The build-up to Sunday’s Club World Cup final between Chelsea and European champions Paris St-Germain was colourful, enthralling and maybe slightly baffling for football followers beyond the USA.
A colour guard of soldiers, a flypast and a concert from Robbie Williams – in front of US president Donald Trump – were only some of the pre-match attractions at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. There was so much taking place that the match itself did not begin until 20:08 BST – a full eight minutes behind schedule. On the field, Chelsea turned in a breathtaking display to defeat PSG 3-0 and defy the odds.
Following the ‘countdown to the final’ – complete with a drumming spectacle and a massive inflatable replica of the Club World Cup trophy – Fifa’s new official anthem, Desire, was sung by Williams and pop star Laura Pausini. The show was topped and tailed by a tribute to the hosts of the tournament, including the US national anthem, a colour guard, a military flyby and a stunning firework display.
When the two teams of players had eventually taken to the pitch, American ring announcer Michael Buffer intoned his classic “let’s get ready to rumble!” quotation before kick-off, as has been the custom throughout the tournament.
There was also a red carpet for celebrities, former players and politicians to walk into the MetLife Stadium before the match, and notable figures present included American movie director Spike Lee, former Emir of Qatar Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and pop singer Rita Ora – along with Trump.
Fifa’s inaugural half-time show featured colourful appearances by Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin and other musicians J Balvin, Doja Cat and Tems – all on a vast, hi-tech stage that had been constructed over the stadium in the run-up to the final before being erected atop the top tier of the stadium, below the roof.
That was to prevent the destruction of the pitch during the break of such a major match. It required six semi-trucks to deliver all of the material needed, including 40,000 pounds of scenery and gear as well as structural trusses.
Not surprisingly, perhaps, the show ran late and postponed the start of the second half. PSG players lingered on the field as the show came to a close, while Chelsea’s players reappeared only several minutes later.
The action finally resumed 24 minutes after the half-time whistle had blown – but first, Trump had had his moment. Before PSG’s start of the second half, he addressed DAZN reporter Emily Austin, in brief, stating: “I’m having a great time. Tremendous sport.”
