Inter Milan arrived at the World Cup in the fresh status of European Champions League finalists. However, it did not add to the good mood of the players of the Italian team, as the final meeting with PSG was lost with a resounding score of 0:3. In addition to the fact that Inter failed the decisive meeting in the European arena, the club did not achieve results in national competitions, which left it completely without trophies. The mood of the Milan team players in the first meeting was multiplied by the American heat and almost turned into defeats in the opening rounds. In both meetings, Inter had to bounce back, although the opponents were far from formidable statuses. Nevertheless, before the final game of the group stage, the Italians are in second place with four points. River Plate have collected a similar number of points, but have a better goal difference compared to Inter, so they are positioned above the rival. Both rivals are within reach of Mexico's Monterrey, who have two points. That is, defeat will not suit neither River Plate, nor Inter, as it may result in a shift to the third line of the standings. In case of victory in the parallel meeting of Monterrey, River Plate will not be satisfied with a goalless draw. Under such circumstances, the Mexicans and Italians will go further. A resultant draw under the same conditions will definitely suit Inter, but may lead to the departure of River Plate on secondary indicators in competition with Monterrey. That is, both teams could be eliminated at the end of the third round, which will definitely set them up for a serious fight.

Inter started the group stage with a draw against Monterrey. The second round for the Italians almost ended with a more serious misfire. Inter were trailing 0-1 before the final quarter against Urawa, Japan, but managed not only to equalise but also to score the winning goal. Undoubtedly, this will improve the mood of the European team, but purely game problems are unlikely to dramatically evaporate. River Plate were better than Urawa in the first round, beating them 3-1. The Argentines also dominated the meeting with Monterrey, but they couldn't get the Mexicans down. We bet that River will continue to gain points and, at least, will not lose to their Italian rival.