It’s summer in the United States, and naturally, it’s hot—extremely hot—in several cities hosting Club World Cup matches. As a result, and because of the kickoff times for some games, complaints have started to surface. And they’re not coming from just anyone—they’re being voiced by big names like Luis Enrique and Vinícius Jr.
PSG reinforced their status as Champions League winners with a dominant 4-0 victory over Atlético Madrid. The match, however, kicked off at noon at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, under blazing sunshine and temperatures that soared above 86°F (30°C) with high humidity. The extreme conditions led to a couple of mandatory hydration breaks during the match.
“It’s not easy to play in this kind of heat. The match was clearly influenced by the temperature. It’s great for viewers in Europe to watch at that time, but it takes a toll on the teams,” said Spanish coach Luis Enrique. “Mobility is one of our trademarks, and knowing when to use it is key. We played well, but these kinds of efforts were tough. The ambition from the players is amazing. As a coach, it’s great to see that. Everyone’s ready. We work together as a team. That’s the right way to grow.”
Atlético’s Marcos Llorente, who played the full 90 minutes, echoed the concerns. “It was unbearable, brutally hot. My toenails hurt from the heat—I couldn’t stop or start properly,” he admitted. “But it’s the same for everyone, so no excuses.”
see also
FIFA Club World Cup trophy: Size, weight, materials and what makes it unique
Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr. addressed the issue even before stepping onto the field. With Xabi Alonso making his debut as head coach, Madrid will open their tournament campaign this Wednesday at 3 PM Argentina time in Miami, where forecasts predict temperatures around 88°F (31°C). “It’s really hot. The match is at 3 in the afternoon, and we have to be ready because it’s going to be a very tough one,” warned the Brazilian.
