FIFACWC: Hakimi happy and proud of PSG effort after Bayern Munich victory
- Dennis Kegengo
- Jul 5
- 2 min read
Morocco international Achraf Hakimi has praised the performance of Paris Saint-Germain after they defeated Bayern Munich 2-0 in a thrilling FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final clash at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday.
After PSG hit the front through Desire Doue's 78th-minute strike, a captivating contest took another twist when Willian Pacho was sent off shortly after. The French giants held firm in the face of mounting Bayern pressure, but their task was made even more onerous when Lucas Hernandez was given a red card in the 92nd minute.
Despite going down to nine players, PSG defended a couple of dangerous set-pieces, before Ousmane Dembele scored a stunning breakaway goal to put the result beyond doubt.
When asked to summarise the performance from PSG, Hakimi said: “We are really happy and proud of the effort of our team. We know that Bayern are a tough team, and I think we did what we needed to do to take the victory - we are happy about that.”
Hakimi, who laid on the assist for Dembele’s late strike, added: “This year we have gone through very difficult moments, but this team has shown its character, the personality we have to be united in these difficult moments.
“We were able to score the second goal and we have shown that we want to continue in this competition, and that we are one of the candidates for the title.”
On which team he would prefer to face in the semi-finals between Spanish champions Real Madrid CF and German side Borussia Dortmund, Hakimi replied: “I think it is not really important [who our opponent is] - I think we need to focus on us, always coming in and being ready to face them, and try to win.”
On the injury sustained by Bayern’s Jamal Musiala, Hakimi responded: “For Musiala, I think that this match was something very important for him today - I want to give my support for him, and I hope he will come back soon, that we get to see him on the pitch again soon.”
PSG now move on to face either Real Madrid C. F. or Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals at MetLife Stadium in New York New Jersey on Wednesday, 9 July.
