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.
The globe-like sphere even needed a 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 sent a surprise video message – saying “the event is going to be incredible” while praising son Baron’s “very good” skills at “soccer”.
Meanwhile, ex-Arsenal boss Wenger was persuaded to dance live on stage – a jig so distressing to many viewers that one 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, as well as Mexicans Club Leon and Esperance de Tunis from Tunisia.
The Prem’s other representatives, champs Manchester City, were drawn in a group with Juventus, Moroccans Wydad AC and UAE side Al Ain.
But many viewers had their eyes fixed on the trophy rather than the four pots of eight teams.
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One observer 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 fan didn’t seem to know if he should feel enlightened or frightened by the trophy’s spellbinding shape.
He wrote: “Sort of looks like an ancient relic possessing arcane knowledge. Not sure I’d want to open that up.”
Let’s hope he didn’t find the unlocking too shocking.
