Dortmund Reach Club World Cup Last 16, Fluminense Knock Out Sundowns

Borussia Dortmund have qualified for the last 16 of the Club World Cup after beating South Korean side Ulsan HD 1-0 on Wednesday. Daniel Svensson scored the only goal of the match in the first half.

This was Dortmund’s second straight win by just one goal, following their 4-3 victory over South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns last Saturday. The match was played in Cincinnati in front of just over 8,000 fans, including US Vice President JD Vance and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Dortmund finished top of Group F. Fluminense came second after playing a 0-0 draw against Sundowns at the same time in Miami, meaning the Brazilian side also move into the last 16.

“We can be happy with the result. I think we played better today than in our first two matches,” said Dortmund coach Niko Kovac.

Kovac has often spoken about the hot weather in the US during this tournament. Once again, the game was played in very high temperatures.

“It’s the same situation. What these boys are doing is amazing. It was 36 degrees Celsius, and inside the stadium it felt like 43. Even just standing around is tough. The players did a great job. Now we get a day off to rest,” he added.

Kovac made only two changes to his team, bringing in Karim Adeyemi and Julian Ryerson. Jobe Bellingham stayed in the starting line-up.

Dortmund could have won by more goals. Serhou Guirassy was denied by a strong save from Ulsan goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo in the 27th minute. Soon after, Bellingham hit a powerful volley just over the bar from an Adeyemi cross.

The goal came in the 36th minute after Ulsan lost the ball near their own box. Bellingham passed to Svensson, who scored with a low left-footed shot.

Guirassy missed another chance just before half-time, heading straight at the goalkeeper.

Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel had to make a good save from Lee Jin-hyun in the second half, while Yan Couto nearly added a second late on.

Dortmund will now play their last-16 match in Atlanta next Tuesday. They will find out who their opponents are after the Group E games finish later today.

“Now, we must give everything. The competition is serious. It’s about pride and money. I believe the quality will get better,” said Kovac.

Ulsan leave the tournament without a win, having lost all three group games. Fluminense go through, meaning all four Brazilian clubs at the tournament have reached the knockout stage.

In Miami, the weather was also difficult. Fluminense’s captain Jhon Arias nearly scored late in the first half, and German Cano also went close in the second.

Sundowns had more possession during the match and played well in front of 14,312 fans but failed to get the win they needed.

With Sundowns out, all four African clubs at the tournament have now been knocked out. Still, Sundowns can be proud of their strong performances.