Three extra-time goals, a world-class finish from one of the game’s greats and a can-you-believe-it save to end an incredible game.
Real Madrid’s 3-2 victory over Dortmund Saturday afternoon in a FIFA World Club Cup quarterfinal showed the level of play that occurs when international clubs are playing for keeps — not just friendlies — at MetLife Stadium.
On the pitch, it was the perfect appetizer to a big week for soccer in the state — there are Club World Cup semifinals featuring big-name clubs on Tuesday and Wednesday, a final on Saturday and a global conference on the sport Thursday.
The week is intended to serve as a logistical warmup for the exponentially bigger FIFA World Cup that comes next summer.
Was it perfect? Not quite.
There was a traffic issue that caused a number of fans to miss most (if not all) of the match. (See full story and reaction here and here.)
The issue should serve as a wake-up call for organizers. Failure to fix it would be unfortunate because the Club World Cup — which has struggled to sell tickets and generate interest throughout the tournament — appears to be hitting its stride as it prepares for the big games in New Jersey.
Saturday’s action on the field certainly showed how good the game can be.
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Gov. Phil Murphy told BINJE late last week that he expects this week to not only serve as a warmup for next summer but to stand on its own, as well.
“If we had no soccer next summer, this, in and of itself, would be a huge deal,” he said. “This is the first-ever global Club World Cup.”
That being said, it is a warmup — one Murphy said the state and region are taking full advantage of.
“To have the ability to basically take this around the track is invaluable,” he said.
Murphy said everything — from security to transportation to fan experience – is being tracked from a command center that was established in Kearny at the beginning of the tournament.
Murphy said the center, which operates 24/7, has state, regional and federal components, noting the presence of the NYPD and the FBI — tracking everything and anything that could impact the event.
Murphy said such a center probably would have been set up regardless, but the fact that the World Cup is less than a year away makes it a no-brainer.
“(It’s) a model that we will expand on, tweak and use for sure next year,” he said.
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While the Club World Cup is a warmup for the World Cup, last summer’s COPA America tournament provided a bit of a blueprint for the Club World Cup.
One of the biggest revelations of the COPA event was just how important a role American Dream can play in the fan experience.
In addition to helping alleviate some of the parking concerns – there is a foot bridge that connects the two facilities – the complex has proven to be a pre-game (and post-game) meeting place for fans.
Saturday was no exception.
Fans were found throughout the mall, but mainly in the food areas.
The Yard House was overflowing with Real Madrid fans, much to the delight of manager Valeria Jurado, who said she noticed an uptick in business during the early-round games.
“We definitely notice it when there is a big event next store,” she said. “People come here before games – and now, after games.”
It’s a perfect solution for beating the traffic.
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That’s right. The traffic.
While it’s not clear what caused the tie-up Saturday afternoon – MetLife, after all, handled COPA crowds without issue – the solution was evident.
At least it was to Rolf Wallburg, of Orange County, New York – one of the few Dortmund fans who came out Saturday.
And while Wallburg isn’t from New Jersey, he sounded as if he should be doing PR for NJ Transit.
“My wife and I took the Metro North from Orange County to Secaucus, and then from Secaucus here,” he said. “It was very easy. I think it was $9 one way. It was great.”
He wasn’t the only spectator singing the praises of MetLife.
Vinny Salguero and his girlfriend, Brittany Barrera, both of Trenton and both supporters of Real Madrid, loved what they saw of the stadium.
“It’s big,” Salguero said. “Not just in the stadium but out here in the concourse.”
Salguero and Barrerra had seen Real Madrid play in opening-round game in Philadelphia.
“There was no comparison; this place is better,” Salguero said.
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The semifinals have the potential to be top notch.
Chelsea, one of the top clubs in the Premier League, will have its hands full Tuesday with Fluminense — the second consecutive team it will face from Brazil (Chelsea defeated Palmeiras in the quarters).
Considering the huge Brazilian presence in the Ironbound, this could be a home game for Palmeiras.
The semifinal on Wednesday is what this tournament was created to produce as Kylian Mbappé and Real Madrid will take on Mbappé’s former team, Paris Saint-Germain.
Before Saturday, it was unclear if Mbappé, still regaining his fitness, would play.
After he came on in 67th minute against Dortmund, the only question is how much he’ll play.
Against Dortmund, he delivered the goal of the tournament — a spectacular bicycle kick that proved to be the game-winner as Real Madrid held off a last-minute comeback.
Regardless of what happens, Murphy said New Jersey has benefited.
“It’s a huge economic spinner,” he said. “It’s great for fans. It’s great for taxpayers. It’s great for the image of the state.”
