The Saudi league in particular have also showed that they play really good football and that their football experiment is being really handled well and not just an attempt to put up a circus of old stars. Some may argue that European teams are holding back and not playing to their full capacity, but there is no way to tell that from how they are performing on the pitch.
- Jay -
Personally, I think the European teams are holding back on this competition, it doesn't look like most of them are all-in in it. We've watched these guys play various competitions and in different seasons but there's just something about this particular Club World Cup, the teams ain't really serious about it and it's noticeable or should I say it's because this is the first match for them all! Most of them didn't really perform well even though they didn't lose the match.
I agree. Some games that I watched looked more like pre-season friendly. After long season it's not easy to play in +30°C heat. I think that some of them want to go through group stage without using all resources. I expect to see different image starting with playoffs.
But group stage bets already cost me too much money, I already avoid betting on this tournament. Also, I have well deserved last place on Superbru pool.
Damn, Messi still have it. How I missed these free kick goals after he left Barca.