Botafogo Upsets PSG at Rose Bowl with Tactical Masterclass
Shockwaves rippled through the Rose Bowl on June 19, 2025, as Botafogo stunned Paris Saint-Germain with a 1-0 victory in the FIFA Club World Cup. For fans who expected European giants PSG to dominate, the reality was very different. Tiquinho Soares, a name many neutrals might not have known before, became the hero with his cool finish in the 69th minute, finishing off a swift counterattack that caught PSG completely off guard. With that, Botafogo took a giant leap toward the tournament's knockout stages, while the favorites look rattled—and now face real pressure in their next game against Seattle Sounders.
Despite PSG controlling much of the game, keeping the ball and mounting wave after wave of attack, they just couldn’t solve Botafogo’s stubborn, well-organized defense. Time and again, Botafogo’s defenders put bodies on the line, cutting out passes and blocking shots. When PSG did break through, Botafogo’s goalkeeper was up to the challenge. For every Neymar run or Mbappé effort, there was a black-and-white wall in the way. It was exactly the kind of backs-to-the-wall effort cup upsets are built on.
Where to Watch the FIFA Club World Cup—Free Streaming Details
If you’re itching to watch these surprise-filled matches yourself, there are a few options for catching the action online—sometimes even without paying a cent. The official FIFA platforms often provide free broadcasts or highlights, depending on where you are. Regional sports broadcasters in countries like Brazil, France, and the United States typically hold streaming rights. For U.S. fans, local broadcasters sometimes offer limited-time free trials for big tournaments, especially for group stages like this one. Just keep in mind, access can change fast depending on your region, so it’s worth checking both the FIFA website and your local sports network ahead of every match.
This latest giant-killing wasn’t a fluke for Botafogo. They already chalked up a 1-0 win over Seattle Sounders in their opener, showing that their approach—tight defense, patience, and lightning counters—really holds up against different opponents. Now, with two wins from two, they’re sitting in a great spot to get out of the group and into the knockouts. For PSG, meanwhile, the heat is very much on. A team that smashed Atlético Madrid 4-0 to start the tournament suddenly finds its hopes on the line ahead of a make-or-break clash with Seattle.
The FIFA Club World Cup is running from June 14 to July 13, hosting some of the best club teams from across the planet. Every match so far has delivered surprises, stories, and—thanks to upsets like this one—some real drama. Whether you’re following PSG, cheering for the underdog, or just want to see the next twist, the rest of this tournament looks set to keep fans glued to their screens.
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