The COVID-19 pandemic affected many soccer championships and tournaments globally. Many were canceled or rescheduled. The FIFA Club World Cup was rescheduled from December 2020 to February 2021. This decision was made by FIFA, the world’s governing soccer body. The cup was hosted by Qatar, as it is their host duty for the 2022 World Cup. A victor was determined on Feb. 11, 2021. The cup was still given to the greatest soccer team of the year of 2020.
A team from every continent competed for the cup and represented the continent there team is located on. This year and last year, only six teams represented a continent. Auckland City FC,winners of the OFC Champions League and of New Zealand did not represent Oceania. Quarantine measures by the New Zealand authorities did not allow the team to play in the cup.
Al Duhail SC of the host country represented Qatar after becoming the Qatari Stars League Champion. Al Ahly SC of Egypt represented Africa after winning the CAF Champions League. SE Palmeiras of Brazil represented South America after winning the Copa Libertadores de America. Ulsan Hyundai FC of Korea represented Asia after winning the AFC Champions League final. FC Bayern Munich of Germany represented Europe after winning the UEFA Champions League Final. And Tigres UANL of Mexico, represented North, Central America and the Caribbean after winning the Concacaf Champions League Final.
On February 11, Tigres UANL made history in becoming the first team that ever represented North, Central America and the Caribbean to make it to the final of the cup.
By the 59th minute, French right back Benjamin Pavard scored the winning goal. A goal that was assisted by the Polish striker, Robert Lewandowski.
Bayern Munich won its second-ever Club World Cup at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar. Bayern also became the second team to ever win a sixth title in one season. This was first ever done by the Spanish team, FC Barcelona in the 2009 to 2010 season.
“I feel that Bayern is a very well coached organization. This being said, all of their recent victories is a testament to the signings that the coaching staff has given their front office to pursue. This reign of success seems to be continuing with all the hard work that the entire team is putting together,” Tyler Seabrook, soccer team manager, senior and communication major, said
“Bayern played Tigres UANL the Mexican club in the final and won. Most of their players are from the German National Team that also won the 2014 World Cup. Their team has many great athletes and coaches. They also have the most titles in Germany and also are the most expensive team. They had to win at the end,” Maria Alexandrowicz, assistant women’s soccer coach and athletic office specialist, sophomore communication major, said.
“Bayern Munich deserved to win. They are a consistent and aggressive club. There were other contenders who are just as skilled as them. The final minute winning goal is what other teams have to expect from Bayern,” Ty Mcklaine, forward and winger soccer player, freshman and graphic design major, said.
“Bayern’s team is very well oiled with veterans as well as young players. It’s nice to see a team like Bayern win the sextuple. Lewandowski, Muller and Manuel Neuer have been a staple to the team for so long. It’s nice to see players like Davies, Sané and Gnabry be the new generation for Bayern,” TJ Scott, right back soccer player, sophomore and digital communication major, said.
“It takes hard work to win a single title for any team. To win six, is astonishing. The players and the whole staff have worked hard to build a team like what they have today. They did a good job representing Europe,” John Ameyaw, right back soccer player, sophomore and marketing major, said.
