The final draw of the 2025 Club World Cup is creating a scenario similar to the one that occurred in the 2018 World Cup in Russia. One sector is accumulating most of the 'heavyweights', while the other presents a much more favorable scenario for overcoming the 'KO' rounds.
This Wednesday, early in the morning, Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense sealed their qualification as first and second of Group F, respectively. Germans and Brazilians are now waiting for the qualified teams from Group E, which still has three teams with options to advance.
Dortmund and Fluminense advance with the law of 'minimum effort'
Dortmund secured the lead in their zone with a minimal victory against the Korean Ulsan (1-0). A goal from the Swedish Daniel Svensson made the difference in favor of Nico Kovac's team, who closed the first phase with 7 points, after a couple of victories and a draw.
Borussia dominated the entire match, but goalkeeper Hyeon-Woo was a figure with a recital of saves, receiving just one goal despite receiving 11 shots (28 in total). The Asian team closed the tournament with a full of defeats and a goal difference of -4, product of 2 goals in favor and 6 against.
In the other match of the group, Fluminense struggled to rescue a draw against Mamelodi Sundowns (0-0). The South African team put the team from Rio de Janeiro against the ropes, who closed the match without even a shot between the three posts.
A goal from Mamelodi would have eliminated 'Flu', who finally advanced to the round of 16 with 5 points. The Africans played a very dignified role, with 4 points and a defeat against Dortmund (3-4) that was decisive for their elimination.
Dortmund finishes leader, but falls on the 'side of death' of the draw
Now, the German team is waiting for the second of Group E, which currently has River Plate as leader with 4 points, the same as Inter Milan. Argentinians and Italians will secure their qualification with a draw, as long as Monterrey (2 points) does not defeat the Japanese Urawa.
If the Mexicans add the three points, River and Inter must draw 2-2 to seal their pass. Any other result will leave out 'millionaires' or 'nerazzurris', as long as the Central American team fulfills the mission of winning their match.
However, the bad news for Dortmund was falling on the 'side of death' of the draw. In case of advancing to the quarterfinals, Kovac's team will face the winner of the match between the first of H and the second of G, which could be Real Madrid and Manchester City (or Juventus).
Madrid will only need a draw against Salzburg to finish as leader, while City must defeat Juventus to avoid the clash against the 'merengues'. On that same side of the draw, the other matches are PSG-Inter Miami and Bayern Munich-Flamengo. In the quarterfinals, therefore, there could be a PSG-Bayern, if there are no surprises.
On the other side, the scenario looks much less tight. Fluminense is waiting for the first of E and, in the quarterfinals, would probably face the winner of the match between Juventus or City against Salzburg or Al Hilal.
The already confirmed matches on that side of the draw are Palmeiras-Botafogo and Benfica-Chelsea. The winners of both matches will face each other in the quarterfinals.
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