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The Star
12 hours ago
- Sport
- The Star
Matthew Booth: Sundowns' defence needs to be ready to weather Dortmund and Fluminense storms at Club World Cup
On Saturday, the Brazilians will face-off against German super team Borussia Dortmund, in what is set to be a spicy affair to say the least. While Ulsan provided a good test for Sundowns, the challenge that awaits them this Saturday (21 June) is very different. And former Sundowns defender Matthew Booth knows that his former team will have to be at their very best if they are to get anything out of Saturday's thrilling encounter. Booth says it is imperative that his former club remain solid against the diverse attacking threats of a European powerhouse like Borussia Dortmund and the flair of Fluminense. 'Adaptation springs to mind. That will be key to the defensive back-4 and CDM,' Booth told Showmax. 'Not only from a change in personnel from game to game but also a change in individual approach to each game in a very diverse group. Pre-match analysis of individual opponents will be key in a tournament of this nature as most one-on-one battles will be of the first time.' The physical demands of a compact tournament featuring top-tier opposition are immense, and Booth offers a glimpse into how Sundowns plans to maintain intensity and discipline. 'Sundowns has given an even spread to their full-backs this season. Expect that to continue in this tournament, during the game and from game to game. For example, Mudau and Morena have rotated beautifully. The CBs and CDM on the other hand should remain as consistent as possible. Throughout the Betway Premiership season, the defensive unit have rarely come under sustained pressure, which would've been a disadvantage going into this tournament if it was not for the CAF CL semi and final where the unit was certainly tested.' Drawing from his own extensive experience battling world-class forwards, Booth's advice to the current Sundowns defenders is clear: to make sure they are well prepared and ready to make an immediate impact. When asked what advice he would give to the current Sundowns defenders on handling the individual brilliance and team dynamics of players from teams like Dortmund and Fluminense, Booth said, 'Pre-match analysis of opposition team, group and individual tactics will be vital and in the game your first action often sets the tone and your confidence for the rest of the game.' Communication and cohesion within the defensive unit are, according to Booth, 'everything when coming up against unknown opponents.' 'Good communication is everything when coming up against unknown opponents as in-game adaptations will occur but more important is the telepathic understanding that a unit like Sundowns has after having played together under nearly every different scenario that has been thrown at them in matches and numerous training sessions.' Ultimately, Booth believes a strong defensive showing from Mamelodi Sundowns at the Club World Cup could be a game-changer for the global perception of African football. 'Southern African teams have a reputation for flair and likewise the North African teams have a defensive one. This perception will change should Sundowns put in a strong defensive performance. The contrast will come from the full back roles of Mudau, Morena, Modiba and Lunga, as these players offer a perfect balance between defensive capability and contributing to the attack by overloading wide and in the final third.' Sundowns group stage results and fixtures: Ulsan HD 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns Mamelodi Sundowns v Borussia Dortmund: Saturday, 21 June: 18:00 (SA time) Mamelodi Sundowns v Fluminense: Wednesday, 25 June: 21:00 (SA time)
Iraqi News
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Iraqi News
Bellingham strikes as Dortmund sink Sundowns
Cincinnati – Jobe Bellingham netted his first Borussia Dortmund goal in a thrilling 4-3 win over Mamelodi Sundowns at the Club World Cup on Saturday. The English midfielder, who this month followed older brother Jude's footsteps in joining the German side, started for the first time for Dortmund. Sundowns of South Africa took a surprise early lead but Dortmund hit back strongly to triumph in sweltering conditions in Cincinnati at the TQL Stadium and move top of Group F. Dortmund coach Niko Kovac had claimed teams from the 'south' had an advantage because of the heat, and the Sundowns 11th minute opener appeared to confirm his fears. Lucas Ribeiro's fine solo goal put the CAF Champions League runners-up ahead, with the Brazilian charging forward from his own half before beating Gregor Kobel. However Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams handed Dortmund their equaliser on a plate, passing the ball straight to Felix Nmecha, who stroked home. Both stoppers made good saves in an end-to-end clash before Dortmund claimed the lead through striker Serhou Guirassy. Dortmund won the ball high up the pitch and Julian Brandt crossed for the Guinea international to score with a fine leap and header, continuing his fine form this season. Bellingham, who joined earlier in June from Sunderland for 33 million euros ($37 million), netted Dortmund's third just before the break. Williams parried a cross into his path and after controlling on his chest, Bellingham drilled home. His brother Jude signed for Dortmund five years ago, before joining Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2023. 'Hey Jobe,' sang Dortmund fans, adapting the Beatles classic 'Hey Jude' which they used to sing to Jude Bellingham. Dortmund were toothless in their opening draw against Fluminense but grabbed their fourth when Kuliso Mudau turned into his own net as he tried to cut out a cross. Three minutes later Iqraam Rayners pulled one back as the Sundowns, who have won the last eight South African league titles, refused to give up. Rayners, who netted Sundowns' winner in the first match against Ulsan HD, hit the post with a header and reacted quickly to nod home the rebound. Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso's side pulled back another through Lebo Mothiba in the 90th minute, forcing Dortmund to sweat through six minutes of stoppage time before they were able to celebrate their victory. Later Saturday in the other Group F clash Fluminense take on Ulsan at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
eNCA
a day ago
