Brazilian champions Fluminense were left frustrated after a dominant display yielded only a 0-0 draw against Borussia Dortmund in their Group F opener at the FIFA Club World Cup on Tuesday afternoon. Despite dictating the tempo for much of the match and generating the lion’s share of chances, Fluminense could not find a way past Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who turned in a man-of-the-match performance in front of 34,736 fans at MetLife Stadium.
Fluminense came out aggressive from the opening whistle, clearly energized by a heavily pro-Brazilian crowd. The 2023 Copa Libertadores winners created multiple clear-cut opportunities in the first half. Jhon Arias twice tested Kobel with multiple curling efforts on goal, while Martinelli came within inches of scoring in the 34th with a low shot that skipped just wide.
While Fluminense looked sharp in possession and constantly threatened in transition, Dortmund struggled to establish rhythm early on. The Bundesliga side failed to register a single shot on target in the first half and looked second-best in most midfield battles. Still, their compact defensive shape and the heroics of Kobel kept them in the match.
The second half saw Dortmund grow into the game, bolstered by the introduction of 18-year-old midfielder Jobe Bellingham, making his club debut in the 60th minute. However, it was Kobel who stole the spotlight again, making a remarkable double save in the 69th minute to deny a long-range rocket from Everaldo and a quick follow-up attempt from Nonato.
As the match wore on, both sides pushed for a late winner. Fluminense brought on Kevin Serna, Lima, and Paulo Baya to break the deadlock, while Dortmund remained patient and looked to strike on the counter. However, neither side could find the breakthrough, and the match ended without a goal, despite 21 combined shots and a persistent attacking mindset from the South Americans.
The result leaves both teams with a point, setting up pivotal matchday two clashes later this week. Dortmund will face Mamelodi Sundowns next in Cincinnati, while Fluminense return to MetLife Stadium to take on Ulsan HD of South Korea on Saturday.
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Match Details
Competition: FIFA Club World Cup
Date: June 17, 2025
Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
Kickoff Time: 12:00 PM ET
Yellow Cards
2′ – Ramy Bensebaini (Dortmund) – Yellow Card
9′ – Martinelli (Fluminense) – Yellow Card
81′ – Nonato (Fluminense) – Yellow Card
90+4′ – Yan Couto (Dortmund) – Yellow Card
Starting Lineups
Fluminense: Fábio; Freytes, Thiago Silva, René, Samuel Xavier; Hércules, Martinelli (Lima 76′), Nonto (Paulo Baya 87′); Everaldo, Canobbio (Serna 70′), Jhon Arias
Borussia Dortmund: Kobel; Anton, Bensebaini, Süle, Ryerson; Groß, Sabitzer, Svensson; Brandt, Guirassy, Adeyemi
View the Full Photo Gallery Courtesy of Brent Durken/ISNSoccer.com
