IT took something magical and mystical to eclipse Arsene Wenger’s dancing and Donald Trump’s quirky speech at the Club World Cup draw.
I give you the bewitching new trophy for next summer’s hugely-expanded, 32-team extravaganza in the USA.
EPAItalian TV presenter Diletta Leotta, who is married to ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius, shimmered alongside the glittering trophy[/caption]
One fan labelled it the ‘most gorgeous trophy’ he’d ever seen
Fifa president Gianni Infantino was the man entrusted with the key
The globe-like sphere even neededa golden key to open it.
And when Fifa president Gianni Infantino did just that, viewers labelled it “the most gorgeous trophy I’ve ever seen” and “like an ancient relic possessing arcane knowledge”.
US President-elect Trump had recorded a surprise video message – saying “the event is going to be incredible” while praising his son Baron’s “very good” skills at “soccer”.
Meanwhile, ex-Arsenal boss Wenger was somehow persuaded to dance live on the Miami stage – a jig so distressing to many viewers that one claimed he was “dying of cringe”.
Fortunately, the live draw from Miami soon went from the tragic to the magic of the cup – as fans raved about the spectacular trophy.
It came as Chelsea were paired with old boy David Luiz’s Flamengo, plus Mexicans Club Leon of Mexico and Esperance de Tunis from Tunisia.
Meanwhile, the Premier League’s other representatives, champions Manchester City, were drawn in a group with Juventus, Moroccan club Wydad AC and Dubai side Al Ain.
But many viewers had their eyes on the trophy – not the four pots of eight teams
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One said: “It’s a beauty indeed. Better than the World Cup.”
Another posted: “The new Club World Cup trophy is stunning. The addition of a key that opens it up adds an extra level of intrigue and excitement. A true masterpiece for football.”
Similar praise included: “Beauty at it peak” and “Wow …it’s so nice”.
But one observer didn’t seem to know if he should feel enlightened or frightened by its spellbinding shape.
He wrote: “Sort of looks like an ancient relic possessing arcane knowledge. Not sure I’d want to open that up.”
Don’t lock now!
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