South American teams lay down gauntlet to Europe at WC

IT took until Friday night for South America's unbeaten run at the Club World Cup to come to an end as Boca Juniors succumbed to a late defeat against Bayern Munich in Miami.

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The Argentine giants' phenomenal support at the Hard Rock Stadium could not quite get them over the line, as Michael Olise's late goal inflicted a first loss in 10 games on a side from CONMEBOL.

But the evidence so far in the United States suggests that if anyone is going to stop a European side winning FIFA's new 32-team competition, it will be a club from South America.

Copa Libertadores winners Botafogo edged out European champions Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in Pasadena while Flamengo, Brazil's biggest club, came from behind to stun Chelsea.

Palmeiras, Boca and Fluminense have all held European opposition too, and South American clubs are set to feature heavily in the knockout stages.

One factor helping teams from Brazil and Argentina make such an impact is the remarkable backing from their supporters, who have turned out in impressive numbers across the United States. "Amazing, amazing," said Bayern coach Vincent Kompany when asked about the atmosphere for his team's game against Boca, as it seemed that La Bombonera had been transported to Miami.