Jobe Bellingham Makes Debut as Dortmund Held to a Stalemate by Fluminense

What a fascinating clash we just witnessed at the MetLife Stadium as Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund played out a 0-0 draw in the FIFA Club World Cup group stage. While the match didn’t deliver goals, it gave us plenty to talk about — from the debut of Jobe Bellingham to the commanding presence of Fluminense’s evergreen stars.

Let’s start with the big headline: 19-year-old Jobe Bellingham, younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, made his much-anticipated debut for Borussia Dortmund. Coming off the bench just 24 days after helping Sunderland win promotion to the Premier League, Jobe stepped onto the pitch in yellow and black, bringing with him high expectations and a familiar family legacy. Though he couldn't tip the balance in Dortmund’s favor, the moment marked a new chapter in his rapidly rising career.

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On the other side, Fluminense's 44-year-old goalkeeper Fábio delivered a masterclass in goalkeeping. Appearing in his 1,375th senior match, he pulled off solid saves and marshalled his defense brilliantly to earn a clean sheet. This man continues to redefine longevity in football. And speaking of timeless class — Thiago Silva, turning 41 this September, was a wall at the back for Fluminense. The former Chelsea captain played like a man ten years younger, reading the game impeccably and keeping Dortmund’s forwards in check.

Despite having more possession, Dortmund failed to find a breakthrough. Colombia’s Jhon Arias threatened the German defense multiple times, and Agustín Canobbio missed the chance of the game when he shot straight at Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel. Kobel also produced a stunning save to deny Nonato in what was easily the moment of the match.

Off the pitch, the atmosphere told its own story. While Fluminense fans brought passion and noise from South America, the noon kickoff still saw a sea of empty seats — a repeating theme at this tournament. It's a shame really, considering the star power and high stakes of the Club World Cup.

As for the next step, both teams have more work to do. Dortmund now shifts focus to their clash against Mamelodi Sundowns, while Fluminense prepares for South Korea’s Ulsan HD. This goalless draw leaves Group F wide open, with all four teams still in the hunt.

Ultimately, while the scoreboard didn’t light up, the match gave us glimpses of the future, nostalgic performances from veterans, and a reminder that football — even without goals — can still captivate.

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