Nedum Onuoha expressed some reservations about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s debut performance for Real Madrid, suggesting that it’s premature to form a judgment on the player’s capabilities. This sentiment aligns with the broader assessment as teams gear up for critical matches in various tournaments.
In a noteworthy clash, Mamelodi Sundowns will face off against Borussia Dortmund in what could be a defining moment for the South African club at the FIFA Club World Cup. Following a 1-0 victory over Ulsan HD that placed them atop Group F, the Sundowns can advance to the knockout stages with an upset against the German powerhouse on Saturday.
Sundowns displayed a commanding performance against Ulsan, dominating possession with 68% and narrowly securing a clean win despite having two goals disallowed. The return of fan-favorite Themba Zwane to the lineup after a nine-month injury layoff, along with a standout performance from Keanu Cupido in defense, has raised hopes for the upcoming match.
Despite some defensive lapses reminiscent of their CAF Champions League final against Egypt’s Pyramids FC, the Sundowns possess the potential to capitalize on Dortmund’s recent vulnerabilities. The German side struggled to find form in their opening game against Fluminense, ending in a goalless draw despite having experienced a strong finish to the Bundesliga season.
The match is set to kick off on Saturday, June 21, at 6:00 PM CAT (June 17, 4:00 PM GMT), at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, under the supervision of referee Juan Gabriel Benitez PAR.
With Borussia Dortmund missing key players like Nico Schlotterbeck and Emre Can due to injuries, Sundowns will look to leverage this opportunity. Tashreeq Matthews will face his former club, aiming to make an impact from the bench where he has excelled in positioning despite struggling with finishing.
As for the expected line-ups, both teams are gearing up for a thrilling contest, with Sundowns hoping to build on their recent success and Dortmund seeking to assert their strength in the tournament.
This match carries the promise of being a historic moment for Sundowns if they can pull off a surprising victory against a formidable opponent. The atmosphere is ripe for an unforgettable encounter that could see the South African side make waves on the world stage.