Flamengo delivered an impressive performance earlier in the Club World Cup, easily defeating Chelsea. Based on this, they might have hoped for a favorable draw in the knockout rounds that would pave a clear path deeper into the tournament. However, Benfica had other plans. An early goal from Andreas Schjelderup secured a win for Benfica, earning them the top spot in Group C. This result shifted Bayern Munich to the opposite side of the bracket, setting up a crucial clash against the Group D winners, Flamengo.
It would be unwise to dismiss the Brazilian team. This tournament often sees South American clubs showing greater intensity and interest compared to their European counterparts, which has been evident in several matches so far. Key Flamengo players like Jorginho, Wallace Yan, and Giorgian de Arrascaeta have performed exceptionally well in this competition and will feel they are capable of challenging the German champions.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany strategically rested several key players in the loss to Benfica, aiming to ensure stars such as Michael Olise and Harry Kane were fresh for the knockout stages. Bayern`s squad depth is immense; they could potentially make a complete starting eleven change and still be considered favorites. However, this also means significant pressure rests squarely on their shoulders, while Flamengo approaches the match with nothing to lose.
Viewing Information
- Date: Sunday, June 29 | Time: 4 p.m. ET
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium — Miami, FL
- Live Stream: DAZN (free)
- Odds: Flamengo Win +360, Draw +290, Bayern Munich Win -150
Last Meeting
This upcoming match will be the first competitive encounter between these two clubs.
Predicted Lineups
Flamengo:
- Agustin Rossi; Wesley, Danilo, Leo Pereira, Ayrton Lucas
- Erick Pulgar, Jorginho
- Gerson, Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Luiz Araujo
- Gonzalo Plata
Bayern Munich:
- Manuel Neuer; Sacha Boey, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, Raphael Guerreiro
- Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka
- Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala, Kingsley Coman
- Harry Kane
Player to Watch
Wesley, Flamengo: Wesley is regarded as one of the top young defensive talents emerging from Brazil. He is set to face a significant challenge against whoever lines up on Bayern`s left flank, especially with the attacking support from Raphael Guerreiro. While Wesley performed capably against Pedro Neto in the victory over Chelsea, this match will undoubtedly represent a considerable step up in difficulty for the 21-year-old defender.
Storyline to Watch
Will the European Giants Elevate Their Game? A notable observation from the group stages was the perceived lack of full intensity from the elite European clubs, seemingly doing just enough to progress, perhaps with an eye on the upcoming domestic seasons. With the tournament reaching the higher-stakes knockout phase, the key question is whether these European teams, specifically Bayern, will now unleash their full competitive drive and performance level.
Prediction
This contest has the potential to extend into extra time, where Bayern`s superior squad depth might ultimately tilt the outcome in their favor. However, it`s important not to anticipate an easy victory for the Bavarian side.
Predicted Score:
Flamengo 1, Bayern Munich 2 (after extra time)
Adrian Whitmore