Kobel Warns Sundowns: We Will Be Better

Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel has issued a warning to Mamelodi Sundowns ahead of their Group F encounter in the FIFA Club World Cup this Saturday afternoon.

Kobel suggested that Dortmund’s performance in their opening match, a draw against Fluminense, was influenced by various factors. Dortmund, who were runners-up in the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League, will be looking for a stronger showing.

In contrast, Sundowns began their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Ulsan HD, courtesy of an Iqraam Rayners goal at Inter&Co Stadium. This win propelled Sundowns to the top of Group F with three points, leaving the Korean side at the bottom.

For Dortmund, who failed to secure a win in their first game, the match against Sundowns is a must-win to kickstart their tournament. Kobel believes his team will perform better, acknowledging they weren’t at their best against the Brazilian side.

“I don’t want to hang it too high because it was the first game – maybe a bit of jet lag, an unusual time. But we don’t need to make all the excuses either, because it wasn’t enough of us,” the Swiss goalkeeper told Bild Sport.

Sundowns’ victory against Ulsan marked a historic moment, as they became the first South African side to win a FIFA Club World Cup match. In their 2016 debut, they had lost both of their games.

Furthermore, their win made them the first of the four African teams in the expanded competition to secure a victory in the United States, a feat later matched by Espérance when they defeated LA Galaxy on Saturday morning.