On Sunday evening, Bayern Munich got the better of Flamengo by a score of 4-2 in a thrilling encounter at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami to advance to the quarter-final stage of the FIFA Club World Cup. A headed own-goal by Flamengo midfielder-Erick Pulgar, while defending a corner kick from Joshua Kimmich, gifted Bayern an early lead just six minutes into the game. Three minutes later, Harry Kane made it 2-0 with a low rasping left-footed shot from just outside the box.
Flamengo got back into the match just after the half-hour mark when right winger-Gerson blasted the ball into the roof of the net from just inside the box. A brilliant long-range shot from Leon Goretzka restored his side’s two-goal cushion in the 41st minute. Bayern went into the half-time break with a healthy 3-1 lead.
Ten minutes into the second half, the Brazilian club again trimmed the deficit to just one when Jorginho converted from the penalty spot, but in the 73rd minute, Harry Kane scored Bayern’s fourth, with a well-placed shot from the edge of the box, to secure the win. Courtesy of the victory, the Bavarian giants will now face the reigning European Champions-PSG on July 5th in Atlanta. Let’s look at three players who stood out for Bayern Munich on Sunday.
Harry Kane
With two excellent strikes, the undisputed man of the match was Harry Kane. The English striker was a master of attacking efficiency against a fast-paced opponent in taxing-hot weather. Kane scored with his only two shots of the match, and each time it seemed to momentarily deflate the Brazilian side. In attack, he also exhibited excellent hold-up play.
Kane may have had only 35 touches during his 89-minute stay on the pitch, but he was involved throughout the game as evidenced by his off-the-ball work. He tracked back when necessary and won four of his nine contested duels and completed three recoveries, and matched the physicality that was dished out to him. Based on this performance, Kane has set the tone for the rest of the tournament.