Harry Kane leads charge as Munich moves within reach of top spot in Group C
Bayern Munich punched its ticket to the FIFA Club World Cup knockout stage with a 2-1 win over Boca Juniors in a tightly contested Group C match at Hard Rock Stadium.
England striker Harry Kane scored once and assisted another, delivering a crucial performance that lifted Bayern above the Argentine side in front of a crowd of 63,587.
Kane struck early in the 18th minute, finding space inside the box and slotting the ball past the keeper after a low cross from Kingsley Coman. The goal gave Bayern a first-half lead and early momentum.
Boca Juniors answered in the second half when Miguel Merentiel finished off a swift attack, meeting a through ball from Alan Velasco to level the match in the 66th minute.
But Bayern regained control with six minutes left. Kane, surrounded near the edge of the area, calmly slipped the ball into the path of Michael Olise. The winger drilled a side-footed shot past Boca’s keeper, sealing the win in the 84th minute.
“Big performance from the guys,” Kane said in a post-match interview. “We knew it wasn’t going to be easy and we were coming into a hostile environment. It’s great to get the goal and qualify.”
Bayern’s path to the top of Group C now depends on the final match against Benfica. A draw would be enough to secure the group’s top spot. That outcome could set up a last-16 clash with Chelsea, if the Premier League side finishes second in their group.
Benfica, who crushed Auckland City 6-0 on Friday, are currently second behind Bayern. Boca Juniors still have a mathematical chance to progress. They would need Benfica to lose and must overcome a seven-goal deficit in the standings to advance.
The match was not without concern for Bayern. Jamal Musiala, who entered as a substitute in the second half, limped off just 25 minutes later. The extent of his injury remains unclear.
Boca’s defeat snapped a nine-match unbeaten run for South American clubs in the new Club World Cup format. Despite the loss, they showed resilience and threatened to equalize again in the final minutes, but lacked a final touch.
Bayern now turns its focus to the showdown with Benfica, while Boca awaits results that will determine their fate.
Hard Rock Stadium will host the final round of Group C matches next week.
