The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup marked a significant turning point in global club football, expanding to a 32-team format that brought together the titans of Europe and South America in a high-stakes competitive environment. One of the most anticipated fixtures in Group F was the encounter between the Brazilian giants Fluminense and the German powerhouse Borussia Dortmund. Staged at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, this match offered a fascinating tactical chess match between the 2023 Copa Libertadores winners and the UEFA Champions League mainstays. The 0-0 draw was far more intense than the scoreline suggests, defined primarily by the specific tactical choices and personnel deployments of both managers.

Understanding the alineaciones de Fluminense contra Borussia Dortmund is essential for dissecting how two distinct philosophies—the structured, transition-heavy German school and the fluid, possession-oriented Brazilian style—neutralized each other on the grandest stage.

Borussia Dortmund: The Kovač Blueprint

Niko Kovač, leading the Black and Yellows into this tournament, opted for a robust and flexible 3-4-2-1 system (often transitioning into a 3-4-3). This formation was designed to provide defensive stability against Fluminense’s intricate wing play while allowing for rapid transitions through the middle. However, the pre-match preparations were hampered by significant injuries to key defensive figures. With Nico Schlotterbeck out due to a knee injury and Emre Can sidelined by an adductor issue, the defensive hierarchy saw a notable reshuffle.

The Starting XI for BVB

  • Goalkeeper: Gregor Kobel (1)
  • Defenders: Waldemar Anton (3), Niklas Süle (25), Ramy Bensebaini (5)
  • Midfielders: Julian Ryerson (26), Pascal Groß (13), Marcel Sabitzer (20), Daniel Svensson (24)
  • Attacking Midfielders/Wingers: Julian Brandt (10 - Captain), Karim Adeyemi (27)
  • Forward: Serhou Guirassy (9)

Gregor Kobel remained the undisputed anchor in goal. His presence was pivotal, especially considering the experimental nature of the back three. Waldemar Anton and Niklas Süle were tasked with handling the physical presence of the Fluminense forwards, while Bensebaini, usually a left-back, had to tuck inside to provide height and coverage.

In the middle of the park, Pascal Groß provided the veteran composure required to manage the tempo, paired with the tireless Marcel Sabitzer. The selection of Daniel Svensson on the left flank was an interesting tactical choice, suggesting Kovač wanted more defensive tracking on that side to counter the threat of Jhon Arias. Julian Brandt, wearing the captain’s armband, acted as the creative fulcrum, operating in the half-spaces alongside the blistering pace of Karim Adeyemi.

Fluminense: Brazilian Flair and High Pressure

Renato Gaúcho stayed true to the principles that brought Fluminense continental glory. Their lineup reflected a team that was mid-season in the Brazilian domestic league, giving them a physical edge in terms of match fitness. They utilized a compact 4-3-3 formation that frequently morphed into a high-pressing 4-2-3-1 when BVB attempted to build from the back.

The Starting XI for Fluminense

  • Goalkeeper: Fábio (1)
  • Defenders: Samuel Xavier (2), Thiago Silva (3 - Captain), Juan Freytes (22), Renê (6)
  • Midfielders: Martinelli (8), Nonato (16), Hércules (35)
  • Attackers: Jhon Arias (21), Everaldo (9), Agustín Canobbio (17)

At the heart of the defense was the legendary Thiago Silva. Despite his age, his reading of the game remained world-class, neutralizing the threat posed by Guirassy for large periods. The midfield trio of Martinelli, Nonato, and Hércules was designed for work rate and ball retention. Jhon Arias, perhaps the most dangerous player on the pitch that day, was given a free role to drift from the right flank into central areas, causing constant headaches for Bensebaini and Anton.

Tactical Analysis: The Clash of Systems

The match dynamics were heavily influenced by how these two lineups interacted. Fluminense, despite having slightly less possession (46% compared to Dortmund's 54%), were arguably the more dangerous side. They employed a man-to-man marking system that was uncompromising in challenges, particularly in the first half. This approach disrupted Dortmund’s rhythm, forcing Brandt and Groß to drop deeper than they would have liked to collect the ball.

Dortmund's Build-up Struggles

With BVB utilizing a 3-man defense, the plan was to use the wing-backs, Ryerson and Svensson, to stretch the pitch. However, Fluminense’s high press often isolated the Dortmund wing-backs. Ryerson found himself pinned back by the overlapping runs of Renê and the movement of Canobbio. This meant that Serhou Guirassy was frequently left isolated at the top, forced to compete in aerial duels against Thiago Silva and Freytes without sufficient support from Adeyemi or Brandt.

