How Did Borussia Dortmund Secure Their Top Position Against Ulsan?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Dortmund finishes first in Group F.
- Daniel Svenssen scores the only goal of the match.
- Ulsan's goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-Woo made several crucial saves.
- Dortmund will face the runner-up from Group E next.
- Coach Niko Kovac is pleased with the team’s performance and preparations.
Cincinnati, June 26 (NationPress) Borussia Dortmund claimed the top spot in their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group F with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the already-eliminated Ulsan HD on Thursday. The team is set to meet the runner-up from Group E in Atlanta on July 1.
Daniel Svenssen opened the scoring for the German squad in the 36th minute during a first half largely controlled by Dortmund in front of nearly empty stands at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati.
Dortmund registered 20 shots in the first half, with eight on target, but were continually thwarted by Ulsan's South Korean international goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-Woo.
The goal came following a defensive error that allowed the impressive Jobe Bellingham to gain possession and assist Svenssen for the opening score with a left-footed shot.
It could have been 2-0 moments later, but Jo made a remarkable save to stop Serhou Guirassy's header.
Ulsan tried to press more in the second half, leading to Dortmund's goalkeeper Gregor Kobel being called into action for the first time, although he faced no challenging shots.
Yan Couto had a near chance to extend the lead in the 82nd minute, yet Jo made another spectacular save to deny his left-footed effort.
Carney Chukwuemeka also came close to scoring a second but was blocked, and Dortmund managed to keep their composure without facing significant threats in the closing stages.
“Our goal was to advance from the group stage and reach the Round of 16. We’ve accomplished that, finishing first and feeling pleased. Naturally, we are already considering possible opponents. We were preparing for this even before. Since we finished first, we have extra time until July 1 to prepare,” stated Niko Kovac, the coach of Borussia Dortmund.