LAFC Faces Chelsea: Club World Cup Showdown & DAZN's Bold Streaming Move
Los Angeles FC (LAFC) is gearing up for a challenging Club World Cup opener against Premier League giants Chelsea. Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper and LAFC player, Hugo Lloris, acknowledges the odds are stacked against the MLS side, but emphasises that they have nothing to lose. The match promises high stakes and a thrilling display of international football.
Lloris: 'Thin' Chances, Maximum Effort
Speaking ahead of the match, Lloris stated, "We have nothing to lose, especially against an opponent like Chelsea. We want to compete, we want to give our best, even if we know that our chances are really thin." He stressed the importance of maintaining focus and adapting to the faster pace of the game compared to the MLS.
Veteran Leadership
LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo highlighted the invaluable contributions of veterans Lloris and former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud. "Both of them bring leadership, also by doing and not just in words," Cherundolo explained. Their experience, particularly Giroud's insights into Chelsea's playing style, is proving crucial for the younger players.
DAZN's Billion-Dollar Bet: Free Club World Cup Streaming
Global streaming platform DAZN has acquired the rights to this year's Club World Cup for a reported $1 billion. In a bold move, DAZN will stream the tournament in 15 languages worldwide, completely free of charge. This ambitious strategy aims to significantly expand DAZN's global viewership and solidify its position in key markets.
A Global Strategy
DAZN's global chief revenue officer, Walker Jacobs, believes that offering free access to such a prestigious event will drive sustained engagement. "We think this is going to be a way to make DAZN much bigger in many, many parts of the world," Jacobs stated. The move is particularly focused on boosting DAZN's presence in North America, Latin America, and Japan.
Premium Features Available
While the matches are free, DAZN is offering a "FIFA Club World Cup premium" package for subscribers, providing enhanced audio and picture quality, fewer ads, and extended highlights for a monthly fee. Sublicensing deals with networks like TNT Sports and Univision are also generating substantial revenue for DAZN.
- LAFC faces a tough challenge against Chelsea in the Club World Cup.
- Hugo Lloris acknowledges the slim chances but emphasises giving their best.
- DAZN streams the Club World Cup for free, aiming for global expansion.
- Veteran players Giroud and Lloris provide valuable leadership to LAFC.