Borussia Dortmund were held to a 0-0 draw by Brazilian side Fluminense in their Group F opener at the FIFA Club World Cup on Tuesday.
The match, played at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, saw Fluminense create the better chances, but both sides ultimately shared the points.
Fluminense, winners of the 2023 Copa Libertadores, looked the more threatening throughout the match. Jhon Arias forced a save from Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel in the first half, while Matheus Martinelli sent a shot narrowly wide.
The Brazilian side, captained by 40-year-old defender Thiago Silva, continued to press in the second half. Agustin Canobbio failed to convert a counterattack midway through the half, shooting straight at Kobel. The Dortmund shot-stopper was again called into action late in the game, producing a low save to deny Everaldo.
Dortmund struggled to impose themselves offensively. Their only notable attempt came late in the match, when Niklas Suele fired a long-range effort that failed to trouble the Fluminense goalkeeper.
Head coach Niko Kovac acknowledged the difficulty of the match.
“Fluminense is a top team, very possession-based. We had problems, especially in the first half. We improved slightly after the break, but overall, it was a fortunate point,” Kovac told DAZN.
The match marked the debut of 18-year-old midfielder Jobe Bellingham, who came off the bench for Dortmund after joining from Sunderland.
Kovac also noted that weather conditions may have affected performance.
“The pitch and humidity were tough for us. The Brazilian players are more used to it. It was physically demanding, but we’ll take the point,” he added.
Fluminense’s result follows strong showings from other Brazilian clubs. Flamengo defeated Esperance of Tunisia 2–0, Palmeiras drew 0–0 with Porto, and Botafogo claimed a 2–1 victory over MLS side Seattle Sounders.
Dortmund will face South African side Mamelodi Sundowns in their next Group F fixture. Sundowns were scheduled to play Ulsan HD of South Korea in the day’s other group match.
