Doha, Qatar – Paris Saint-Germain defeated CR Flamengo in a penalty shootout following a 0-0 draw after extra time in the 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup final on Saturday. The match, held at the Khalifa International Stadium, showcased a tightly contested battle between the champions of Europe and South America, with Flamengo ultimately falling just short in their pursuit of the prestigious Intercontinental Cup title.
Despite the loss, Flamengo’s performance throughout the tournament, and particularly in the final, has been widely praised as a demonstration of the growing strength of Brazilian and South American club football. The team secured several victories leading up to the final, including a notable win in the Derby of the Americas, before facing off against PSG.
Flamengo’s Strong Showing in the Intercontinental Cup
The Intercontinental Cup pits the winners of the UEFA Champions League against the champions of the Copa Libertadores. This year, PSG represented Europe, while Flamengo claimed the South American crown. The tournament format has evolved over the years, but its significance as a battle between continental champions remains constant. This edition, hosted in Qatar, served as a precursor to the expanded FIFA Club World Cup planned for 2025.
Defensive Standout Leo Ortiz Reflects on Performance
Flamengo defender Leo Ortiz emerged as a key player during the tournament, delivering a particularly impressive performance in the final against PSG, repeatedly denying opportunities for Ousmane Dembélé and other star attackers. Following the match, Ortiz expressed both disappointment and pride in his team’s effort, stating they competed at a high level despite facing a team with significant financial resources.
“We showed that we can compete at that level, not just tonight but throughout the whole tournament,” Ortiz said in a post-match interview, highlighting Flamengo’s aggressive and attacking style of play. He also acknowledged overcoming a recent ankle injury that had threatened his participation.
Ortiz’s strong play has led to speculation about a potential return to the Brazilian national team. He earned his first senior international caps in March 2024, appearing in FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina, and views representing Brazil at a World Cup as a lifelong ambition.
However, the match was a nail-biting affair with both teams failing to capitalize on their chances during regular and extra time. PSG ultimately prevailed 5-4 in the penalty shootout, securing their second Intercontinental Cup victory.
The tournament provides a valuable platform for assessing the competitive landscape of global club football. Experts suggest Flamengo’s strong run is indicative of a broader resurgence in South American football, driven by improved coaching, player development, and tactical approaches. This is particularly notable when considering the financial disparity between clubs in Europe and South America.
Prior to the final, Flamengo also defeated Cruz Azul, showcasing their dominance in the Americas. This string of successes has solidified their position as a leading force in South American club football.
This year’s Intercontinental Cup also highlighted the evolving role of Qatar in hosting major international sporting events. The nation has invested heavily in infrastructure to support events like the FIFA World Cup 2022 and continues to attract high-profile competitions.
Looking ahead, the focus shifts to the planned expansion of the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025, which will feature a larger field of competitors and a new, more frequent schedule. The exact qualification criteria for the expanded tournament remain under discussion. The upcoming transfer windows will also be crucial to observe, as strong performances in the FIFA tournament may attract interest from European clubs in players like Leo Ortiz, potentially impacting the balance of power in global football.
FIFA official website provides detailed tournament information.
Paris Saint-Germain club information can be found here.
CR Flamengo‘s official website is available for further details.
