Latest news with #Sundowns
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
24 degrees – the Black & Yellows looking forward to Atlanta
It was a step forward. 'With the ball, definitely,' said Julian Brandt in an interview with BVB-TV, going on to add: 'The big flaw was our finishing.' It had been very different on Saturday in the 4-3 win against Sundowns. While the chances created corresponded to 1.72 expected goals, clinical finishing resulted in four goals, a narrow 4-3 win and three important points. The opposite was true against Ulsan: Daniel Svensson's goal in the 36th minute was enough for a 1-0 win and the three points needed to win the group. The quality of the chances, resulting from 28 shots on goal to 3, should have led to 3.42 BVB goals. 'We could have put ourselves in a more comfortable position earlier,' said Brandt. 'Nevertheless, the lads did well, especially in thwarting counterattacks. We won the group and we're in the round of 16. That's all that matters.' Niko Kovac took a similar view at the press conference. 'I'm glad we managed to create significantly more chances than in the first two games,' said the head coach. 'We controlled the game and created good opportunities. In the second half, the temperatures contributed to us trying to wind the game down. All in all, we can be satisfied. We improved compared to the first two games. Now we're in first place, have an extra day to rest and then travel to Atlanta to play in a beautiful stadium.' Inline Image First place means one more day of recovery and preparation time. 'Especially when it comes to the strain of travelling,' says Brandt. 'We're always flying back and forth for a day. Another plus point is that after two matches at midday and one at 15:00, Borussia Dortmund can now avoid the intense heat. Kick-off in Atlanta is at 21:00 local time. The forecast is for 24 degrees Celsius when BVB take on CF Monterrey, who finished second in Group E, on Tuesday evening (Wednesday, 03:00 CEST). The Mexicans drew both their matches against Inter Milan (1-1) and River Plate (0-0) and won their final group match 4-0 against Urawa Reds from Japan. Three goals were scored between the 30th and 39th minutes. Advertisement On the flight back from Cincinnati to their base camp in Fort Lauderdale, the Borussia players watched the two games in the other group 'and then followed the final minutes of the game together in the hotel,' sporting director Sebastian Kehl told kicker: 'Now it's onto Monterrey on Tuesday evening in Atlanta, a team Borussia Dortmund have never played against before. We're up for it, we're taking on the challenge – and we're determined to progress to the next round.' Daniel Svensson believes the team can do it: 'We have to try to keep the tempo high throughout the game.' Given that Atlanta will have temperatures more akin to those in Europe, playing at the usual tempo shouldn't be a problem... Boris Rupert Inline Image All information about the Club World Cup (to the tickets, all matches live and free of charge on DAZN) can be found at The BVB app (click to download) will also keep all BVB fans up to date on events in the USA.
