Bayern Munich secured their place in the FIFA Club World Cup knockout stage with a 2-1 victory over Argentina’s Boca Juniors in Miami Gardens, thanks to a decisive late strike from Michael Olise.

The German champions, who had cruised through their Group C opener with a 10-0 thrashing of Auckland City, faced far sterner resistance from Boca. 

Friday’s match remained deadlocked until the 84th minute, when Harry Kane’s measured pass found Olise in a crowded penalty box. 

The winger calmly drilled his shot into the bottom left corner, sealing Bayern’s second consecutive group win.

Kane had earlier opened the scoring in the first half, finishing off a clever link-up initiated by Konrad Laimer and Kingsley Coman, despite an awkward first touch. 

Boca responded in the 66th minute through Miguel Merentiel, who latched onto a pinpoint midfield ball from Alan Velasco. Merentiel outpaced Jonathan Tah, weaved past Josip Stanisic, and fired a right-footed shot over Manuel Neuer to draw level.

With six points from two matches, Bayern top the group, while Boca Juniors, now with just one point, must beat Auckland City in their final group match in Nashville and hope Bayern defeat Benfica in Charlotte to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Source: Al Jazeera

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