Harry Kane delivered a stunning performance, scoring twice as Bayern Munich overcame Flamengo 4-2 in an entertaining encounter to book their place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup, where they are set to face Paris Saint-Germain.
The German champions started the match on the front foot, putting Flamengo under intense pressure right from kickoff. They were rewarded early in the sixth minute when Erick Pulgar, attempting to clear a dangerous corner from Joshua Kimmich, inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, giving Bayern a 1-0 lead.
The momentum remained firmly with Bayern as Harry Kane quickly added a second goal. After Dayot Upamecano regained possession high up the pitch, Kane unleashed a powerful left-footed strike from outside the penalty area that left Flamengo goalkeeper Agustin Rossi with no chance.
Despite the early setback, Flamengo began to find their rhythm and created chances through Luiz Araujo, who forced a save from Manuel Neuer. Their persistence paid off when Gerson hammered home a goal to reduce the deficit to 2-1, giving the Brazilian fans hope of a comeback.
However, Bayern’s response was swift and decisive. Before the halftime whistle, Leon Goretzka pounced on a poor clearance from Flamengo’s defense and sent a precise long-range shot past Rossi to restore their two-goal advantage, making it 3-1 at the break.
Flamengo came out fighting in the second half and managed to pull another goal back. Jorginho successfully converted a penalty awarded after Michael Olise was judged to have handled the ball during a corner kick, narrowing the score to 3-2 and setting up a tense finale.
Yet Bayern’s quality shone through once again as Harry Kane stepped up to seal the match with his second goal of the night. Receiving the ball at the edge of the box, Kane fired a composed finish into the bottom corner, ensuring Bayern's safe passage to the next round.
The result means Bayern Munich will now face a mouth-watering quarter-final showdown against Paris Saint-Germain later this week, in what promises to be one of the most exciting fixtures of the tournament.