European clubs have dominated FIFA’s intercontinental Club World Cup since it was launched at the turn of the millennium, but there have been a few notable shocks
Manchester United, Liverpool and Barcelona are among those that have suffered surprise defeats to clubs from South America and beyond.
We’ve taken a closer look at the five European giants that failed to lift the Club World Cup.
Manchester United (2000)
United’s decision to withdraw their participation for the 1999-00 FA Cup caused a shockwave of controversy, with The Sun reacting by a front-page splash that featured a range of opinions – from Simon Weston to Caprice to Darren Day. What a time to be alive.
“We had to think of the situation regarding England hosting the World Cup,” argued Sir Alex Ferguson.
“No one wants to see them not get it. I dare not think of the criticism we would have received if we had refused. That was unthinkable – and that’s a Scotsman talking.”
United drew 1-1 with Mexican side Necaxa, lost 3-1 to Brazilian giants Vasco da Gama – with goals from Edmundo and Romario – and beat South Melbourne 2-0.
Ferguson’s side left with their tails between their legs with a group-stage elimination. Still, who could forget that glorious World Cup England hosted in 2006? Oh.
For the record, Caprice also correctly called out Man Utd’s self-serving boycott of the 2000 FA Cup, sticking up for football fans everywhere. pic.twitter.com/CalatnTGJ1
— MattinWoolwich (@MattWWoolwich) July 14, 2020
Real Madrid (2000)
United weren’t the only European giants at the first-ever Club World Cup, which was launched with an eight-team format, with Real Madrid invited along as the 1998 Intercontinental Cup winners. The tournament had two group stages, with the winner of each facing off in the final.
Vicente del Bosque’s Los Blancos fared better than their Premier League rivals, going unbeaten with seven points from nine. They beat Saudi side Al-Nassr and Raja Casablanca but a 2-2 draw with Corinthians proved costly and they exited on goal difference – before beating Necaxa in a third-fourth place play-off.
FIFA were surely hoping for the glamour final of Manchester United vs Real Madrid. Instead they got all-Brazilian clash at the Maracana, with Corinthians beating Vasco da Gama on penalties after a goalless stalemate.
Liverpool (2005)
After making a song and dance of the launch of the competition in 2000, the Club World Cup wasn’t held for another four…
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