One of the biggest events on the world footballing calendar reached its conclusion over the weekend, as Real Madrid was crowned World Club champions for a record-extending fifth time. The Spanish side played out a thrilling final against Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal in front of a fever-pitch crowned in Morocco over the weekend, showing once again the importance of highlighting the world’s best in the Arab world.
The event was one of the most popular for betting, with the best Arabic sports betting sites attracting a number of bets for the huge match.
Real Crowned World Champions
Football fans were treated to a wonderful showpiece in Rabat, Morocco, over the weekend, as Real Madrid and Al-Hilal shared eight goals in a thrilling final. However, it was Real Madrid once again that was crowned world champions, as they got their hands on the prestigious accolade for the fifth time in their history.
The Spanish and European champions were in cruise control after 18 minutes, as goals from Vinicius Jr and Federico Valverde put them in complete control. However, the Saudi Arabian challengers to the throne got back into the game through Moussa Marega.
Real once again put their foot down in the second half, with Valverde and Karim Benzema extending their lead, before Luciano Vietto pulled another goal back. The game was wrapped up with 20 minutes remaining at Vinicius Jr scored his second of the game, but Al-Hilal had the final say by netting their third goal with ten minutes remaining on the clock.
European Dominance
Al-Hilal was looking to make history in the Club World Cup final in Morocco, as they were bidding to become the first Asian club to ever win the prestigious honor. However, it always looked challenging to beat Real Madrid, as European nations have dominated the competition throughout its history.
Only the team that wins the Champions League is eligible to compete in the competition, but it remains a trophy that many attempt to win, meaning that even the European nations take it very seriously despite the Club World Cup taking place in the middle of the season.
European clubs have dominated the editions of the Club World Cup throughout its history, which isn’t surprising given that the world’s best players compete on the continent. Each of the previous ten editions of the tournament has been won by the reigning European champions, with Real winning the title on five occasions. Other clubs to have claimed victory include Liverpool, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich.
Brazilian Success In Early Years
In truth, the early editions of the tournament were far more competitive affairs, with Brazilian clubs having won the first three editions of the tournament. In 2005 and 2006, the teams from Brazil saw off Europe’s best, with Sao Paulo defeating Liverpool in 2005 before Internacional beat Barcelona in 2006.
However, repeat victories have been harder to achieve since then. AC Milan won the 2007 edition, before Manchester United, Barcelona, and Inter Milan dominated the competition between 2008 and 2011. The most recent success for a Brazilian club came in 2012, as Corinthians secured a famous 1-0 win over Chelsea in the final.
But, that remains the only non-European win since 2006, and it was also the only time that a European superpower had been beaten in the final since 2006.
Change Of Format
The traditional format of the Club World Cup is argued to be outdated by many, as it is a tournament that very few fans from Europe watch unless their team is involved. However, that looks set to change in 2025, as a 32-team tournament will be staged. This will be the first edition of the new format, and it will be held every four years instead of annually as it is at present.
Gianni Infantino announced the idea, as he stated that he thinks that the new plan would achieve FIFA’s mission of taking the sport to new countries. It could also become a more competitive affair over the summer months, as European teams won’t have to compete in the Club World Cup mid-season. But, many fans and experts have speculated the competition could be used by some of Europe’s elite as a pre-season tournament, giving coaches an opportunity to test new players and formations.
Future Editions Look Bright
The Club World Cup continues to be a huge event for the rest of the world to enjoy, as the biggest club sides from Europe compete in the tournament annually. However, the decision to make the tournament a 32-team event promises to be an exciting one, and it could help the sport to continue its popularity in countries around the Arab region.