3️⃣ winners and losers from Dortmund and Fluminense's goalless draw | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense played out a tense 0–0 draw in their opening match at the 2025 Club World Cup, with both sides showing flashes of quality but ultimately falling short in the final third.

For Fluminense, it was a night of missed chances and midfield control, while Dortmund leaned on defensive grit and goalkeeping excellence to escape with a point.

Here are three winners and three losers from a cagey but intriguing Group A encounter in New York.

🏆 Winners

1. Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund)

The Dortmund goalkeeper delivered a composed and commanding performance, making several vital saves to keep Fluminense at bay. His shot-stopping, especially in one-on-one scenarios, underlined his value to the team and made him the standout figure in yellow.

2. Jhon Arias (Fluminense)

Lively, intelligent, and creative, Arias was at the heart of most of Fluminense’s attacking play. He found space between the lines, linked well with teammates, and was often the player trying to force the issue, even if the final product was lacking.

3. Niko Kovač (Dortmund Head Coach)

While Dortmund were underwhelming, Kovač will quietly be satisfied with a point in a cagey opening group game. His side showed resilience, and a clean sheet in a tricky match lays a foundation for improvement against weaker group opponents.

😓 Losers

1. Dortmund’s Midfield Cohesion

The midfield trio struggled to build rhythm, frequently bypassed by Fluminense's sharper transitions. With little control or invention, Dortmund’s central unit failed to influence the game on or off the ball.

2. Fluminense’s Finishing

For all their slick interplay and dominance in spells, Fluminense simply didn’t take their chances. Poor shot selection, tame finishing, and a lack of composure in the final third meant their superiority went unrewarded.

3. Jobe Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund)

Much was expected when the young midfielder came on, but he found it hard to make an impact. His touches were heavy, and he was often outmuscled. It was a steep learning curve, and he looked a little overawed by the stage.

📸 David Ramos - 2025 Getty Images