CINCINNATI – Bayern Munich delivered a stellar performance against Auckland City, clinching a 10-0 win during their opening match of the Club World Cup on Sunday. The highlight of the match was Jamal Musiala’s incredible hat trick, achieved within just 17 minutes in the second half, even as fans at TQL Stadium voiced criticism against FIFA with a visible banner.
The Bundesliga giants demonstrated their prowess early on, with Thomas Müller, Kingsley Coman, and Michael Olise each scoring a pair of goals. Coman initiated the scoring just six minutes into the match. Dominating the offensive front, Bayern registered a remarkable 17 shots on target compared to Auckland City’s single attempt.
Marking his return to the pitch following a lengthy recovery from a hamstring injury, 22-year-old midfielder Musiala replaced Harry Kane in the 61st minute. Musiala swiftly found the back of the net in the 67th minute, followed by a successful penalty conversion in the 73rd, and capped his performance with another goal in the 84th minute.
The atmosphere within the stadium, filled by 21,152 spectators, was charged as a red-and-white banner harked back to the 2015 crackdown at Zurich’s Baur Au Lac hotel, an operation by U.S. authorities that led to numerous arrests within football’s leadership. The banner boldly declared concerns over the current governance of world football, calling to “Smash FIFA!”
Jonathan Tah made a notable debut for Bayern after transferring from Bayer Leverkusen, starting in the defense line. Meanwhile, Dayot Upamecano joined the action in the 61st minute, marking his return since a knee injury sidelined his performances since March 23.
The game reached a decisive moment as Bayern swiftly expanded their lead, scoring four goals by the first half’s midpoint. The scoring spree included a goal by Sacha Boey at the 18-minute mark, followed by Olise, then Coman a minute later. With Müller netting yet another in the 45th minute, and Olise finalizing the half with a goal in stoppage time, Bayern left no doubt of their dominance.
Looking ahead, Bayern Munich braces for potentially tougher challenges against Boca Juniors on Friday and Benfica on June 24. Conversely, facing a daunting goal deficit, Auckland City aims to find redemption against Benfica first, before wrapping up Group C in a match against Boca Juniors.
Reflecting on the match, Bayern Munich’s coach, Vincent Kompany, expressed satisfaction with the team’s display, calling it “a great match for everyone,” characterized by assertive and offensive gameplay. On the other side, Auckland City forward Angus Kilkolly acknowledged the immense challenge their side faced. “It is an unbelievable challenge to play against one of the world’s best teams,” he noted, expressing pride in their effort despite the struggle to fend off Bayern’s relentless attack.