Jobe Bellingham scores first goal as Dortmund beat Sundowns 4-3

Jobe Bellingham scored his first goal for Borussia Dortmund as they came from behind to beat South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns 4-3 at the Club World Cup. It was Dortmund’s first win in the tournament.

Bellingham started the match for the first time since joining from Sunderland for £27 million earlier this month. But for much of the game, his team struggled against a lively Sundowns side.

Sundowns took the lead in the 11th minute when Lucas Ribeiro Costa picked up the ball near the centre and ran through Dortmund’s defence to score calmly past goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.

Six minutes later, Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made a big mistake. He passed the ball straight to Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha, who easily scored into an open goal.

Sundowns didn’t seem bothered and kept pushing forward. Iqraam Rayners had two shots blocked when he could have passed, and Tashreeq Matthews caused trouble on the left wing with his speed and skill.

But Sundowns made another mistake when they lost the ball 35 yards from their goal. Julian Brandt crossed the ball into the box, and Serhou Guirassy headed in his 35th goal of the season.

Dortmund took control after that. Just before half-time, Bellingham controlled the ball in the box and scored with a deflected shot to make it 3-1.

After the break, Sundowns still created chances. Kobel made a great save to touch Rayners’ shot onto the bar – though it would have been ruled offside – and Teboho Mokoena’s free-kick went just over after a deflection.

Dortmund scored again when Sundowns defender Khuliso Mudau accidentally put the ball into his own net from a low cross. Sundowns got one back when Rayners scored after hitting the post with a header.

In the 90th minute, substitute Lebo Mothiba scored to make it 4-3 after a quick break, but Dortmund held on to win. The result puts them top of Group F with four points.

Bellingham played well in his full debut, but it was Sundowns’ attacking play in the first half that really stood out. Their quick, fearless football excited their fans and impressed many viewers.

Ribeiro Costa’s goal was one of the best of the tournament so far. His skill and speed were worthy of a final.

Many people outside South Africa may not have known much about Sundowns, also known as “the Brazilians”, but their brave and exciting style – even in 32°C heat – won over many neutrals.

**Top performers**

Bellingham showed his quality once Dortmund settled down, helping in both attack and defence.

Sundowns’ front three – Rayners, Matthews, and Ribeiro Costa – were very dangerous in the first half, though they only managed one goal.

Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams recovered well from his early mistake, making several good saves to keep his team in the game.