Club World Cup: Can We have Goals Please; Miami and Porto?

Inter Miami vs Porto

We’re approaching the second round of fixtures in the 2025 Club World Cup and, after 180 plus minutes in Group A…we’re still waiting for a goal.

Club World Cup: Inter Miami vs FC Porto is the next chance of goalmouth action after both teams played out a goalless stalemate in their opener, Javier Mascherano’s Inter Miami matching Egyptian side Al Ahly while FC Porto, managed by Martin Anselmi, failed to register against Brazilian side Palmeiras.

There is plenty of interest in this summer tournament and lots of prize money on offer, but the game is about entertainment as well as money and I’m hoping for goals in Group A… without further delay.

 

Talking Points

Miami looking for a faster start

A hugely frustrated Inter Miami had to settle for a 0-0 draw in their opener and they picked up four yellow cards, including one each for former Barcelona stars Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets. But it could have been worse had the Egyptian side taken advantage of their first half dominance. Al Ahly are the most successful club side in Egyptian football and they are certainly not overawed in this company, and could easily have been two or three up by the break.

The Herons, inspired by Lionel Messi fought back in the second half but they were thwarted by Al Ahly keeper Mohamed El Shenawy who got his outstretched hand to save an effort from Fafa Picault before tipping a Messi effort onto the bar.

 

Player to watch: Federico Redondo

While Lionel Messi is undoubtedly one player guaranteed to feature heavily in the Inter Miami vs FC Porto highlights Inter have plenty of other stars in the side, Busquets and Suarez included; and they have an emerging star in 22 year old defensive midfielder Redondo.

At 6ft 2in, the Argentina U23 star is a powerful figure and fleet of foot; but his skill lies in his passing vision and technique from a position just in front of the back four. A classy operator he can dictate the pace of play and launch attacks from his deep-lying position, and has been compared to team-mate Busquets, which is some name to live up to.

 

Stand-in Ramos stars for Porto

FC Porto too had to settle for a point in their opener, but they have reserve keeper Claudio Ramos to thank as he pulled off a series of good saves to keep out a dangerous Palmeiras attack. The 33 year old stopper won a Portuguese cap back in 2018 and he rolled back the years with a man-of-the-match performance as he stood in for Porto’s injured Number One Diego Costa. With a point in the bag and no damage done, the pre-match Inter Miami vs FC Porto betting odds say the Europeans should kick on and win their second match. The Dragons finished third in the Portuguese Primeira Liga behind the two Lisbon giants of Sporting and Benfica, but they are more than capable of flying the flag for the Selecao.

 

Player to watch: Fabio Vieira

Among Porto’s eye-catching stars is creative midfielder Vieira. The 25 year old has scored ten goals in 80 games for Porto and he impressed briefly in the Premier League with two goals in 33 games for Arsenal. He represented Portugal at youth level and was voted the best player at the 2021 U21 European Championships.

Vieira is not a standard Number Ten and can be deployed as a winger, much like compatriot Bernardo Silva, and he has been used in both positions for Porto, his direct running and trickery often winning free-kicks in dangerous positions. He can pick a pass and has a wicked shot from distance so Vieira is certainly a player Inter Miami will have to keep a close eye on.

 

History

Inter Miami haven’t been around for long, though they did win the MLS in 2024, but Porto have a longer history, founded in 1893, and they have won 86 senior titles including 30 league titles and they are twice champions of Europe, most recently in 2004 under Jose Mourinho, and twice winners of the Europa League.

With four wins, once draw and one defeat from the last six games the Portuguese giants have been in good form, slightly better than the Americans who have won two, drawn three and lost one.

 

Betting Tip

FC Porto are strong favourites to win this game at a SBOTOP price of 1.57 with Miami at 4.40 and the Draw is 3.75. Fans of the USA team can pick up odds of 2.15 on the Double Chance: Inter or Draw and there is a case to be made for both teams. I’m counting on each trying to impose themselves on the game… and some early goals.

   

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