A first-half goal from Daniel Svensson was enough for Borussia Dortmund to secure a 1-0 victory over South Korean side Ulsan HD on Wednesday, a result that sees the German club advance to the knockout stages of the FIFA Club World Cup as Group F winners.
Dortmund controlled the match from the outset at a sun-drenched TQL Stadium, with their attack putting the Ulsan goal under pressure in the opening stages. The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Jobe Bellingham provided a precise pass for Svensson, who scored with a straightforward finish.
“I am elated that we managed to create more goal-scoring chances than in the other two matches. This was our overall objective,” said goalscorer Daniel Svensson. “I think that we dominated the match and we created so many great opportunities.”
Ulsan goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo produced a series of impressive saves to keep his side in the contest, notably denying a powerful header from Serhou Guirassy in the first half and a well-struck shot from Pascal Gross.
Dortmund manager Niko Kovac praised his team’s dominance but credited the opposition goalkeeper for keeping the scoreline down. “We only scored one goal because the Korean team had a very good goalkeeper… But overall, I think that my team dominated the first half,” Kovac said at a press conference.
Ulsan showed some improvement after the break but were unable to find an equaliser, with their best chance from Lee Jin-hyun being saved by Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel.
The victory means Borussia Dortmund finish top of Group F with seven points. They will now face Monterrey in the round of 16. Brazilian side Fluminense qualified as group runners-up with five points after a 0-0 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns. The South African champions finished third with four points, while Ulsan ended their campaign without a point.
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.