Dortmund Edges Sundowns in Club World Cup Thriller Amid Scorching Conditions

In a sweltering midday showdown at Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium, Borussia Dortmund overcame both the heat and a fierce fightback from Mamelodi Sundowns to secure a thrilling 4–3 victory on Saturday, pushing the German side to the top of Group F in the FIFA Club World Cup.

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The Bundesliga giants found themselves trailing just 11 minutes in after a dazzling solo run by Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who split Dortmund’s static defense with ease before finishing past a helpless Alexander Meyer. But Sundowns’ early joy was short-lived. Just five minutes later, a critical blunder from South African international Ronwen Williams gifted Felix Nmecha a tap-in that turned the tide of the match.

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From there, Dortmund seized control. Serhou Guirassy capped off a tidy sequence with Julian Brandt to nod in a second, and Jobe Bellingham — younger brother of Jude — pounced just before halftime, capitalizing on another Williams error to extend the lead to 3–1. The Bundesliga side seemed to have wrapped up the game when a deflected cross off Khuliso Mudau extended the margin to 4–1 in the 59th minute, with the own goal leaving the Sundowns reeling.

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Yet the South African champions, buoyed by their technical flair and tactical resilience under head coach Miguel Cardoso, refused to go quietly. Iqraam Rayners, who had earlier struck the post, was rewarded moments later when a fortunate bounce off the woodwork allowed him to head home and reduce the deficit. Substitute Lebo Mothiba added further tension with a close-range finish in the 90th minute, capping a spirited second-half surge. Despite several late opportunities, the Sundowns couldn’t quite complete the comeback.

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"We take away a feeling of disappointment but pride also," Cardoso said postmatch. "I think we earned a lot of respect."

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The game was played under oppressive conditions, with temperatures approaching 90°F (32°C) and multiple cooling breaks required. The 14,000-strong crowd bore witness to not just a pulsating contest but a reminder of how heat can impact player performance and momentum. In that sense, both teams displayed commendable stamina and adaptability.

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From Dortmund’s perspective, the result was a blend of opportunism and defensive vulnerability. While they capitalized on Sundowns’ errors with clinical efficiency, their backline showed cracks, particularly in transition. Still, with four points from two matches, they now lead the group — a single point ahead of Sundowns — and will face South Korea’s Ulsan on Wednesday with a knockout berth within reach.

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For Sundowns, the match against Brazil’s Fluminense now carries added weight. While their attacking talent has shone — with Ribeiro and Rayners showcasing skill and grit — lapses at the back have proven costly. Cardoso’s side will need to blend its creative edge with greater defensive discipline if it hopes to advance.

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Analysis & Takeaways

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1. Dortmund’s Clinical Edge, but Defensive Gaps Remain
The German club’s ability to quickly swing momentum in their favor underscores their offensive depth, but the match also exposed concerning frailties. Whether it was being caught flat-footed by Ribeiro’s opener or scrambling under Sundowns' late pressure, Dortmund must tighten defensively ahead of the knockout rounds.

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2. Sundowns Deserve Global Respect
Sundowns may have entered the match as underdogs, but their technical quality, tempo, and refusal to quit earned them widespread admiration. Their style — a fusion of South African flair and European-influenced structure — continues to evolve under Cardoso’s guidance. With clubs like Fluminense next, they’ll need to sharpen their decision-making in high-pressure moments.

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3. Heat a Hidden Adversary
The match highlighted the role of environmental factors in global tournaments. With player safety in mind, FIFA and host cities should consider scheduling and cooling protocols more proactively, especially in summer events. The game remained high-intensity despite the conditions — a credit to both squads’ conditioning and focus.

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Broader Context

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The Club World Cup, often maligned for its predictability and scheduling oddities, has found new life in 2025's expanded format. Matches like this — high-scoring, unpredictable, and packed with storylines — reflect the growing global parity in club football. Teams from Africa, Asia, and South America are increasingly unafraid to challenge European powers, a trend UEFA clubs can’t afford to overlook.

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Streaming services like DAZN offering free, global access to matches — without requiring a subscription — is a bold move to broaden the competition’s appeal. It reflects a larger push in world football to decentralize fandom and highlight underrepresented leagues and players.

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Looking Ahead

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Borussia Dortmund will likely rotate their squad in their final group match, knowing a draw may be enough to progress. However, lapses like those seen against Sundowns could prove fatal in the knockout rounds. As for Sundowns, their next clash is now a must-win — but they’ve proven they belong on this stage.

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With two entertaining matches in Group F now complete, the Club World Cup is shaping up to deliver some of its most compelling football in recent memory.

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