(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
:Benfica Stun Bayern Munich, Auckland City Earn Historic Draw at Club World Cup
PHILADELPHIA (AFP): Portuguese club Benfica claimed a historic 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich at the Club World Cup on Tuesday, topping Group C and advancing to the last 16, while New Zealand’s Auckland City earned a surprising draw against Argentine giants Boca Juniors.
Benfica Make History in Charlotte
In scorching temperatures in Charlotte, North Carolina, Andreas Schjelderup scored the only goal of the match in the 13th minute, converting a well-placed pass from fellow Norwegian Fredrik Aursnes. The win marked Benfica’s first-ever victory over Bayern Munich in 14 competitive meetings.
Bayern, who initially benched stars Harry Kane and Michael Olise, failed to recover in the intense heat. Despite increased attacking momentum in the second half, Benfica’s goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin delivered a stellar performance, denying key chances from Leroy Sane and Kane.
A late equalizer appeared to arrive through Joshua Kimmich, but it was ruled out for offside.
With the result, Benfica top Group C and will face either Chelsea or Esperance in the round of 16. Bayern Munich, finishing second, will now face Flamengo in Miami on Sunday.
Auckland City Hold Boca Juniors in Shock Result
Although already eliminated, Auckland City earned a 1-1 draw against Boca Juniors in Nashville, a surprising result considering their previous heavy defeats (10-0 to Bayern, 6-0 to Benfica).
Boca took the lead when goalkeeper Nathan Garrow unintentionally pushed a Lautaro Di Lollo header into his own net. But Christian Gray leveled the score for Auckland with a well-timed header in the second half.
The match also experienced a near hour-long weather delay, though no rainfall occurred, making it the fifth weather-related interruption of the tournament so far.
Chelsea and Flamengo Wrap Up Group Stage
Later on Tuesday, Chelsea faced Esperance in Philadelphia needing only a draw to progress from Group D. Flamengo, already confirmed as group winners, took on Los Angeles FC in Orlando.
FIFA Opens Investigation Into Alleged Racism Incident
In a separate development, FIFA has launched a disciplinary investigation into Pachuca’s Gustavo Cabral following allegations of racist remarks directed at Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger during their Group A clash on Sunday.
The German international reacted visibly to the exchange, with Cabral denying any misconduct. Real Madrid won the match 3-1.
The Club World Cup continues with knockout fixtures this weekend, as top teams compete for international glory amid extreme weather conditions and intense matchups.
