Bayern Munich’s Late Surge Sends Them Past Boca Juniors
Bayern Munich booked their spot in the FIFA Club World Cup knockout stages with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Argentina’s Boca Juniors on Friday. Goals from Harry Kane and Michael Olise secured the win against a formidable Boca side at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Kane opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a clinical left-footed strike, capitalizing on a defensive error by Boca. The German champions dominated the first half, with midfield maestros Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka controlling the tempo and stretching Boca’s defense.
Despite Bayern’s early dominance, Boca Juniors fought back fiercely in the second half. Miguel Merentiel equalized in the 66th minute, thrilling the sea of blue and gold-clad fans who packed the stadium. His brilliant solo effort, slipping past defender Josip Stanisic, reignited the match.
“It was a huge effort from the lads,” Kane said after the match. “We knew it wouldn’t be easy—playing in a hostile environment with the heat. We should have been two or three up in the first half, but they turned up the pressure after the break. Once they scored, though, we shifted the momentum back.”
As the clock ticked down, Bayern refused to settle for a draw. In the 84th minute, Kane laid off a loose ball to Olise, who showed composure beyond his years to slot home the winner past goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin.
The victory was met with elation from Bayern coach Vincent Kompany. “We knew they’d never give up,” Kompany said. “But this team has character. Now we focus on the next challenge.”
The match was a showcase of top-tier football, blending European precision with South American flair. Over 63,000 fans created an electric atmosphere, turning the Hard Rock Stadium into a cauldron of passion and excitement.
With this win, Bayern Munich advance confidently into the knockout stages of the Club World Cup, setting their sights on adding another trophy to their illustrious cabinet.
