Mamelodi Sundowns got an opportunity to learn what to expect from their Group F opponents at the Club World Cup following Borussia Dortmund’s goalless draw with Fluminense on Tuesday.
Fluminense dominated Dortmund but failed to get past goalkeeper Gregor Kobel as they missed the many chances that came their way in the crucial match and will feel that they dropped two points.
It was a surprising performance from Dortmund, who did not threaten the Fluminense goal, but it is perhaps encouragement for Sundowns, who play the Bundesliga giants in their next match.
So, what can Mamelodi Sundowns expect from the rest of their Group F opponents?
Dortmund’s defence cause for encouragement
Dortmund played with a back three of Ramy Bensebaini, Waldemar Anton and Niklas Sule and the way Fluminense got behind them should give Sundowns hope.
The lack of pace among the defenders is perhaps the reason coach Nico Kovac opted for a back three but they were only saved by poor finishing from the Brazilian side, something Sundowns can take advantage of.
With quick players like Peter Shalulile and Iqraam Ryaners as well as the cleaver movement of Lucas Ribeiro, Sundowns are capable of getting behind the Dortmund defence but they will need to be clinical when that happens.
Can Sundowns handle the aggression of Fluminense?
Meanwhile, the Brazilian side proved to be a problem for Dortmund due to how hard they went at them, their aggression forcing mistakes from the Bundesliga giants.
Sundowns have struggled against aggressive teams as witnessed in the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids and this is one aspect of their game that will have to improve before facing Fluminense on June 25, otherwise lightning will strike twice.
Fluminense expose how to keep Dortmund attackers quiet
Sundowns should also have learnt how to stop the Dortmund attack of Karim Adeyemi, Julian Brandt and Serhou Guirassy, who failed to sparkle on Tuesday.
The front three, one of the most feared in Europe, was kept quiet at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and part of the strategy was to ensure the Dortmund wingbacks Julian Ryerson and Daniel Svensson did not get into dangerous areas while the midfielders had limited impact.
That cut the supply to the forwards, leaving them isolated, and Sundowns can borrow from the Fluminense playbook on Saturday.
Thiago Silva is still class
Even at 40, former AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea defender Thiago Silva is still putting in man of the match performances and Sundowns have to find a way to beat him.
Silva was instrumental in keeping a clean sheet for Fluminense as he kept Guirassy quiet and while he lacks pace, his quick thinking served him well, winning his one tackle, making three interceptions and as many recoveries.
If Sundowns find a way past him, that will be the job halfway done as they will most likely have a chance at the Fluminense goal.
Who are Fluminense’s dangermen?
Sundowns have to come up with a plan of going past the Fluminese midfield as all their three midfielders on Tuesday impressed.
Deep-lying midfielder Hercules as well as those ahead of him Matheus Martinelli and Nonato were too much for Dortmund as they constantly got into the box and hit at their goal while the full-backs Samuel Xavier and Rene were given license to go forward.
How Sundowns will cope with that is the biggest question but they must find a formula or else they will be in for a tough time against the Brazilian side.
