FIFA Club World Cup: Espérance no match in defeat to Brazilian giants Flamengo

Tunisian champions Espérance de Tunis defended valiantly but began their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on Monday evening with a 2-0 Group D defeat to Brazil’s Flamengo at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

rgian de Arrascaeta opened the scoring in the 17th minute when the Uruguayan finished from a cross by Luiz Araújo, who then produced a brilliant finish in the 70th minute to put the Rio de Janeiro giants beyond reach.

The first half was completely dominated by Flamengo against an Espérance side that came out with a cautious and defensive formation. As a result, the Blood and Gold were hardly able to get out of their end for long stretches. Early dominance resulted in a splended team movement and de Arrascaeta’s first-time finish past EST goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said from eight yards out.

Espérance coach Maher Kanzari bought on attacking players Abdramane Konate and Elias Mokwana at halftime and the performance instantly improved. Left back Mohamed Ben Hamida produced the first shot on target from distance less than three minutes after halftime.

But the lack of firepower and attacking competence showed from Espérance. Star attacker Youcef Belaïli had the best opportunity in the 62nd minute when he had space for a shot from just outside the penalty area but the Algerian’s shot was high and off target. Araújo’s tidy finish eight minutes later ruled out any chances of a comeback.

Espérance next face Los Angeles FC in Nashville, Tennessee for a match that represents both clubs’ best opportunity to earn a victory and compete in Group D. Flamengo will face English Premier League side Chelsea in a clash for first place in the group.