Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund played out a lively goalless draw at the MetLife Stadium, with both goalkeepers shining in a match that lacked goals but not action.
From the opening whistle, Fluminense took the initiative with Arias in particular looking dangerous, carving open space and testing Dortmund’s defence early.
Within minutes, he had already fired over the bar before Bensebaini picked up a yellow card for a reckless challenge, setting the tone for a feisty contest.
Despite Dortmund’s slow start, they gradually grew into the game. Gross and Brandt linked up neatly in the 33rd minute, with Brandt weaving through the Fluminense backline before being denied by Fabio.
The assistant’s flag was raised for offside, but it was a promising moment for the Germans nonetheless.
At the other end, Fluminense continued to threaten. Martinelli came closest for the Brazilians in the first half with a powerful long-range effort that fizzed just past the post.
Honors even in our @FIFACWC opener. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/INXUpW48cf
— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) June 17, 2025
Nonato and Arias both tested Kobel, who was forced into several saves to keep the scoreline level. A particularly busy stretch for the Dortmund keeper came just after the half-hour mark, as he parried efforts from Martinelli, Nonato, and Arias in quick succession.
The second half resumed with Fluminense again on the front foot. Hercules and Canobbio both had efforts on goal, though their finishing left much to be desired.
A clash between Everaldo and Kobel momentarily halted play, but the Dortmund stopper was able to continue after treatment.
As the game wore on, both managers turned to their benches. Dortmund handed a debut to Jobe Bellingham in the 60th minute, replacing Gross, while Nmecha also came on for Adeyemi.
Fluminense responded with multiple changes of their own, including Cano and Serna entering the fray.
The standout moment of the second half came in the 69th minute when Kobel produced a stunning double save, first denying Everaldo and then reacting swiftly to stop Nonato on the rebound.
Fim de jogo! Flu pressiona os 90 minutos, luta muito e fica no 0 a 0 com o Borussia Dortmund! 🇭🇺🇭🇺
Sábado tem mais Copa do Mundo de Clubes da FIFA! VAMOS, FLUZÃO! #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/GPnZd8uftc
— Fluminense F.C. (@FluminenseFC) June 17, 2025
Dortmund’s best chance arrived late. In the 85th minute, Ryerson whipped in a fine cross that found Svensson, whose header drifted narrowly wide.
Then, in the dying moments of stoppage time, Niklas Sule almost snatched a dramatic winner for BVB.
Rising highest from a corner, his powerful header was brilliantly saved by Fabio, preserving the deadlock and earning his side a point.
