Fluminense walk away disappointed as Borussia Dortmund struggle in clash of Group F giants

Fluminense showed why they are considered a threat in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup during a 0-0 draw with German giants Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday in New Jersey.

The two clubs are considered the class of Group F, and the Brazilian side came out with the intention of sending a message as they committed to a high-press and relentless attack straight from the opening whistle.

If not for some timely interventions by the Dortmund defence and goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, Fluminense would have walked away with a crucial victory to open their tournament.

However, the Bundesliga side held steady in their FIFA Club World Cup debut and walked away with a point against their highly motivated opponents.

Here are the key talking points of the scoreless draw between Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund at MetLife Stadium, as seen by DAZN News.

Fluminense vs Borussia Dortmund highlights

Experience matters

Fluminense came into this match with a starting XI that featured five players over 30, including the ageless Thiago Silva. Their collective experience showed on the day as they knew exactly what they wanted to do against Dortmund and executed it well across the 90 minutes, albeit without the goal that would have turned a good day at the park into a near-perfect one.

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But even ignoring the ages of the individual players, the club itself boasts more experience in global competition than Dortmund, who were making their debut in this event. Fluminense's familiarity with intercontinental play was another factor in favour of the South American club, who seemed more prepared to play in the mid-day humidity of New Jersey than their opposition.

Another Bellingham at Dortmund

Jobe Bellingham followed in his big brother Jude's footsteps by joining the Bundesliga side this summer, and a lot is expected of the 19-year-old at Dortmund in the upcoming season.

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Bellingham had to wait until the 59th minute to make his competitive debut for his new side, but he immediately showed why he was coveted by the German outfit as he helped settle down a midfield that was getting overrun at times. That being said, his presence wasn't enough to turn the tide in favour of Dortmund as Fluminense were still the better side through Bellingham's half hour on the pitch.

However, the youngster did manage to show that he won't be intimidated by the moment or the opposition as he got stuck in right away

Rest vs Rust

As much as Fluminense looked to put Dortmund to the sword with their high-tempo, take-no-prisoners style, the Germans should be forgiven for not being at their peak in this match as they are coming off a long season.

Tuesday's match marked one month since they were last in a competitive match and it showed, as Niko Kovac's side often appeared to be in pre-season mode rather than in a crucial match at the Club World Cup.

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Of course, it's their duty to be prepared for such a moment, but some passes went awry and teammates got their wires crossed when normally they would be interacting with more fluidity.

With arguably the hardest opponent of the group stage now out of the way, Dortmund have the opportunity to grow into the tournament as they shake off their sea legs, and the squad is talented and experienced enough to do just that as the competition progresses.

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