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Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Harry Kane enjoys makeshift ice bath in WHEELIE BIN after 10-0 Bayern Munich rout in Club World Cup opener
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HARRY KANE enjoyed a makeshift ice bath in a wheelie bin after Bayern Munich's 10-0 rout in their Club World Cup opener. The German champions broke records as they recorded the competition's highest-ever victory against New Zealand semi-pro side Auckland FC. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Harry Kane enjoyed an ice bath in a wheelie bin 4 Kane found a novel way to beat the heat at the Club World Cup in America 4 Kane appeared to revel in the frosty conditions 4 He will be hoping to score in Bayern's next Club World Cup game Kane amazingly failed to score as teammates including Jamal Musiala, Michael Olise and Thomas Muller helped themselves to several strikes. But England's captain still put in a massive shift in the blazing American heat, with temperatures hitting around 28 degrees celsius. Bayern could now seal qualification from their group with a win against Boca Juniors on Saturday. And Kane decided to prepare in the best way possible by recovering with a mega ice bath. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL GRASS IS GREENER Mason Greenwood back in Manchester as he trains with ex-Man Utd team-mate However, the former Tottenham star did not need a luxurious tub for his work. Instead, he climbed inside a gigantic wheelie bin filled with ice cubes. It allowed Kane to fully submerge his legs while remaining in an upright position, thereby helping blood flow more naturally into his muscles. The miracles of ice baths are not lost on the average professional sportsman, despite the freezing cold — and often painful — procedure. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS But Kane took things to another level as he chilled out before declaring he 'LIKED' the frosty conditions. Relaxing in his wheelie bin while staying shaded under a parasol, Kane said: 'In this weather I like it. Harry Kane finally gets his hands on first career trophy as Bayern Munich win Bundesliga in style 'It's so hot here, it's refreshing. But when it's in the winter it's tougher.' Fans were quick to react to Kane's bizarre ice bath on social media. One said: 'Harry on the rocks.' Another declared: 'Take a little break and then hit it again.' One noted: 'This gave me chills.' Another added: 'Pure talent, no words.'
News.com.au
4 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
A-League premiers hope to be representing Oceania at next FIFA Club World Cup
The confusion over which Auckland team is representing Oceania in the FIFA Club World Cup is unlikely to be repeated in the second edition of the tournament in 2029 when an A-League side is expected to be involved. There are many that are wrongly of the belief that A-League premiers Auckland FC are in the United States competing in the inaugural Club World Cup and were the team that suffered a humiliating 10-0 loss to German champions Bayern Munich on Monday morning (AEST). However, the team is Auckland City, an outfit consisting of part-time footballers that plays in New Zealand's national league. City qualified for the Club World Cup on the back of being the most dominant team in the Oceania Football Confederation's Champions League for the qualification period of the past four years. However, with the new Oceania Professional League (OPL) set to start next year, the region will have different representative at the next Club World Cup in 2029. Auckland City has already announced it won't be taking part in the eight-team OPL. Instead, New Zealand two OPL representatives will almost certainly be A-League clubs Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix. And of the two teams, it's likely to be the cashed-up Auckland FC, who are backed by billionaire American owner Bill Foley, that will be the most dominant during the next four-year qualification cycle. And that's even with age restrictions set to be placed on the Black Knights, as well as the Phoenix, as they will be the only genuinely professional clubs in the OPL. 'If you're going to have a new professional league with the winners going to the Club World Cup as the most consistent team over the four years, you would want to make sure that the best teams are able to compete in that tournament so that the region has its best representation when they do come up against the giants of world football,' Auckland FC chief executive officer Nick Becker said. Becker said the Black Knights had received hundreds of inquiries in recent days from people believing it was them, not Auckland City, competing in the Club World Cup. 🌟 @FCBayern brilliance in their #FIFACWC opener. — FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 15, 2025 He said a 'silver lining' of the mix-up was the exposure Auckland FC was receiving, with the club's TikTok account having attracted 27,000 new followers. Competing in the OPL will also help make up for the Black Knights' inability to take part in the Asian Football Confederation's Champions League Elite competition, which is usually afforded to the club that finishes on top of the A-League ladder. However, as the Black Knights are from New Zealand, an OFC nation, they are ineligible to compete in an AFC competition.
