When Borussia Dortmund walked onto the pitch at TQL Stadium on June 21, 2025, the scorching Ohio sun promised a match that would test stamina as much as skill.
The Stage: 2025 FIFA Club World CupInternational venues in the United States
The tournament, running from June 14 to July 13, brings together champions from each continent for a week‑long showdown. 2025 marked the first time the entire group stage was staged in North America, with Cincinnati’s Club World Cup matches acting as a showcase for MLS facilities. Group F featured the German giants, a South African champion, and a Japanese league side, each hoping to secure a knockout‑stage berth.
A Goal‑Fest Unfolds: Early Lead and Rapid Response
The opening spark came in the 11th minute when Lucas Ribeiro—often listed as Lucas Ribeiro Costa—slid past two defenders and curled a solo effort into the top‑corner, giving Mamelodi Sundowns a 1‑0 advantage. The South African side, fresh off a domestic title, celebrated early, but the German response was swift.
Just four minutes later, Felix Nmecha found the net, threading a low shot past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. By the 23rd minute Serhou Guirassy doubled the lead, and before the half‑hour mark Jobe Bellingham added his own strike, completing a 4‑1 halftime scoreline for Dortmund. The flurry included an own‑goal by a Sundowns defender, which only heightened the drama.
Sundowns’ Late Rally
With a three‑goal cushion evaporating, the South African side showed why they’re league champions. On the 62nd minute Iqraam Rayners capitalised on a defensive lapse to pull one back, and the crowd sensed a comeback. The final minute of regular time saw Lebo Mothiba slot home a header, narrowing the margin to 4‑3 and forcing extra‑time speculation.
But Dortmund held firm, weathering the pressure and securing the three points needed to sit atop Group F. As ESPN’s post‑match analysis phrased it, the German side “held off a spirited comeback” and “moved closer to the knockout rounds.”
Group F Implications
- Dortmund: 4 points from two matches (top of the group).
- Sundowns: 3 points from one match (second place, one game to play).
- Japan’s Kashima Antlers sit at 0 points after two defeats.
- Advancement now hinges on Sundowns’ final group game and Dortmund’s next fixture against Kashima.
The standings illustrate a tight race; a win for Sundowns in their next outing could force a decisive final‑day showdown. For Dortmund, a single slip could drag them into a tie‑breaker scenario.
What the Heat Said About the Match
Mid‑day temperatures hovered around 33 °C (91 °F), a factor both coaches mentioned in their pre‑match briefings. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who endured four strikes, noted the heat “made reflexes slower, especially in the second half.” Dortmund’s fitness coach credited a rigorous acclimatization program, which may have helped the German attackers maintain a high tempo.
Key Takeaways and Looking Ahead
The encounter was a reminder that Club World Cup fixtures can deliver European‑style attacking fireworks even on foreign soil. Jobe Bellingham’s goal, his first at senior international club level, could be a springboard for a breakout season in the Bundesliga. Meanwhile, Sundowns proved their resilience, a trait likely to serve them well in the upcoming CAF Champions League.
Next up, Dortmund faces Kashima Antlers on June 25 at the same venue, while Sundowns travel to Osaka for a decisive clash on June 26. Both matches will determine who joins the German club in the quarter‑finals and who watches from the sidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Dortmund’s win affect their chances of reaching the knockout stage?
The 4‑3 victory gives Borussia Dortmund four points from two games, placing them top of Group F. They need just a draw or win against Kashima Antlers to guarantee a quarter‑final spot, while a loss would force a tie‑breaker with Mamelodi Sundowns.
What were the key moments that swung the match in Dortmund’s favour?
Early goals from Felix Nmecha, Serhou Guirassy, and Jobe Bellingham, combined with an own‑goal, built a four‑goal cushion before the hour mark. Those strikes forced Sundowns into a chase, limiting their tactical options.
Why is the heat a factor in matches at TQL Stadium?
Temperatures near 33 °C strain players’ stamina and impact reaction times, especially for goalkeepers. Teams that prepared with heat‑training, like Dortmund, tended to keep a higher work rate in the second half.
What does this result mean for Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League?
The narrow loss showcases Sundowns’ attacking depth but also highlights defensive lapses under pressure. Their recent domestic success will give them confidence, yet they must tighten up at the back to compete on both the African and global stages.
When and where is the next Group F match?
Borussia Dortmund play Kashima Antlers on June 25, 2025, at TQL Stadium, while Mamelodi Sundowns face Kashima in Osaka on June 26, 2025.
