Burning Up the Pitch: European Clubs Ready to Conquer Club-WM
International Club Tournament: European Teams Labeled as "Sizzling Hot," Similar to French Fried Potatoes - European teams facing the World Cup: Burning hot, reminiscent of a sizzling pan
Get ready for a scorching showdown as Europe's powerhouses aim to take home the Club World Cup trophy. Bayern and Borussia Dortmund, both German contenders, stand on the brink of making history, with the winner earning the title of the first global champions across all continents.
In an exclusive interview, the club CEOs, Jan-Christian Dreesen and Hans-Joachim Watzke, shared their thoughts in a special supplement of Münchner Merkur/tz (June 11). They agreed that this redesigned competition is a formidable challenge, but one worth fighting for.
"Every football fan out there is still familiar with the fact that Uruguay won the first World Cup in 1930. The same will be said about the first Club World Cup victor," stated Watzke emphatically. Thirty-two teams are set to battle it out in the USA,with the tournament kick-off happening this weekend and running till mid-July. Apart from Bayern and Dortmund, no other Bundesliga teams are participating.
Rewarding Encounters amid Sky-High Expenses
European clubs are cooking up a storm in their quest for victory, according to Watzke. The tournament boasts a whopping $1 billion prize purse (approximately €876 million). The champion team could potentially pocket $125 million in prize money (around €110 million) in the final on July 13 in East Rutherford, but the winnings are divided by four teams.
"The sum may be high, but remember, it's split among four teams," Watzke explained. Additionally, participants face extra financial burdens due to mandatory games, increased player bonuses, and substantial travel costs associated with the 63 matches across twelve stadiums.
Predicting the winners, Dreesen and Watzke kept their cards close to their chests. "The Club World Cup resembles the Champions League—our goal is to advance through the group phase and eventually reach the semi-finals. But we must remain humble, as not just European teams pose a threat," Watzke cautioned. "We aim to win titles, but first, we must get through the group stage and advance to the knockout rounds," Dreesen added.
Which teams do they expect to dominate? Both Dreesen and Watzke agreed that at least one European team will reach the finals, "possibly even two." Watzke names Paris Saint-Germain, fresh off their Champions League victory, as a strong contender. "They have what it takes to run the extra mile. To me, they're the confidence I'm putting my money on," he stated.
[1] Source: https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/who-are-favorites-fifa-club-world-cup-2023-here-s-what-betting-experts-think-2023-01-24/
[2] Source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2023/01/24/paris-saint-germain-favourites-fifa-club-world-cup-according-bookies/
The Commission, in a bid to enhance the quality of information and communication services across Europe, has also taken initiatives similar to the competitive spirit displayed by European football clubs aiming to conquer the Club World Cup. Just as the Premier League's European counterparts are preparing for the exhilarating Club World Cup competition, they are also burdened with substantial expenses, much like the football teams in Germany, striving to make history as the first global champions.
