The CF coach of Inter Miami, Javier Mascherano, said the club continues to challenge expectations with the club's World Cup performances after the 2-1 victory over FC Porto in his second group phase game, after critics doubted the team's skills before the tournament.
“I think we all agree on the club that the team has taken a step forward in the competition, demonstrating that we are up to the task. Maybe there were some doubts before the beginning of the competition, but I don't want to enter that,” Mascherano said Sunday.
“I think this is not the time to analyze the Club World Cup. I think the analysis should be done when it ends, and we are in the middle of the competition, and we have to focus on continuing to compete. Tomorrow we will have a very difficult game, but we have to overcome it.”
Inter Miami faces Palmeiras in the final game of the tournament groups phase with the possibility of qualifying for the knockout round. Defeating the Brazilian giants by any margin would guarantee Inter Miami a first place with seven points and the opportunity to face the side that emerges in the second place of group B in Philadelphia on June 28, while a draw allows the club that closes the second place in the group and still qualifies the round of 16.
If the club loses against Palmeiras and Ahly falls to FC Porto, Inter Miami qualifies the 16 round in second place. However, a defeat for Palmeiras and a defeat of Al Ahly about Porto would force a draw in the group and automatically activate the unpaid criteria of the tournament.
“We possibly face one of the most important games in the history of our club. Above all, that you fill us with enthusiasm for being able to play it, that is not a burden, not a burden, but an emotion and a challenge for this group of players who also do well until now,” said Mascherano.
“It would be a big mistake if we had to think about not playing it and only in the result. I think that when you think about the result and do not enter it, certain things can happen during the game that make it very difficult to return to the game. In the end, our idea is to go and win the game as we have done, as every time we enter a game, if it is in the World Cup, MLS, MLS, the Champions League, or the Champions League Another competition, or any other competition, or any other competition, or any other competition, or any other competition, or any other competition, or any other competition, or any other competition.
“But from that moment, we clearly want to win it through a plan. We do not go crazy, knowing that we have to minimize many of Palmeiras' strengths and try to take advantage and expose their weaknesses.”
Mascherano also confirmed that Lionel Messi will be available for the game tomorrow after experiencing some pain playing Porto, while the left side Jordi Alba can return to 11. Alba appeared for Miami in the second game of the group stage of the tournament after three weeks on the sidelines due to an injury to the ischiotibial, participating in the victory and seeing the very necessary minutes to recover the minutes.
When qualifying the 16 round, Inter Miami will comply with the success criteria defined by Mascherano and co -owner Jorge Mas before the tournament began.
