Real Madrid powered into the Club World Cup quarterfinals with a superb 1-0 Round of 16 win over Juventus on July 1 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Victory for Xabi Alonso makes another deposit into their Club World Cup prize pot amid ongoing criticism of the tournament due to its summer schedule which clashes with the European preseason calendar.
After easing into the next phase, Los Blancos No.1 Thibaut Courtois spoke out on situation and claimed any doubts over the standard of the competition are ‘wrong.’
“We know the level of the Club World Cup is high. You’re wrong if you believe the four tweeters that say otherwise. Everyone who knows about football knows the level of the teams,” he told MD.
“We have to look at the nuances of the tournament, dates in which to play.
“For example, the Nations League just before is not the best, it does not allow much time to rest. We have to look for more balance, then it will be a very nice tournament.
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What did Thibaut Courtois say about Real Madrid’s defense under Xabi Alonso?
Real Madrid have racked up three clean sheets from the four matches they have played so far in the Club World Cup and Courtois hailed their defensive resilience in the USA.
“The defensive commitment of the whole team has been very good. That’s what counts, we’ve done a great job. When you don’t concede, it’s always better.”
“I don’t think it’s because we’re always three at the back, it depends on the moment in the game, and the opponent’s movements. Tchouameni is a defensive pivot who can play as a centre-back and help. If everyone runs like today or like against RB Salzburg, it’s very difficult for the opponent to score goals against us.”
Real Madrid will now face Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinal of the Club World Cup on July 5 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey after the Bundesliga giants beat Monterrey in their own Round of 16 battle.
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