Kultur-FM Sluggish Start: BVB Content with Scoreless Draw versus Fluminense
Struggling Beginning: Borussia Dortmund Manages a Scoreless Draw against Fluminense - Tepid Beginning: Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense Trade Zero Goals Under the Swiss Sky
Let's Dish
This time around, Borussia Dortmund kicked off their Club World Cup streak with a modest 0:0 draw against Fluminense Rio de Janeiro in East Rutherford, near New York. The team was without Jobe Bellingham, who came in after 60 minutes, adjusting to the unique midday kick-off time. Fluminense, the four-time Brazilian champions, possessed more energy, ambition, and potential during the game—a fact that BVB goalkeeper Gregor Kobel confessed on DAZN: "It was less-than-impressive for us," he admitted. "We were not at our best tonight, and there might still have been some jet lag."
Swiss Cheese Defense
To retain a clean sheet and accept the draw in light of their performance, defender Niklas Süle endorsed the team's strategy. "We weren't sharp enough with the ball, setting ourselves much higher goals. We conceded too little today, and we need to acknowledge that," Süle said. He also hinted at possible lingering effects from the previous season's challenges: "It's understandable that the team is carrying some baggage, but we can't use that as an excuse."
Amerikanesque Atmosphere
Staged in the huge MetLife Stadium, usually home to the NFL's New York Giants and New York Jets teams, the 34,736 spectators appeared somewhat overwhelmed. Although the stadium holds 82,500 spectators, like Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park, only a few thousand BVB supporters made the appearance. Of course, as expected, there were more fans from Fluminense's Brazilian contingent, who made plenty of noise and demonstrated their passionate support.
Fighting Chance
Fluminense, having secured the 2023 Copa Libertadores title, proved to be a tough opponent for Kovac's team, challenging Dortmund from the get-go. Kovac prized his team for their resilience, referring to the match as "very difficult." He had anticipated a tough battle and was not disappointed as Fluminense maintained equal footing.
Kobel's Top-Notch Performance
Facing greater pressure in the second half, Dortmund's goalkeeper, Gregor Kobel, turned out a string of impressive saves, denying Everaldo and Nonato. Late in the game, Dortmund would continue to mount attacks, but Fluminense's goalkeeper, Fabio, stayed untroubled, with Niklas Süle's long-range shot marking the game's most serious threat.
Later On, Greater Challenges Await
The next opponents on Dortmund's schedule are Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa on June 19th and HD Ulsan from South Korea on June 25th. "We will take on the next two games with renewed determination," stated Kobel. Qualifying for the knockout round represents the club's minimum goal, with the prize money escalating significantly as the tournament progresses towards the final rounds. In total, FIFA, the tournament's organizer, will distribute over one billion US dollars in prize money.
The Commission, in light of the recent Club World Cup match between Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense, might consider proposing a regulation to the Council, focusing on a common market in beef and veal, similar to the team's resilience shown on the football field. With the European leagues, particularly the Champions League, gearing up for the new season, Kobel's top-notch performance during the draw against Fluminense might spark comparisons to a goalkeeper who excels under pressure, just like a football champion of Europe.