The Arias Threat and Kobel's Heroics

Fluminense focused their attacks down the left channel, utilizing Jhon Arias’s ability to turn and drive at the defense. The tactical battle between Arias and Dortmund’s right-sided center-back, Niklas Süle, was a highlight of the match. Süle’s positioning was often tested, and it required several elite interventions from Gregor Kobel to keep the score level. The most notable moment came in the second half when Kobel made a double save—first parrying a low drive from Everaldo and then reacting instinctively to deny Nonato on the rebound. This sequence highlighted why Kobel remains one of Europe's top shot-stoppers and was the primary reason Dortmund secured a point.

The Substitution Impact: Jobe Bellingham’s Introduction

As the game progressed into the second half, the physical toll of the high-intensity pressing began to show, particularly for the Dortmund players who were at the end of their European season. Niko Kovač recognized the need for fresh legs and a different tactical profile in the midfield.

In the 59th minute, a double substitution saw Pascal Groß and Karim Adeyemi replaced by Felix Nmecha and Jobe Bellingham. This was a landmark moment as the 19-year-old Jobe Bellingham made his competitive debut for Borussia Dortmund, following in the footsteps of his older brother.

Bellingham’s introduction shifted the tactical balance. Unlike Groß, who focused on distribution, Bellingham brought more verticality and physical presence to the half-spaces. He looked immediately comfortable, linking up with Julian Brandt and attempting to drive the ball forward. While he didn't provide a winning goal, his arrival helped Dortmund wrestle back some control in the midfield, preventing Fluminense from completely dominating the final third of the match.

On the other side, Renato Gaúcho introduced Kevin Serna and the veteran Germán Cano around the 70th minute. These changes were aimed at finding a late winner through Cano's clinical finishing in the box. However, the Dortmund backline, led by the disciplined Waldemar Anton, remained compact and limited Fluminense to speculative efforts from distance.

Statistical Overview of the Lineup Performance

To understand how these lineups performed, the statistical data from the MetLife encounter reveals a game of fine margins:

  1. Shots and Accuracy: Fluminense recorded 14 shots compared to Dortmund's 9. Of these, Fluminense had 5 on target, while Dortmund only managed 3. This suggests that the Fluminense 4-3-3 was more successful in creating high-quality openings.
  2. Pass Completion: Dortmund maintained a high pass accuracy of 87%, showcasing their technical proficiency in the 3-4-2-1 system. Fluminense was not far behind at 84%, reflecting their comfort on the ball.
  3. Defensive Contributions: Ramy Bensebaini was particularly active for Dortmund, suffering five fouls as he struggled to contain the Brazilian wingers. For Fluminense, Martinelli and Nonato were instrumental in the defensive transition, recording several key tackles in the center circle.

The Significance of the Result

For Fluminense, the 0-0 draw was a statement of intent. It proved that the South American champions could not only compete with but also outplay one of the Bundesliga's best teams for long stretches. Their defensive organization, anchored by the evergreen Thiago Silva, was impeccable.

For Borussia Dortmund, the result was a case of "a point gained." Given the injuries to Schlotterbeck and Can, and the fact that they were facing the strongest opponent in the group, Kovač could be satisfied with the defensive resilience shown by his squad. The debut of Jobe Bellingham provided a glimpse into the future of the club’s midfield, suggesting a transition toward a more athletic and dynamic central unit.

Final Thoughts on the Lineups

The alineaciones de Fluminense contra Borussia Dortmund highlighted the evolving nature of global football tactics. We saw a hybrid 3-4-3 system from Dortmund that prioritized structure and defensive depth, contrasted with a 4-3-3 from Fluminense that relied on individual brilliance within a high-pressing collective.

While the fans at MetLife Stadium didn't see any goals, they witnessed a high-level tactical battle. The choice of personnel, from the experienced Fábio and Thiago Silva to the youthful energy of Adeyemi and Jobe Bellingham, created a narrative of experience versus potential. In the context of the 2025 Club World Cup, this match set the tone for Group F, showing that every point would be hard-earned in this new 32-team era.

For those analyzing the tactical trends of 2026, the Fluminense vs. Dortmund match remains a case study in how to neutralize high-tempo opposition through disciplined positioning and elite goalkeeping. The lineups chosen by Kovač and Gaúcho on that day in New Jersey reflected the peak of their respective footballing cultures at that specific moment in time.