Borussia Dortmund were frustrated on matchday one of the Club World Cup group stage, while Mamelodi Sundowns were victorious in their first outing at the competition. That sets up this game nicely.
The Sundowns will be looking to make a major statement, but BVB are strong favourites. Could there be a surprise in store?
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund best bets
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund odds
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Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund predictions
Borussia Dortmund began the Club World Cup with a whimper rather than a bang. Their 0-0 draw with Fluminense was perhaps the most uneventful game on matchday one of the group stage.
Both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances at the MetLife Stadium on Tuesday. Fluminense probably had the better of the game, but neither side did enough to deserve more than a point.
It was a disappointing display from Dortmund all things considered. Granted, it is not easy to play under the midday sun in East Rutherford at this time of year. But BVB arrived in the USA in fantastic form and they did not show their true quality last time out.
Niko Kovac’s side really motored up the Bundesliga table towards the end of the 2024/25 campaign. They won seven of their last eight matches to sneak into the top four, having seemingly been out of the race for Champions League football before that.
The group stage draw looked reasonably kind to Dortmund too. Fluminense, like the other Brazilian participants, are a threat, but Mamelodi Sundowns and Ulsan HD are eminently beatable.
However, their underwhelming performance against Fluminense means Dortmund are now under a little bit of pressure to beat the Sundowns in style. In truth, though, any win would do as the German outfit seek a place in the round of 16.
“This is something new, a special moment for each of us, because we usually play European teams now you play three (teams) from three different continents, it’s something new and something nice to be honest,” Kovac said ahead of this clash with the South African champions.
“Nobody knows everything of each other as opponents, but I think we have three different types of play: the Brazilian team is ball possession, a bit controlled football to keep the ball; then the Korean team is aggressive, fast and quick; and Sundowns is more to the side of the Brazilian team.”
This is certainly one of the most eclectic groups at the competition, but neutrals will hope the second set of fixtures serves up more than one goal.
Indeed, the only strike so far in Group F came from Sundowns forward Iqraam Rayners, whose first-half effort gave his team a 1-0 triumph over Ulsan in Orlando.
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Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund betting tips
Mamelodi Sundowns and Borussia Dortmund face off this weekend – who will triumph?
Borussia Dortmund to win and over 2.5 goals
Although this match kicks off at 5pm, it will still be hot in Cincinnati when the ball gets rolling. Kovac will hope his players are better able to cope with the conditions this time.
Mamelodi Sundowns will relish the opportunity to test themselves against a team that reached the UEFA Champions League final a little over a year ago.
And having beaten Ulsan HD on matchday one, the Sundowns will feel the pressure is entirely on Dortmund.
BVB struggled to fashion opportunities against Fluminense, but in their final eight games of the Bundesliga season they scored 26 goals.
We could see another high-scoring game involving Kovac’s team here.
⚽ Choose Borussia Dortmund to win and over 2.5 goals at 8/11 with Midnite ⚽
Both teams to score
Even as Borussia Dortmund were surging up the Bundesliga table in the last few months of the season, they still struggled to keep opposition attacks quiet.
Dortmund conceded in eight of their last 10 league games, and they shipped two goals or more in precisely half of those contests.
That gives Mamelodi Sundowns cause for encouragement. Miguel Cardoso’s side will not have as much of the ball here as they do back in South Africa, but they still have the tools to hurt Dortmund when they commit bodies forward.
Goals at both ends looks like a sensible selection for Saturday’s showdown in Cincinnati.
⚽ Go for both teams to score at 10/11 with SBK ⚽
Serhou Guirassy to score any time
Fluminense did a good job of keeping Serhou Guirassy under wraps last time out, but Mamelodi Sundowns might not be able to pull off the same feat.
Guirassy was one of Europe’s most prolific attackers in 2024/25, scoring 34 goals in all competitions.
The Guinea international is a danger whenever he gets the ball in and around the opposition penalty area, as Bundesliga defences have learned to their cost over the last couple of seasons.
Guirassy can open his account for the Club World Cup campaign when Borussia Dortmund face the Sundowns this weekend.
⚽ Tip Serhou Guirassy to score any time at 4/6 with Tote ⚽
📺 How to watch Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund
- Location: TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, USA.
- Date and time: Saturday 21st June, 5pm.
- How to watch: DAZN.
About the author
Greg Lea
Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.
Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball
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