Significant Milestone Achieved
Inter Miami has successfully progressed to the knockout phase of the FIFA Club World Cup, setting up a Round of 16 encounter with European giants Paris Saint-Germain this weekend. Midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi, 20, described this achievement as “absolutely huge,” particularly noting that Inter Miami was the sole MLS representative to emerge from the group stage in the expanded tournament format.
“Yeah, absolutely huge,” Cremaschi commented on The Overlap US podcast. “I mean, everyone probably thought we weren’t going to get a single point at this Club World Cup and we weren’t looking too great… So having achieved this and playing the way we’re playing, competing the way we’re competing is huge for the club. It shows the quality of players we have when we’re focused, when we have a big big ambition to win. So this was absolutely huge for us, for the MLS, for everyone around in this country. It puts us in a very good place, at least MLS, and Miami.”
Facing European Champions PSG
Cremaschi acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning Champions League winners. Despite this, he expressed optimism about The Herons` capability to achieve a positive outcome, drawing inspiration from Botafogo`s recent group stage victory over PSG.
“We know they’re the best team in Europe – and we know that for a fact,” Cremaschi explained. “We’re ready to compete the way we’ve been competing. I don’t think we need to shy down from anything. I feel like we’ve been competing at a good level and we saw Botafogo do it, so why can’t we? And Botafogo is a team which competes a lot, which runs a lot, defends very well. I think if we kind of just mimic that and compete the way we’re competing and play the way we’re playing, and you never know, something could happen. We could do something. And we have nothing to lose, so we’re going to go full and see what happens.”
Focus on USMNT Youth Teams
Regarding his international future, the 20-year-old confirmed that he hasn`t had direct communication with USMNT senior coach Mauricio Pochettino since January. However, he is currently prioritizing his role with the U20 national team, especially with a World Cup on the horizon. The USMNT U20s recently topped their group and were scheduled to play Costa Rica in the Gold Cup quarterfinals.
“No, I haven’t spoken to him since January camp,” Cremaschi admitted. “Honestly I’m pretty focused on the U20s right now. And we have World Cup coming up soon, and feel like I’m an important player there. So I really want to focus on the U20s for now and then see where the next step is with the senior team. But obviously I follow them, I see their results. So I’m happy for them and hopefully they can take it all the way.”
Wider Significance
Inter Miami`s successful run in the Club World Cup represents a noteworthy achievement for both the club and Major League Soccer as a whole. They were the sole MLS team to advance past the group stage, while fellow MLS participants Seattle Sounders and LAFC were eliminated after finishing last in their respective groups.
Up Next
Inter Miami is set to face Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 match. The game is scheduled for Sunday and will be held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
Rupert Caldwell 
Tristan Blackwood