The Intercontinental Cup was refounded by the International Association of Football Federation (FIFA) and this year its first edition will be held in Qatar in mid-December.
Without a doubt, the Intercontinental Cup It was the most prized trophy in the entire world for more than forty years in the last century, having memorable Argentine champions such as Independent in 1973 and 1984, Boca Juniors in 1977, 2000 and 2003, River Plate in 1986, Racing Club in 1967, Students of La Plata in 1968 and Vélez Sarsfield in 1994.
The contest brought together the champions of the Libertadores Cup of America and of the UEFA Champions League single party in Japan from 1980 but, before that, in round-trip matches to define who was the best team in the world.
In 2004 The last edition of it was played with the Porto of Portugal beating on penalties Once Caldas Colombian and the Club World Cup with the champions of all continents and the winner of the host country’s league.
Although this competition will continue to be played with a new format of 32 teams from next year, the FIFA refounded the Intercontinental Cup in parallel.
After its approval by the entity’s Council on December 11, it was determined that the tournament would be held in Qatar and the champions of each continent will compete in eliminatory rounds.
The championship began on September 22 with the 6-2 victory of Al-Ain of United Arab Emirates about him Auckland City of New Zealand within the framework of the Africa-Asia-Pacific Qualifier.
The Emirati team entered the next phase called Africa-Asia-Pacific Cup where they fell 3-0 against Al-Ahly Egyptian on October 29. The African team reached the semi-final, renamed as Challenger Cupin which the winner of the Derby of the Americas.
This American phase will face the Botafogo of Brazilbrand new champion of the Libertadores Cupand at Pachuca of Mexicochampion of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The match will take place on Wednesday from 2 p.m. at Stadium 974 in Doha, where the Argentine National Team defeated Poland in the last match of the group stage of the last World Cup.
Who wins the Challenger Cup which will be played on Saturday at 2 p.m. at stadium 974, will reach the final of the competition in which the real Madrid of Spain as the last champion of the UEFA Champions League.
This defining match will be named after Intercontinental Cup and will be disputed Wednesday December 18 in the stadium Lusail where, exactly on that date, it will be two years since the World Cup final in which the “Albiceleste” became champion by beating France on penalties at that venue.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
