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| Source=Borussia Dortmund SNS Capture |
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| Source=Borussia Dortmund SNS Capture |
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| Source=Borussia Dortmund SNS Capture |
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"Borussia Dortmund's performance was poor."
This is a harsh criticism from the German soccer magazine 'Kicker' on Dortmund's performance, which won 4-3 after the second group match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup between Dortmund and Mamelodi at Cincinnati Stadium in Cincinnati on the 22nd (Korea time).
Dortmund, who gave Lucas Costa the first run in the 11th minute, finished the first half 3-1 ahead with consecutive goals from Felix Nmecha in the 16th minute, Seru Girasi in the 34th minute and Jov Bellingham in the 45th minute. Kuliso Mudau's own goal in the 14th minute of the second half allowed one more goal, but three minutes later, he dedicated the chasing goal to Ikram Rainers in the 17th minute of the second half, and allowed Levo Motiva to lose his third goal in the 45th minute of the second half. The 4-1 score quickly turned to 4-3 and almost caught up.
'Kicker' pointed out that Dortmund had nearly 200 fewer passes (388 to 583), eight fewer passes (8 to 16), and fewer expected points (2.19 to 2.60) than Mamelodi, whose objective power was one level below. 'What stands out the most is Dortmund's low range of activities, which is only 104 kilometers away,' he added.
Dortmund coach Niko Kovaci introduced his remarks at a press conference saying, "It is not acceptable not to win 4 to 1." Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel "Can't say anything positive other than the result. How can you lose three goals. It doesn't work in this way."
'Kicker' noted in particular that the defense, which had been stable under Coach Kovaci, collapsed. 'A series of fatal errors by Dortmund's defense occurred. Mamelodi continued to charge towards goal guarded by goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, 'The defense seemed completely insane. I had no choice but to keep being deceived by my opponent. He pointed out that he let his opponent sprint in the heat of more than 32 degrees Celsius and no shade.
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| Jov Bellingham selected as the man of the match. Source = Borussia Dortmund SNS Capture |
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"Kicker" cited "Homicide Heat" as one of the reasons why Pluminensi and Dortmund, who appeared to be 0-0 in the first group match, gave up three runs per game." Dortmund installed fans on the bench to help circulate the air. 'The replacements stayed in the locker room without sitting on a bench with full sun exposure and no protection at all,' he said, introducing the club's approach to dealing with the heat. Dortmund's replacement sat on the bench with an umbrella in the second half.
'Kicker' commented that 'Nevertheless, Dortmund's over 100km of activity can be taken as evidence that the team has challenged its limits. Dortmund had one win, one draw and four points in two games, tied with Pluminensee (4 points), who pushed Ulsan to 4-2 on the same day, but finished second by one goal in the difference. Mamelodi finished third with three points.
Dortmund will play its third group match against Ulsan on the 26th. Depending on the results of the day, it will be determined whether or not they will advance to the round of 16, which will be given to the top two teams in each group. The key to the match against Ulsan is also the weather. `Kicker' is expected to exceed 30 degrees Celsius again next Wednesday against Ulsan in Cincinnati despite a three-hour kick-off delay,' he said.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
