Raphael Durand
Dailysports's expert
One of the third-round clashes at the Club World Cup will take place on Wednesday at Orlando Citrus Bowl, where Los Angeles face Flamengo. I’m backing goals in this exciting encounter, with a solid value bet on offer.
Match preview
For Los Angeles, this Club World Cup has turned into a proving ground, exposing the team’s weaknesses against more illustrious opponents. Steven Cherundolo’s men come into the final group match with zero points and little to play for, their fate in the standings already sealed. Defeats to Chelsea and Esperance have exposed a lack of creativity up front and vulnerability in positional defense.
Still, there’s a silver lining for Los Angeles — they rarely collapse completely, and seldom allow opponents to run riot. In their last 21 international matches, the Americans have conceded more than three goals just once, showing defensive discipline even with limited resources. However, that resilience could be tested by Flamengo’s relentless attack.
Flamengo have arrived at the 2025 Club World Cup firing on all cylinders, sealing their playoff spot after just two matches — doing so with style and composure. Victories over Chelsea and Esperance sent a clear message: the Brazilians are here for the trophy, playing with flair and confidence. Their attacking trio of Araujo, De Arrascaeta, and Plata have been dazzling, creating chances out of thin air.
This time, Flamengo have no need to go all out — but the team’s mentality and quality won’t let them take their foot off the gas. Expect the South Americans to dominate possession, pepper the goal with shots, and reward their fans with at least a couple of goals. Given the gulf in class, Los Angeles will struggle to withstand the pressure.
Probable lineups
- Los Angeles: Hugo Lloris — Ryan Hollingshead, Aaron Long, Eddie Segura, Sergi Palencia — Igor Jesus — Timothy Tillman, Mark Delgado — Denis Bouanga, Olivier Giroud, David Martinez
- Flamengo: Agustin Rossi — Ayrton Lucas, Leo Pereira, Danilo, Wesley França — Jorginho, Erick Pulgar — Luis Araujo, Gerson Santos, Giorgian De Arrascaeta — Gonzalo Plata
Match facts and head-to-head
- This is the first ever meeting between Los Angeles and Flamengo.
- Flamengo won their first two group stage games with a combined score of 5-1.
- Flamengo have scored at least twice in 5 of their last 6 Club World Cup matches.
Prediction
The scenario here looks straightforward: Los Angeles, lacking motivation and spark up front, with a leaky defense, are unlikely to contain Flamengo. The Brazilians will play with freedom, entertain the crowd, and should cruise to a third straight victory. Given their attacking consistency, I’m predicting at least two goals for Flamengo. My recommended bet: "Flamengo total over 1.5" at odds of 1.75.
