Bayern Munich kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a resounding 10-0 victory over Auckland City FC.
The German giants showcased their dominance, with Kingsley Coman, Michael Olise, and Thomas Muller each scoring twice, while Sacha Boey added to the tally.
Substitute Jamal Musiala bagged a second-half hat-trick, netting three goals in the final 16 minutes.
The match, played at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio on Sunday, was a David vs Goliath encounter, with Auckland City being the amateur side from New Zealand and ranked 5,074th in world football.
Despite their underdog status, Auckland City’s players showed determination and skill, with defender Adam Mitchell expressing his excitement about playing against the likes of Bayern Munich: “Honestly, as a young New Zealander, you would never think that you would be playing against the likes of Bayern Munich…
“It’s just an amazing feeling and we have an opportunity to test ourselves against the world’s best and we’re going to give it our all.”
The one-sided nature of the result sparked questions about the merits of expanding the Club World Cup from seven teams to 32.
Some fans took to social media to express their disappointment, with one observer tweeting: “This Club World Cup is a bit of a joke in all fairness.”
Another fan added: “This ISN’T even funny, this is pathetic now. Feel so sorry Auckland!”
Despite the loss, Auckland City’s participation in the tournament is notable, having competed in more editions of the Club World Cup than any other team from any country.
They have earned a bronze medal in the past and have won the OFC Champions League four times in a row since 2022.
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