Mamelodi Sundowns' Group F rivals Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense played to a goalless draw in their FIFA Club World Cup opener on Tuesday evening.
FIFA Club World Cup
Result: Fluminense 0-0 Borussia Dortmund
Date: 17 June 2025
Venue: Metlife Stadium
Guinea international Serhou Guirassy led the attack for the Bundesliga outfit, while veteran defender Thiago Silva captained the Brazilian giants.
Fluminense made a lively start to the first half as Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel was called upon to keep out a fine save from Jhon Arias after some neat play in the build up.
Dortmund grew stronger as the first half went on, with Karim Adeyami and Julian Brandt causing a bit of trouble on the flanks although clear-cut chances were hard to come by.
That proved to be the trend for the remainder of the first half, as the Bundesliga outfit entered the halftime break without threatening Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio throughout the entire 45 minutes.
The situation did not get any better for Dortmund in the second period, as Fluminense nearly bagged the opener after 57 minutes after a swift counter-attack but Agustín Canobbio could only fire straight at Kobel.
Dortmund coach Niko Kovac responded with a double change for the final 30 minutes as Jobe Bellingham was given his debut in place of Pascal Gross while Adeyemi made way for Felix Nmecha in the attack.
Kobel came to Dortmund rescue with 20 minutes left in the second half as he pulled off a superb double save, which included denying Nonato from point-blank range after initially keeping out Eve's strike from distance.
Neither side were able to find the back of the net in the closing stages and were forced to settle for a share of the spoils in New Jersey.
