Club WC: PSG beat Sounders to progress into knockouts as Group B toppers

IANS June 24, 2025 246 views

Paris Saint-Germain showcased their dominance by defeating Seattle Sounders 2-0, securing their position as Group B toppers in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Goals from Kvicha Kvaratskhelia and Achraf Hakimi propelled PSG into the knockout stages, with Seattle exiting the competition after a winless run. The match saw PSG controlling the game, despite a brief scare from a high press by the Sounders. PSG will now prepare to face the runners-up from Group A in their next fixture in Atlanta.

"The Moroccan international easily slotted home to make it 2-0 for the Parisians." - FIFA
Seattle, June 24: Paris Saint-Germain cruised to a 2-0 victory past Seattle Sounders FC to book their place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

Key Points

1

PSG secures knockout spot with 2-0 win over Sounders

2

Kvaratskhelia and Hakimi score decisive goals

3

PSG tops Group B ahead of Botafogo

4

Seattle exits with three losses

Goals in each half from Kvicha Kvaratskhelia and Achraf Hakimi secured maximum points for the European champions, who have progressed as Group B winners ahead of second-placed Botafogo.

The Brazilians lost 1-0 to Atletico de Madrid in Monday's other fixture in the section, but still qualified ahead of Diego Simeone's team on goal difference. Seattle exit the competition having lost all three of their fixtures.

Luis Enrique's men controlled the game from the off, possessing the ball in Seattle's defensive half. The game didn't truly come alive until, against the run of play, the Sounders' high press forced an error from Gianluigi Donnarumma. The ball fell to Sounders striker Jesus Ferreira, but the Colombian-born forward fired wide, FIFA reports.

After that, PSG battened down the hatches. They controlled the pitch from back to front and slowly squeezed the resistance out of the valiant home side.

PSG finally broke the deadlock in the 35th minute through a fortuitous deflection off Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian's back redirected a misguided shot from Vitinha, pushing the ball past Sounders' keeper Sebastian Frei. After the goal, the game began to open up, with both sides looking to press for a goal before the break.

In the second half, PSG returned to the ascendancy, maintaining the ball and creating half chances in the early minutes.

After a spell in defence, Zaire-Emery collected the ball in midfield and hit a curling ball into the path of Barcola on the left-wing. Barcola took on his defender at speed and, upon entering the box, squared the ball to an onrushing Hakimi on the far side.

The Moroccan international easily slotted home to make it 2-0 for the Parisians.

Sebastian Frei did his best to keep the scoreline respectable, making several key saves in the dying minutes.

PSG returns to action on Sunday, when they will face the runners-up in Group A in Atlanta.

Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the PSG vs Seattle Sounders Club World Cup match:
R
Rahul K.
PSG showing why they're European champions! 🇫🇷⚽ But honestly, I was hoping Seattle would put up more of a fight being the home team. Their defense looked shaky throughout. Hope to see more competitive matches as the tournament progresses!
P
Priya M.
Hakimi's goal was pure class! 🔥 As an Indian football fan, it's inspiring to see such technical quality. Hope our ISL teams can reach this level someday. The gap is huge but not impossible to bridge with proper investment and youth development.
A
Arjun S.
The match was one-sided but interesting tactically. PSG's midfield control was impressive. Though I wonder - why no Indian clubs in Club WC? Even if we get thrashed, the exposure would be valuable for our players. AIFF should work harder on this!
S
Sunita R.
As a woman football fan from Mumbai, I'm loving seeing these global tournaments! But the time difference makes it hard to watch live matches 😴 Hope Indian broadcasters show more replays at convenient times. The beautiful game deserves more prime time coverage!
V
Vikram J.
PSG's dominance shows the gap between European and American football. But credit to Seattle's keeper Frei - made some great saves to keep it respectable. Wish we had more Indian goalkeepers at this level. Our national team could really use that quality!
N
Neha P.
The match was okay, but honestly Club WC feels less exciting without any Asian teams in later stages. When will we see an Indian club here? Maybe Mumbai City FC in few years if they keep improving? 🤞 Football is growing in India but we need patience.

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