Latest news with #MarioIlich
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bayern Munich 10-0 Auckland City: German giants bruise Kiwi dreamers in grim mismatch
On form: Coman scored two goals and assisted a third before he was hooked at half (REUTERS) Bayern Munich's opening Club World Cup tie made for uncomfortable viewing as the 34-time German champions stamped out the star-crossed dreamers Auckland City. The Kiwi contingent came into the tie as the Club World Cup's only amateur side, with many of their players having to take time away from work or school to play in the United States. Advertisement They have considerable pedigree in the tournament despite their status, and are making their 12th appearance this summer, but will be very lucky to match their best-ever finish of third at the new-look tournament. The tie was a clear David vs Goliath tale, but, speaking pre-match, club captain Mario Ilich confirmed that Auckland were daring to dream as they carried the flag for amateur footballers around the world. Bayern, though, had no time for such fairytales as they embarked on a machinistic dismantling of the minnows. Fans were made to wait just six minutes for Kingsley Coman's opener, and the Bavarians did not let off the gas, romping to a ten-goal demolition job thanks in part to Jamal Musiala's second-half hat trick. Bayern handed their fans a day to remember, and auckland a day to forget (AFP via Getty Images) The onus had been on Vincent Kompany's side to avoid an embarrassing upset, and they made no mistake after the manager named a full-strength side. Advertisement And, in a grim foreshadowing of the rout to come, Coman came close to opening the scoring with a powerful header after just a few minutes, though he was denied by the impressive Conor Tracey. A corner followed, though, and brought with it the opener - Coman headed home at the second time of asking. Sacha Boey added a second 12 minutes later. He had already lashed a pair of volleyed efforts high into the stands, but finally finished on target to double Bayern's advantage and trigger a run. Michael Olise and Coman struck in quick succession, before the outgoing legend Thomas Muller dropped his man and tapped home from close range to make it five. Olise added a stunning curling effort in first-half injury time, increasing Auckland's deficit to an insurmountable six goals at half time. Jamal Musiala completed his hat-trick 23 minutes after being introduced (AFP via Getty Images) France teammates Olise and Coman were both hooked at half, denied their chances to push for hattricks, and on came the 17-year-old Lennart Karl for his Bayern debut. Just 45 minutes into the Club World Cup, the tournament was reduced to an opportunity to give youngsters a run-out. Advertisement Whether Auckland rallied or Bayern wilted after the break can be debated, by the Kiwis battled to keep their opponents out for close to twenty minutes. But the gates were reopened by Musiala, who had replaced the notably goalless Harry Kane, with 25 minutes remaining as he curled a tidy effort beyond Tracey from the edge of the box. He won and converted a penalty just a few minutes later to make eight. With 80 minutes on the clock, Angus Kilkolly hit Auckland's first shot on target of the afternoon. It was an ambitious effort, low across the goal from 30 yards, but forced a routine save from Manuel Neuer, who was likely grateful to have something to do. Musiala would soon remind Auckland of their place in the food chain, cutting out Tracey's pass and finishing to complete his hat-trick just 23 minutes after coming on, before Muller put the Bavarians into double-digits. Five minutes were added as Bayern chased an 11th, but they ultimately settled at ten.
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Top 5️⃣ fan reactions from Bayern's CWC drubbing of Auckland City
In one of the most lopsided yet culturally rich matches of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Bayern Munich demolished Auckland City 10–0 in Cincinnati. On paper, it was a mismatch of epic proportions—a European powerhouse stacked with international stars against a semi-professional team from New Zealand. Advertisement But beyond the scoreline, fans around the world offered a diverse range of reactions that captured the heart, humor, and complexities of global football. From awe to apathy, respect to ridicule, here are the top five fan reactions from Bayern vs Auckland City. 1. 'This feels like community service' – Bayern fans skeptical of the matchup In Bayern fan forums like r/BayernMunich, supporters were quick to acknowledge the absurdity of the fixture. One viral comment summed it up: 'Seems like everyone hates this competition but it has some redeeming qualities… Playing Auckland is community service sure since we get nothing from that but they get to say they played Bayern Munich.' Advertisement Another fan chimed in with typical German efficiency: 'Honestly, I couldn't give a shit about this tournament. Let the boys rest.' While the Club World Cup offers prestige, many Bayern fans felt the early round was little more than a glorified training session. 2. Auckland fans beam with pride despite historic defeat Despite suffering a 10–0 loss, Auckland City's supporters embraced the moment with heartwarming humility. Captain Mario Ilich described the draw as 'pretty unreal,' reflecting the pride of an amateur squad sharing the field with global icons like Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala. Social media was filled with comments like: Advertisement 'We lost big, but we were there. We played Bayern Munich. That alone is history.' For many fans across Oceania, this was not about results—it was about representation. 3. 'Kompanyball' earns early praise Vincent Kompany's tactical setup stole attention from the rout. Fans and analysts alike were intrigued by Bayern's intense high press, rapid transitions, and fluid attacking play. The way Musiala found pockets of space to score a hat trick in 22 minutes ignited praise: 'This isn't just Bayern winning, it's Kompanyball in full flow,' wrote one fan on X. For Bayern supporters unsure about their new manager, this match offered early signs of promise. 