Bayern Munich booked a Club World Cup quarter-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain after defeating Flamengo 4-2 in a pulsating contest at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Harry Kane was the difference-maker, scoring twice as Bayern held off a spirited Flamengo side who pushed them to the limit but ultimately fell short.
The match began with high intensity, and Bayern took the lead just six minutes in when Flamengo’s Erick Pulgar turned the ball into his own net under pressure. Moments later, Kane made it 2-0 with a thunderous 25-yard strike that deflected off the post, leaving Flamengo’s goalkeeper helpless. Despite being behind early, Flamengo responded with determination. Giorgian de Arrascaeta narrowly missed with a header, and Luiz Araújo forced a spectacular save from Manuel Neuer.
Their persistence paid off when Gerson pulled one back with a fierce shot that beat Neuer just past the half-hour mark. But Bayern, composed and clinical, extended their lead again five minutes later. A poor Flamengo clearance landed at Leon Goretzka’s feet, and the midfielder took full advantage, calmly side-footing a low shot from distance into the corner to restore the two-goal cushion.
Flamengo came out aggressively in the second half and were rewarded when they won a penalty for a handball. Jorginho coolly converted it, sending Neuer the wrong way to bring the score to 3-2. With momentum building, Flamengo pressed hard for an equaliser, Bruno Henrique going close after breaking free of Bayern’s backline.
But then came the moment that sealed the contest. Araújo, attempting to dribble out from deep, lost possession under pressure. Bayern quickly capitalised Konrad Laimer won the ball, Kimmich laid it off to Kane, and the striker clinically finished to score his second of the day and Bayern’s fourth.
Flamengo continued to battle, racking up more shots than their opponents and never lacking energy, but Bayern’s ruthless finishing and ability to punish mistakes proved the difference. Kane’s brace, alongside goals from Goretzka and the early own goal, ensured Bayern moved into the next round.
Despite the defeat, Flamengo could hold their heads high. Their intensity, creativity, and fearless approach won plaudits, and their passionate fans never stopped singing. Their coach praised the performance, acknowledging Bayern’s elite quality but insisting Flamengo played on their own terms and were simply undone by clinical execution from their opponents.
Bayern now face PSG in a mouth-watering quarter-final, with Kane and company looking to continue their march towards the title.
