June 30 – Germany’s Bayern Munich cruised past Flamengo 4-2 to reach the last eight of the Club World Cup and eliminated the Brazilians.
In the group stage, Flamengo upset Chelsea 3-1, but there was to be no second victory against European opposition as Bayern controlled the match after taking a 2-0 lead inside the first ten minutes to run out comfortable winners. Flamengo’s elimination leaves Palmeiras as the last Brazilian representative confirmed in the last eight, but Fluminense still play Inter Milan on Monday in the round of 16.
Flamengo were guilty of sloppy defending in the opening exchanges and paid the price conceding twice early on. Erik Pulgar headed the ball past his own goalkeeper and Harry Kane doubled the score with a finish from outside the box. The Brazilians fought back with goal from Gerson, who slammed the ball past Manuel Neuer with great force, but before the break Leon Goretzka restored Bayern’s two-goal lead with a composed strike when Flamengo’s defenders failed to press.
Jorginho got Flamengo’s second from the penalty spot after half time and the Rio side attacked, but Kane’s second and Bayern’s fourth in the 73rd minute put the result beyond doubt. It was the story of the match: whenever Bayern accelerated, they were dangerous or scored, demonstrating the gap between the Brazilian and European elite.
Flamengo manager Filipe Luis admitted that Bayern were on a different level altogether: “A true colossus, a spectacular team, which has all the merits and deserved to have advanced to the next stage. An incredible team, which was superior, is superior, and we have to recognise this superiority of the opponent.”
Bayern have been rewarded with a quarter-final against Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain who demolished Inter Miami and Lionel Messi 4-0.
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