Alex Telles: Botafogo not in U.S. just to 'see Mickey'

Botafogo person defied their critics by making it to the Club World Cup past 16, with Alex Telles saying the Brazilian nine proved incorrect those who said they came to the U.S. conscionable to "see Mickey."

Despite Botafogo losing their past radical crippled 1-0 to Atletico Madrid, Telles and his teammates are into the circular of 16 aft finishing 2nd successful Group B.

"It's hard to speech astir it close now," ex-Manchester United subordinate Telles said. "PSG and Atletico showed america much respect than astir fans and pundits did. The squad did what it had to bash to beforehand to the adjacent stage.

"Here we are, those who immoderate said came to spot Mickey successful Disneyland, done to the circular of 16 successful the radical of death. Qualifying shows the enactment done by this unthinkable radical of men."

Botafogo volition present look the Group A winners -- either Inter Miami CF oregon Palmeiras -- connected Saturday, portion PSG instrumentality connected the runners-up connected Sunday.

Antoine Griezmann's precocious onslaught secured triumph for Atletico, but it was not capable to overhaul the Brazilian side's extremity difference, and skipper Marlon Freitas emphasised the accomplishment of advancing to the knockout signifier from a radical including 2 European heavyweights.

"Sure, we wanted to win, and I deliberation we had our chances. We knew however to defend, and I judge we deserved astatine slightest a draw. Conceding that precocious extremity was heartbreaking due to the fact that we wanted to decorativeness apical of the group," Freitas told TV Globo.

"However, we should observe because, earlier the tourney started, everyone thought we had nary accidental against 2 apical opponents from large European leagues. We've shown the worth of Brazilian football. We are champions of South America, and we merit respect."

Botafogo won the Brazilian Serie A rubric successful 2024 arsenic good arsenic the Copa Libertadores to gain their spot astatine this summer's Club World Cup.

Information from Reuters was utilized successful this story.