Happy Friday! The Club World Cup is officially down to two teams, with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain booking their spot in Sunday’s final after their dominant showings in the semifinals, but each with a different point to prove at MetLife Stadium. I’m Pardeep Cattry with a preview of what’s to come this weekend.
📺 Footy fix
All times U.S./Eastern
Friday, July 11
🌍 WAFCON: Ghana vs. Mali, 12 p.m. ➡️ beIN Sports
🇪🇺 Women’s Euro: Italy vs. Spain, 3 p.m. ➡️ Fox
🇪🇺 Women’s Euro: Portugal vs. Belgium, 3 p.m. ➡️ FS1
🌍 WAFCON: Tanzania vs. South Africa, 3 p.m. ➡️ beIN Sports
Saturday, July 12
🇪🇺 Women’s Euro: Sweden vs. Germany, 3 p.m. ➡️ Fox
🇪🇺 Women’s Euro: Poland vs. Denmark, 3 p.m. ➡️ FS1
🌍 WAFCON: Morocco vs. Senegal, 3 p.m. ➡️ beIN Sports
🌍 WAFCON: Zambia vs. Congo DR, 3 p.m. ➡️ beIN Sports
🌎 Copa America Femenina: Peru vs. Chile, 5 p.m. ➡️ FS1
🌎 Copa America Femenina: Ecuador vs. Uruguay, 8 p.m. ➡️ FS2
Sunday, July 13
🏆 CWC: Chelsea vs. Paris Saint-Germain, 3 p.m. ➡️ TBS
🇪🇺 Women’s Euro: England vs. Wales, 3 p.m. ➡️ FS1
🇪🇺 Women’s Euro: France vs. Netherlands, 3 p.m. ➡️ FS2
🌍 WAFCON: Tunisia vs. Botswana, 3 p.m. ➡️ beIN Sports Connect
🌍 WAFCON: Nigeria vs. Algeria, 3 p.m. ➡️ beIN Sports
🌎 Copa America Femenina: Bolivia vs. Paraguay, 5 p.m. ➡️ FS1
🌎 Copa America Femenina: Brazil vs. Venezuela, 8 p.m. ➡️ FS1
⚽ The Forward Line
🇫🇷 Paris Saint-Germain’s title to lose
Much as they were in the latter portion of the European season, Paris Saint-Germain have easily been the most dominant side at the Club World Cup during the knockout stage, not only positioning them as the favorites to win on Sunday, but building as strong a case as any that they are the best team in the world by just about every metric – win or lose in the final.
Look no further than their 4-0 demolition of Real Madrid in the semifinals on Wednesday, outpacing them in just about every category. It was trademark PSG in the new look envisioned by Luis Enrique, one that wears opponents down quickly with their unique, high-intensity approach.
Luis Enrique: “My phone is full of messages from Barcelona fans, which tells you about how big this game was. You go at 100% for everything this shirt represents… The first thing is the objective, which is to reach the final and compete.”
It comes as no surprise that PSG are the team to beat on Sunday, much as they have been all tournament long. The French champions were once defined by star power but their greatest achievements have come in embracing a team spirit, one that puts them on the cusp of turning a historic treble into the first quadruple of its kind.
Luis Enrique: “This was an objective from the start. And now we are just one game away from building PSG’s history, and winning all the trophies we have participated in this season.”
🔗 Midfield Link Play
🔵 Chelsea’s up-and-comers target more silverware
PSG’s newfound habit of dominance brings forth questions on what it will actually take to stop them, a query that Chelsea must tackle on Sunday.
Chelsea, under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, faces a formidable challenge as they continue to navigate their development with a young team. With the tournament acting as a showcase for players earning valuable minutes ahead of next season, competition for spots is particularly fierce.
Enzo Maresca: “The reason why we brought him [Joao Pedro] is because this season, we faced many teams with [a] low block… Doesn’t mean he’s going to be all season like this but it’s good to have him and also as an option.”
Maresca is thrilled with the choices available as he looks ahead to Sunday’s clash.
🥅 Best bets
Club World Cup final: Chelsea vs. Paris Saint-Germain, Sunday, 3 p.m.
💰 THE PICK: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to score (+150) – With PSG approaching what could be yet another crowning achievement rooted in an exciting style of play, it feels likely that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will play a significant role. His arrival marked a turning point in PSG’s season, ensuring every player performs at their best.
For more picks, predictions, expert tips and the latest betting news, don’t miss out on CBSSports.com’s betting home page.
