BEVERLY HILLS, February 12, (THEWILL) – German and European football champions Bayern Munich crowned an overly impressive six-fold-trophy season by a 1-0 victory over Mexican side Tigres UANL in Qatar to claim their second FIFA Club World Cup title and their sixth trophy in less than nine months.
In the Club World Cup final that was nearly ruined by controversial Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decisions and the COVID-19 enforced absence of charismatic forward Thomas Muller, Bayern did not play with the fluidity with which they always defined their game and only got one goal, just enough to carry the day.
That 59th-minute Benjamin Pavard goal earned the dominant Bavarians a win over Tigres UANL to add to the overflowing collection of the German behemoths. The last team to accomplish such dominance was the 2009/2010 Barcelona under the stewardship of the cerebral Pep Guardiola.
As far as soccer hostilities go, it all began in the 18th minute, when Bayern thought they had taken the lead through the boots of the in-form midfielder Joshua Kimmich. The German hit a brilliant, outside of the boot shot from distance into the bottom corner that was a beauty of a strike. However, VAR somehow ruled Robert Lewandowski, who had jumped over the ball, as being offside and the goal was disallowed, though there was no contact.
The chances continued to come Bayern’s way as they danced around a resolute Mexican side. Left winger Kingsley Coman cannily tricked his way inside from the left and released a zinger that forced Nahuel Guzman, in goal for Tigres, into a smart save. From the right wing, Leroy Sane went for goal but could only hit the post from distance.
With openings coming for Bayern, it was only a matter of time before the German champions broke the deadlock. And, they found the breakthrough just before the hour mark.
Lewandowski’s involvement was a given. The Polish striker pointed a header from Kimmich’s inch-perfect cross towards goal but Guzman was good for it and blocked it from entering only to have the ball fall to Bayern left back Benjamin Pavard. The defender did not need prodding to tuck it into the unguarded net. This time around, a VAR-check for offside allowed the goal to stand.
It could have been more than a lone goal win but Tigres keeper Guzman had his wits about him and his reflexes were sharp to keep the score respectable. He pushed an effort from substitute midfielder Colentin Tolisso on to the post to keep it out, and made a double save showing his quick recovery rate from midfielder Douglas Costa and Kimmich.
Tigres were impressive throughout and it is to their credit that they never gave up trying to level out the score. Main striker Andre-Pierre Gignac was only inches away from connecting with a flick-on from left midfielder Javier Aquino in the final stages. The result could have been different if he did not miss.
However, Bayern were wholly deserving of their victory. Hansi Flick’s charges have continued from the impressive last season at home and in Europe. Now, they rule the world with very little signs of tiring. As incredible as it is to witness, it remains to be seen what trophies their equally impressive 2020/2021 season will bring.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
