Lucas Rubiero leads Mamelodi Sundowns to first FIFA Club World Cup victory

by Nomonde Simelane

After comfortably cruising and dominating Mzansi’s Betway PSL, Mamelodi Sundowns picked up where they left off and made an impressive start in the FIFA Club World Cup, fueled by an electric performance by Lucas Ribeiro.

Although the Brazilian did not kick off the month of June with a great start, after falling to secure the CAF Champions League final against the Egyptian Pyramids team, it appears coach Miguel Cardoso and his squad are not letting past performances determine their future, as they secure their first win in their first FIFA Club World Cup outing.

In a match against South Korea’s Ulsan, the Brazilians came in as the underdogs, as the public, including fans from domestic rival teams, believed that they would not be as dominant on bigger stages as they are in South Africa.

With Lucas Ribeiro stepping up as the one to lead the team with effort and precision, Masandawana have disappointed their doubters and proven that the lights of the Club World Cup stage are not too bright for them, and pulled off a poised performance to come away with the win.

Among a few players that stood out from the rest, Brazilian native Lucas Ribeiro has caught the eye of many viewers, both fans and foes of the team. The midfielder had his fingerprints all over the match, as he managed to make various impressive and crucial plays, including making the assist that led to Iqraam Rayners’ goal, and ultimately, the team’s victory against the South Korean side.

Although it is merely the first game, viewers have concluded that the Brazilian came to the tournament with a chip on his shoulder, determined to prove his potential to the plethora of international coaches who are watching. According to these users, with the way Ribeiro is playing, he might just not make it back to Mzansi with the rest of the Sundowns squad, as he is likely to be snatched by one of the teams.

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