Borussia Dortmund were held to a goalless draw by Fluminense at the Club World Cup on Tuesday, as Brazilian clubs continued their unbeaten run in the competition.
The Rio de Janeiro giants, who secured their place at the tournament by winning the 2023 Copa Libertadores, posed the greater attacking threat throughout the Group F encounter at the Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, just outside New York City.
Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel was called into action early, pushing a Jhon Arias strike wide in the first half before Matheus Martinelli narrowly missed the target with a drilled shot.
Led by their 40-year-old captain Thiago Silva — formerly of Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea — Fluminense regularly threatened on the counter-attack. Midway through the second half, they squandered a golden opportunity when Agustin Canobbio shot straight at Kobel at the end of a swift break. The Dortmund keeper later produced another fine save to deny Everaldo as the match ended in deadlock.
Speaking to broadcaster DAZN after the match, Dortmund coach Niko Kovac admitted his side struggled, particularly before the interval. “We knew it would be tough. Fluminense are a top team with excellent ball possession. They played very well, and we had problems in the first half. We improved after the break, but in the end, we were lucky to take a point,” Kovac said.
The result underlined the strong showing of Brazilian clubs in FIFA’s revamped Club World Cup. Flamengo beat Esperance of Tunisia 2-0 on Monday and are set to face Chelsea next, while Palmeiras drew 0-0 with Porto in their opening fixture. Botafogo, reigning champions of both Brazil and South America, defeated MLS side Seattle Sounders 2-1 on Sunday.
Dortmund’s attacking threat was limited, with their best chance coming late on when Niklas Suele’s long-range effort was saved. The match also marked a debut for teenage English midfielder Jobe Bellingham, who recently signed from Sunderland.
Kovac noted that both the pitch conditions and the humidity posed challenges for his players. “The pitch was difficult for us, and the humidity wasn’t easy either, though the Brazilians are more accustomed to it. It was hard work, but we’ll accept the point,” he added.
Dortmund will aim for their first win of the tournament when they face South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns in their next match. Sundowns are set to play South Korea’s Ulsan HD later on Tuesday in Orlando in the other Group F fixture.