Real Madrid will take their first step in the Club World Cup on Wednesday at 9pm against Al Hilal. After just over a week of preparation, Xabi Alonso’s team will play their first match as favorites and will be looking to avoid any surprises. The Whites will have to contend with the pitch and the high temperatures in the area, especially as the game kicks off at 3pm local time. That won’t be the only threat, as several players will have to be wary of picking up yellow cards during the tournament.
How the card system works in the Club World Cup
The Club World Cup rules are clear when it comes to cards. Any player or team official who receives a yellow card in two different matches will miss their team’s next match. The rules are clear: two yellow cards means you’re out for the next match.
Similarly, the rules are clear about when cards are “cleared.” “Yellow cards will be cleared after the quarterfinals. If, during the quarterfinals, a player or team official receives a yellow card that is his second in the tournament, he will be suspended for the semifinal,” it states.
As for red cards, the rules state the following: “Any player or team official who receives a red card will miss their team’s next match. In addition, additional penalties may be imposed, such as an additional suspension or a fine. Red cards will not be canceled at any stage of the tournament. If a player is sent off during the semifinals, they will be suspended for the final.”
Alert for Vinicius, Bellingham, Rüdiger…
Seeing two cards in two games may be inevitable for players who are very active in defense, but what Real Madrid is clear about is that it is necessary to avoid unnecessary yellow cards at all costs, such as those seen at key moments this season.
The Whites are on alert for players such as Vinicius, who has had a lackluster season marked more by controversy than by his play; Bellingham with his famous “fuck off” comment; and Rüdiger and his suspension after the Copa del Rey match. Maximum alert is needed to avoid these types of situations that could complicate the team’s future in the World Cup.
Vini is clear about Real Madrid’s objective
A World Cup in which the objective is none other than to win the title. This is a mantra that Vinicius is very clear about, as he expressed in statements to Real Madrid TV. “We are eager to win this first World Cup because people never forget the first one and it is the only title that Madrid does not have. We are going for it.”
The Brazilian also spoke about his return to work and his first contact with Xabi Alonso. “I’ve been reunited with friends I hadn’t seen for a long time. I’m very happy and ready to adapt to the schedule, the heat, the climate, and everything. We’re all here and ready.” “We’re training very hard, but today was a little calmer because of the trip. We’re already preparing for the matches. I had already spoken to the coach. I’m very happy and now it’s time to keep working to win lots of things with him.“
Regarding the first game, the striker’s biggest concern is the heat. ”It’s very hot. The game is at three in the afternoon and we have to be ready because it’s going to be very tough.”