With Euro teams feeling heat in the US, are Dortmund vulnerable against Sundowns?
Mamelodi Sundowns meet a Borussia Dortmund at the Club World Cup who were not their best selves in the 2024-2025 season, though clashing against a mildly off-pale version of the Bundesliga giants is still a formidable undertaking.
Sundowns meet Borussia in their second Group F clash at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday (noon Ohio time, 6pm SA time).
Downs got off to the best start in the new 32-team format of the Fifa Club World Cup (CWC) in the US, beating Ulsan HD of South Korea 1-0 in Orlando on Tuesday night. Borussia were a little flat, being the less convincing side of a 0-0 draw against Fluminense in New Jersey, though that was one of the matches played in noon heat to hit prime time for European TV audiences.
Still, there is a sense that while there have been big score mismatches between giants and minnows at the 2025 CWC, perhaps the European teams are less enthusiastic about the huge prize-money expanded event. The increase from seven teams is controversial, as it adds more games to an already packed calendar for the world's top players, especially in Europe.
Iqraam Rayners takes his scoring form to the FIFA #CWC2025 ⚽🎯
Watch the FIFA #CWC2025 live in various language options on SuperSport 🗣️🎙️
📺 Stream #FIFACWC on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc #SSFootball | @DAZNFootball pic.twitter.com/ljLl8uQeH3
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 18, 2025
Some of the results indicate as much — Real Madrid were held to a draw by Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal and Inter Miami, albeit with Lionel Messi in their ranks, beat FC Porto on Thursday night.
In contrast, the far less rich South American teams, especially from Brazil, whose four clubs remain unbeaten, seem up for fighting for a share of the staggering $1bn (R18.03bn) prize pot and not so put off by the midsummer US heat. Botafogo provided a third upset at the CWC, stunning European champions Paris Saint-Germain — a team almost unbeatable in the second half of last season — on Thursday.
Sundowns would love to provide the fourth upset of the tournament with a win or draw on Saturday. They might just have a sniff at that.
🤌🤌🤌 pic.twitter.com/e0WLRpK57P
— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) June 18, 2025
For one, Downs are boosted by having become the first African team to win in the US. The result might have been against the other minnows of Group F, but Sundowns lost twice against Asian clubs at their only other CWC in Japan in 2016 — 2-0 against Kashima Antlers and 4-1 against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. So the Pretoria side can take their opening result as evidence their years of striving to be competitive in the Caf Champions League for almost a decade since Osaka 2016 has hardened them in international competition.
The match is again at noon for Borussia (Downs' opener against Ulsan was played at 7pm Florida time, 1am in SA). Though Sundowns went to the US from the South African winter, they are accustomed to hot conditions as the Premier Soccer League is played through an African midsummer. Coach Miguel Cardoso's Brazilians might try to exploit the conditions.
And perhaps there is a touch of vulnerability to this Dortmund.
They had a poor 2024-25 Bundesliga campaign, though rallied from when third manager of the season Niko Kovac arrived in February, winning seven of their last eight games to end fourth and clinch a Champions League place.
It says much of Dortmund's quality that they reached the 2024-25 Uefa Champions League semifinals. Again there is a hint of brittleness that they were dismantled 4-0 there, though admittedly to a quality team in Hansi Flick's resurgent young Spanish champions Barcelona.
It should still be a mismatch on Saturday. Dortmund compete in one of the world's top four leagues in the Bundesliga and regularly challenge for honours in the Uefa Champions League, the world's toughest continental club competition.
There are also plenty of world-class performers in Kovac's Borussia line-up.
Three top Borussia Dortmund players
Serhou Guirassy
The towering 29-year-old Guinean striker was a threat against Fluminense, but he couldn't bury his chances, so he'll be determined to make amends against Sundowns. A marksman in peak form, he scored an impressive 21 goals from 30 Bundesliga outings in the 2024-2025 season, joint-second behind Bayern Munich's Harry Kane (26). The season before Guirassy was top scorer with 28 goals.
