CWC: German coldness extinguishes South American fire – Bayern to face PSG

The greatest energy of the Club World Cup burned out in an instant under the pressure of its own desire. A machine accustomed to enduring even the fiercest shocks without taking them personally, Bayern seized every moment of carelessness, recklessness, and every gap in the defense of the temperamental Brazilians. They decided the match through the brilliance of two-goal hero Harry Kane and a superb strike from Leon Goretzka. While the South Americans played with heart and often rushed too much, the Europeans played with their heads — and that made the difference.

Bayern defeated Flamengo 4–2 (3–1) in the Round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup and advanced to the quarterfinals, where they will face reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain (Saturday, 19.00).

The hope that Flamengo could become Europe’s new nightmare — like Botafogo was for PSG or Flamengo themselves were for Chelsea in the group stage — was shattered by Germany’s cold, calculated approach. After a strong start and some brief signs of Flamengo resistance, Bayern’s machine calmly booked a date with PSG, leaving Filipe Luis’s team to pick up the pieces of what could have been history.

Vincent Kompany’s side took the lead in the 6th minute through an own goal by Erick Pulgar. Kimmich sent in a corner, and the Chilean attempted to intervene at the near post, only to awkwardly deflect the ball into his own net. Rossi had no chance. Flamengo crumbled completely — and the match had barely begun.

By the 10th minute, Harry Kane doubled Bayern’s lead. Dayot Upamecano expertly dispossessed a Flamengo midfielder and launched a counterattack. The ball reached Kane, who set himself up beautifully and fired a powerful, accurate strike from distance into the near corner. Rossi was caught off guard and helpless.

In the 33rd minute, Flamengo pulled one back through Gerson. After chaos in Bayern’s box, the ball fell to the former Roma and Marseille player, who smashed it into the net without hesitation. Manuel Neuer was stunned, and the Brazilians were back within one.

But another sloppy turnover at the edge of their own area cost Flamengo dearly again. The ball landed at the feet of Leon Goretzka, who lined up and struck a precise shot into the bottom corner. Another long-range goal — Bayern’s third — and yet another goal Flamengo gave away too cheaply.

The Brazilian side came out of the locker room determined to turn the tide despite trailing by two goals. In the 50th minute, De Arrascaeta tried to surprise Neuer from a free kick but failed. However, a few minutes later, Flamengo found a lifeline. Michael Olise committed a handball in the box, and the referee pointed to the spot. Jorginho converted calmly — 2:3, and renewed hope for the red-and-blacks.

At that point, it seemed like the match was truly turning. Bayern looked shaken; Flamengo were full of energy. But the decisive blow came in the 73rd minute when Kane capitalized on another Flamengo error and scored for 2:4 — his second goal of the match, and his 41st of the season across all competitions.

Flamengo had no strength left to respond.

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP 2025

1/8 finals

Saturday

Palmeiras - Botafogo 1-0 AET (0-0)

/Paulinho 10/

Benfica - Chelsea 1-4 AET (1-1)

/Di Maria 90+5 pen - James 64, Nkunku 108, Neto 114, Dewsbury-Hall 117/

Sunday

PSG - Inter Miami (4-0)

/Neves 6,39, Aviles 44 og, Hakimi 45+3/

Flamengo - Bayern 2-4 (1-3)

/Gerson 33, Jorginho 55 pen - Pulgar 6 (og), Kane 9, 73, Goretzka 41/

Monday

19.00: (1.80) Inter (3.50) Fluminense (4.70)

Tuesday

04.00: (1.35) Manchester City (5.00) Al-Hilal (9.00)

22.00: (1.67) Real Madrid (3.70) Juventus (5.50)

Wednesday

04.00: (1.80) Dortmund (3.60) Monterrey (4.60)

***odds are subject to change***