Javier Mascherano sends warning to Inter Miami stars ahead of crucial Club World Cup game
Within touching distance of the FIFA Club World Cup's knockout rounds, Javier Mascherano has urged Inter Miami not to underestimate the task ahead of them on Monday
Expectations may have been low for Inter Miami entering the new-look FIFA Club World Cup; however, Javier Mascherano’s side has proved up to the task thus far.
With four points from two games, thanks to a 0-0 draw with Al Ahly and a 2-1 win against FC Porto, the Herons are left needing just a single point from their group stage finale against Palmeiras to secure a spot in the knockout round.
However, while the Argentine was clearly keen to call out his side’s pre-tournament doubters when speaking with reporters on Sunday, he didn’t want anyone getting ahead of themselves just yet, sending Lionel Messi and Co. a stern warning ahead of Monday’s game at Hard Rock Stadium.
“I think we all agree within the club that the team has taken a step forward in competing, showing that we're up to the task. Perhaps there were some doubts before the start of the competition, but I don't want to get into that," he said, as per ESPN.
“I think this isn't the time to analyze the Club World Cup. I think analysis should be done when it's over, and we're in the middle of the competition, and we have to focus on continuing to compete. Tomorrow we're going to have a very difficult match, but we have to get through it.”
Like Miami, Palmeiras got their tournament off to a thoroughly forgettable start, drawing 0-0 with Porto at MetLife Stadium, before returning to winning ways against Al Ahly, beating the Egyptian side 2-0 in New Jersey.
Previewing Palmeiras’ trip to Florida, Mascherano called the clash “possibly one of the most important games in the history of our club.” But while this prospect could unnerve some, he hoped his side would be driven by the opportunity.
“Above all, let that fill us with enthusiasm to be able to play it, let it not be a burden, not a burden, but an excitement and a challenge for this group of players who are also doing well up until now,” he said.
“It would be a big mistake if we went into it thinking about not playing it and only about the result. I think that when you think about the result and don't go into it, certain things can happen during the game that make it very difficult to get back into the game. In the end, our idea is to go and win the game like we've always done, like every time we go into a game, whether it's in the Club World Cup, MLS, the Champions League, or any other competition we're involved in.
“But from that point on, we clearly want to win it through a plan. We don't go crazy, knowing that we have to minimize many of Palmeiras' strengths and try to take advantage of and expose their weaknesses.”
Palmeiras’ strengths include a powerful attack, driven by Brazilian international starlets Vitor Roque and Estevao Willian, although neither has yet to find the back of the net this tournament.