2-1 and Flamengo securing a 2-0 victory against Tunisia’s Espérance. These performances set a positive tone for future matches, as Botafogo prepares to face PSG and Atletico Madrid, and Flamengo gears up to take on Chelsea.
The actions of these Brazilian clubs could signal a shift in how they are perceived on the global stage, showcasing their resilience and skill against some of the best teams in Europe. The strong showing of South American teams in the tournament adds excitement and sets the stage for more thrilling encounters ahead.