Ulsan HD to Take on FIFA Club World Cup Contenders Fluminense | OneFootball

Ulsan HD are set to clash with one of the tournament favorites, Fluminense of Brazil in their second Group F match of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 on June 22 at 7 AM (KST), at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA.

Ulsan encountered complications right from their first match. Originally scheduled to play against Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) on June 18 at 7 AM KST in Orlando's Inter&Co Stadium, the kickoff was delayed by one hour and five minutes due to a lightning weather delay, eventually beginning at 8:05 AM. The players had to return to the dressing room and regroup during the delay. Despite a valiant effort, Ulsan narrowly lost 1-0, placing them at the bottom of Group F behind Mamelodi (3 pts), Fluminense, and Borussia Dortmund (both 1 pt).

Against Mamelodi, Ulsan deployed a back-three system, utilizing wingbacks Gustav Ludwigson (left) and Um Won-sang (right) to launch rapid and strategic counterattacks. While they created a number of promising chances, the Horangi failed to convert. A goal conceded in the 36th minute to Mamelodi's star forward Reyners proved decisive.

Head coach Kim Pan-gon commented, “Our goal is to reach the Round of 16, and this match was pivotal. We needed the win and gave it our all, but couldn’t get the result. Fluminense and Dortmund are stronger on paper, but I’m still proud of the players. We’ll recover well and prepare as a team.”

Mamelodi head coach Miguel Cardoso said in the post-match press conference that the weather delay had both pros and cons. “It gave us more time to analyze their lineup,” he admitted. “Ulsan came out with a back three instead of their usual four, which was surprising and challenging. We made necessary adjustments during the delay to prepare.”

Ulsan's tactical setup clearly unsettled their opponents, and had the weather not interfered, the game could have unfolded differently. Still, the loss is now behind them, and full focus must turn to Fluminense.

Fluminense are considered one of the top contenders in this tournament. They won the 2023 Copa Libertadores by defeating Argentine giants Boca Juniors 2-1, claiming their first major continental title and securing their Club World Cup berth.

One of the most recognizable figures is the veteran Thiago Silva, a defensive stalwart with an illustrious career at AC Milan, PSG, Chelsea, and the Brazilian national team. He led a solid backline in their opening match against Dortmund.

Fluminense also boast a star-studded squad beyond Silva. In midfield, seasoned veteran Ganso is joined by 23-year-old rising talent Martinelli, valued at €10 million. Up front, Argentine striker Germán Cano — who netted 14 goals in 23 games last season — remains a potent threat. Colombian playmaker Jhon Arias, who tallied three goals and 12 assists in 28 appearances last season, adds creativity.

While there is an objective strength gap between Ulsan and Fluminense, football is unpredictable. A compelling subplot is Ulsan’s Brazilian striker Érick Farias, who will face a club from his home country.

“I’ve faced Fluminense four or five times in the past, including in the League Cup last year,” Farias said. “Their individual quality is very high. Thiago Silva is a legend, Ganso is class, and they have top-tier players like goalkeeper Fábio. We know it won’t be an easy game. But Ulsan also has quality — players who’ve played in the Premier League, at World Cups, and overseas. We have to approach every game as if it’s a final. If we focus, anything can happen. We’ll do our best to showcase the level of Korean football and Ulsan’s competitiveness.”

Junior Negrão, a key figure in Ulsan’s unbeaten 2020 AFC Champions League title run, also expressed excitement about the matchup:

“Fluminense have great players like Silva and Ganso. Brazilian players are technically gifted, but they tend to struggle under pressure. That’s a point Ulsan can target. Since Fluminense are rivals of my favorite team, Flamengo, I’ll be cheering for Ulsan. Korean teams are known for their work rate and high pressing. If they capitalize on those strengths, they can beat Fluminense,” he said in support.

Via Ulsan HD press release

The Opposition Scout Report

K League United's scouting network extends beyond the three shores of South Korea and into Brazil, with our man on the ground providing a scouting report on Ulsan's next opponents.

"They had an OK start to the season, trailing the top teams. Expect more [in the Club World Cup] from Palmeiras and Flamengo. Five wins and a draw in their last six games in all competitions, though.

Brazilian teams take this very seriously, and though it may not be their main priority, there is more pressure for them to perform than for a lot of European teams.

Renato Gaucho returned for his sixth spell as head coach, first couple as interim in 2007 and has had 100 games in charge; others were short-lived lived winning the Copa de Brasil. His spell as a manager was with Gremio, winning the Copa Libertadores in 2017

There's a focus on experienced players. Thiago Silva came back last year and had a big hand in saving them from relegation. Now 40, a legend of the game, and won this tournament with Chelsea in 2021.

Fabio, the goalkeeper, is 44 years old but still very reliable, with over 100+ Copa Libertadores games, winning it in 2022 with Fluminense.

Number 10 Paulo Henrique is 35 but a two time Copa Libertadores winner. He's a gifted technical left-footed 10 who's going to try and pick opponents apart with creative passing.

They have 33-year-old journeyman Everaldo up top, who has spent time in Japan, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia. He's a sort of Brazilian Giroud in terms of both looks and style, will play centrally and look to get powerful shots off early, and is very good in the box."

-The KLU Scout, Rio

The Referee - Michael Oliver

According to the official FIFA Club World Cup website, the referee for the match between Ulsan and Fluminense will be Michael Oliver. He is a Premier League referee and a well-known figure among international football fans.

Oliver, who is from England, has officiated Premier League matches since 2010. He has refereed one South Korea national team match before, a 0-0 draw against Croatia in London on February 6 2013, but has never refereed a match involving a South Korean club side before.

Oliver officiated 44 matches during the 2024-2025 season, including 26 in the Premier League and eight in the UEFA Champions League, as well as Nations League international fixtures. He brandished 194 yellow cards to average 4.4 per match, seven double yellows, two reds, and awarded 11 penalties, according to Transfermarkt stats. Ulsan HD's match with Fluminense will be his first of the 2025 Club World Cup.