MIAMI: As the expanded 32-team Club World Cup approaches the knockout rounds, one clear highlight has been the electric atmosphere generated by South American supporters, whose passion, volume and spectacle have left their global counterparts in the shade.
Some arenas, particularly Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, have been transformed not just by Lionel Messi-mania, but by the sonic boom of Boca Juniors and Palmeiras fans.
Boca’s blue and gold, as well Palmeiras’ cream and green, have filled the stands in roaring, boisterous displays.
Boca fans turned the Hard Rock Stadium into a replica of their La Bombonera home stadium, their chants and celebrations so powerful they made the stands shake, even drawing admiration from Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany.
They stormed Miami Beach for a giant ‘Banderazo’, grilling, dancing and chanting for hours ahead of their team’s opening game against Benfica.
