Ulsan: Ulsan HD FC have wrapped up their short FIFA Club World Cup journey with a third straight loss, falling to Borussia Dortmund to bow out with a winless record. Ulsan HD, three-time defending K League 1 champions, were thoroughly outplayed in their 1-0 loss to the German club in their final Group F match at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.
According to Yonhap News Agency, only some brilliant saves by goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo kept the score respectable for Ulsan HD, who failed to record a shot attempt in the first half. Ulsan HD's fate had already been sealed before this match, following a 1-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns FC and a 4-2 defeat to Fluminense FC. Dortmund, after a goalless draw against Fluminense and a 4-3 win over Sundowns, had not yet clinched a knockout berth before this match.
Dortmund dominated the first half, consistently challenging Jo with dangerous shots until they broke through in the 36th minute. Jobe Bellingham capitalized on a turnover near the box, setting up Daniel Svensson for a left-footed finish. Serhou Guirassy, who had multiple attempts thwarted by Jo, nearly doubled Dortmund's lead with a stoppage-time header, only to be denied again by Jo.
The second half mirrored the first, with Ulsan struggling against Dortmund's pressure. Jo's continued efforts in goal, including a notable diving stop on Yan Couto in the 83rd minute, kept Dortmund from increasing their lead. Ulsan finished with three shot attempts, compared to Dortmund's 28.
Dortmund secured the top spot in Group F with seven points. Fluminense joined them in the knockout stage, securing second place after a goalless draw against Sundowns.