Flamengo Floor Chelsea, Bayern Edge Out Boca

AFP | Philadelphia, United States

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Flamengo produced a brilliant second-half fightback to beat Chelsea 3-1 at the Club World Cup on Friday and qualify for the last 16, while Bayern Munich joined them in reaching the knockout phase with a tense win over Boca Juniors.

In Philadelphia, Pedro Neto gave Chelsea an early lead but Flamengo, roared on by their fervent supporters who made up most of the 55,840 fans in attendance, stormed from behind and came roaring back in the second half.

Bruno Henrique came off the bench to equalise before setting up Gerson’s go-ahead strike. Former Chelsea winger Kenedy added a late third to seal the win.

“We stayed calm, we stayed composed,” said Henrique. “We knew they were well, and in the first half, they dominated. But we stayed focused and believed in our plan.”

The result marked Flamengo’s first win in this new format and their best record for South American clubs at the competition.

Boca Juniors was in for the first time either as a Brazilian or Argentine team.

Chelsea now face Esperance next in a do-or-die rematch in Philadelphia next Tuesday with elimination on the line.

Kane, Olise on Target

Harry Kane and Michael Olise found the net from long range to help Bayern Munich edge Boca Juniors 2-1 with a late winner in Group C.

Kane scored a tough game because “Flamengo's pace was incredible,” said the English forward.

“We managed to weather it and keep going. It wasn’t pretty, but it was what we needed.”

Boca’s fans, in high numbers in the stands, jeered Bayern’s defensive efforts throughout the game.

Kane's early goal gave Bayern the lead before Boca equalised just after the hour mark.

Olise netted an 87th-minute stunner to restore the lead.

Bayern’s win over Boca marked their 2-1 victory and clinched their Group C top spot.

Group A

• Palmeiras: 2-1-0-0-4-2-4

• Inter Miami: 2-1-1-0-2-1-4

• Porto: 2-0-1-1-1-2-1

• Al Ahly: 2-0-1-1-2-3-1

Group B

• Botafogo: 2-0-0-1-3-1-6

• Paris SG: 2-1-0-1-4-3-3

• Atletico Madrid: 2-1-0-1-3-5-3

• Seattle Sounders: 2-0-0-2-0-2-0

Group C

• Bayern Munich: 2-0-0-1-2-0-6 (qualified)

• Flamengo: 2-1-0-1-3-2-4

• Boca Juniors: 2-0-1-1-3-4-1

• Al Duhail: 2-0-0-2-0-6-0 (eliminated)

Group D

• Flamengo: 2-0-0-1-5-1-6

• Chelsea: 2-1-0-1-3-3-3

• Esperance: 2-1-0-1-2-2-3

• Los Angeles FC: 2-0-0-2-0-3-0 (eliminated)