The South African
3 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Sipho Mbule and a special meeting
Sipho Mbule, a popular midfield maestro in Mzansi football, has joined Orlando Pirates for next season's Betway Premiership term. As a measure to manage Mbule's reported ill-discipline towards alcohol, Sundowns loaned the 27-year-old to Sekhukhune United before the start of last season. Three months before the end of his loan spell, Sekhukhune released the Bethlehem-born star for continued unprofessional behaviour. Sundowns decided against keeping the elegant midfielder. Soon, his agent, Mike Makaab, offered Mbule to Kaizer Chiefs but with no success. In came Orlando Pirates with the surprising announcement of the player known as 'Master Chef.' Orlando Pirates news: Biokineticist and Pogiso Makhoye Sipho Mbule during his loan spell at Sekhukhune United from Mamelodi Sundowns. Image: Sowetan According to the Bucs legend, Mbule should simply take full responsibility for his career. 'At 26 or 27, we shouldn't be assigning anyone to look after you. You are an established player, you're an adult,' Mabalane told Soccer Laduma . 'He's not a youngster that just came onto the scene. How much does he want it? He must look after himself…Full story here. Orlando Pirates: Special meeting for eight new players Orlando Pirates, a Leading Betway Premiership club, sealed eight new signings this week. The list includes Sipho Mbule, Yanela Mbuthuma, Masindi Nemtajela, Tshepang Moremi, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Tshepo Mashiloane, and Sihle Nduli. Meanwhile, the club facilitated a special meeting for the new Orlando Pirates footballers. Former club leaders Tebogo Moloi, Lucky Lekgwathi, Happy Jele, Edward Motale, and Innocent Maela made themselves available to address the newbies on what to expect at the mighty Orlando Pirates. 'We were inducting our new players to give them a proper understanding of what to expect,' club legend Moloi told KickOff . 'We emphasised that their lives, as well as those of their immediate family members, changed the moment they signed with the club… Full story here. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Miami Herald
15 hours ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Fluminense advances with draw vs. Mamelodi Sundowns
Fluminense made it a perfect four-for-four among Brazilian sides at the FIFA Club World Cup, clinching their place in the last 16 with a 0-0 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday in Miami Gardens, Florida. Fábio made three saves to keep a clean sheet and seal a second-place finish in Group F for Fluminense behind Borussia Dortmund, who earned a 1-0 win over Ulsan HD in a simultaneous match in Cincinnati, Ohio. But in truth, the Rio de Janeiro side looked comfortable for most of the final hour, knowing a point would be enough to seal a meeting Monday in Charlotte, North Carolina, against the Group E winner. That team will be decided later Wednesday, with Inter Milan, River Plate and CF Monterrey all in the running. Mamelodi Sundowns became the last of four African representatives in the competition eliminated, though Wydad AC still have a match left to play. They were held scoreless for the first time in the tournament after nearly coming back from three goals down in their 4-3 defeat to Dortmund on Saturday. Wednesday's match followed Fluminense's Brazilian colleagues Palmeiras, Botafogo and Flamengo all sealing their place in the last 16 earlier in the group stage. Meanwhile, Sundowns entered as the final hope for an African representative in the knockout phase, with Al Ahly, Esperance de Tunis and Wydad AC all eliminated. But Sundowns had the first quality chance when Tashreeq Matthews ran onto Lucas Ribeiro Costa's defense-splitting diagonal ball into the penalty area. Fabio sprung quickly from his line and ultimately smothered Matthews' eighth-minute effort. Fluminense grew into the game later in the half. Jhon Arias dragged an effort from the right side of the penalty wide of the left post in the 36th minute. Five minutes later, Nonato fired a half-volley wide of the same upright following a set piece. After the break, German Cano reached Arias' excellent dipping cross to the near post. But his 58th-minute volley struck the woodwork as Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams could only look on. Williams finished with no saves as none of Fluminense's shot attempts were on frame. --Field Level Media Field Level Media 2025 - All Rights Reserved
The South African
16 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates legend sends a serious message to Sipho Mbule
Sipho Mbule, one of the most beloved players in the local game, has joined Orlando Pirates for next season's Betway Premiership term. As a measure to manage Mbule's reported ill-discipline towards alcohol, Sundowns loaned the 27-year-old to Sekhukhune United before the start of last season. Three months before the end of his loan spell, Sekhukhune released the Bethlehem-born star for continued unprofessional behaviour. Sundowns decided against keeping the elegant midfielder. Soon, his agent, Mike Makaab, offered Mbule to Kaizer Chiefs but with no success. In came Orlando Pirates with the surprising announcement of the player known as 'Master Chef.' Dylan Cox joins Orlando Pirates Sipho Mbule at Sekhukhune United. Image: SuperSport TV According to the Bucs legend, Mbule should simply take full responsibility for his career. 