News.com.au
5 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘Farcical': Kiwis humiliated as bloodbath rocks football
Somebody stop the damn match! Bayern Munich have been accused of going too far as they broke records with a 10-0 win over Auckland FC in the Club World Cup on Monday morning. The German club showed no mercy against their amateur opponents in the ugliest result in the history of the tournament. The crowd of 21,152 inside the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati didn't know what to do after watching a bloodbath unfold as Bayern scored six first-half goals and then kept swinging their axe all the way to the final whistle. Watch every game of The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. The record-breaking rout was highlighted by Jamal Musiala's second half cameo where he came off the bench to score a hat-trick in 18 minutes. Bayern's margin of victory is the biggest in Club World Cup history. The previous record had been set by Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal in 2021 when they beat UAE-based side Al Jazira 6-1. Bayern have recorded bigger victories in the past in the German Cup, but the 10-goal winning margin equals their best ever in the Bundesliga, when they beat Borussia Dortmund 11-1 in 1971. It was always feared the contest was going to turn ugly — but few could have expected it would turn this unsavoury. The Sun's Tom Barclay called it an 'embarrassing' scene for the competitiveness of the tournament, describing the mismatch as a 'farce'. Kingsley Coman, Michael Olise and Thomas Mueller all netted twice, while Sacha Boey was on target too for the German champions in the game in Group C, which also features Boca Juniors and Benfica. 'We have to remain modest but it was important to be able to say that we took the game seriously,' said Bayern coach Vincent Kompany. 'It was a good first match at the tournament, but of course challenges are going to grow and it's going to become more difficult.' Bayern at least showed Auckland some respect by refusing to implement the mercy rule — however, there have been claims from some fans that the European giant should have taken the foot off the accelerator. Musiala was asked after the game if he felt sorry for Auckland. His response was a blunt, 'No'. After shaking his head, Musiala again told the same TV reporter: 'No'. There were plenty who did feel sorry for the Kiwi team, which is made up mostly of players with full time jobs. The result confirmed the enormous gulf between one of Europe's giants and an Auckland side who have won the Oceania Champions League 13 times but whose amateur players had to take unpaid leave to travel to the United States for the tournament. 'This is the reality of football against one of the world's top teams,' admitted City's interim coach, Ivan Vicelich. 'It is a dream for players coming from an amateur level to play in this environment. 'We knew it was going to be a very difficult game, playing against one of the top teams in the world, potentially one of the favourites for the Club World Cup, so we are just really proud of the players' efforts.' Among Auckland's players were real estate agents, barbers and a forklift-driving goalkeeper. They are the only non-professional side taking part in the expanded tournament. It is the first time 32 clubs have appeared in the Club World Cup, with the competition now to be held every four years. Auckland players will eventually fly home having lived a dream to play on the global stage, but there are parts that will haunt them. The most traumatising thing for Auckland players will be the sound of Bayern Munich's iconic Can-can goal celebration song. It was played all 10 times Bayern scored. Auckland midfielder Michael den Heijer has told it was tough hearing the music so often. 'I'll be hearing that music in my dreams – or nightmares, let's call it,' he said. He went on to say: 'It's an unbelievable challenge to play against one of the world's best teams. 'As the goals went in, obviously you get down on yourself, and that gets more challenging, but we did try our very hardest to keep them out. 'We stuck to our game plan, and we kept going.' It was a stroll in the park in the midday sun in Cincinnati for Kompany's side, with France winger Coman scoring twice in the opening 21 minutes either side of goals by compatriots Boey and Olise. Coman's sixth-minute breakthrough goal was the first of the tournament following the 0-0 draw between Inter Miami and Al Ahly in Saturday's opening game. Mueller got the fifth and Olise's second of the afternoon made it 6-0 in first-half stoppage time for the Bundesliga heavyweights. Olise's strike for the sixth was the pick of the day's goals, as he came in from the right before curling a shot on his left foot into the far corner. Auckland City managed to stem the tide for much of the second half before Musiala came on and took centre stage, his three goals including one from the penalty spot after he had been fouled. Mueller, who will leave Bayern after the tournament, made it 10-0 in the 89th minute with his 250th goal for the club. Bayern, who gave new signing Jonathan Tah a debut in central defence following his recent arrival from Bayer Leverkusen, play Boca in their next match in Miami on Friday.
