Fluminense aim to build on a solid start to their Club World Cup campaign when they face Ulsan Hyundai at the MetLife Stadium on Saturday. While the Brazilian side held Borussia Dortmund to a goalless draw, Ulsan suffered a narrow opening defeat and now face a must-win scenario.
Match Overview
Fluminense impressed in their opener against Dortmund, holding the European giants to a 0-0 draw despite creating several dangerous moments in transition. Renato Gaucho’s men will feel they should have taken more than a point but can still qualify with a win here.
The reigning Copa Libertadores champions are unbeaten in their last seven matches across all competitions and sit sixth in the Brasileiro. Their form, both defensively and in attack, has been consistent, with 10 goals scored in the four games prior to the Dortmund match.
Ulsan Hyundai, meanwhile, fell 1-0 to South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday. A goal from Iqraam Rayners condemned the Tigers to another defeat on the global stage. This latest loss follows a poor run in continental matches, with eight defeats in their last nine against non-Korean sides.
The K League champions qualified through the AFC rankings and now sit bottom of Group F. After back-to-back defeats in competitive play, pressure is mounting on Kim Pan-gon to turn things around.
Team News
Fluminense may still be without winger Yeferson Soteldo, who continues to recover from a muscle injury. Veteran goalkeeper Fabio, aged 44, is expected to retain his place after another impressive outing. Thiago Silva will anchor a back line that also includes Samuel Xavier, Rene and Juan Pablo Freytes.
In attack, Jhon Arias was a constant threat against Dortmund and should once again start alongside Everaldo and Canobbio, with Martinelli, Nonato, and Hercules controlling the midfield.
For Ulsan, no major changes are expected. Kim will likely stick with a five-man backline featuring captain Kim Young-gwon and left-back Gustav Ludwigson. Erick Farias, who has nine goals since arriving in March, will lead the line, supported by Lee Chung-yong and Ko Seung-beom.
Tactical Review
Fluminense set up in a balanced 4-3-3, combining veteran stability in defence with pace and creativity in the front three. They rely heavily on transition attacks and patient midfield control.
Ulsan are more conservative, favouring a 5-2-3 shape with emphasis on keeping compact lines and breaking forward with width. Their recent struggles in chance creation suggest a need for quicker ball progression and more incisive final-third decisions.
How to Watch
The Club World Cup Group F match between Fluminense and Ulsan Hyundai will be broadcast live globally via FIFA+ and selected local sports networks. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:30 AM EST (3:30 PM WAT / 11:30 PM KST) on Saturday, June 21.
Predictions
Softfootball Prediction: Fluminense 2-0 Ulsan Hyundai
Fluminense should prove too strong for a Ulsan side lacking bite up front. With their experienced core and superior attacking weapons, the Brazilian side are tipped to secure a comfortable win and move closer to qualification.