Fluminense begin Club World Cup with goalless draw against Dortmund

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Fluminense held Borussia Dortmund to a 0-0 draw in their Group F Club World Cup opener in New Jersey on Tuesday, as the Brazilian side were left to rue missed chances at MetLife Stadium.

Fluminense were firmly in control against the Bundesliga side in the first half but Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel produced a handful of superb saves to frustrate the Brazilian team in front of a crowd mostly in their favour.

After Dortmund struggled to get a foothold in the match with no shots on goal in the first half, Kobel did his part with a remarkable double-save midway through the second half and frantic late efforts from both sides went unrewarded.

Flag-waving Fluminense fans arrived early and cheered wildly as their team applied early pressure, with winger Jhon Ariass shot towards the top corner saved by Kobel in the 17th minute.

Fluminense midfielder Martinelli missed by inches in the 34th minute and Kobel saved another fine attempt from Arias two minutes later.

Kobel kept out Fluminense striker Everaldos powerful shot from outside the box in the 69th minute and leapt to block a follow-up effort from midfielder Nonato moments later.

As scorching heat in the United States prompted concerns about welfare across the tournament, players were treated to overcast skies and mild temperatures in front of a modest crowd of 34,736 in the roughly 82,000 capacity NFL stadium.

Dortmund will next play Mamelodi Sundowns in Cincinnati, while Fluminense will return to MetLife to face Ulsan HD on Saturday. REUTERS

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