4. U.S. local fans bring unexpected energy The match drew a lively crowd at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, with local MLS fans and expat Germans bringing serious energy. One Reddit user in r/FCCincinnati shared: Advertisement 'Local German population is pumped—I could only imagine. And I'm excited for Auckland City 🤣🤣🤣' The American venue added a unique atmosphere, merging Bundesliga banners, Kiwi flags, and barbecue smoke—a footballing culture clash in all the right ways. 5. '10–0 is insane, but this is what the Club World Cup is about' While some fans criticized the lopsided format, others embraced the spectacle. A common sentiment across platforms like X and Reddit was that this type of fixture—albeit extreme—represents football's global reach. 'These games show how far the sport goes. A guy who drives forklifts just tackled Harry Kane. That's beautiful in its own way.' For all its flaws, this matchup reminded fans of football's rare ability to bring wildly different worlds together. 📸 FEDERICO PARRA - AFP or licensors
The Guardian
14-06-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Auckland City aiming to do amateur football proud in Bayern Munich mismatch
Were you looking for a symbol to exemplify the gulf that lies between Auckland City Football Club and their rivals at the Club World Cup, you would find it at Kiwitea Street, the team's home ground. Hard up against the Sandringham suburb it serves, the roofs of the surrounding city's single-storey bungalows are visible from the one enclosed stand, and to the north there is nothing but the modest clubhouse and some incidental shrubbery to impede views of the Sky Tower's lonely tenancy in the distant skyline. This, certainly, is no towering football cathedral of the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City call home. On Sunday, the team more used to this humble environment and the 100-to-500 fans who usually turn out to watch will line up against one of the world's most famous and decorated clubs, Bayern Munich, Auckland City's first opponents in a group also containing Benfica and Boca Juniors. 'To be honest, I don't know if we have ever seen a matchup like this in sport,' the assistant coach Adrià Casals tells the Guardian from Chattanooga, Tennessee. 'But we can only play the game in front of us.' And what a game, one that represents the chance for footballers of more modest talents to test themselves against some of the world's best: Thomas Müller and Harry Kane could find themselves sharing the pitch with a genuine democratic cross-section of New Zealand life. 'All sorts,' says the captain, Mario Ilich, of a team containing a barber, a teacher, a real-estate agent and university students. Ilich himself works in the sales department of Coca-Cola, a job around which he moulds his football commitments, training three or four times a week after work and making frequent demands on his employer's goodwill in order to travel overseas. 'I've taken all my annual leave for this trip, so I won't be going on a holiday with my partner this year, that's for sure,' he says. The team qualified thanks to its long-standing domination of Oceania's Champions League, which they have won a record 13 times, most recently by beating Papua New Guinea's Hekari United in the Solomon Islands at the end of another leave-sapping football trip earlier this year. And while there are two professional clubs in New Zealand – the recently inaugurated Auckland Football Club and Wellington Phoenix – they compete in the Australian A-League, and, because they are not allowed to play in the Asian Confederation's continental competitions, they have no opportunity to qualify for the Club World Cup. As it stands, this year marks the 12th time Auckland City have flown the Oceania flag at the Club World Cup — the team came third in 2014 — but because of its new group-based format, Sunday represents the first time they will meet a European team. The club's qualification has been assured since late 2023, but for Ilich the prospect of playing in the biggest game of his life has hardly sunk in. Even to see the Auckland City crest arranged next to that of Bayern Munich, he says, seems peculiar and much of the side's conversations have been about playing against teams they had grown up admiring as fans. Ilich is 'under no illusions' as to the size of the challenge, even if he seemed to allow for the chance of a fairytale. 'We all have a dream and that is to win football games, whatever game you're in. We know the task at hand is very difficult, but we want to just go out and make it as hard as possible for the opposition, and to just give the best performance we can.' For Casals, a Barcelona native who was 'running away from the game' when he settled in New Zealand only to be sucked back into its orbit by the club, Auckland City are playing not just for themselves, but for the vast majority of players worldwide who never get anywhere near the professional level. 'We represent like 95% of the world's footballers. If we can stay true to who we are, if we can be brave, then we can make a lot of people proud of us and everything we represent as an amateur club from a small nation in the middle of nowhere.' At Kiwitea Street, as Saturday morning's rain retreated in a veil of towering clouds, a couple hundred fans watched as an Auckland City team robbed of their entire first-choice squad went down 2-1 to Waiheke United in New Zealand's national knockout tournament, the Chatham Cup. But thoughts were already turning to 4am Monday morning, New Zealand time, when players that fans were used to sharing a post-game drink with will make their cameos on football's global stage. Some hoped Auckland City would have a chance to express themselves, others that their team wouldn't be thrashed, that results wouldn't give succour to those opposed to Oceania's direct entry. Half a world away, Ilich and his teammates are doing their best to make those hopes a reality. 'We're fully focused on our performance and our plan, and on making sure everyone's on the same page. That way we can hopefully give the best representation of Oceania, of New Zealand, of our city and our club.'
