Borussia Dortmund vs Ulsan Hyundai
Another Club World Cup first; another heavyweight versus minnows clash; another contest that seems utterly predictable. Cincinnati hosts the Bundesliga’s fourth-best team, Borussia Dortmund, and South Korean champions Ulsan Hyundai on Wednesday night.
Dortmund know a point will take them through to the knockout stages after they followed a frustrating 0-0 draw in their opener against Fluminense, with a 4-3 win over South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns (although the performance was far from convincing).
Ulsan, by contrast, lost their opener by a solitary goal to Sundowns and then went into halftime 2-1 up against Fluminense, only to collapse in the second half and lose 4-2.
Already eliminated, this SBOTOP writer doubts they can lift themselves in what should be their hardest group game.
Talking Points
Despite winning their last outing, Dortmund, who remain without long-term absentees Emre Can, Salih Özcan, and Nico Schlotterbeck, were far from pleased, and boss Niko Kovac will likely demand a response.
One of the few positives from the victory saw new signing Jobe Bellingham – 19-year-old younger brother of former fan-favorite Jude Bellingham – score a first goal for his new club following his recent arrival from Sunderland.
His signature was completed just in time for him to appear at this tournament, allowing supporters to get an immediate insight into how he will fit into Kovač’s plans moving forward. He may well start in a supportive role behind striker Serhou Guirassy.
They may have failed to hold onto their best players consistently over the past decade or so, and Bellingham senior is just the latest player to join that increasing list.
But with Guirassy continually serving up goals and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens shining on the wing, the Black Yellows certainly have quality, and Dortmund will expect to produce further Club World Cup 2025 highlights against opponents who have a poor defensive record, conceding 11 times in their last five games.
Head coach Kim Pan-Gon’s side are currently fifth in the K League 1 with 29 points from 19 games, and he will be disappointed by his team’s position given they are the defending champions.
Ulsan started Um Won-Sang and Erick Farias in the forward line against Fluminense, but since Um was substituted due to injury, Matias Lacava may come into the starting XI.
Expect the South Korean team to play a midfield three featuring Ko Seung-Beom, Darijan Bojanic, and Lee Jin-Hyun.
On occasions in recent years, Ulsan have been unstoppable in their own league.
While they have nothing to lose, the difference in quality between their league and one of Europe’s big five leagues – remember Dortmund reached the Champions League Final 13 months ago – should be evident in the final scoreline.
History
This will be the first ever meeting between the sides.
Dortmund won the 1997 Intercontinental Cup – the Club World Cup’s direct predecessor – by beating Brazilian side Cruzeiro.
The K-League side are seeking their first-ever win at a FIFA tournament, having lost their previous six games at this level.
Betting Tip
It’s another one-sided encounter with the Club World Cup 2025 betting odds.
Dortmund are priced 1X2 @ 1.19 and Asian Handicap -2.00 @ 2.06, compared to Ulsan 1X2 @ 9.00 and Asian Handicap + 1.75 @ 2.08. Even the draw @ 5.70 appears a long shot.
Given Dortmund conceded three times against South African club Mamelodi Sundowns, it’s not unreasonable to expect Ulsan to find the net, but I cannot see them avoiding defeat.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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