Borussia Dortmund win 1-0 over Ulsan HD to secure Club World Cup last-16 spot as Daniel Svensson scores and Fluminense edge past Sundowns in Group F
A determined Borussia Dortmund win over Ulsan HD on Wednesday ensured the German side’s passage into the last 16 of the Club World Cup, thanks to a solitary goal from Daniel Svensson.
Also read: Atletico Madrid exit Club World Cup despite Griezmann winner
The 1-0 victory in scorching Cincinnati heat followed a dramatic 4-3 win against Mamelodi Sundowns and sealed Dortmund’s position as Group F leaders.
The first-half strike from Svensson, his left-footed shot drilled low after Jobe Bellingham capitalised on Ulsan’s slack defending, proved decisive in a game played before a modest crowd of just over 8,000. Among those watching were US Vice President JD Vance and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac praised his side’s discipline under the sweltering conditions, which reached 43 degrees Celsius in the stadium.
“We keep saying the same thing. What the boys are doing is incredible,” said Kovac. “Even if you just stand around, it can get very taxing, but I think they are doing a great job.”
Despite the narrow scoreline, Dortmund created numerous chances. Serhou Guirassy was denied by Ulsan’s Jo Hyeon-woo in the 27th minute, and Jobe Bellingham saw a powerful volley fly narrowly over.
Guirassy also missed a close-range header before the break, while Yan Couto nearly doubled the lead late on.
Ulsan struggled to find rhythm throughout and exit the tournament without a point, having suffered three straight defeats.
In contrast, Dortmund’s solid group-stage performance gives them momentum heading into their last-16 clash in Atlanta next Tuesday. They will discover their next opponents once Group E concludes.
Meanwhile, Fluminense secured second place in Group F after a goalless draw with Mamelodi Sundowns in Miami.
Despite enjoying more possession and a spirited effort, Sundowns fell short and became the last of four African sides to exit the tournament before the knockout stage.
Fluminense’s German Cano came close after the break, and captain Jhon Arias also tested the South Africans, but the stalemate was enough to send the Brazilian side through.
With all four Brazilian clubs now in the last 16, South American hopes remain firmly alive.
Also read: FIFA Club World Cup debut excites global football fans
For Dortmund, the focus now shifts to knockout football. “Now we have to leave everything on the pitch. The stakes are high. It is about prestige and money. I think we will see an increase in quality,” Kovac remarked.
