Borussia Dortmund takes on Fluminense in the FIFA Club World Cup. The match is a meeting between two giants from Brazil and Germany, and it promises to be an exciting fixture.
Borussia Dortmund enters the Club World Cup in high spirits after a strong finish to the Bundesliga season. Their journey to the 2024 UEFA Champions League final masked underlying issues within Edin Terzić’s framework, and the appointment of Nuri Sahin didn’t yield the desired results.
However, Niko Kovač’s timely intervention salvaged Dortmund’s campaign, allowing them to secure a top-four finish in the Bundesliga on the final day.
Dortmund qualified for the Club World Cup via UEFA’s ranking system and aims to carry the momentum from their domestic success into the tournament. As the overwhelming favorites to win Group F, they’ll face Fluminense in their opening match.
After narrowly avoiding relegation last year, Fluminense has made a remarkable turnaround under Renato Portaluppi.
The 2023 Copa Libertadores winners are now sixth in the Brazilian Série A, just four points behind rivals Flamengo. Although a deep run in the tournament might be ambitious, Fluminense aims to make a statement in the group stage.
Team News
Dortmund’s squad for the Club World Cup has some notable absences. Salih Özcan suffered a hamstring injury during the international break and hasn’t traveled with the team. Emre Can and Nico Schlotterbeck are also absent, while new signing Jobe Bellingham is in contention for his debut.
Fluminense will be led by Thiago Silva in defense, who will protect the goal of veteran goalkeeper Fábio. Colombian Jhon Arias is their attacking star, expected to cause problems for Dortmund centrally.
However, the team faces injury doubts, with Agustin Canobbio, Keno, and Facundo Bernal uncertain, while Otávio is out for the season with an Achilles tear, and Yeferson Soteldo could miss much of the tournament with a muscle injury.
Fluminese vs. Borussia Dortmund Predicted Lineups
Fluminense predicted lineup vs. Dortmund: Fabio; Xavier, Silva, Freytes, Renê; Nonato, Santos, Martinelli; Arias, Everaldo, Serna.
Dortmund predicted lineup vs. Fluminense: Kobel; Süle, Anton, Bensebaini; Ryerson, Sabitzer, Nmecha, Svensson; Brandt, Adeyemi; Guirassy.