- Sport
- eNCA
Bellingham strikes as Dortmund sink Sundowns
CINCINNATI - Jobe Bellingham netted his first Borussia Dortmund goal in a thrilling 4-3 win over Mamelodi Sundowns at the Club World Cup on Saturday. The English midfielder, who this month followed older brother Jude's footsteps in joining the German side, started for the first time for Dortmund. Sundowns took a surprise early lead but Dortmund hit back strongly to triumph in sweltering conditions in Cincinnati at the TQL Stadium and move top of Group F. Dortmund coach Niko Kovac had claimed teams from the "south" had an advantage because of the heat, and the Sundowns 11th minute opener appeared to confirm his fears. Lucas Ribeiro's fine solo goal put the CAF Champions League runners-up ahead, with the Brazilian charging forward from his own half before beating Gregor Kobel. However Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams handed Dortmund their equaliser on a plate, passing the ball straight to Felix Nmecha, who stroked home. Both stoppers made good saves in an end-to-end clash before Dortmund claimed the lead through striker Serhou Guirassy. Dortmund won the ball high up the pitch and Julian Brandt crossed for the Guinea international to score with a fine leap and header, continuing his fine form this season. Bellingham, who joined earlier in June from Sunderland for 33 million euros ($37 million), netted Dortmund's third just before the break. Williams parried a cross into his path and after controlling on his chest, Bellingham drilled home. His brother Jude signed for Dortmund five years ago, before joining Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2023. "Hey Jobe," sang Dortmund fans, adapting the Beatles classic "Hey Jude" which they used to sing to Jude Bellingham. Dortmund were toothless in their opening draw against Fluminense but grabbed their fourth when Kuliso Mudau turned into his own net as he tried to cut out a cross. Three minutes later Iqraam Rayners pulled one back as the Sundowns, who have won the last eight South African league titles, refused to give up. Rayners, who netted Sundowns' winner in the first match against Ulsan HD, hit the post with a header and reacted quickly to nod home the rebound. Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso's side pulled back another through Lebo Mothiba in the 90th minute, forcing Dortmund to sweat through six minutes of stoppage time before they were able to celebrate their victory.
Leader Live
a day ago
- Sport
- Leader Live
Jack Draper's Queen's hopes dashed by big-serving Jiri Lehecka
Lehecka became the first Czech finalist since Ivan Lendl 35 years ago after a 6-4 4-6 7-5 victory. It was a tough loss for Draper on home soil with the British number one angrily smashing his racket and damaging a digital advertising hoarding as the match slipped away. Jack Draper loses out in a thrilling semi-final at the #HSBCChampionships #BackTheBrits 🇬🇧 | @QueensTennis — LTA (@the_LTA) June 21, 2025 But it has been a successful week for the 23-year-old, with his run to the last four earning him a top-four seeding at Wimbledon. 'It means a lot,' said Lehecka. 'You don't meet a player like Jack every day, he's an amazing competitor.' One poor service game at the start, punctuated by two aces and a double fault on break point, ultimately cost Draper the first set. He did not get a sniff on the Lehecka serve, with his fellow 23-year-old regularly sending down aces approaching 140mph. In the second Draper began making inroads, a stunning flicked backhand cross-court winner helping bring up his first break points. But Lehecka repelled all four to hold for 2-2, with Draper beginning to cut a frustrated figure on the baseline. With singer Jon Bon Jovi watching from the posh seats, the tension was briefly lifted with a blast of his biggest hit 'Livin' on a Prayer' at the change over. Draper re-emerged in a blaze of glory, an ace sealing a hold to love before a winner down the line levelled the match. Lehecka forced a break point at 4-4 but netted after a long, tense exchange and Draper survived. However, Lehecka was looking the stronger and, after a comfortable hold, snatched the break for 6-5 with a stunning backhand winner. Draper smashed his racket in anger, earning a code violation, before Lehecka finished the job to win in two hours and seven minutes, ensuring Britain's wait for a first Queen's winner since Andy Murray in 2016 goes on.
North Wales Chronicle
a day ago
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Jack Draper's Queen's hopes dashed by big-serving Jiri Lehecka
Lehecka became the first Czech finalist since Ivan Lendl 35 years ago after a 6-4 4-6 7-5 victory. It was a tough loss for Draper on home soil with the British number one angrily smashing his racket and damaging a digital advertising hoarding as the match slipped away. Jack Draper loses out in a thrilling semi-final at the #HSBCChampionships #BackTheBrits 🇬🇧 | @QueensTennis — LTA (@the_LTA) June 21, 2025 But it has been a successful week for the 23-year-old, with his run to the last four earning him a top-four seeding at Wimbledon. 'It means a lot,' said Lehecka. 'You don't meet a player like Jack every day, he's an amazing competitor.' One poor service game at the start, punctuated by two aces and a double fault on break point, ultimately cost Draper the first set. He did not get a sniff on the Lehecka serve, with his fellow 23-year-old regularly sending down aces approaching 140mph. In the second Draper began making inroads, a stunning flicked backhand cross-court winner helping bring up his first break points. But Lehecka repelled all four to hold for 2-2, with Draper beginning to cut a frustrated figure on the baseline. With singer Jon Bon Jovi watching from the posh seats, the tension was briefly lifted with a blast of his biggest hit 'Livin' on a Prayer' at the change over. Draper re-emerged in a blaze of glory, an ace sealing a hold to love before a winner down the line levelled the match. Lehecka forced a break point at 4-4 but netted after a long, tense exchange and Draper survived. However, Lehecka was looking the stronger and, after a comfortable hold, snatched the break for 6-5 with a stunning backhand winner. Draper smashed his racket in anger, earning a code violation, before Lehecka finished the job to win in two hours and seven minutes, ensuring Britain's wait for a first Queen's winner since Andy Murray in 2016 goes on.
