Europe Win Again
World Soccer|January 2018

Third world title in four years for Real Madrid

Keir Radnedge
Europe Win Again

Real Madrid managed to maintain their stranglehold on the FIFA Club World Cup at an uncertain time for the world federation’s sole underwhelming venture into the club game.

Zinedine Zidane’s champions of Europe and Spain retained their grip on the world title and were triumphant for a third time in four years, beating South American title-holders Gremio of Brazil more comfortably in Abu Dhabi than the 1-0 scoreline might suggest. Outclassed South America sides have now won only one of the last 11 Finals.

However, a continuing lack of enthusiasm from Europe and its broadcasters raises questions about FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s idea of an expanded club world championship, one that may perhaps be held every four years as a replacement for the equally dubious Confederations Cup.

Ultimately, football competitions stand or fall by the credibility of the event rather than the need of governing bodies for platforms to reassure sponsors about visibility value for money. And this is even more urgent for FIFA after the refusal of major multinationals to engage with the World Cup in the wake of the firestorm of scandal.

FIFA Council will shortly review the federation’s competitive structure. A possible merger but greater frequency of youth tournaments is on the agenda as the governing body tries to balance more competitive activity without adding to the pressure on players and upsetting clubs who are already suspicious of what is around the calendar corner.

この記事は World Soccer の January 2018 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は World Soccer の January 2018 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

WORLD SOCCERのその他の記事すべて表示
Going for Gold in Paris- There are plenty of candidates vying for the Olympic gold medal in the women's football tournament this summer
World Soccer

Going for Gold in Paris- There are plenty of candidates vying for the Olympic gold medal in the women's football tournament this summer

There are plenty of candidates vying for the Olympic gold medal in the women's football tournament this summer

time-read
5 分  |
July 2024
Face to face - Tom Sainfiet- The final goal is to reach the World Cup and write history - The Belgian coach speaks to World Soccer
World Soccer

Face to face - Tom Sainfiet- The final goal is to reach the World Cup and write history - The Belgian coach speaks to World Soccer

The well-travelled Belgian coach speaks to World Soccer after taking charge of the Philippines-his 11th international coaching role

time-read
4 分  |
July 2024
Inter cruise to title number 20
World Soccer

Inter cruise to title number 20

Simone Inzaghi's Internazionale shrug off all challengers before sealing the Serie A title in style against their biggest rivals

time-read
3 分  |
July 2024
HAT-TRICK HERO
World Soccer

HAT-TRICK HERO

Ademola Lookman wrote his name into European football's history books with a hat-trick in the Europa League final

time-read
6 分  |
July 2024
GOING UP
World Soccer

GOING UP

The story of Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres' career has been one of upward trajectory - and there's plenty more to come from the Sporting superstar

time-read
6 分  |
July 2024
Palau soldier on alone
World Soccer

Palau soldier on alone

The isolated Pacific nation faces a long and lonely battle to improve football on the island

time-read
2 分  |
July 2024
Brazilian clubs eye Copa number six
World Soccer

Brazilian clubs eye Copa number six

As the Copa Libertadores group stage concludes, a sixth consecutive Brazilian winner is looking likely

time-read
3 分  |
July 2024
AI Hilal sweep to another Saudi crown
World Soccer

AI Hilal sweep to another Saudi crown

The first edition of the Saudi Pro League's glamorous new era ends with a familiar title winner

time-read
3 分  |
July 2024
Disasters brewing
World Soccer

Disasters brewing

There is still a long way to go in World Cup qualifying, but dysfunction reigns at Cameroon, Congo and Nigeria after four matchdays in the group stage

time-read
3 分  |
July 2024
Second round of World Cup qualifying underway
World Soccer

Second round of World Cup qualifying underway

Favourites perform largely as expected, yet Cayman Islands dominate the headlines

time-read
3 分  |
July 2024