He is a versatile striker admired for his physical strength, aerial ability and strong finishing, particularly in the box. He mainly plays as a traditional No 9, holding up the ball and linking play.
Karim Adeyemi
Adeyemi was arguably Dortmund's best player against Fluminense, penetrating through the left flank. The 23-year-old German right winger scored seven goals and managed six assists in the Bundesliga campaign.
Adeyemi is a speedy and direct attacker known for his dribbling and finishing abilities. He excels in counterattacking situations and can play as a centre-forward and second striker, though he's primarily a winger. Adeyemi's ambidextrous nature and skill taking on defenders makes him a dangerous man, especially in one-on-one situations.
Marcel Sabitzer
Sabitzer, 31, is one of the most experienced figures in the Dortmund squad, having played more than 400 Bundesliga games. The former Bayern Munich star is admired for his all-action style of play and the ability to contribute in multiple roles across the engine room.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
36 minutes ago
- IOL News
Banyana wrap up WAFCON preparations amid Seoposenwe's retirement announcement
The reigning African champions Banyana Banyana have convened for their final training camp ahead of the CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) set to kick off in Morocco from July 5-26. This is a crucial period of preparation as they seek to defend their title. All but three players have reported for national duty. Jermaine Seoposenwe, Kgaelebane Mohlakoana and Bongeka Gamede are still completing their travels from abroad. Seoposenwe plays in Mexico, Mohlakoana in DR Congo, and Gamede plies her trade in Denmark. They are expected to join their teammates in the next few days. In the latest development, Bongiwe Thusi has been called up to take the place of Michelle Sampson, who withdrew due to health reasons. Coach Desiree Ellis is set to announce the final squad of 21 players on Monday, alongside two additional players who will remain on standby. Ellis praised the contributions of Seoposenwe, who has affirmed her intention to retire from the national team after the upcoming WAFCON. She conveyed her heartfelt gratitude to Seoposenwe, acknowledging her significant impact on the team while also respecting her decision to step away. In another notable absence, the renowned striker Thembi Kgatlana will not participate in the WAFCON squad due to 'personal reasons.' Kgatlana, currently playing for Tigres UANL Femenil in the Mexican Women's Premier League, has been a vital contributor to the national team's success over the years, making her exclusion a significant blow for Banyana. The team departs for Morocco on Tuesday, 24 June. Banyana Banyana will play in Group C alongside Ghana, Tanzania, and Mali. Banyana's provisional WAFCON Morocco 2024 squad: Goalkeepers: Kaylin Swart, Andile Dlamini, Dineo Magagula, Casey Gordon Defenders: Lebohang Ramalepe, Fikile Magama, Shakira O'Malley, Gabriela Salgado, Tiisetso Makhubela, Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Bongeka Gamede Midfielders: Sibulele Holweni, Linda Motlhalo, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Refiloe Jane, Amogelang Motau, Regina Mogolola, Noxolo Cesane, Bongiwe Thusi, Adrielle Mibe, Kgaelebane Mohlakoana Forwards: Hildah Magaia, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Nthabiseng Majiya, Bonolo Mokoma, Ronnel Donnely.
