Bayern Munich will take the pitch at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Sunday at 4PM EDT in a match that — all of sudden — could be a lot more difficult than anyone might have initially anticipated.
After smashing Auckland City FC in their Club World Cup opener, Bayern Munich scuffled through a 2-1 victory over Boca Juniors before sleepwalking in a 1-0 defeat to Benfica.
Clearly, Bayern Munich needs to be better against a very hungry and motivated Flamengo side. Let’s take a dive into what could be one of the more intriguing matchups of the weekend.
Bayern Munich will require big efforts from three players to stave off the challenge from Flamengo — attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala, central midfielder Joshua Kimmich, and center-back Jonathan Tah.
Coming off of an injury. Musiala notched a hat-trick against Auckland City FC before suffering through yet another injury scare against Boca Juniors. Bayern Munich needs a healthy and dangerous Musiala to breakdown what should be a staunch defensive unit for Flamengo.
As for Kimmich, he is about the only player fans know will start in the central midfield these days. There is a mix of several other players complimenting Kimmich, but Germany’s captain needs to be on-point if the squad is going to control possession and tempo vs. Flamengo.
For Tah, Flamengo will absolutely represent a challenge.
“I think the first match (against Auckland City FC) was downplayed a bit and I know we’re not going to get the greatest praise for that, but winning 10-0 takes some work and you have to show the seriousness that we had. That’s exactly what we need,” Tah told FCBayern.com.
“It’s South American intensity, it’s a different kind of football. We have to adapt to that – and at the same time follow through with our game. (Boca Juniors felt like) an away game because there’ll certainly be a lot of South American fans in the stadium. Then it will again be about showing that seriousness on the pitch.”
For Tah, the Club World Cup experience has been invaluable.
“I’m new and need to find my feet first – it’s priceless for me that I can spend so much time with the guys and the backroom team now and get to know everyone better. It just helps me to have an easier start to the new season. I really wanted to play in the tournament and now I also want to win it,” Tah said.
For Flamengo, goalkeeper Agustín Rossi has been very strong, while Léo Ortiz should anchor the defense. Central midfielder Gerson and attackers Giorgian de Arrascaeta Luiz Araújo, Pedro, and Bruno Henrique all figure to present a problem for the Bavarians.
