Bayern Munich have justified the tag of being favourites for the Club World Cup until now. The Bundesliga champions delivered a solid performance on Sunday to beat Flamengo in the round of 16. Bayern will face Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-final of the competition.
A brace from Harry Kane, an own goal from Erick Pulgar, and a long-range effort from Leon Goretzka set up a solid win for Die Roten.
Vincent Kompany made several changes to the starting XI that played against Benfica in the final group game. Josip Stanisic started in the left-back position ahead of Raphael Guerreiro. Leon Goretzka got the nod over Aleksandar Pavlovic in the midfield. Jamal Musiala started on the bench as Bayern didn’t want to take a risk regarding his fitness. Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry, and Michael Olise played in the attack behind Harry Kane. Kim Min-jae was also named in the squad on Sunday, which boosts Die Roten’s options in defense.
Bayern and Flamengo played identical football at the start of the game, as they pressed with great intensity. However, Bayern managed to get an early lead, courtesy of an own goal from Erick Pulgar. A vicious delivery from the corner by Joshua Kimmich was headed past the goalkeeper by Pulgar.
The Bavarian club was firmly on top inside ten minutes as Harry Kane doubled the lead in the eighth minute. Dayot Upamecano won the ball high up the pitch and played the pass to Kane in the final third. The English striker unleashed a rocket with his left foot from the edge of the box to beat the goalkeeper.
The Brazilian side recovered well after the fast start from Die Roten. Just after half an hour in the game, Luis Araujo played a teasing pass in the box. Giorgian De Arrascaeta laid off the ball for Gerson, who rattled the roof of the net with a thunderous strike.
It was a game of some brilliant finishes from outside the box. Bayern continued this theme and restored their two-goal lead before halftime. Leon Goretzka pounced on a second ball outside the box and deposited it in the goal with a precise, powerful finish.
Harry Kane peaking at the right time for Bayern in the Club World Cup
Flamengo got the chance to get back in the game early in the second half. Michael Olise handled the ball in the box, allowing the Brazilian side to trim Die Roten’s lead to one goal. Jorginho converted from the spot with great precision.
Both teams had an even share of possession, making it an even contest. However, Die Roten did a better job of creating more chances and converting these opportunities at a great rate. The Brazilian side troubled Bayern, but Harry Kane made sure that there was only one outcome of the game.
The English striker finished off a great move in the 73rd minute to restore Die Roten’s two-goal lead. Konrad Laimer won the ball high up the pitch and played it to Joshua Kimmich. The German midfielder expertly found the run of Kane in the center of the box. Kane used his right foot to place the ball beyond the goalkeeper in the bottom right corner.
The former Spurs striker has looked back to his best for Die Roten in the last couple of games. He is peaking at the right moment as Bayern gear up to face European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-final.