CINCINNATI, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Borussia Dortmund survived a late scare to secure a thrilling 4-3 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in their FIFA Club World Cup Group F encounter at TQL Stadium on Saturday.
The South African side, entering the match as group leader after a narrow 1-0 win against Ulsan HD, started brightly. Former Dortmund player Tashreeq Matthews tested goalkeeper Gregor Kobel early on.
Sundowns' pressure paid off in the 11th minute when Matthews' incisive through ball sent Lucas Ribeiro one-on-one and slotted past Kobel into the bottom right corner.
Dortmund leveled the score just five minutes later as Felix Nmecha capitalized on a disastrous error by Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, intercepting his wayward pass and netting home the equalizer.
Dortmund then seized control as Serhou Guirassy powered in a close-range header from Julian Brandt's pinpoint cross in the 34th minute to put his side ahead. Jobe Bellingham, the summer signing from EFL Championship side Sunderland, marked his first goal for the club just before halftime, controlling a rebound with his chest before volleying home.
Khuliso Mudau's own goal extended the Dortmund lead to 4-1 in the 59th minute, before Mamelodi Sundowns pulled one back just four minutes later with a goal from Iqraam Rayners, sparking hope for the South Africans.
Substitute Lebo Mothiba then set up a tense finale, making it 4-3 with a well-taken goal. Despite sustained late pressure from Sundowns, Dortmund held firm to claim the vital three points.
In New York, Fluminense clinched a 4-2 comeback win against Ulsan HD.
The win lifts Fluminense to first place in Group F with four points from one win and one draw, leading Dortmund on goal difference. Mamelodi Sundowns slips to third with three points, while Ulsan HD fails to survive the group with two losses.
Dortmund will host Ulsan HD in their final group fixture on Wednesday, while Mamelodi Sundowns faces Fluminense the same day. ■
