Bayern Munich have secured their spot in the last 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup after a nervy 2-1 victory over Boca Juniors in Miami, with Michael Olise striking late to seal the win for the German champions.
The Bundesliga giants came into the tie with momentum, having dismantled Auckland City 10-0 in their opening Group C fixture. This result marked the largest winning margin in Club World Cup history. Confidence was visible from the outset at the Hard Rock Stadium, with Bayern asserting early dominance.
They thought they had taken an early lead in the eighth minute when Michael Olise’s inswinging corner crept into the far corner. However, the goal was ruled out after a VAR review judged that Serge Gnabry had obstructed Boca goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin.
Bayern continued to press and were soon rewarded. A defensive lapse in the Boca area left Harry Kane with a loose ball, and the England captain calmly slotted home from twelve yards to put Bayern ahead.
Kingsley Coman had a golden opportunity to double the advantage moments later, but fired over from close range after more good work from Gnabry. At the other end, Boca showed glimpses of their threat with Kevin Zenon forcing a solid stop from Manuel Neuer. Kane then came close again with a curling free-kick that grazed the roof of the net.
Despite their recent poor form, with no wins in five matches within 90 minutes, Boca responded in the second half with renewed energy. Bayern controlled possession, but Boca looked sharper in transition and eventually levelled the contest in the 66th minute.
Alan Velasco split the Bayern defence with a deft pass and Miguel Merentiel surged into the space, taking one touch past Josip Stanisic before finishing expertly beyond Neuer. The equaliser sparked life into both teams, setting up a dramatic final phase.
Ultimately, Bayern’s quality told. With seven minutes to play, Harry Kane’s hold-up play inside the box created space for Olise, who rifled in a first-time shot to score his third goal of the tournament and secure the victory.
Boca pushed for another equaliser but ran out of time and ideas as Vincent Kompany’s side managed the closing stages professionally. The result extends Bayern’s unbeaten run in all competitions to nine matches and ensures their progression to the knockout stage of the Club World Cup.
