Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane shared his opinions on the extreme temperatures on offer in the Club World Cup and hailed Boca Juniors fans.
Kane opened his Club World Cup account on Friday by scoring the opening goal during his side’s nail-biting 2-1 win over Argentine giants Boca Juniors.
After the game, the Englishman downplayed much of the criticism voiced against the searing temperatures and extreme conditions on offer in the United States, while also reserving praise for the Boca fans.
Concerns are mounting over extreme heat conditions and unfavourable kick-off times at the ongoing Club World Cup, with growing criticism from teams and player welfare bodies. According to The Times, at least one participating club has formally raised concerns with FIFA about the potentially dangerous temperatures.
The world players’ union, FIFPro, has also called on tournament organisers to reconsider scheduled kick-off times to protect players’ health. FIFA, responding to the mounting pressure, said its medical experts are in ongoing contact with clubs and that measures such as cooling breaks will be implemented to mitigate the impact of the heat.
However, the Bayern striker clarified that the conditions have made him feel something special on the inside, instead of taking a physical toll on him.
“I’m not concerned [about the heat]. I think it’s part of football. You have to be able to adapt. This is a great experience for me and some of the other England guys who are going to be playing next year in the World Cup. So, you know, something special about these kinds of Club World Cup games and next year will be the same,” he said.
Kane went on to say, “When you come off that pitch and you’re sweating and you’re dripping and you’re cramping and you’ve given everything from the pitch, there’s a special kind of feeling inside, especially when you win. That’s what we have to do.”
Additionally, he was also asked about the atmosphere at the fully-packed Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Friday. Kane was asked if the Boca fans surprised him, to which he responded: “No, not surprised. I expected them to be loud like they were but it was an incredible atmosphere to be honest.”
He added, “One of the best [atmospheres] of my career. Credit to them but also credit to the Bayern fans. They tried to help us as much as possible but it was hard with all of the Boca fans there. They made it a special night, they won’t go home happy but it was a great game.”
With two wins from their opening two games, the Bavarians have sealed their passage to the round of 16. They are set to face Benfica in their final group game of the tournament on Tuesday, June 24.