Dortmund, Fluminense Draw; Brazilian Teams Remain Unbeaten

Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense played to a 0-0 stalemate at the Club World Cup on Tuesday, ensuring Brazilian teams have yet to taste defeat in the tournament.

Fluminense, a powerhouse club from Rio de Janeiro, posed a greater attacking threat during the Group F match held at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, just outside New York City.

Dortmund’s custodian, Gregor Kobel, skillfully diverted a shot from Jhon Arias around the post in the first half. Later, Matheus Martinelli sent a powerful strike narrowly off target.

Fluminense, led by their captain Thiago Silva, the 40-year-old former Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea defender, consistently threatened on the counter-attack. They squandered a clear opportunity midway through the second half when Agustin Canobbio’s shot was blocked by Kobel.

Kobel then made an impressive diving save to deny Everaldo, concluding the match in a scoreless draw.

Fluminense earned their place in the Club World Cup by winning the Copa Libertadores in 2023.

Their performance against Dortmund, a UEFA Champions League finalist last year, highlights the potential for Brazilian teams to significantly impact FIFA’s revamped competition.

Flamengo, another Brazilian team, defeated Esperance of Tunisia 2-0 on Monday and are preparing to face Chelsea next.

Palmeiras also drew their opening match 0-0 against Porto, while Botafogo, the current Brazilian and South American champions, secured a 2-1 victory over Seattle Sounders of MLS on Sunday.

Dortmund introduced teenage English midfielder Jobe Bellingham, recently acquired from Sunderland, as a substitute. Their first real threat came late in the game with a long-range attempt from Niklas Suele.

The German side will be aiming for their first victory in the upcoming match against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Sundowns, representing South Africa, will compete against Ulsan HD from South Korea in the other Group F match of the day in Orlando.