Scoop
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
The Skipper at the Heart our Club World Cup™ Journey
Press Release – Auckland City FC AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Auckland City FC is gearing up for one of the biggest challenges in its storied history, the FIFA Club World Cup ™ 2025 in the United States. Leading the charge is none other than club captain Mario Ilich, a stalwart defender who embodies the spirit of the team both on and off the pitch. Since making his debut in February 2012, Ilich has become the backbone of Auckland City FC's defence, playing 161 matches and even finding the net 13 times. But beyond the numbers, it's his leadership, intelligence, and sheer physicality that set him apart. As captain, he sets the standards, rallying his teammates and ensuring that Auckland City FC competes at the highest level. For Ilich, football is more than just a game, it's a passion rooted in his home city of Auckland. 'I grew up in Auckland and lived here most of my life,' he says. 'It's such a great city, it's got a bit of everything. Beaches, lovely walks, yeah, lots of great golf courses.' His deep connection with the city and its people makes him the perfect leader to represent Auckland on the global stage. A typical day in his life reflects the relentless dedication that has fuelled his success. 'Wake up at 5 a.m., gym, breakfast, then off to work by 7:30, finish by 5, straight to training for two hours, home by 8:30 or 9, dinner, and then do it all again.' This unwavering commitment is why he is admired not just by his teammates, but also by the young players who look up to him. 'All the kids that come and watch our games, all the kids we coach in schools, they all look up to us.' As Auckland City FC embarks on its Club World Cup™ quest, the team understands the gravity of the competition. 'Knowing that we'll be representing New Zealand at the FIFA Club World Cup™ 2025 is a huge privilege,' says Ilich. 'Obviously, we know how hard it's going to be coming up against massive teams and big players, but let's see what can happen.' With Ilich at the helm, Auckland City FC is more than just a team, it's a symbol of pride for the city of Auckland and a beacon of inspiration for young footballers across New Zealand. As the team prepares for battle on football's biggest stage, one thing is certain: their captain will lead them with determination, heart, and an unshakable connection to the city he calls home. Auckland City will take on European powerhouse Bayern Munich, Portuguese giants SL Benfica, and Argentine heavyweights Boca Juniors in Group C of the FIFA Club World Cup™.
Scoop
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
The Skipper at the Heart our Club World Cup™ Journey
AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC is gearing up for one of the biggest challenges in its storied history, the FIFA Club World Cup ™ 2025 in the United States. Leading the charge is none other than club captain Mario Ilich, a stalwart defender who embodies the spirit of the team both on and off the pitch. Since making his debut in February 2012, Ilich has become the backbone of Auckland City FC's defence, playing 161 matches and even finding the net 13 times. But beyond the numbers, it's his leadership, intelligence, and sheer physicality that set him apart. As captain, he sets the standards, rallying his teammates and ensuring that Auckland City FC competes at the highest level. For Ilich, football is more than just a game, it's a passion rooted in his home city of Auckland. 'I grew up in Auckland and lived here most of my life,' he says. 'It's such a great city, it's got a bit of everything. Beaches, lovely walks, yeah, lots of great golf courses.' His deep connection with the city and its people makes him the perfect leader to represent Auckland on the global stage. A typical day in his life reflects the relentless dedication that has fuelled his success. 'Wake up at 5 a.m., gym, breakfast, then off to work by 7:30, finish by 5, straight to training for two hours, home by 8:30 or 9, dinner, and then do it all again.' This unwavering commitment is why he is admired not just by his teammates, but also by the young players who look up to him. 'All the kids that come and watch our games, all the kids we coach in schools, they all look up to us.' As Auckland City FC embarks on its Club World Cup™ quest, the team understands the gravity of the competition. 'Knowing that we'll be representing New Zealand at the FIFA Club World Cup™ 2025 is a huge privilege,' says Ilich. 'Obviously, we know how hard it's going to be coming up against massive teams and big players, but let's see what can happen.' With Ilich at the helm, Auckland City FC is more than just a team, it's a symbol of pride for the city of Auckland and a beacon of inspiration for young footballers across New Zealand. As the team prepares for battle on football's biggest stage, one thing is certain: their captain will lead them with determination, heart, and an unshakable connection to the city he calls home. Auckland City will take on European powerhouse Bayern Munich, Portuguese giants SL Benfica, and Argentine heavyweights Boca Juniors in Group C of the FIFA Club World Cup™.
