Igor Jesus’ thirty sixth minute purpose was sufficient for Botafago to defeat the Europeans champions PSG on the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) suffered a shock 1-0 Membership World Cup defeat towards Brazilian aspect Botafogo in a hard-fought battle between the reigning champions of Europe and South America.
A primary-half purpose from Brazilian worldwide Igor Jesus proved the distinction on Thursday as Botafogo all however sealed a spot within the knockout rounds in entrance of a 53,699 crowd on the Pasadena Rose Bowl.
French champions PSG are extensively considered one of many favourites for FIFA’s 32-team match after a stunning season which culminated with a scintillating 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan within the UEFA Champions League ultimate final month.
However their hopes of securing a victory, which might have seen them change into the primary aspect to succeed in the final 16, had been stymied by a resilient efficiency from their opponents from Rio de Janeiro.
“Lots of people questioned, however we confirmed how sturdy Botafogo is,” purpose scorer Jesus stated after the win. “It was a tough sport, and we needed to defend effectively, and we did our job and scored a purpose.
“We’re actually comfortable – we knew how vital this sport was. One workforce was the champion of the Champions League, the opposite workforce was the champion of South America,” added Jesus, who had been strongly linked with a transfer to English Premier League aspect Nottingham Forest earlier this 12 months earlier than opting to stick with the Brazilians to play within the Membership World Cup.
“I believe I made the fitting alternative to remain in Botafogo,” Jesus quipped.
Setback for PSG
PSG coach Luis Enrique stated his workforce had anticipated a troublesome battle.
“We knew it was going to be a really tough match – they defended very effectively,” the Spaniard stated.
“This Membership World Cup may be very intense and tough, and all of the groups are extremely motivated, particularly after they’re taking part in towards us.”
The PSG supervisor, although, was adamant that the European champions nonetheless had loads of time to resurrect their marketing campaign.
“If there’s a workforce that may flip it round, it’s our workforce,” he stated. “We’ve bought to analyse this and there’s issues we will enhance. However I believe our efficiency was good.”
PSG picked up the place they’d left off in Sunday’s 4-0 Group B rout of Atletico Madrid, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia testing Botafogo goalkeeper John with an early curling effort after simply two minutes.
However that early effort was as shut as PSG got here to scoring in a scrappy first half punctuated by a sequence of niggling fouls that prevented the European champions from settling into their passing sport.
Botafogo’s midfield trio of Marlon Freitas, Gregore and Allan labored tirelessly to shut down Vitinha, denying the skilful PSG playmaker time and area to launch assaults regardless of dominating possession.
As a substitute, it was Botafogo who took the lead with a purpose towards the run of play on 36 minutes.
Jefferson Savarino’s completely weighted by means of ball break up the PSG defence and despatched Jesus racing by means of on purpose.
The Botafogo striker did brilliantly to wrongfoot the masking Willian Pacho earlier than sweeping a shot that took a slight deflection previous PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma on its means into the online.
PSG continued to dominate possession by means of the second half, and spent lengthy durations camped within the ultimate third.
However Botafogo’s defence held agency and the end result leaves the Brazilians firmly on the right track for the final 16, with a ultimate group sport towards Atletico Madrid to return in Pasadena on Monday.
