Borussia Dortmund aims to secure its spot in the FIFA Club World Cup knockout stages. A victory against Ulsan HD, who are already out of contention, in Cincinnati, Ohio on Wednesday (kick-off: 3pm EDT / 9pm CEST) will guarantee their qualification for the Round of 16.
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Dortmund secured a crucial three points in their challenging Matchday 2 fixture against South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns. This victory puts the Bundesliga side in a strong position to advance to the knockout rounds.
Niko Kovač`s team, currently level on four points with Group F rivals Fluminense, understands that a win against South Korean side Ulsan will ensure qualification. However, the coach is still looking for improvement, as noted by midfielder Jobe Bellingham, who scored his first goal for BVB in the 4-3 win:
“There`s still a lot to improve on, both for me personally and for the team.”
Striker Maximilian Beier echoed this sentiment:
“It was important that we won against Mamelodi Sundowns and that we now put in a good performance against the South Koreans; we want to win this group.”
Ulsan`s hopes of progressing were dashed after defeats to Sundowns and a 4-2 loss against Fluminense. Despite elimination, their coach Kim Pan-gon stated that his team would aim to finish the tournament strongly:
“We have no hope to go to the round of 16, but for our supporters, our fans, we have to fight until the end of the tournament.”
The Korean side, two-time Asian Champions League winners, might find some encouragement from having led Fluminense 2-1 at halftime. However, with only one win in their last six matches across all competitions, overcoming Dortmund in Ohio presents a significant challenge for the five-time K-League champions.
Match Stats
- Dortmund won the 1997 Intercontinental Cup – the Club World Cup`s direct predecessor – by beating Brazil`s Cruzeiro.
- Kovač also lifted the Intercontinental Cup, after starting the 2001 final for Bayern (1-0 vs. Boca Juniors).
- Like his brother Jude before him, Jobe Bellingham scored on his first competitive start for Dortmund.
- Ulsan are the only Korean team at the Club World Cup.
- The K-League side are seeking their first-ever win at a FIFA tournament, having lost their previous six games at this level.
- US international Gio Reyna and American youngsters Cole Campbell and Mathis Albert are part of Dortmund`s squad.
Probable Teams
Dortmund: Kobel – Süle, Anton, Bensebaini – Ryerson, Nmecha, Groß, Svensson – Bellingham, Brandt (c) – Guirassy
Out: Can (adductor), Özcan (knee), Schlotterbeck (knee)
Doubtful: –
Coach: Niko Kovač
Ulsan: Jo – Trojak, Seo, Kim (c), Ludwigson – Lee, Jung, Bojanić, Ko – Um, Farias
Out: –
Doubtful: –
Coach: Kim Pan-gon
Additional Insights (from Live Blog)
Ulsan`s Tournament Performance
Having lost their first two matches (1-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns and 4-2 to Fluminense), Ulsan HD is eliminated from the knockout stages. However, Dortmund should not underestimate the Korean team. With nothing to lose, they played a close game against Sundowns and even held a 2-1 lead against Fluminense at halftime on Matchday 2.
The Qualification Scenario for BVB
Both Fluminense and Dortmund are level on four points, while Mamelodi Sundowns have three. This makes the final group match crucial, and Niko Kovač will emphasize that only a win guarantees progression. If Dortmund qualifies, potential opponents in the knockout stages from Group E include Italian club Inter Milan, Argentina`s River Plate, or Mexican side Monterrey.
Bellingham`s Reaction
Jobe Bellingham shared his thoughts on his first start and goal for Borussia Dortmund against Mamelodi Sundowns at the Club World Cup. The young midfielder described the experience as `a little bit surreal` after being awarded the Superior Player of the Match.
Player Reactions on Sundowns Win
Felix Nmecha, Waldemar Anton, and Gregor Kobel discussed BVB`s 4-3 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns and Jobe Bellingham`s Man of the Match performance on Matchday 2 of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Group F Standings
Following Fluminense`s 4-2 comeback win against Ulsan, Dortmund is currently second in Group F, level on points with the Brazilian team. To secure the top spot outright, BVB needs to improve its goal difference by at least two on the final Matchday. Ulsan, having lost both their previous matches, is already eliminated.
Welcome to the Match Preview
This is a preview of Borussia Dortmund`s third and final Group F fixture at the FIFA Club World Cup against South Korea`s Ulsan HD, taking place in Cincinnati on Wednesday. Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm local time (9pm CEST).
