Brazilian giants and reigning South American champions Botafogo kicked off their Club World Cup campaign with a narrow 2-1 victory over Major League Soccer side Seattle Sounders in a tense Group B clash at Lumen Field on Sunday.
The visitors struck twice in the first half through headed goals by Jair Cunha and Igor Jesus to establish a comfortable lead.
However, the hosts clawed their way back into the contest in the second half, with Cristian Roldan’s deflected effort giving them hope of a comeback.
Despite heavy pressure in the dying moments, Botafogo held on for the win, thanks largely to a superb stoppage-time save from goalkeeper John, who denied Seattle a dramatic equaliser.
Captain Marlon Freitas acknowledged that while the result was positive, the team’s performance left much to be desired.
“The important thing here was the result, the effort, but we know we didn’t play well,” Freitas told TV Globo. “We have to learn lessons, both individually and collectively. This win helps ease some of the anxiety, but we must improve against our next opponents because playing like this, the result might not be the same.”
Botafogo dominated the early exchanges, with Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei making crucial stops to deny Igor Jesus and Alex Telles.
But Frei could do little about Cunha’s opener in the 27th minute. After Nouhou committed a foul on Artur near the area, Telles floated in a precise free-kick which the 20-year-old Cunha expertly nodded home.
The lead was doubled just before the break when Vitinho’s deep cross from the right flank found Igor Jesus, who rose highest to bury a header into the far corner.
Seattle had chances of their own, with Ryan Kent spurning a clear opportunity to score in the 55th minute. Their persistence finally paid off in the 75th when Roldan’s header glanced off Igor Jesus and wrong-footed John, finding the net to make it 2-1.
Energised by the goal, the Sounders pushed forward relentlessly, but a brilliant late save from John ensured Botafogo claimed all three points.
The result leaves Botafogo second in Group B, trailing Paris Saint-Germain on goal difference after the French side thumped Atletico Madrid 4-0 earlier in the day. Botafogo will now face PSG next, while Seattle take on Atletico Madrid on Thursday.