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns to showcase Brazilian flair against Borussia Dortmund at Club World Cup
The vibrant colours of the Mamelodi Sundowns kit evoke strong connections to Brazil. Photo: AFP Image: AFP The vibrant colours of Mamelodi Sundowns' kit evoke strong connections to South America's most celebrated footballing nation Brazil, a five-time Fifa World Cup winner. Now, as the South Africans stride onto the global stage at the Club World Cup, this correlation is stronger than ever. Nicknamed the Brazilians, Sundowns are captivated by the shared ethos of flair and passion, and Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac drew parallels between their style of play and that of the Brazilian national team. Kovac came to that conclusion while doing his homework on Sundowns ahead of today's Group F clash. He said: 'They are more to the side of the Brazilian team', underscoring the challenge that awaits Dortmund and the intrigue surrounding Sundowns in this tournament. Grouped in the fiercely competitive Pool F alongside the likes of Bundesliga powerhouses Borussia Dortmund, illustrious Brazilian side Fluminense, and South Korean outfit Ulsan HD, Sundowns are ready to prove that they belong among the elite. Masandawana are stepping into a realm where their fluid passing, inventive movement, and tactical acumen can shine on a worldwide platform. For Sundowns, being likened to Brazil – a country synonymous with football artistry – validates their approach and ambition. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The team have long been noted for their flair and creativity, distinct qualities that have brought them success in South African football. Sundowns are not just players in a tournament; they are ambassadors of South African football, with the hopes of a continent resting on their shoulders. The world's eyes will be on them as they strive to outshine their formidable opponents. Kovac expressed his enthusiasm for this unique opportunity, highlighting the diverse playing styles of their upcoming opponents. However, his Dortmund squad are ready to face an eclectic mix of playing styles. 'This is something new, a special moment for each of us,' Kovac remarked, underlining the thrill of venturing outside the familiar territory of European football. 'We usually play European teams, and now we're facing three different teams from three different continents. 'It's something new and something nice, to be honest.'
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Flamengo stuns Chelsea in Club World Cup; Bayern edges Boca Juniors
SUCCESS Flamengo's Brazilian forward #27 Bruno Henrique celebrates after winning the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group D football match between Brazil's CR Flamengo and England's Chelsea at the Lincoln Financial Field stadium in Philadelphia on June 20, 2025. Picture: Franck Fife/AFP Image: Franck Fife/AFP Flamengo produced a brilliant second-half fightback to beat Chelsea 3-1 at the Club World Cup on Friday and qualify for the last 16, while Bayern Munich joined them in reaching the knockout phase with a battling win over Boca Juniors. In Philadelphia, Pedro Neto gave Chelsea an early lead but Flamengo, roared on by their frenzied supporters who made up the majority of the 54,019 crowd, did not deserve to be behind and came roaring back in the second half. Bruno Henrique came off the bench in the 56th minute and quickly equalised before setting up former Real Madrid, Manchester City and Juventus defender Danilo to make it 2-1. Chelsea were stunned, and their hopes of pulling level again were effectively destroyed when substitute Nicolas Jackson was sent off in the 68th minute for a dangerous tackle on Ayrton Lucas. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Flamengo Clinches Spot in Knockout Stage with 3-1 Victory Over Chelsea Wallace Yan then sealed the victory for the Rio de Janeiro club, the Brazilian league leaders, when he made it 3-1 late on. "It was a special day for me and our club," said Flamengo coach Filipe Luis. "We knew we would have chances against Chelsea, because we have one way to play and they know how to follow that path." Flamengo have won both matches in Group D and their place in the knockout stage was confirmed later when Esperance of Tunisia defeated Los Angeles FC 1-0 in Nashville. Youcef Belaili scored the only goal of the game in the 70th minute in front of a sparse crowd featuring Nicole Kidman. LAFC, who were last-minute qualifiers after beating Club America of Mexico in a play-off, cannot now progress further. Kane, Olise on target Chelsea and Esperance each have three points from two games and their meeting in Philadelphia next Tuesday will decide who joins Flamengo in advancing. "We expected a tough game because Flamengo is a very good team, with good players and a good manager," said Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca. "They play very well, and in Brazil they are top of the league, unbeaten for many games, so it was not a surprise for us." Flamengo's win followed Botafogo's stunning success against European champions Paris Saint-Germain on Thursday, continuing an impressive record for South American clubs at the competition. But Bayern's 2-1 win over Boca in Miami was the first time either a Brazilian or Argentinian team had lost in 10 matches since the tournament started. England star Harry Kane did not find the target when Bayern hammered New Zealand's Auckland City 10-0 in their opening game, but he opened the scoring in Miami with a clinical finish on 18 minutes.
