MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Inter Miami CF made more FIFA Club World Cup history Monday night at Hard Rock Stadium, becoming the first MLS club to reach the tournament's knockout stages after playing to a 2-2 draw with Brazil's Palmeiras.
Behind goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis SuĂ¡rez, the Herons finished second in Group A with five points (1W-0L-2D), setting up a Round of 16 showdown with Group A winners Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday at Atlanta United's Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Allende's breakaway run from his own half of the field and ice-cold finish in the 16th minute gave the hosts a dream start in front of a near-capacity crowd, almost evenly split between Miami and Palmeiras supporters.
The fans dressed in pink erupted again in the 65th minute – this time for SuĂ¡rez. The legendary Uruguayan striker delivered a sensational vintage solo strike, leaving multiple defenders in the dust before firing past goalkeeper Weverton.
Palmeiras rallied late, getting goals from Paulinho and MaurĂcio to snatch the draw and first place in Group A.
Goals
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: Inter Miami are surpassing expectations at the Club World Cup, advancing to the knockout stages with convincing performances against the likes of Al Ahly, FC Porto and Palmeiras. Reigning UEFA Champions League winners PSG await in the Round of 16. But the Herons, whose historic showing at the tournament also includes the first-ever CWC win for an MLS side and the first win for a Concacaf team against a European opponent in an official competition, have earned the right to be taken seriously.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: SuĂ¡rez, 38, turned back the clock with a golazo worthy of his legendary status.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: See above. In addition to his stunning strike, SuĂ¡rez assisted on Allende’s opener to finish with 1g/1a on the night.
