Latest news with #Borussia
TimesLIVE
11 hours ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
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: #SSFootball | @DAZNFootball — 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. 🤌🤌🤌 — 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.
The Herald
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald
Mamelodi Sundowns win opener to go top of Group F at Club World Cup
It set the tone for almost total dominance by Sundowns, who had more than 70% of possession, though their passing game was too pedestrian at times and they were wasteful in front of goal. Ulsan looked for chances on the counter and had their best opportunity in the fourth minute after a quick break, but the Korean club's Brazilian forward Erick Farias missed with the goal at his mercy. Ulsan were rarely on the front foot but did have two opportunities that Sundowns scrambled off the line. This is Sundowns' second participation at a Club World Cup. Their first came in Osaka in 2016 where they lost 2-0 to host Japanese club Kashima Antlers and 4-1 to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors of South Korea. Downs had their best possible start to a tough group campaign. They meet Borussia in their second match at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio on Saturday (6pm SA time) and Brazilian outfit Fluminense at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on June 25 (9pm). Reuters
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
👀 Fluminense hold BVB, Thiago Silva solid, Jobe Bellingham debuts
Group F of the Club World Cup is inaugurated by the match between Borussia Dortmund and the Brazilians of Fluminense, captained by the eternal Thiago Silva. A goalless draw in the debut for both teams. THIAGO SILVA WALL Great performance by Flu and Thiago Silva who once again confirmed his immense class by keeping the formidable German attack at bay. Advertisement For the ex-Milan Brazilian, 1 tackle won out of 1, a good 3 interceptions and 3 recoveries and, stats aside, the total cancellation of Guirassy. A performance of a great champion. HISTORIC MOMENT, DEBUT OF JOBE BELLINGHAM. KOBEL WALL The match between Borussia and Fluminense has made history in its own way thanks to the 59' entry of Jobe Bellingham, brother of Jude and new acquisition of the Germans. From the television shots, it seems like experiencing a déjà vu: Jobe is literally identical, even in his movements, to his brother Jude. Borussia Dortmund risked falling behind several times and Kobel was miraculous especially in the second half, albeit at a standstill. A monstrous close-range save by the black and yellow goalkeeper confirms his huge growth. Advertisement This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here. 📸 FRANCK FIFE - AFP or licensors
Morocco World
4 days ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
Borussia Dortmund vs Fluminense FC: When, How to Watch & Score Prediction
Rabat – Another fiery match as part of the FIFA Club World Cup is taking place tonight, with Germany's Borussia Dortmund taking on Brazil's Fluminense in New Jersey. The 82,000-seat MetLife Stadium will host the showdown between two football powerhouses as part of Group F's long-awaited fixture. With two of the world's most passionate fan bases, Borussia's legendary Yellow Wall energy and Brazil's electrifying ultras promise a terrific atmosphere at the New York Jets home. Kick-off is set at 5 p.m. Morocco time (GMT +1), with the game streaming live on DAZN for free across the globe. Fluminense legend and head coach Renato Gaúcho is set to face a German side for the first time in the club's international history, marking a high-stakes clash in their opening round of the FIFA Club World Cup. Despite boasting a World Cup semi-finalist and European champion , Thiago Silva, Fluminense's defense remains relatively weak, showing major cracks. Still, they conceded fewer goals per match last season than Dortmund. Dortmund's relentless frontline, averaging 2 goals per game over the last year, poses a serious threat to the Brazilians' backline. With momentum on their side, Dortmund are widely expected to dominate their American debut. Borussia Dortmund's drop from nearly clinching the Bundesliga title in 2022-2023 to finishing fourth in the 2024/2025 season has raised major concerns at the club. With only 26 wins in 50 matches across all competitions and a heavy loss in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final against FC Barcelona, signs of decline are undeniable. In response, Dortmund appointed Niko Kovac as their new manager to spark a new era of major upgrades. While Jobe Bellingham will not start this afternoon, his arrival signals the club's intent to dominate the tournament. Football experts tip Borussia to top Group F, with South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns finishing second, leaving Fluminense's knockout hopes hanging by a thread. Predicted lineups: Both teams head into today's clash with injury concerns hanging over their starting elevens. Six regular starters are confirmed out, with three more doubtful, putting pressure on tactical adaptability. Topping Borussia's injury list are European champion Emre Can, alongside Nico Schlotterbeck, leaving Dortmund's defensive line noticeably vulnerable. Niko Kovac is then expected to start Gregor Kobel in goal in a 3-4-2-1 formation, alongside Niklas Süle, Waldemar Anton, and Ramy Bensebaini on the defensive line. Julian Ryerson, Marcel Sabitzer, Felix Nmecha, and Daniel Svensson will run the midfield. Julian Brandt and Karim Adeyemi on the wings, leaving Serhou Guirassy to lead the attack. Fluminense face a midfield crisis of their own, with five key players either sidelined or questionable for today's opener, leaving Renato Gaúcho with major setbacks and limited options The coach is then likely to start Fábio in goal, alongside Gabriel Fuentes, Juan Freytes, Thiago Silva, and Samuel Xavier in defense. Nonato, Matheus Martinelli, Kevin Serna, Ganso, and John Arias fill the team's gaps in midfield, with Everaldo leading their attack. Score prediction: Football analysts expect a strong start for the German giants with Borussia tipped to claim a 2-1 victory over its Brazilian counterpart. Both teams are likely to find the net, scoring at least two goals. MWN, however, forecasts a more dominant outcome with no goals from Fluminense, leaving the Brazilians with a 2-0 defeat. Tags: FIFA Club World Cup
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kane lifts first trophy for champions Bayern as Muller says goodbye
Harry Kane scored and then lifted his first ever trophy as newly crowned Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich beat Borussia Monchengladbach in Thomas Muller's last home game for the club. With 31 minutes played, Michael Olise cut inside before aiming a shot towards the top corner that was headed in by Kane for his 25th Bundesliga goal of the season. Kane was restored to the starting line-up after serving a one-match suspension and proved his worth as he has done consistently throughout the campaign that saw Bayern reclaim the title. Kane was soaked with beer in the post-match celebrations and trophy lift, celebrating on the pitch with his wife, children and parents. "It's been a long time coming," Kane said. "It means more than any of the goalscoring awards, for sure. "There's no secret that there has been this one thing that has been missing from my resume. "It was a weight on my shoulders and now it's been lifted. I've had plenty of individual accolades and been close on so many occasions to trophies, but for one reason or another, it hasn't quite worked." Kane added: "When you go through a season, the ups and downs, the work, the training, all together with the team, with the staff, you have this release and have this kind of celebration at the end. "I've never been able to have that before. It was just so nice to have that moment. "All these occasions, that's what I've been waiting for. I knew that's how they celebrate here and now I have the video and the pictures and the memories and the medal. "It's just mindset that's kept me going. I've always been someone to work hard and carry on no matter the ups and downs and. I've a plenty of ups and downs without winning the trophies. "Resilience is something that I've had to show throughout my whole career and even with this title, it doesn't change me as a player. I've still got the same work ethic. I'm still going to keep pushing the boundaries to see how good I can become and how I can help my team." Muller started on his 750th appearance for Bayern before his summer departure and was honoured pre-match. The German forward, 35, was unable to mark the milestone with a goal, despite three promising attempts and left the field to huge applause from fans in the Allianz Arena - as well as a guard of honour from his team-mates - in the 84th minute. Vincent Kompany's side complete their season next Saturday (14:30 BST) away at Hoffenheim. Bayern's 'James Bond' - how Kane clinched his first trophy Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast
