Botafogo was not intimidated by the house crowd and used first-half targets by Jair Cunha and Igor Jesus to carry off the host Seattle Sounders, 2-1, within the Group B opener for every within the Membership World Cup on Sunday evening.
Cunha scored within the twenty eighth minute and Igor Jesus doubled the rating within the forty fourth. Seattle’s Cristian Roldan made it 2-1 within the seventy fifth minute.
The 20-year-old Cunha used his 6-foot-6 body for a header off a free kick from the correct aspect by Alex Telles. Jesus additionally scored on a header by way of a cross by Vitinho whereas Roldan’s purpose deflected off Jesus.
Seattle, which certified for the event by profitable the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League, was denied the tying purpose within the ultimate seconds of the 4 minutes of stoppage time when John saved a strive by Pedro de la Vega.
On Thursday, Seattle performs the second of its three group-stage matches at residence in opposition to Atletico Madrid whereas Botafogo meets Paris Saint-Germain in Pasadena, Calif.
Botafogo, the reigning Brazilian champion and the winner of the 2024 Copa Libertadores as one of the best staff in South America, got here out sturdy.
The primary purpose was arrange by Botafogo’s Artur goading Nouhou Tolo right into a yellow-card foul just a few yards exterior the field and to the correct of the purpose. It was an ideal spot for Telles’ pinpoint, left-footed cross to Cunha.
Jesus was the beneficiary of a service by Vitinho from the correct flank to make it 2-0 as goalkeeper Stefan Frei was caught leaning towards the left put up because the ball from Jesus went the other manner.
The Sounders lastly got here to life across the hour mark when Albert Rusnak’s shot was saved by John earlier than Jackson Ragen had an excellent open look straight on however misfired to the correct.
It took some luck however Roldan reduce the deficit in half when his diving header was redirected off Jesus and previous John.
Seattle led in shot makes an attempt 23-12 however Botafogo had six of the 11 photographs on purpose.
–Subject Degree Media