Bayern Munich surge into Club World Cup knockouts with gritty Boca Juniors win

The German powerhouses, now 2-0-0 with a commanding +11 goal differential (12-1), relied on strikes from Harry Kane and Michael Olise to secure the win in a pulsating group stage match at Hard Rock Stadium.

Head coach Vincent Kompany lauded his team's composure against a tenacious Boca Juniors side. "We handled the game's emotions well," Kompany said.

"It was a mature display, though we'd have preferred not to concede. Every victory in this tournament is hard-earned, so this is a fantastic result."

Bayern dominated early, with Kane opening the scoring in the first half, only for Boca Juniors' striker Edinson Cavani to level the score after the break.

Muller's late goal restored Bayern's lead, sealing the victory. Kompany acknowledged Boca's fightback, stating, "They're a team with real heart. Cavani took his chance well, but we stayed calm and grew more threatening as the match progressed. It was a German-esque performance."

Kompany admitted his side could have been more clinical, adding, "If we're picky, we should've buried more chances to avoid a nervy ending. But this is the Club World Cup, nothing's easy."

Ahead of their final group stage clash against SL Benfica, Kompany rejected suggestions of resting players. "I don't like the term rotation," he said. "This is a seven-game tournament. We're focused on carrying momentum into the knockouts."

He stressed the need to monitor players' fitness but kept the focus on winning.

The vibrant Hard Rock Stadium atmosphere left a mark. "It's an incredible privilege," Kompany said. "For fans, this tournament is unique, unlike any big moment we've experienced at Bayern."

Bayern Munich's official X account celebrated the win, highlighting Kane's clinical finish and Muller's decisive strike, with a post stating, "Kane and Olise deliver! Into the knockouts with a statement." Kompany echoed the sentiment on X, posting, "Kane and Muller stepped up. Proud of the team's grit. Onward!"

With Kane and Olise firing, Bayern Munich are primed to pursue Club World Cup glory, blending steel and flair in their quest for the title.

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