SEATTLE – Brazilian giants Botafogo marked their FIFA Club World Cup debut with a 2-1 victory over Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field on Sunday, kicking off Group B action with a crucial three points.
South American champions Botafogo struck twice in the first half through headers from Jair Cunha and Igor Jesus, before Cristian Roldan’s deflected effort pulled one back for the home side in the second half. Despite heavy pressure late on, the visitors held firm, with goalkeeper John producing a match-winning save in stoppage time.
Botafogo’s captain Marlon Freitas admitted his team had room for improvement:
“The important thing here was the result, the effort, but we know we didn’t play well,” he told TV Globo.
“We have to learn lessons, both individually and collectively. This win helps ease some of the anxiety, but we must improve against our next opponents because playing like this, the result might not be the same.”
Botafogo showed attacking intent from the outset. Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei was tested early, making sharp saves from Igor Jesus and Alex Telles. But the breakthrough came in the 27th minute, after a foul by Nouhou Tolo on Artur earned the Brazilians a free kick near the edge of the box. Telles delivered a precise ball into the area, and 20-year-old Cunha rose highest to nod it in.
Just before the interval, Botafogo doubled their lead. A long cross from Vitinho on the right flank found Igor Jesus, who outleapt the defense and powered a header into the far corner.
Seattle had chances to respond after the break. Ryan Kent spurned a close-range opportunity in the 55th minute, but the hosts finally made it 2-1 in the 75th. Substitute Paul Rothrock set up Roldan, whose header took a deflection off Igor Jesus and wrongfooted John in goal.
That goal gave the Sounders momentum, and they pushed hard in the final stages. In the dying moments, Seattle produced two dangerous attempts—one blocked by a defender and the other stopped by John, whose save ensured all three points for Botafogo.
The win places Botafogo second in Group B on goal difference behind Paris Saint-Germain, who defeated Atlético Madrid 4-0 earlier in the day. Botafogo will face PSG next, while Seattle must regroup ahead of a tough clash with Atlético.