Flamengo chasing life-changing dream as Bayern clash looms

MIAMI :Flamengo coach Filipe Luis said the Brazilian side are preparing for more than just a football match when they face Bayern Munich in the Club World Cup last 16 on Sunday — they are chasing a dream that could redefine their careers and reshape the club's international standing.

“For the Europeans, winning this tournament may not change their lives,” Luis told reporters on Saturday ahead of the clash at the Hard Rock Stadium. “But for us, it would.”

The club heads into the match as underdogs against the six-time European champions. 

But Luis believes Flamengo's identity, along with the fierce competitive spirit forged in Brazil's high-pressure football culture, gives them a real chance.

“Brazilian players are extremely competitive,” he said. “They grow up dealing with intense external pressure — from fans, from the media. That shapes a mental toughness that makes a difference in games like this.”

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany agreed Brazilians' passion for football was important.

"It's also an advantage to have a country of 220 million people crazy about football. We don't have that anywhere in Europe," he said.

"And it's hard to tell who the favourites are between two teams who have never played against each other."

Luis, a former Atletico Madrid and Chelsea defender now in his first major tournament as head coach, praised Bayern's tactical discipline and intense pressing. 

But he insisted Flamengo would not abandon their style of play in the face of the challenge.

“Flamengo has a way of playing, a DNA, and we don’t give that up,” he said. “This is how Flamengo plays — with the ball, with courage. We’re proud of that.”

Luis warned that Flamengo can’t rely solely on speed to break Bayern’s lines. “Their defenders are used to