'At 26 or 27, we shouldn't be assigning anyone to look after you. You are an established player, you're an adult,' Mabalane told Soccer Laduma . 'He's not a youngster that just came onto the scene. How much does he want it? He must look after himself. Kaizer Chiefs to announce player from Portugal? 'He is past the stage in life where he should be looked after. He should look after himself. It's all up to him and no one else. We can't ask how do we look after him. Does he want it and how much does he want it? He's got another chance now. 'Not a lot of players get an opportunity to move from a big club to another big club. So, he's still got a bit of luck on his side and it's up to him. There is no question that he is talented and has a football brain. Some people are just born with it,' Mabalane explained. 'He's a quality player and needs to play consistently. He needs to find a home where he can settle and stamp his authority,' Mabalane continued. 'That's what's missing in his game. We've seen his potential and we know he's a good player, but now we need to see that on a more consistent basis. Maybe Pirates will give him that platform. 'There are footballers who work hard. They are good footballers because they work hard. And then you have gifted footballers. He is a gifted footballer. He does not really work hard to prove himself, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't work hard. He's got a football brain because things come easy to him. Now he must bring in a work ethic to complement his gift,' the former speedy winger concluded. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
a day ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Legendary Thierry Henry joins the chorus of Mamelodi Sundowns praise singers
Legendary Thierry Henry has hailed Mamelodi Sundowns as the only African team that performed at a high level at the FIFA Club World Cup. | EPA South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns may have exited the FIFA Club World Cup at the end of the group stage with heads held high after showcasing an exhilarating style of play that resonated with fans and football pundits alike. In an interview aired on several social media platforms, renowned football icon Thierry Henry expressed his admiration for the South African club, acknowledging their spirited performances in a fiercely competitive Group F that included notable teams like Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense. Henry noted, 'Looking at Group F, I must say, Mamelodi Sundowns were the one team that truly brought excitement to the game. Their style of football kept you on the edge of your seat.' While they faced challenges in securing advancement with just four points, Henry emphasised that their exit was not a reflection of their quality, stating, 'Sometimes, football just doesn't go your way.' Despite not progressing to the knockout rounds, Sundowns demonstrated remarkable strengths throughout the tournament. With only a single loss against the formidable Borussia Dortmund, the South African squad highlighted their discipline and tactical awareness on the pitch. 'They showed beautiful football,' Henry remarked, pointing to their impressive domination of possession—an increasingly rare sight for African teams competing on the global stage. Sundowns' attack was characterised by sharpness and confidence. Henry lauded their ability to control the tempo of the games rather than simply defending and waiting for counterattacks. 'Their attackers were sharp, full of confidence, and always looked like they could score,' he noted, underscoring their attacking prowess that had onlookers in awe. Reflecting on the broader context of African football, Henry maintained that there is still a long journey ahead for the continent to firm its presence in international competitions. However, he underscored Mamelodi Sundowns' distinct performance, asserting, 'They were the only African team that looked like they belonged at this level. They made Africa proud.' Ultimately, Henry's smile for Sundowns serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging the club to continue believing in their unique style of play. 'If they stick to this system, keep believing in their style, then football won't be their problem in the future. Their time will come,' he stated. Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac was another luminary to praise the performance of Sundowns, delivering a heartfelt tribute to the skill and dedication displayed by the South African side. Dortmund defeated Sundowns, winning 4-3 at the QTL Stadium in Ohio last Saturday, and Kovac said afterwards the match proved to be a test for the Bundesliga side. He said it was a testament to the growing prowess of African football on the international stage. 'Sundowns is a football team that likes to play football very well, an educated game, I would say,' Kovac remarked. His comments underline the increasing recognition of Sundowns in global football, particularly their commitment to a possession-based style that prioritises technical proficiency. Kovac's admiration for Sundowns was evident as he acknowledged the challenges posed by the team. 'This is what happened, and we saw how hard it was to play against Sundowns,' he added, highlighting the competitive nature of the match. "The back-and-forth battle on the pitch was not for the faint-hearted. Both teams demonstrated their attacking flair and tactical acumen."
