Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac in contrast circumstances in Cincinnati to a sauna as his facet secured a 4-3 win over Mamelodi Sundowns this afternoon.
The lunchtime kick-off in Ohio was accompanied by 30C warmth and draining humidity with Dortmund even permitting their substitutes to look at the primary half within the dressing room fairly than sit exterior.
Our subs watched the primary half from contained in the locker room to keep away from the blazing solar at TQL Stadium – by no means seen that earlier than, however on this warmth, it completely is smart. 🥵 #FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/5GYtMER1fQ
— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) June 21, 2025
Jobe Bellingham was among the many goalscorers because the Bundesliga facet did nearly sufficient to win in opposition to plucky South African opposition, the previous Sunderland midfielder making it 3-1 on the stroke of half-time.
We gained and we go on – Kovac
However Kovac was merely happy to have gotten via it along with his facet now high of Group F with 4 factors forward of tonight’s recreation between Fluminense and Ulsan.
He stated: “I stood on the touchline and sweated as if I had been popping out of the sauna. These are such exhausting circumstances.
“We definitely didn’t do the perfect recreation, however that wasn’t doable at present. We gained and we go on.”
45′ JOOOOOOBE!@bvb double their lead simply earlier than the break!
Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Each Recreation | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #MSUBVB pic.twitter.com/7amQ9ysWzY
— DAZN Soccer (@DAZNFootball) June 21, 2025
Bellingham stole the headlines – he was named the person of the match although he was largely quiet.
They had been actually good – Jobe reward for Mamelodi
And he was stuffed with reward for the Sundowns, who by no means gave up and prompted just a few late nerves by bringing the rating again to inside one when Lebo Mothiba scored within the ninetieth minute.
Bellingham stated: “They had been actually good, they need to be actually pleased with themselves.
“I’m glad we gained, however there are nonetheless many issues to enhance, each for me personally and for the staff.”
Bellingham’s aim got here after a late run into the field, adopted by good management on the chest and a well-executed shot.
“I’ve practiced this so typically,” he added.
“Should you can contribute these form of targets all through the season, then you definitely’re heading in the right direction.”
Subsequent up for Dortmund is a conflict with Ulsan on Wednesday.