Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund performed out a vigorous goalless draw on the MetLife Stadium, with each goalkeepers shining in a match that lacked targets however not motion.
From the opening whistle, Fluminense took the initiative with Arias particularly trying harmful, carving open area and testing Dortmund’s defence early.
Inside minutes, he had already fired over the bar earlier than Bensebaini picked up a yellow card for a reckless problem, setting the tone for a feisty contest.
Regardless of Dortmund’s sluggish begin, they step by step grew into the sport. Gross and Brandt linked up neatly within the thirty third minute, with Brandt weaving via the Fluminense backline earlier than being denied by Fabio.
The assistant’s flag was raised for offside, nevertheless it was a promising second for the Germans nonetheless.
On the different finish, Fluminense continued to threaten. Martinelli got here closest for the Brazilians within the first half with a strong long-range effort that fizzed simply previous the put up.
Honors even in our @FIFACWC opener. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/INXUpW48cf
— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) June 17, 2025
Nonato and Arias each examined Kobel, who was pressured into a number of saves to maintain the scoreline stage. A very busy stretch for the Dortmund keeper got here simply after the half-hour mark, as he parried efforts from Martinelli, Nonato, and Arias in fast succession.
The second half resumed with Fluminense once more on the entrance foot. Hercules and Canobbio each had efforts on purpose, although their ending left a lot to be desired.
A conflict between Everaldo and Kobel momentarily halted play, however the Dortmund stopper was capable of proceed after therapy.
As the sport wore on, each managers turned to their benches. Dortmund handed a debut to Jobe Bellingham within the sixtieth minute, changing Gross, whereas Nmecha additionally got here on for Adeyemi.
Fluminense responded with a number of adjustments of their very own, together with Cano and Serna coming into the fray.
The standout second of the second half got here within the 69th minute when Kobel produced a shocking double save, first denying Everaldo after which reacting swiftly to cease Nonato on the rebound.
Fim de jogo! Flu pressiona os 90 minutos, luta muito e fica no 0 a 0 com o Borussia Dortmund! 🇭🇺🇭🇺
Sábado tem mais Copa do Mundo de Clubes da FIFA! VAMOS, FLUZÃO! #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/GPnZd8uftc
— Fluminense F.C. (@FluminenseFC) June 17, 2025
Dortmund’s finest probability arrived late. Within the eighty fifth minute, Ryerson whipped in a positive cross that discovered Svensson, whose header drifted narrowly broad.
Then, within the dying moments of stoppage time, Niklas Sule virtually snatched a dramatic winner for BVB.
Rising highest from a nook, his highly effective header was brilliantly saved by Fabio, preserving the impasse and incomes his aspect some extent.
