When FC Bayern crowned their 2001 Champions League triumph with victory in the Intercontinental Cup six months later, Stefan Effenberg couldn’t play a part. The former captain, who’d earlier been intrumental in FCB winning Europe’s premier club competition for the first time in 25 years, injured himself in a Bundesliga match against 1. FC Nürnberg and had to watch the final against Boca Juniors in Tokyo (1-0 a.e.t.) from Munich.
A quarter of a century later, as Bayern take on the Argentinian giants for the second time in a competitive match at the Club World Cup, Effenberg will be there. The long-time ‘aggressive leader’ of the Munich side is currently in the USA as a Bayern legend and club ambassador – and knows exactly what the current team need to be prepared for overnight on Friday.
‘Hard, robust’ style
“It’s going to be a really tough nut,” described the 56-year-old. The Argentinian teams have shown what they’re about already at the World Cup. “They’re hard, robust, always go to the limit,” continued Effenberg. “They’re awkward opponents who can hurt you in all areas. Bayern Munich have to be ready for that. ” Vincent Kompany’s side therefore need to match those battling qualities on the day.
On top of that, there’s the fact that Boca Juniors will certainly have a ‘home advantage’ thanks to the Hispanic population in Miami, and they’re also under pressure after drawing their first match 2-2 against Benfica, Bayern’s third group opponents. “I don’t think the draw is much good,” commented Effenberg. “From a purely mathematical point of view, it would’ve been better if one of them had won. Now Bayern face two trickier opponents.”
Bayern have enough experience
However, the FCB legend believes the Munich men’s experience stands them in good stead for the upcoming assignments. “They know what they need to do,” he said. Like they did in the comfortable 10-0 victory against semi-professional Oceanic representatives Auckland City, although the difference in class between the teams means you shouldn’t read too much into that. “But I think it’s good that they kept playing and scored the goals,” continued the former midfielder. “You also see the fun they have.”
All FIFA Club World Cup matches are being broadcast live and for free by streaming service DAZN, although broadcasters will differ in some countries.
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