Bayern's fear of World Cup flop - Stars already have their bags packed

Huge World Cup flop? Or a descent into a giant quarterfinal? As the knockout phase begins, FC Bayern , self-proclaimed title contenders at the Club World Cup, find themselves at a crossroads between success and ruin. Tournament-experienced Thomas Müller once again best sums up the critical situation, for whom the round of 16 against CR Flamengo could prove to be his last game in the German champions' jersey.

"The tournament is now gaining momentum. And I know that a knockout round like this is always a game of gamble," said the 35-year-old. "You're always a bit on your guard." Müller has competed in four World Cup and European Championship tournaments with the national team. And his greatest triumph, alongside goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, came in the opposing team's home city, of all places.

In Rio's legendary Maracanã Stadium, the German national team defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the 2014 final. This came after the match of the century, a 7-1 semi-final victory against hosts Brazil.

Eleven years later, Bayern legends Müller and Neuer will face a Brazilian team again in a World Cup tournament on Sunday (10 p.m./Sat.1 and DAZN) in Miami. And it will be a real challenge, as will a possible quarterfinal against Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain or Inter Miami, featuring the now 38-year-old Lionel Messi.

All four Brazilian participants—Flamengo, Fluminense, and Botafogo from Rio, as well as Palmeiras from São Paulo—made it through the group stage. "And Flamengo is currently the best Brazilian team," said Bayern Munich's sporting director Christoph Freund: "They also beat Chelsea."

3-1. Bayern would have faced Chelsea if they hadn't lost their group victory against Benfica Lisbon (0-1). It certainly won't be any easier against Flamengo. Before the tournament, the three-time Copa Libertadores winners strengthened their squad with the addition of midfield ace Jorginho (33) from Arsenal.

The ever-fearless captain Neuer is looking forward to "a highlight game." But also one with a huge potential for disappointment. FC Bayern, as is well known, traveled to the USA with the ambition to compete for the title. And to earn big money. Dollar signs were literally in the bosses' eyes. The Bundesliga giant has already pocketed the equivalent of almost 40 million euros. But now it's all about the really fat million-dollar bonuses.

A knockout in the round of 16 would be a disaster, especially for the coach. Especially since Vincent Kompany's massive rotation against Benfica was aimed at "putting us in the best possible position for the next game," as he said after the defeat: "A positive result will prove me right."

A negative result would trigger heated discussions about him, the quality of the squad, sporting director Max Eberl, and FC Bayern's status as a sporting "giant," as Flamengo coach Filipe Luis called it.

Kompany now has to form a starting eleven for the tournament. And complete the attacking puzzle. A different number 10 started against Auckland (Thomas Müller), Boca Juniors (Serge Gnabry), and Benfica (Tom Bischof). The time should now be right for Jamal Musiala. Against Lisbon, he sat out the 90 minutes, even though he "would have been ready," as sporting director Freund reported. Musiala, Olise, Coman, Kane—this attacking quartet should be able to deliver.

During training in Orlando, the now fit Musiala acted as a DJ, bringing the jukebox onto the pitch in a cheerful mood. Against the Brazilians, his hooks, feints, and one-on-one actions will be in demand.

Kompany expects a passionate match. "We saw how the South American teams live for this tournament." The Belgian is confident of victory. He pointed to the 2-1 win against Boca Juniors in the group stage – also in Miami. "We survived the test against Boca well. And now comes another test," said Kompany.

At the Hard Rock Stadium, Flamengo fans will be clearly in the majority and will dominate the atmosphere. "There's going to be a lot going on there. We're hoping for football festivals like this," said Müller. But it won't be his last.