Dortmund aim for improvement against Ulsan to reach CWC last 16
Borussia Dortmund are well-placed to reach the Club World Cup knock-outs but coach Niko Kovac has urged an improved performance when they face South Korea's Ulsan HD in their final group match on Wednesday.
Dortmund are tied with Brazilian leaders Fluminense atop Group F on four points each, and need a point against eliminated bottom side Ulsan in Cincinnati to be assured of advancing.
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They were lucky to draw 0-0 with Fluminense in their opener and then flirted with disaster against South African side Mamelodi Sundowns when they won 4-3 after leading 4-1.
"I expected more. We played too slow and not precisely enough," Kovac said.
Dortmund's defence, which helped them to a strong finish for fourth place in the Bundesliga, has been shaky at the Club World Cup but defender Waldemar Anton pledged that "we now know what is at stake."
Sporting director Sebastian Kehl said: "We have discussed this very thoroughly and also pointed out how we need to do things better."
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Overall, Kehl is upbeat that they will take the next step and reach the last 16 where they will face Inter Milan, River Plate of Buenos Aires or Mexican side Monterrey.
"We are in a very good position with four points and have every opportunity to advance on Wednesday, and I am absolutely convinced of it," Kehl said.
Whether Dortmund finish top or second in the group doesn't make a difference to Kehl because their last 16 opponent will only be determined later Wednesday.
"We want to take three points. That gives a bit more confidence and a little more money," he said, referring to the €40 million ($46 million) in prize money the club would be assured of.
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