Footy: Bayern Battle Underdogs Auckland City in Adventure
Bayern Munich kick off against amateur footballers from Auckland - Bayern Munich are taking on Auckland's Hobby-Kicker in the "Adventure" match.
Will it be 3:0? 5:0? 7:0? That's the question on everyone's lips as FC Bayern gear up for their Club World Cup debut against Auckland City in the United States. New Zealand conquered the rugby world with their three-time title win, but in soccer, the nation's diminutive five-million population is overshadowed.
Even amongst the Bayern crew, no one's talking about an easy ride against the Oceanic champions. Not even sporting director Max Eberl. "Auckland's probably the weakest opponent," he admitted, "but we still have to play them and win."
Bayern's upcoming match on Sunday at 12:00 noon local time in Cincinnati's TQL Stadium (18:00 CEST, live on Sat.1 and DAZN) is a challenge—if Bayern plays carelessly. Nevertheless, veteran players Manuel Neuer (39) and Thomas Müller (35) don't foresee any obstacles despite jet lag, a strenuous climate, and a delayed team arrival.
Captain Neuer expressed confidence. "We will be ready." Müller, about to embark on his final Bayern mission, echoed his sentiment. "We're here to win games. And that starts with the first game."
Vincent Kompany, head coach, has no room for question marks in his team's approach. "We want to be here to win this thing," he declared, setting his sights on the final match outside New York on July 13th.
Meanwhile, a worse-case scenario for Bayern might be a 0:3 loss, according to former Werder Bremen pro Wynton Rufer, who runs a soccer school in Auckland. With not much to brag about in soccer, New Zealand's got its fair share of champions in other sports. "But we have many champions in soccer... just not in football," Rufer joked to "Kicker."
Considering the group phase's significance, Bayern needs a successful match to get off to a good start. Kompany is expected to field the players who made the initial travel group, allowing for better acclimatization.
Company officials are conscious of managing and pacing crucial players like Jamal Musiala and Dayot Upamecano, returning from major injuries. "Those are guys who will need to be slowly integrated," asserted Eberl. "They won't be playing 90 minutes straight away—and that every three days. They can't do that."
Between a financial and sporting powerhouse and an amateur team, this tournament is a thrilling adventure for all involved. No one can foresee what the future holds.
Football
- Bayern
- Auckland
- FC Bayern
- Cincinnati
- Thomas Müller
- USA
- Max Eberl
- DFB-Pokal
- Manuel Neuer
- Vincent Kompany
- Auckland City
- Champions League
- Harry Kane
- Konrad Laimer
- Leroy Sané
- Orlando
- Stars
- New Zealand
- Oceania
- In contrast to their dominance on the rugby field, New Zealand's soccer achievements are overshadowed, with Auckland City serving as the nation's only recognized champions in football.
- As the Champions League season approaches, Bayern's star player, Thomas Müller, remains focused on winning games, starting with their Club World Cup debut against Auckland City.
- Despite the financial and sporting disparity between Bayern and amateur teams like Auckland, the Club World Cup presents an exciting adventure for all involved, much like the European leagues, such as the Champions League featuring stars like Harry Kane and Leroy Sané.
