Jobe Bellingham, the younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, etched his name onto the scoresheet for Borussia Dortmund in a thrilling 4-3 victory against Mamelodi Sundowns at the Club World Cup. The match, held at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati under sweltering conditions, saw Bellingham make his first start for the German club following his recent transfer from Sunderland. The young midfielder, who joined Dortmund for a reported €33 million, showcased his attacking instincts by netting a crucial goal just before halftime. Bellingham’s goal capped a remarkable comeback by Dortmund, who initially trailed the South African champions after a stunning solo effort from Lucas Ribeiro. However, a goalkeeping error gifted Dortmund their equalizer, before Serhou Guirassy and Bellingham propelled them into a commanding lead. Despite a late surge from Sundowns, Dortmund held on to secure their first win of the tournament and ascend to the top of Group F.
The match unfolded as a high-octane affair, with both teams exhibiting attacking prowess throughout. Sundowns, the reigning CAF Champions League runners-up, drew first blood in the 11th minute when Lucas Ribeiro embarked on a mesmerizing run from his own half, culminating in a composed finish past Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. However, Dortmund’s fortunes quickly reversed when Sundowns keeper Ronwen Williams’ misplaced pass landed directly at the feet of Felix Nmecha, who calmly slotted the ball home to level the score. The match continued its end-to-end rhythm, with both goalkeepers called upon to make crucial saves. Just as the first half seemed destined for a stalemate, Dortmund surged into the lead courtesy of Serhou Guirassy’s powerful header from a Julian Brandt cross.
Jobe Bellingham’s moment of glory arrived shortly before the break, capitalizing on a parried cross to control the ball on his chest and fire home a decisive finish. The goal, a testament to his relentless practice and dedication, marked a significant milestone in the young midfielder’s burgeoning career. Reflecting on his goal, Bellingham acknowledged the countless hours spent honing his skills, emphasizing the importance of arriving late into the box as a midfielder. The goal evoked memories of his older brother, Jude, who similarly made his name at Dortmund before his high-profile transfer to Real Madrid. Dortmund fans, eager to embrace the younger Bellingham, adapted their famous “Hey Jude” chant to welcome Jobe into the fold.
While Bellingham’s goal provided a highlight, the match was far from over. Dortmund extended their lead further when Kuliso Mudau inadvertently deflected a cross into his own net. However, Mamelodi Sundowns, eight-time defending South African league champions, refused to surrender. Iqraam Rayners, who had scored the winning goal for Sundowns in their opening match against Ulsan Hyundai, reduced the deficit with a quick-thinking header after his initial effort struck the post. The South African side maintained their relentless pressure, and in the 90th minute, Lebo Mothiba further narrowed the gap, setting up a tense six minutes of stoppage time. Despite the late onslaught, Dortmund managed to weather the storm and emerge victorious, holding on for a thrilling 4-3 win.
Reflecting on the match, Dortmund coach Niko Kovac, who had previously expressed concerns about the impact of the sweltering conditions on his team, would have been satisfied with his side’s resilience and attacking display. While acknowledging the areas for improvement, both individually and collectively, Bellingham expressed his delight at scoring his first goal for the club and contributing to the team’s victory. On the other hand, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso, while disappointed with the result, expressed pride in his team’s performance against a formidable opponent. He highlighted the significant challenge posed by Dortmund’s quality and praised his players for their valiant effort in a captivating encounter.
The rollercoaster ride of emotions, coupled with the high-quality football on display, made for a memorable Club World Cup clash. The win propels Dortmund to the top of Group F, putting them in a strong position to progress in the tournament. The match also showcased the emerging talent of Jobe Bellingham, who appears poised to follow in the footsteps of his illustrious brother. For Mamelodi Sundowns, despite the defeat, their spirited performance demonstrated their capabilities on the global stage. The match concluded with both teams providing an exhilarating spectacle for the fans and setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the Club World Cup.
