ATLANTA – Harry Kane scored twice as Bayern Munich edged past a spirited Flamengo side with a thrilling 4-2 victory on Sunday to secure a spot in the Club World Cup quarter-finals.
The win sets up a high-profile clash between Vincent Kompany’s side and UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in Atlanta on Saturday, with a place in the last four at stake.
Bayern made a blistering start at Hard Rock Stadium, taking the lead inside six minutes when Joshua Kimmich’s corner was inadvertently headed into the net by Flamengo defender Erick Pulgar.
Four minutes later, the Bundesliga giants doubled their advantage. Dayot Upamecano dispossessed Flamengo in midfield and teed up Kane, whose low shot deflected off Leo Ortiz and beat Agustin Rossi at the far post.
Despite the early shock, Flamengo responded with grit and urgency. Luiz Araujo tested Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer twice before the Brazilian side halved the deficit in the 33rd minute. Araujo’s cross from the left was only partially cleared, and Gerson pounced with a thunderous strike that left Neuer helpless.
But just as Flamengo were building momentum, a poor clearance from Araujo gifted the ball to Leon Goretzka, who made no mistake from 20 yards, restoring Bayern’s two-goal cushion before halftime.
The Brazilian side refused to give in and pulled one back in the 55th minute. Michael Olise was penalised for handball in the box after Giorgian de Arrascaeta’s cross struck his arm. Jorginho calmly converted the resulting penalty to make it 3-2.
However, Flamengo’s lack of sharpness in the final third proved costly. Bayern sealed the win in the 73rd minute when Konrad Laimer won possession and linked up with Kimmich, who slid the ball to Kane. The England captain applied a clinical finish for his second of the night and Bayern’s fourth.
Flamengo exit the tournament despite their passionate support and valiant effort, while Bayern march on, eyeing a semi-final berth against PSG.
