Contrary to initial expectations of a disappointing showing in the group stage, Inter Miami managed to advance to the last 16 after drawing 2-2 against Palmeiras. Javier Mascheranno's side made their fans proud with a great performance and an almost historic result built on goals.
Inter Miami took advantage of Palmeiras' lack of aggression and poor defending to open the scoring early on in a fatal counter-attack. The Uruguayan Redondo took advantage of a mistake by Murilo (the one who said he would celebrate a Cristiano Ronaldo-style goal over Messi) in midfield and Luis Suárez laid the ball off for Allende to run clear through on goal, winning the one-on-one with Weverton,
For the rest of the first half, Inter Miami managed to pass the ball around with great ease without being bothered by Palmeiras' very discreet and withdrawn marking, which definitely felt the blow. The only chances that came from the São Paulo side came from Estêvão's shots from outside the area, while Richard Ríos and Lucas Evangelista weren't getting on with each other in the midfield position.
Just when it was expected that Palmeiras would react in the second half, Abel Ferreira's side maintained the same attitude, giving Inter Miami plenty of space to attack at speed. It took just a few minutes for Luis Suárez to score a tremendous goal, advancing towards goal after passing two markers to unleash a left-footed shot.
Inter Miami let a controlled victory slip away
The game was well in hand for Inter Miami to move into first place with a memorable victory, but in a stroke of luck, Palmeiras found their first goal: Allan played a great pass for Paulinho to rely on a deflection from his low shot to see the ball end up in the corner of the goal.
Buoyed by the strength of their fans in the stands (as is often the case with teams from Brazil), Palmeiras equalized with Paulinho once again playing a part, with a cross that the defender failed to clear and left the ball for Mauricio to shoot firmly and equalize. Inter Miami will now face PSG, with Lionel Messi's reunion with the reigning UEFA Champions League winners being one of the best stories of the Club World Cup.