The FIFA Club World Cup Group F finale between Borussia Dortmund and Ulsan HD is far more than a dead rubber for the eliminated South Korean side.
While Dortmund fights for progression, Ulsan battles for pride, a historic upset, and a staggering $2 million payday—more than five times their K League 1 title earnings.
But there’s an even deeper narrative at play: Ulsan’s goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo and captain Kim Young-gwon were architects of Germany’s shocking 2018 World Cup exit. Now, they face a Dortmund side featuring players who suffered that humiliation. Can lightning strike twice?
Dortmund’s Mission: Secure Progression or Risk Shock Elimination
Borussia Dortmund enters this match in imperious form:
- Unbeaten in nine games across all competitions.
- Seven wins in their last eight, scoring 24 goals in that span.
- Need at least a draw to guarantee a Round of 16 berth.
However, a loss—coupled with a Mamelodi Sundowns upset over Fluminense—would send the German giants crashing out. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
Key Dortmund Players to Watch:
- Serhou Guirassy – The Bundesliga’s most lethal striker (34 goals last season).
- Jobe Bellingham – The younger brother of Jude, already making waves.
- Julian Brandt & Karim Adeyemi – Both endured Germany’s 2018 disaster. Will revenge be on their minds?
Ulsan’s Fight: Pride, $2 Million, and a Shot at History
Eliminated after narrow defeats to Sundowns (0-1) and Fluminense (2-4), Ulsan has nothing to lose—and everything to gain.
Why This Match Matters for Ulsan:
- $2 million prize for a win (vs. $360,000 for their K League title).
- A chance to replicate South Korea’s legendary 2018 upset over Germany.
- Jo Hyeon-woo & Kim Young-gwon—heroes of that match—are now leading Ulsan.
Ulsan’s Key Threats:
- Jo Hyeon-woo – The highest-paid player in K League 1, with a point to prove.
- Kim Young-gwon – Scored the opener in the 2018 Germany shocker.
- Erick Farias – Ulsan’s top scorer, ready to exploit Dortmund’s shaky defense.
Tactical Battleground: Can Ulsan Exploit Dortmund’s Weaknesses?
- Dortmund’s Defensive Woes: Conceded 16 goals in their last 10 games, missing key defenders Emre Can and Nico Schlotterbeck.
- Ulsan’s Fatigue & Injuries: Long travel, minimal rest, and potential absence of Um Won-sang (goal + assist vs. Fluminense).
- Kim Pan-gon’s Strategy: Expect quick transitions, set-piece threats, and Jo Hyeon-woo’s heroics in goal.
The Miracle of Kazan… Part II?
The parallels are eerie:
- 2018: South Korea, already eliminated, stunned Germany 2-0.
- 2024: Ulsan, already out, faces a German giant needing a result.
- Jo Hyeon-woo has already declared: “We can beat Dortmund.”
Final Prediction: Drama Guaranteed
Will Dortmund secure safe passage? Or will Ulsan pull off a $2 million heist and rewrite history once more?
One thing is certain—this is not just a dead rubber. It’s a battle of pride, revenge, and life-changing stakes.
Don’t miss it.
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