SAO PAULO: One clear and unexpected force has surged as the group stage of the Club World Cup comes to a close: Brazil. Flamengo, Palmeiras, Botafogo and Fluminense — all Copa Libertadores winners in recent years — all advanced to the second round. All offered tough competition to the powerful European clubs, and all have excited tens of millions of fans at home. There’s renewed hope for Brazilian fans after years of defeats against European teams in FIFA competitions.

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…

All four Brazilian clubs now have a place in the last 16 of the tournament, while Dortmund finishes on top of Group F