3️⃣ things we learned from Dortmund's narrow win over Ulsan | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund sealed top spot in Group F of the 2025 Club World Cup with a narrow but very comfortable 1–0 victory over South Korea’s Ulsan HD.

Played in front of a modest crowd in Cincinnati, the game won’t live long in the memory for neutrals, but it did underline several key trends for the German side as they progressed to the knockout rounds.

Here are three things we learned:

1. Svensson staking his claim

Daniel Svensson may not yet be a household name, but his match-winning goal showed composure and timing beyond his years. The Swedish full-back’s smart finish came after some strong Dortmund pressing, and it was another sign of the 22-year-old growing into a bigger role under Niko Kovač.

With questions still surrounding their left flank, Svensson's emergence could not be better timed.

2. Plenty of spark, but still short of ruthlessness

Dortmund dominated possession and created several promising openings, particularly through Karim Adeyemi and Jobe Bellingham. Yet they often lacked the killer final ball or finishing edge, which allowed Ulsan to hang in the game.

Against higher-quality opposition in the knockout stages, this profligacy could be punished. One goal from 70% possession and over a dozen chances tells its own story.

3. Clean sheet, but warning signs remain

Although Dortmund kept a shutout, it wasn’t without a few late scares. Ulsan grew into the second half and while Dortmund largely controlled the tempo, there were lapses in concentration and space between the lines that better sides will look to exploit. It was a win — but not one that will quiet all the defensive concerns.

Up next...

With Group F wrapped up, Dortmund advance to the Round of 16 where sterner tests await. If they can add clinical finishing to their fluent buildup, and tighten up defensively, they’ll fancy themselves as dark horses in this revamped tournament.

📸 Michael Reaves - 2025 Getty Images