Following a commanding performance against Chelsea in the Club World Cup, Flamengo likely anticipated a smoother path in the knockout stages. However, Benfica upset those expectations. An early goal from Andreas Schjelderup secured Benfica top spot in Group C, consequently placing Bayern Munich on the opposite side of the bracket for a showdown with Group D winners, Flamengo.
Underestimating the Brazilian side would be unwise, especially given the strong emphasis South American teams place on the Club World Cup compared to their European counterparts. Players like Jorginho, Wallace Yan, and Giorgian de Arrascaeta have been standout performers and believe they can challenge the German champions.
Conversely, Vincent Kompany had strategically rested several key Bayern players for the Benfica match, prioritizing their freshness for the knockout phase. The depth of the Bundesliga squad is such that even with eleven changes, they would still be considered favorites. This situation places significant pressure on Bayern, while Flamengo enters 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: Watch on DAZN (for free)
- Odds: Flamengo +360; Draw +290; Bayern Munich -150
Last Meeting
This upcoming match will mark 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: Regarded as a promising young defender in Brazilian football, Wesley will face a significant test against Bayern`s left flank, particularly with the attacking support provided by Raphael Guerreiro. While Wesley performed well against Pedro Neto in the win over Chelsea, this match represents a considerable step up in difficulty for the 21-year-old.
Storyline to Watch
Will the European teams elevate their game? A notable pattern in the group stages was the sense that the top European sides were perhaps doing just enough, possibly treating the tournament as a prelude without fully compromising their domestic seasons starting later. Now that the stakes are higher, the question is whether their competitive intensity will increase.
Prediction
This match could potentially extend into extra time, where Bayern`s squad depth might ultimately sway the result in their favor. However, do not anticipate an easy victory for the Bavarian side.
PICK: Flamengo 1, Bayern Munich 2 (a.e.t.)