Scoop
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Pahalu Set To Make History
Press Release – Auckland FC AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Videesha Pahalu will make history when she helps coach Auckland City FC in their Delivereasy Chatham Cup Round 3 match with Waiheke United on Saturday. Pahalu has coached at youth level for the club for several years and most recently stepped up to assist Martin Brandon with Auckland City FC's U-23 men's team. She said: 'It's honestly an absolute honour. To be trusted in that environment, even in a temporary capacity, means a lot — not just to me, but hopefully to other young women who are trying to break into football. 'Auckland City FC has always been a club that supports growth, inclusivity, and development, and being part of the first team staff, even for a short time, is something I'll carry with pride. 'I've been with the club since I was 19 years old and started from skills centres and school teams — so to now contribute in the first-team space is surreal. 'I'm grateful for the support, and I hope it's a small step towards normalising female and Pasifika coaches in men's and boys football,' she said. Pahalu, Brandon and manager, Dinesh Chand, will lead a young and inexperienced Auckland City FC into their Cup tie with Waiheke United with the first team away in the United States at the FIFA Club World Cup™. But for Pahalu and her colleagues the step up won't be done alone – the trio have worked at youth level together in the past, as she explains. 'The U-23 space has been a rewarding coaching environment. It's a unique bridge between youth and senior football — the pace, the intensity, and the mindset are all at a different level. 'But what makes it really special for me is reconnecting with players I've worked with in the youth grades and seeing how far they've come. 'Watching them step up, represent the club at a higher level, and push each other day in, day out — it's genuinely fulfilling. I feel proud seeing their growth and knowing I've had a small part in their journey.' Pahalu's next goal is to complete her B License and to keep evolving as a coach. 'I'd love to be in football full time — whether that's in development pathways, senior football, or even mentoring future coaches. 'For now, I balance my full-time role as a stormwater engineer with my coaching commitments, but football is my happy place. It's where I reset and refocus. 'I'm still young, and I know there's a long way to go, but I want to keep using my experiences to help open doors for others — especially for young players and coaches who might not always see a clear path in the sport. 'If I can help create opportunities and environments where they can thrive, that's success to me.' Pahalu is also excited for Paul Posa's team as they prepare to take on Bayern Munich in Cincinnati. 'Everyone at Kiwitea Street wishes the squad all the best for their game with Bayern. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the players and coaches and everyone here sends the team our best.' Auckland City FC take on Waiheke United on Saturday 14 June 2025 at Kiwitea Street, Sandringham, at 2.00pm NZST. ABOUT AUCKLAND CITY FC: Auckland City FC plays in the New Zealand domestic football competition (Northern League, National League Championship and Chatham Cup) and Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Champions League from its whenua at Kiwitea Street in Sandringham, Auckland and was founded in 2004.
Straits Times
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Auckland City amateurs take a break from the day job for Club World Cup
While most of the teams at the revamped Club World Cup would have a claim to be among the best sides in their countries, Auckland City are not even the biggest club in New Zealand's most populous city. That status belongs to Auckland FC, who played in front of crowds of almost 30,000 as they topped the regular standings in their debut campaign in Australia's A-League this year. Australia has been in the Asian Football Confederation since 2006, however, so it falls to Auckland City to represent the Oceania confederation in the United States over the next couple of weeks. "We're representing 99% of club teams in world football who are amateurs," Adam Mitchell, centre back and real estate agent, told Fox Sports. "We all have day jobs. We work usually nine to five. It's extremely difficult and it's tiring, but to have these rewards at the end of the tunnel is obviously a privilege for every single person involved in this in this club." Auckland City, whose home crowds range from a few hundred to a couple of thousand, qualified by beating Papua New Guinea's Hekari United 2-0 to win the Oceania Champions League for the 13th time in 18 years in April. Rated the 4,957th best team in the world in the Opta Power Rankings, Auckland City will play former European champions Bayern Munich (6th) and Benfica (24th) as well as Argentina's Boca Juniors (131st) at their 12th Club World Cup. They finished fourth at the 2014 edition after beating Morocco's MA Tetouan on penalties and Algeria's ES Setif 1-0, but otherwise it has been mostly exits at the first hurdle before the big clubs get involved. This year's Club World Cup is an altogether different beast with 32 teams, including the biggest in the game, and $1 billion in prize money. Mitchell, who failed to make the grade at Red Star Belgrade and Bolton Wanderers in his teens and early 20s, is therefore contemplating the task of shackling England and Bayern striker Harry Kane in Cincinnati on Sunday. "He's one of the most prolific goalscorers in world football for the last five to six years," the 29-year-old said. "I can't say I won't let him score, but I'm going to do my best not to let him score." The club lost 1-0 to Al-Ain in their final warm-up match in Alexandria, Virginia on Tuesday, an encouraging result given they were hammered 6-2 by the Emiratis in the Intercontinental Cup last year. "Obviously back home in New Zealand, we're used to having a lot of the ball, a lot of possession, being on the front foot," said skipper Mario Ilich. "Coming up against these better teams, we have to adapt, we're learning every day, but I think today was a good step in the right direction for what's to come." Mediation continues between the club and New Zealand Football over how the prize money will be divided but Mitchell said he and his teammates, many of whom have had to take unpaid leave, have other immediate priorities. "We've been in hard competitions before and somehow this team keeps doing it," he said. "We come from behind, we win games, we want to show the world that that's who we are." REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
