Sundowns Thrill Fans Around The World With “Chaotic” Display
Mamelodi Sundowns captured the hearts of the football world with a “chaotic” yet entertaining display in their loss to German giants Borussia Dortmund in their second FIFA Club World Cup Group F match at TQL Stadium on Saturday.
Despite the 4-3 defeat, Sundowns’ “fun to watch” and “scintillating attacking play,” particularly in the first half, thrilled their traveling supporters and captivated global audiences.
Sundowns took an early lead in the 11th minute when forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa collected the ball inside the center circle, surged through the heart of the German defense, and finished coolly past Gregor Kobel.
Six minutes later, however, goalkeeper Ronwen Williams gifted Dortmund an equalizer by passing the ball directly to Felix Nmecha, who slotted it into an empty net.
The 15-time South African champions seemed unfazed. Iqraam Rayners had two shots blocked when he might have passed, while Tashreeq Matthews’ pace and trickery on the left flank caused Dortmund significant problems.
Yet, Sundowns once again contributed to their own downfall. Dortmund stole possession 35 yards from goal, and Julian Brandt delivered a cross for Serhou Guirassy to head home his 35th goal of the season.
From that point, the momentum shifted in Dortmund’s favor. In the 45th minute, Jude Bellingham chested the ball down in the penalty area before firing a shot, via a slight deflection, past a wrong-footed Williams for Dortmund’s third goal.
After the break, Sundowns continued to create clear chances. Kobel made a brilliant save to tip Rayners’ effort onto the crossbar, though the offside flag would have ruled it out. Teboho Mokoena’s free-kick was also deflected narrowly over.
However, Dortmund scored again when Khuliso Mudau inadvertently deflected Daniel Svensson’s low cross past his own goalkeeper. Sundowns then pulled one back, with Rayners bundling the ball home after his initial header hit the post.
Sundowns substitute Lebo Mothiba set up a grandstand finish, slotting past Kobel in the 90th minute following a break. Despite this, Dortmund held on for a victory that moved them to the top of Group F with four points.
BBC Sport praised Sundowns on their website, noting: “While Jobe Bellingham produced an impressive performance on his full debut, the scintillating attacking play of Sundowns – particularly in the first half – thrilled their travelling supporters.”
They highlighted Ribeiro Costa’s goal as a “contender for goal of the tournament – the technical ability he showed to evade two challenges and the way he accelerated away was befitting of a final.”
The BBC also wrote, “Few fans outside of South Africa would have known much about the team known as ‘the Brazilians,’ but their no-holds-barred approach – even when 4-1 down in sweltering 32C heat – will have won over plenty of neutrals.”
Former Liverpool great Steve Nicol, speaking on ESPN, suggested the game could have gone either way, citing Sundowns’ attacking play and Dortmund’s defensive weaknesses. “Borussia Dortmund are all about attacking football, scoring four goals,” said Nicol. “Unfortunately for them, I was not surprised because they don’t bother bringing in defenders. They lose three goals; they could have lost more. This could have been 8-6, this game.”
Despite their globally lauded football, Sundowns have dropped to third in Group F with three points. Fluminense now leads the group with four points after overcoming Ulsan HD 4-2 at Metlife Stadium on Sunday morning. Miguel Cardoso’s side will need all three points in their final group stage match against Fluminense in Miami on Wednesday at. Dortmund will complete their group stage against Ulsan in Cincinnati, also on Wednesday. All matches will be played simultaneously.
