FC Bayern are in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup following a 4-2 victory over CR Flamengo. FCB came out on top in a hard-fought contest to book their place in the last eight. “We played well from the start but every time we had the feeling we were pulling away, they fought back into it and made it tough for us,” analysed two-goal hero Harry Kane, who was named Player of the Match. “The team found the right tempo,” said head coach Vincent Kompany. “It’s important to remain a threat against opponents like these, and we did that throughout the whole match.” The Bavarians now face Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals next Saturday. “We know what we’re up against, we’ll analyse this match and hopefully have good momentum,” added captain Manuel Neuer. fcbayern.com rounds up the reaction from Miami.
Reaction to match against Flamengo
Vincent Kompany: “The emotions were there. We started very well, pressed very high and got success. Flamengo are a team who would also be a top team in Europe. They stayed in the game for a long time. We did a lot right and now we’re in the next round. We always have to take into account the conditions. After 20 minutes I was wondering if we could keep it up for 90 minutes. The team found the right tempo. It’s important to remain a threat against opponents like these, and we did that throughout the whole match. Then you always hold the balance in the match. We know Paris, we’ve already played against them [this season]. The analysis was of Flamengo first, now it’ll be of Paris.”
Manuel Neuer: “It’s fun playing against Brazilian teams, they also wanted to have the ball. We had the luck on our side at the start but you always have to be alert against these teams. They threw a lot in attack. We tried to keep playing our game and creating chances. We had that killer instinct which was lacking a bit against Benfica. That’s crucial if you want to progress. We move on and go into the next round against PSG. We know what we’re up against, we’ll analyse this match and hopefully have good momentum.”
Harry Kane: “It was a hard game against a really strong side and in difficult conditions. We played well from the start but every time we had the feeling we were pulling away, they fought back into it and made it tough for us, especially in the second half. That’s why the fourth goal was very important for us, to calm the nerves for the last 10 minutes. We controlled the game well after that. It’s going to be another difficult match against PSG, they’ve had an unbelievable season. We already played against them this season and came out on top. We have to try to take the energy and the good feeling into this match. We know it’s going to be difficult but we feel like we can beat anyone when we’re at our top level. We need to recover well now and prepare.”
Leon Goretzka: “It was a very intensive game. Both teams wanted to press high and get into one-v-ones. That becomes hard in these temperatures, but to come out on top in such a battle is enjoyable and we’re glad we’re into the next round. We knew it would be a very physical game. Flamengo also like to play out from the back, which they do well, but conversely there are always opportunities to win the ball high. We did that well and also scored goals from it. There was a cool atmosphere in the stadium again, and then it’s important to keep calm and keep possession. We could’ve done that better at times. Now we face the Champions League winners – that’s certainly going to be another fierce contest. We’ve already played against them successfully once this season and look forward to this one.”
Reaction from the Flamengo camp
Filipe Luís (head coach): “We were capable of pressing high and creating great chances. We were playing against the football elite, though. We have to accept they were better. They have a high quality, you have to acknowledge that. They had a lot of duels and it’s difficult to overcome this team when they press with such high quality.”
Jorginho (midfielder): “In big games like these, details make the difference. They weren’t better than us, it was an even game for large parts. We again showed we can hold our own against any opponents. The team are doing great, we have to carry this on.”
All FIFA Club World Cup matches are being broadcast live and for free by streaming service DAZN, although broadcasters will differ in some countries.
The match report:
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