Only after lightning and thunder and a more than two-hour forced break did Benfica Lisbon confidently solve the mandatory task against Auckland City at the club World Cup in the USA. The team around the Argentine football world champion Ángel di María was very difficult on Friday at 6-0 (1-0) against the half professionals from New Zealand.
After a long break, the Portuguese record champion in the group of Bayern Munich secured his first victory with a lot of patience.
Despite the oppressive superiority, the clear favorite did not score a goal for over 50 minutes in front of very sparse ranks in Orlando. The greatest chance was awarded the ex-Dortmund Evangelos Pavlidis, who only hit the outer post (24th). In addition, Auckland keeper Nathan Garrow parried shiny several times. Only one penalty in added time brought the lead: Garrow overcame old star di María (45.+8).
Thunderstorms and heavy rain provide interruption
Then it was over for the time being with football. Because of a thunderstorm with heavy rain, the half -time break was extended, the few spectators left the ranks. It only continued after more than two hours. Pavlidis (53.), Renato Sanches (63.), Leandro Barreiro (76./78.) And again Di María by penalty (90.+8) then caused clear conditions.
Benfica had reached a 2-2 against the Boca Juniors at the start after a 0-2 deficit. At the preliminary round in Group C, the Portuguese will meet FC Bayern next Tuesday (9:00 p.m.) in Charlotte/North Carolina.
Auckland left after 16 goals in two games
The blatant outsider Auckland, which has already left the Munich after the second bankruptcy after the 0:10, says goodbye to the Argentine Großklub Boca from the tournament in Nashville/Tennessee.