FIFA Club World Cup 2025 | Group F: Borussia Dortmund vs Ulsan HD | Preview and Prediction
There is a whole lot to play for in this contest as Borussia Dortmund face Korean outfit Ulsan HD in a fascinating Group F encounter here at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Here is our Preview and Prediction for the game.
FIFA Club World Cup | Group F: Borussia Dortmund vs Ulsan HD | 00:30 AM IST, 26th June
Borussia Dortmund have played two games, and in both the games they have shown that while they can turn on the style when it is needed to thrilling effect, they can also be culpable of letting their guard down that can give the opposition a sniff into the game out of nowhere.
In their opening game against Fluminense, they were rather fortunate to escape from the game with a point given how lacklustre and ordinary they were against a well-drilled Fluminense side that barely gave them an inch. Only profligate shooting and dodgy decision-making in the final third prevented Dortmund from suffering a potentially embarrassing defeat first up itself.
Against Mamelodi Sundowns, they were much much better, moving the ball with more verve and purpose, partly aided by their opponents’ insistence on playing out of the back and by their excellent forward press, coaxing the Sundowns into mistakes that led to goals for the Black and Yellow. However, their penchant for complacency reared its ugly head as from a relatively insurmountable 4-1 scoreline, they let the Bafana ba Style into the game and eventually just about squeaked by with a 4-3 victory that still lets them dictate their own fate in the tournament.
The Sundowns game also saw the much-awaited full debut of new signing Jobe Bellingham, and he did not disappoint on his first start, getting a well-taken goal right on the cusp of half-time to put his side 3-1 while also having a rather composed game overall amid the chaos that unfolded later on. If the start was anything to go by, Jobe looks well-suited to playing at the highest level with the world watching his every step with profound interest.
Their opponents Ulsan, while already eliminated, could play the role of the ultimate party-crashers given that they will approach this game with a nothing to lose attitude. The Korean side were outplayed in their opening game against Mamelodi Sundowns and were fortunate that the final scoreline was only 1-0. In their second game against Fluminense, they responded extremely well after going a goal down early on, scoring twice in quick succession to go 2-1 up at the half-time break. But fatigue and the better quality of their opposition meant that Fluminense stormed back to eventually win the contest by a convincing 4-2 scoreline.
A win for Dortmund sends them through. A draw would also be enough depending on the Mamelodi-Fluminense result. However, expect them to go for the victory just to avoid the hassle of depending on the other result. As far as Ulsan are concerned, they would like to exit the tournament on a high note after a reasonably sturdy campaign that would have a different hue if not for the cruel margins of the sport.
We are predicting a Dortmund victory against Ulsan that will see them qualify for the Round of 16.
Score Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 3-0 Ulsan HD
Venue: TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio.