Los Angeles: Brazilian club Botafogo shocked European champions Paris Saint-Germain with a 1-0 victory on Thursday at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena during their Group B clash at the Club World Cup. Despite PSG dominating possession, Botafogo’s solid defence and quick counterattack sealed the win.
The only goal came in the 36th minute when Jefferson Savarino played a clever through ball to Igor Jesus. Jesus beat two defenders and fired a shot that deflected off PSG’s Willian Pacho, wrong-footing goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Jesus leapt into the stands to celebrate with ecstatic Botafogo fans. PSG pressed hard in the second half and thought they had equalised in the 79th minute, but the goal was ruled offside.
Botafogo held firm to become the first team to stop PSG from scoring since March, ending their 19-game scoring streak.
Coach Renato Paiva praised his team’s unity, saying they beat PSG by playing as a tight, committed unit. The win boosts Botafogo’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage after their earlier 2-1 victory over Seattle Sounders. PSG, who defeated Atletico Madrid 4-0 in their opener, will face Seattle next, while Botafogo will meet Atletico.
This result highlights the continued strength of Brazilian football, with all four Brazilian teams at the tournament still unbeaten. Paiva credited Brazil’s player talent and coaching quality, reinforcing Brazil’s status in global football.
