Michael Olise stepped up in the dying minutes to fire Bayern Munich into the Club World Cup knockout stages, sealing a dramatic 2-1 win over Boca Juniors at the Hard Rock Stadium.
With the match delicately poised at 1-1 and Bayern wasteful in front of goal, Olise provided the decisive spark in the 84th minute, curling home a crucial strike that keeps the German champions perfect in Group C.
Bayern had taken the lead through Harry Kane in the 18th minute. The England captain latched onto a precise through-ball and clinically slotted past Boca keeper Sergio Romero. It was a trademark finish in a game that saw Kane lead from the front in humid Miami conditions.
Yet Bayern’s control began to slip as missed chances piled up. Boca made them pay midway through the second half, when Miguel Merentiel weaved through the Bayern defence with a dazzling solo run before finishing with composure in the 66th.
“We knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” Kane admitted. “It’s a massive tournament. We just have to compete at our highest level.”
While Olise’s winner sparked jubilant celebrations, Bayern’s night was soured by an injury to Jamal Musiala. The 22-year-old, just back from a hamstring tear, limped off after 25 minutes on the pitch, casting doubt over his availability for the rest of the tournament.
Boca, meanwhile, still cling to faint hopes of qualification. They must defeat Auckland City emphatically and hope Bayern dispatch Benfica on Tuesday.
Coach Miguel Ángel Russo remained defiant: “A draw would’ve been great, but it’s up to us now. I wouldn’t be surprised if we did it.”
The result sends Bayern through to the round of 16 with a game to spare, but injury clouds and missed chances still leave questions as the competition intensifies.
