Palmeiras created many chances against Porto, but could only draw goalless in the Club World Cup debut
Estêvão was elected the best player in the match between Palmeiras 和 Porto. The teams’ opening match in the Club World Cup ended in a goalless draw at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Forward Estêvão praised the performance of the green and white team, but lamented the missed chances. “Today we showed that we can compete against any team. We are here to show that we are Palmeiras, we are here to represent Palmeiras, to show our identity. We managed to impose our game, have a good volume of attacks and shots. What wins a game is a goal. And that was what we lacked today. We need to improve more and more, work to be efficient and keep going for the next game”, analyzed Estêvão.
The number 41 is living his last days wearing the Palmeiras jersey. After the Club World Cup, he will report to Chelsea, who have agreed to buy him in June 2024. Estêvão was one of Palmeiras’ standout players in the game and had a chance to score in the first half, but he sent a shot wide and had another saved by Cláudio Ramos.
The stadium’s grass was a topic that the players drew attention to during their recognition on the eve of the game. Estêvão assessed the condition of the field and projected Palmeiras’ progress in the competition. The result leaves Verdão in third place, with one point, tied with the other members of Group A: Al-Ahly, Porto and Inter Miami.
“I think they could have watered the field more in the first half. The ball was a little slow, disrupting our rhythm. Not only ours, but Porto’s as well. Then it rained and made the ball wet and the ball ran well. That’s what was missing for the field to be top quality,” he said.
“It’s about working hard, seeking a great victory, listening to what Abel has to say and, God willing, playing another great game and coming away with the victory, which is the most important thing,” he concluded.
Palmeiras will be back on the field on Thursday (19), when they will face Al-Ahly in the second round. The match will start at 1 pm (Brasília time), once again at MetLife Stadium.
