EAST RUTHERFORD, USA – Borussia Dortmund were held to a goalless draw by Fluminense at the FIFA Club World Cup on Tuesday, as Brazilian clubs continued their unbeaten run in the revamped tournament.
Fluminense, led by 40-year-old captain Thiago Silva, posed the greater attacking threat throughout the Group F encounter at the Metlife Stadium in New Jersey. Despite creating several clear chances, the Rio giants were denied by Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who made crucial saves to keep his side level.
Kobel palmed away a first-half effort from Jhon Arias and watched as Matheus Martinelli sent a shot just wide. In the second half, substitute Agustin Canobbio failed to convert a counter-attacking chance before Everaldo was again thwarted by the alert Kobel.
Speaking after the match, Dortmund manager Niko Kovac admitted his side had been second-best for large periods.
“Fluminense is a top team, very ball-possession based,” Kovac told DAZN. “We had difficulties, especially in the first half. It was better in the second, but overall it was a lucky point for us.”
The Bundesliga side offered little in attack, with a late long-range strike by Niklas Suele their most dangerous moment. Teenager Jobe Bellingham, younger brother of England star Jude Bellingham, made his Dortmund debut off the bench but was unable to influence proceedings.
The Germans now turn their attention to their next fixture against South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns. Fluminense, who qualified for the tournament as 2023 Copa Libertadores winners, will be buoyed by their performance against last season’s UEFA Champions League finalists.
Elsewhere in the competition, Brazilian clubs continued to impress: Flamengo defeated Tunisia’s Esperance 2-0, Palmeiras played out a 0-0 draw with Porto, and Botafogo edged MLS side Seattle Sounders 2-1.
Kovac also noted the humid conditions played a role in his team’s struggles. “It was hard for us, we were running a lot. The pitch and the humidity made it difficult, especially against a team like Fluminense who are more used to it.”
Dortmund and Fluminense now both sit on one point in Group F, with Sundowns and Ulsan HD yet to play their opening match later today in Orlando.
