As I wrote last week, the Club World Cup does not get much respect.
So today's 2-0 upset by TP Mazembe over Internacional is not likely to change many opinions about the value of the tournament (you know, the only event that gives every pro team in the world a chance, however remote, to win). The grumps will be grumpy. Europe doesn't care therefore it doesn't matter.
One win doesn't change that attitude. However, that attitude doesn't change the significance of the upset either.
[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
When the history of the Club World Cup is written today will be pointed to as the day when the event started to mature into something more closely resembling a true championship. It's not so much that Mazembe won the game, but rather it's about the way they did it.
Sure they played a counter game but they looked controlled and organized throughout. The club was tactically aware and had just enough talent to pull off the upset. If you want evidence that the rest of the world is catching up to the traditional powers then today was it.
When Stoke guts out a 1-0 win at Old Trafford we all (outside of those that support United) smile and enjoy the upset for what it is - a change from the norm. However, Stoke beating United doesn't have any significance after the 90 minutes has ended.
Today is different. At worst Mazembe has become the answer to a really tough trivia question. At best, they've started a process that will finally give us a true world club championship where everyone is invited provided they earn the invitation.
And isn't that what sport is all about.